Hip Replacement at the age of 52

Hi Angela

I had my first hip replaced 2 years ago at 49 and my second one replaced 4.5 months ago.

I dont regret either of them for a single minute and i feel like i have got my life back.

The dreaded pain is gone and i am back at work since April and as i have a very physical job, its amazing to see the difference. I forget now i had it done and i can even run after the grandkids which i couldnt do for so long.

Recovery takes time and the best piece of advice i would give you is to listen to your body. When its telling you to rest, do! When you need pain meds take them and as everyone else says, different areas have different rules for the stockings. I ditched mine after 4 weeks!!

The people on here are amazing and any question i had has always been answered on here.

Take each day as another day closer to been fully recovered but it does take time.

And my emotions were all over the place. My girls told me i would cry for just no reason, but it does get better.

Best of luck and you are on the road to a great life of no pain

Mary

Hi Angela,

I too had mine done at 52, and thought I was way too young! I had struggled for ages and was totally miserable, but once I made the decision to go ahead I knew I would get better. Recovery was hard, with all the problems everyone struggles with but gradually everything improved. I was back in quite a physical job at nine weeks although I had a phased return and started off on lighter work. Now coming up to 2 years in September I am so happy to be feeling so good. I am able to join in everything with my family now, whereas previously, even sitting still I was in huge pain. The other hip is just making itself known, but I know I shan't be hanging around for long to get it done when it's time! I know your stockings are a pain, but stick with it. You can have a celebratory bonfire with them when their time is up!

I am 51 and had my right hip replaced 3 years ago. I hate it. I had to have it done before my dr would fix my back. it is always so tight and I walk a little ways and I can barely move it. I have to physically lift it into the car. been working with my dr for two years now to figure it out, its depressing.

Totally agree re first couple of weeks i wasnt prepared for how hard it woud be!

I took 8 weeks of work and gradually went back, it helps that im largely self employed and work part-time anyway. I made the revovery my job, take it slow.

As i type i have got in from work, in my heels without a limp or pain that ive lived with since my 30s for 7 years. Its amazing!

Hello Angela,

I know that you have had replies already, but please do not feel that you are young and alone.

I am 52 and had a right hip total replacement on the 1st February.

I had severe osteoarthritis and the pain was impossible to live with.

Even down to what I could no longer do, I am just starting to do laces up again.

As for walking, believe me it will soon come. I used two crutches especially when I could go for longer up to 6/8 weeks. After about 4 weeks I used 1 for short walks and by six weeks had stopped using them at home.

I have no more pain and I am now doing housework that I could not before.

I still have a limp, but I am also stretching out still. My surgeon was happy but said it will take a good year to heal completely.

The stockings drove me mad two had to wear for 6 weeks. But could take them off for an hour.

Sounds like your doing well, but just remember we all recover differently and that people on this site are very friendly and have some great advice.

Take care

Ann