How did you get home?

Hi Shirley. I thought I was out quick after three nights. No problem getting in and out of car. You must just take your time and not twist the hip. A little hard to lift your operated in, but manageable. It helps having a cushion on the seat to keep thighs on 90 degrees to body. Good luck.

Hi Shirley yes you can get into a car but you do need a cushion on the seat and maybe a small rolled up towel under the cushion at the base of the seat to keep you in the correct position ie knee not to be higher than your hip. If you push the seat back all the way you can stretch out your leg and probably be more comfortable. You do need to be careful getting in and out making sure to keep your knee on the operated side out from your body and not allowing it to come in as far as your bellybutton. I know that sounds strange but it's a lot easier than you might think. You just need to be aware of your movements and plan before you do things. Good luck I'm sure you will be feeling much better soon. Cath

Hi Shirley 

I agree with what's been said, make sure car seat isn't too low add cushion if necessary, push seat back as far as it will go and also lower back of seat. Position your self with your back to the seat and steady yourself by hanging on to the dash board / back of seat and lower your bottom on to seat as far back as you can. You will hopefully then have enough room to swing your legs in to the car without bending them too much. Another tip is always do this with the car parked a slight way away from the kerb. Don't hold on to the car door for support. Some people use a plastic bag on the seat to make it slightly easier when you swing your legs in. 

If you are going to have a prop meeting inc with Physios they can advise. You will also see a Physio before you leave hospital. Just take things slowly and

good luck with your op. X

 

I found getting in the back seat the best just shuffle your bum across xxx

Dearest Shirley, hoping for you a easy and umcomplicated recovery. I had my THR done on 1/28 and rode home just fine in the car ride home. Only stayed in the hospital 2 nights, was really ready to move forward on the recovery in be  in the comfort of my own home. I had to go private here in Costa RIca,  wait in public hospital over 8 years, so what I paid only covered the 2 days of PT while in hospital. Having a nurse come to give me a final shot today for anti-inflammatory and will have a PT come to the house on Wed to work with me, one day a week. I feel I am doing well, the pain from before, excruiating is gone, have  normal swelling, discoloration and pains. Probably most problematic was taking the meds with the right type of food to not upset the stomach. What has been helpful was having someone clean the house and two friends brought over enough food to feed an army. Can do more than I expected, but do follow strictly the precautions against dislocation, etc. It is a  long recovery, but one day we will look back and think, hopefully, that it was all worth it and not that bad. I already feel that way. Had the posterior approach. Hope this is helpful to read. Am not really wanting to go out and about, so  having to have my partner go to the bank, etc. My doctor told me in 3 weeks I can swim and drive, hard to imagine at this point, but if up to it, will do. Take good care of yourself . The other thing to say is a friend had me say a novena,prayer, I am not catholic, but still did it in asking for what I wanted as an outcome to the surgery, painfree, no complications, walking, doing former activities and I found that very helpful, plus several friends also did individual prayers or had a prayer request done by their congregation. In that way, i felt more confident and prepared, not just in a physical way, but also in a spiritual way. Now continue and listen to some beautiful music by Enya to relax. chao, Jody

I was in the hospital a day and a half and my THR was a failure. However, I think 1 to 1& 1/2 day is a good estimate.

I need to find a Dr who can diagnos what the hell is wrong with me?? My three other Ortho's and two other Rhumitogogist are clueless! I currently collecting names? 

That is a good start, surely there is someone you feel comfortable with and who can figure out what is going on. I hope others on this forum can give you some sugggestions regard doc referral information. I was headed down the road of having a 14 hour back fusion surgery, when one person suggested I see a doctor outside the bogged down system and he checked all out, had more experience and said it is your hip, not back, so it can sometimes be finding the right person who is in the know!

Thanks guys. Just a bit concernced as we have quite a small car. Did ask about it at my pro-op and was told they would assess me before I went home but would provide hospital transport if nec. I am now having my op at a different hospital though (they transferred me as it was a shorter waiting time) which is an hours drive away. Having said all that I have a pre-op at the new hospital on Friday so I will ask - just wondered what other peoples experience was. 

Hi, just put the seat back as far as you can and put s pillow in the dip of the seat. The only precaution is the max 90 degree angle of leg to torso. This is passenger seat. You are not sllowed to drive for at least 4 weeks. I had my left leg done and went home after 2 nights. No problem at all. All the best.

Yes, just go slowly, and be careful for about six weeks

Well that's the ridiculous thing. Hip precautions are sidelined to get in the car to get home. I did it by putting back of seat half way back and kind of dropping into seat but not sitting upright. It was very painful and there was a fair bit of swearing and sweating. If you can get someone with a higher car it's easier.