I am trying to decide wether to do both hips at the same time?

I don't know how anyone could cope with both hips done at same time. I'm in next Friday 29th for lthr hip only 4 months after rthr. It's been a painful 3 months managing with hip to be done next week but couldn't imagine how I'd cope if managing rehabilitation of 2 hips st the same time. But it depends on the support u have. My grown up children live away & my husband works away mon-fri. So mainly manage on my own. I'd look into it seriously before I'd make the decision to go for bilateral op. Maybe 2 /3 months spart

I agree, I had plenty of support; my husband, and my teenage daughters (13 & 16). I did the surgery at the beginning of summer so my daughters did all the cooking and cleaning for 10 weeks.  In the U.S., physical therapy comes to your house so that made it easier as well.

it is amazing how the body heals itself.  Less than 5 weeks after the surgery I was able to fly to a family reunion.

The surgeon I used (Sarah Muirhead Allwood) carries out both replacements at once although it must depend on a number of things including fitness. But she still aims to get patients mobilised (on their feet) the next day if this is done. She only does private work but if you have insurance It might be worth consulting her. I would trust what she tells you absolutely.

I had both hips done 15 months ago and have made a good recovery. The option of bilateral surrry was suggested by the clinical team - I  did not have to kick and scream! - and was seen as the most appropriate in my case.

Definitely one hip replaced get better and then the other. Having both at the same time if your surgeon offers it (mine doesn't) would be a huge undertaking. It is a big enough operation getting over one. Most patients on here have each hip done separately....good luck whatever you decide - and welcome to our lovely forum!

Well, I am new to the post op side of the conversation (only 4 days). But I would say you would be wiser doing them seperately. The simplist things are incredibly diificult when you have to consider the 90 degree rule. As a starter getting up from the loo - let alone the actual process of, um, passing a stool. So, even with a rotating set of qualified nursing staff, I would shy away. 

I had both hips replaced at the same time.

I would do it again in a heartbeat.

They used the Anterior Method - I think this is the only way they would do it.

About me - I am 52.  Reasonably good shape - a few extra pounds - very good upper body strength that helped a lot.

Surgery went great.  One leg worse than the other.  I walked 300 feet about 8 hours out of surgery.

I am now 7 plus weeks post surgery.  I walk without any assistance from cane/Walker etc...  I do PT now once a week.  I did twice per week for the first month post surgery.  I stretch daily and hit the gym every other day.  Currently I bike 15 minutes, walk tread mill 20 minutes @ 3 mph, do leg presses and other strengthening.

I am out walking my two yellow labs.  Overall doing well. 

I still have the aches / pains some reference.  Swelling if I over do it - managed with ibuprofen or ice.  Back hurts and knees hurt sometimes.... They are getting used to new posture and gait.  Sharp zingers every once in a while.  Limp when I first get up and if I am tired.

I could not imagine doing one hip - still having pain in the other hip... Then the new pains in new joint with facing surgery again.  I am a big believer in getting it done.  Get going on rehab - take time listen to your body.

Key things - Anterior method, be in as good of shape as you can going in.  Decent upper body strength as you will use your arms to supplement for a while.

Good luck.  Let us all know how it goes.  Happy to help where I can.

If I had to do it over gain I would! To me it was worth. Going in my left leg was worse but now that it is done, the right leg is the one with problems. Was in hospital 5 days (it would have been four but my left leg wouldnt stop bleeding so I ended up having 4 units of blood).

The day after you get home physio comes to assess how to get you from bed to bathroom and to clear a path to walk around the house with the walker.  After getting home I needed assistance for about 3 nights getting to the bathroom.  After that I got up on my own and used a walker.  I did not get in a car for about 12 days - that was the hardest, getting in and out.

After about two weeks I could manage getting around the house without using anything but I stayed on the walker (for going out) unti about 3 weeks.

I did not move fast!! and I did what they told me, doing my exercises 2-3 times a day.  Yes, I had to sleep on my back.  That was hard/annoying but it was worth it if I could get some sleep.

Honestly, the hardest part was the constipation from the pain meds.  I wish someone would have told me to start on probiotics and Miralax.  After 2 days home I sent my husband to the drugstore to buy everything they had for constipation!! It was awful.

You would think it impossible to walk days after such a surgery but it is if you prepare for it prior to surgery (losing weight, if needed, strenthening the arms and shoulders)!

To Gaby21, dont be down - "Slow and steady wins the race"  Everyone's body is different as to what your own limits are.  Hope this helps someone.