I need a THR, but I don't know what to expect.

Posted , 10 users are following.

I am 59 years old & I have had arthritis since childhood. I have had right hip pain for about 6 months & it is getting worse daily. I have a high pain tolerence, but this hurts. My Ortho ordered a bone scan which showed arthritis through-out my body. My xrays show my hip has "flat lined". My Doctor has reccomended a hip replacement. I need to know how long it takes for recovery & is it worth it?

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  • Posted

    If you don't have it done it will only get worse. Mine has been just over 3 months but the pain I felt before was really bad. I need my other hip done and even though I am dreading it will have it done. Don't forget everyone heals and experiences differently. There is a 3 month restriction on what you can do. My mom 92 had hers done a year ago and is no longer in pain. Good luck

  • Posted

    Hi Chris, 

    Welcome to this wonderful forum where personal stories are shared, concerns and questions, tantrums , victories , no matter how big or tiny will be responded to ...QQQQQ-

    Hmm, flatlined hip is pretty bad and won't get better - 

    It is absolutely worth it, eventhough there will be days that one wonders rolleyes-

    This journey is a very individual one - Healing is different for everyone - 

    Recovery same story - 

    first couple of weeks can be challenging - 

    point is not to compare with others ... not even here on the forum - 

    on paper full recovery can take from  6 -18 months .... according to my surgeon -

    let us know how you are getting on - 

    we are here to support you - really -

    big warm hug

    renee

     

    • Posted

      6-18 months? I need to take care of my grandchildren.I need to drive. I am currently recovering from a left ankle reconstruction done 9/9/15. I am already so frustrated. How long could I possibly delay my THR?
  • Posted

    Chris,

    You have made the best start by joining this forum - well done.

    Next, look at the right side of the screen for the "Related Information" - follow the links, they will give you a good starting point.

    Following that - ask away, we're all here to help each other through the entire process of THR.

    Best Regards

    Graham

    5 weeks post-op, 5 weeks pre-op.

  • Posted

    Hi Chris I'm 38 like you had problems since childhood had my trhr on the 28 September 2015 got to tell you probably the best thing at this present time pain free doing 6mile walks 10 mile bike rides I would suggest it is the best thing to do good luck pal
  • Posted

    Hi Chris

    Welcome. Oh yes it is definitely worth it if you want to get rid of the pain. As others have said the healing process is different for everyone.

    Like you I have OA in most of my joints but it was the hip that was causing most annoyance so despite being very nervous about having the op I appreciated that if I was to have anything like a normal life again and be

    able to pick up the golf clubs once more I had to get it done.

    Im now 6 weeks down the line and have my consultation this afternoon. Although I could drive there myself I am getting a lift because legally despite what others have said on this forum according to DVLA you can't drive until you have the ok from your G P or the consultant. I am walking without crutches albeit more akin to a penguin than a human and there is minimal pain just stiffness in the muscles and tendons.

    It is important to do the exercises some of which can be painful to start with but they have certainly helped to speed up mobility.

    From now on I'm expecting a gradual recovery and hoping to be playing 9 holes at least by the end of March ie 5 months from date of op.

    Oh and I'm 68 btw

    • Posted

      I have always been very diligent about PT. I have had both knees replaced & I can sit cross legged. Is there hope I could be mobile again/

    • Posted

      Dear Colin, I can't believe you are able to drive. It makes me hopeful. I have my grandson most of the summer (9 yrs) & some time with my grand-daughter (14 yrs). Not being able to drive complicates things.

      I hope you are golfing by March.

  • Posted

    Hi Chris!

    I am 7 months post op and I really can't complain too much. I could hardly walk without hip, back and groin pain before the surgery since I was bone on bone also.

    The OA pain is totally gone but I still have pain from the surgery. Nothing to where I need pain meds but it's just dull ache.

    I still have to take steps one at a time up and down steps and I still use a cane when I go mall walking.

    I wouldn't think twice about doing it. I was scared to death but it really wasn't as bad as I had expected. 

    You'll be glad once you have it done.

    Good luck!

  • Posted

    Dear Chris - YES YES and YES have it done, I am 64, and I too have intractable arthritis (specilaists words).  Right hip is perfect, I cannot easily explain just how good it is, walking length of hospital ward by day two even though sick as a dog, they gave me morphine, after I told them not to, carried a sick bag with me. After healing period, go back to my swimming after about 6 weeks, walking 1/2 mile to corner store by 12 weeks. Left hip not so good, but better than before having it done. They may have to re-do left hip, its coming down to my choice, can I live with the less than perfect hip YES, I can, but am I willing too NO, espicially when I know just how good an excellent hip replacement can be, and even the thought of having the surgery done again, not particually happy about that, but YES YES YES.
    • Posted

      Dear Lyn, Your reply gives me some hope. I have an appt. with the hip doctor 12/18/15. I'm hoping for some type of injection that might help postpone the surgery. I'm still recovering from having my left ankle re-constructed (13 weeks post-op). I would like a break.
  • Posted

    Hi All, I saw my doctor yesterday & he is doing my surgery on 1/26/2016. My hip is so bad he gave me the first cancellation he had, ahead of others on the waiting list. My doctor said I had already lost an inch in my right leg. I'm still afraid but the pain is so severe that I'm going to do it.

    • Posted

      Hello again Chris - Wow, sounds like me, they coudn't wait to get me on the operating table, I was treated as an emergency patient once the specialist finally saw me.

      I can say to you in truth I was in less pain after my hip replacement surgery, than the morning before my surgery when I walked in the front door of the hospital to have my surgery done.

      12 hrs later, nurses were asking me why i hadn't used the pain button I was connected up to, told me to hit the pain button you are going to need it. She was right, the first few days are not fun, but you can feel the difference and the hip feels smooth, no more grinding feelings, and the knowledge that you are getting better not worse, also the knowledge even this after surgery pain is going to pass.

      They are very good in the hospital at keeping post surgery pain under control, and even when they send you home, you are given lots of pain killers to tide you over the first few days.

      If I remember I only took morphine or the like for 3 days in hospital and about 5 days at home, then was able to drop down to Panadol, or over the counter pain killers for about 10 days more. Than nothing, unless I overdid it.

      Best thing to have it done. you will not know yourself when its all over.

    • Posted

      Hi Lyn, Thank you for support. I can't remember the last time my hip wasn't grinding & popping. When my grandson hears it he gets upset & asks if I need an ice pack.

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