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If you have had Bilateral hip replacements how was it for you?

Posted , 10 users are following.

judyvin
judyvin

I have just been booked in for THR in 2 weeks time. At the moment my right hip is worse than the left one but it will only be a matter of months before the left one will need replacing. I have asked asked if I can have both done at the same time and have been told that it is my choice.

If anyone has had bilateral surgery I would love to hear how it went for you. Were you able to go upstairs when you got home, how long it took to recover etc. If you had the choice again would you have them both done at the same time?

​Many thanks

2 likes, 19 replies

19 Replies

  • lors23
    lors23 judyvin

    Posted

    Hey

    I had the exact same symtoms as you my left was worse than my right. I was told l needed both done as in the xray they both looked really bad.

    My consultant did not want to do both at same time which l would have liked to get it over and done with he advised l get left done first and the next one 6 to 8 weeks later. I have had the left done and am now 6 weeks post op and see my consultant tom l am desperate for right to get done now that my left has recovered so good. I understand how hard it would be to get both done at same time as its a hard op to go through and it is hard on the body just getting one. But if you feel brave and strong enough to get both done and your allowed to get bilateral l think l would go for it as it gets it over with at same time. Now l am heading in to get 2nd done soon and l will have the recovery time for it.

    Its been months of recovery.

    Good Luck if you decide to go for it

    Laura x

  • Kate53CornUK
    Kate53CornUK judyvin

    Posted

    I am in the UK and my consultant would not do mine together. I am having the second one done in 3 weeks, six months after the first. That is not to say that plenty of people do have both done together but I struggle to understand how you get up and down with breaking the 90 degree rule. I needed an awful lot of support in the first week with only one done, I would imagine that you would need help for a lot longer. Good luck 
  • judyvin
    judyvin

    Posted

    Thank you for your replies. I am having my operation in Cyprus because it will take months on the NHS and I have already suffered for the last 2 years because my condition was misdiagnosed and my quality of life has been seriously diminished. I am going to a private hospital and one of the factors in having 2 done at the same time is a saving of £4000 but my main thinking is that the recovery will be less than 2 separate ops in just a few months. I really would like to hear from anyone who has had both done at the same time.
  • gail2910-US-MI
    gail2910-US-MI judyvin

    Posted

    I had my first one 7 wks ago and am having other one tomorrow. I talked to my brother about Bilateral. He said in 35 years of doing surgery,he had only done 3 and he didn't endorse it for me.
  • renee01952
    renee01952 judyvin

    Posted

    dear judy, 

    warm welcome to our hippies family ----

    I know that there were a few members here who had bilateral hip surgery - I remember that they were doing well ... haven't heard from them though - 

    Hopefully they will check the forum and give you a reply -

    I had 2 THR surgeries within 6 months - 

    I agree, if the surgeons will do it and are experienced in it, and your post-op care is in place, go for it ...

    let us know what you decide and how you are getting on - 

    big warm hug

    renee

  • Maidlin
    Maidlin judyvin

    Posted

    Hi  Judy,

    I had both hips done 15 months ago and have no regrets. Both hips were equally bad, and I envisaged that it would be very difficult to cope with one operated hip and the other virtually useless (I could hardly walk by the time I had the surgery).

    I had the operation at a specialist orthopaedic hospital where they are experienced in bilateral surgery. They said that this approach is not right for everyone, but was for me. The operation took about 31/2 hours under a general anasthetic.I was out of bed and beginning to walk on the second day. I was in hospital for 10 days and when I left was able to wash, dress and go to the loo unaided as well as to walk around the ward on crutches. i was also taught how to go up and down stairs, but as I was living in a ground floor flat did not need to do this at home. The physios and OTs showed me how to do everything safely. Their watchword at this stage was 'one day at a time'.

    Because I live alone, I chose to spend two weeks in a private nursing home to recuperate, and while there I had a daily physio session and my mobility improved a lot. When I got home I was able to manage with just a cleaner coming in regularly, getting shopping delivered, and friends doing errands until I could drive, which was after 7 weeks. 

    At my 6 month check, I was referred for further physio sessions to work on my walking, which was mainly a matter of getting my confidence back - I was still using crutches outside, but was able to ditch them for good with encouragement from the physio.

    The worst problem in all this was undoubtedly fatigue - I needed an afternoon sleep for the first three months, and sometimes dropped off at other times too! But I think that's the case if you only have one done.

    I would certainly opt for bilateral surgery again. Although recovery is probably initially slower, there is no second operation to go through.

    I hope these ramblings are helpful - let me know if there is more I can tell you.

    All the best,

    Judy

  • judyvin
    judyvin

    Posted

    Hi Maidlin, Thank you for your encouraging reply. I note that your operation was 3 1/2 hours whereas my surgeon has said it will be 5 hours and it that which concerns me because of the length of time under the anaesthetic. I will have to ask him why it will be so long. Where did your surgeon make the incisions? I think mine has suggested laterally but have heard that anterior is better for recovery but I don't know if he has operated that way so I do not want to be his guinea pig! He is also using Oxinium on XLPE for the replacements which he claims is the best and therefore is the most expensive but I have very little knowledge about the products themselves. If you don't mind me asking, how old are you? I am 57 incidentally and reasonably healthy but not exactly fit because of my restricted movement and hope to change all that in a few months. 
    • Maidlin
      Maidlin judyvin

      Posted

      Hi Judy,

      I was 71 when I had the surgery. My general health is very good, which was a major factor in the decision to go ahead with doing both. I had no problems with the anasthetic, but was told beforehand that if I 'wobbled' at all while they were doing the first hip, they would not go ahead with the second. It was not until I came round that the surgeon reassured me that they had been able to do both.

      My surgeon used the posterior approach, which I gather is his preferred method. I'm afraid I can't remember what type of replacement was fitted. As you are relatively young, I imagine they will be looking at something which is going to last as long as possible.

      All the best,

      Maidlin 

       

  • linda38528
    linda38528 judyvin

    Posted

    Very grateful for the discussion between you and Maudlin as I see my surgeon tomorrow to discuss surgical options for my two hips. Our coordinating clinic seems to feel I am a good candidate to have them done together but it is a little intimidating!

    Any advice re questions or aids would be welcome; ditto thoughts on diet and/or supplements to take while I am on I am allergic to NSAIDS so looking for resources to approach this.

    Thanks for any thoughts or reliable websites on related topics.

    Keep the faith - this too shall pass!

  • judyvin
    judyvin

    Posted

    Hi Maidlin, I am home. I had my bilateral surgery last Thursday and came home yesterday. The surgeon said the operation went very well and in fact what was thought to be my better leg was worse! The surgeon has also said that I am doing better than he expected. However it is hard work with 2 new hips. Both legs feel like very heavy dead weights and the muscles in both thighs are very swollen, tight and tender. I dont know how long this will last. What I am finding hardest is the everyday things, standing, sitting etc.and keeping the 90 degree rule at times - Impossible to get up and down with both legs forward!

    Apart from the muscle pain in both legs I have no regrets having had them both done at the same time. Judy

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK judyvin

      Posted

      Sounds good there - having both done must make it more difficult for you - atleast I had one good leg to take the strain.

      Everyday things that you used to totally take for granted are hard aren't theysmile

      Good luck with the recovery. 

      Graham - 🚀💃

    • rose0000
      rose0000 judyvin

      Posted

      I think your post has been hugely helpful Judy, thank you so much for posting your experience.

      It is a situation so many face, and I am one of them too. Although my surgeon didn't recommend it for me as he doesn't do bilateral hip replacements.

      How are you seven days in? Are you feeling well? 

      A good physio is a must for you. Do you have someone that come to your house?

      Muscle dead weight feeling lasts for around two/three weeks from memory, and it slowly eases. Massaging both legs gently should help get things going if it is comfortable for you. Keep moving your feet in bed and doing your exercises to encourage movement. 

      I kind of wish I had both of mine done at the same time now, as the other hip is killing me now I am walking a lot!! So well done you for being so brave, and just think you will be brand new very soon x

    • Maidlin
      Maidlin judyvin

      Posted

      Hi Judy,

      That's great news! The important thing now is to take things steadily, sleeping when you need to, and doing the exercises. I had quite a lot of swelling at this stage, but was assured that it was normal, and it does go down eventually. The dead weight feeling also passes as you are able to exercise more, and the everyday things do become easier with practice. Patience is all! 

      I hope things continue to go well for you - let us know how you progress.

      All the best for a good recovery,

      Maidlin 

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK Maidlin

      Posted

      As regards the swelling, some even report 'hand prints' on their legs where the surgical team have been handling your leg - this is all quite normal.

      Graham - 🚀💃

    • judyvin
      judyvin rose0000

      Posted

      Hi Rose, it is now day 10 and have now got used to my temprary set up. Having both done at once means i can't use stairs because i cannot put all my weight on an operated leg which is unavoidable when using stairs. Naively I had thought I would be able to if I only came down and then up once a day but not. In any case my stairs are spiral marble and so a complete no no and if that isnt enough, my downstairs cloakroom is down 4 spiral marble stairs! My partner has had to make many adaptions for me including the bed in the living room and a homemade toilet in the utility room! My physio came the day after I returned home and I have been told that I must only bear weight when going to and from the "toilet" and to the table for meals and the rest of the time I must rest and do the exercises on the bed until the new joints settle. She estimates i will have to be like this for 3 weeks!

      The pain has subsided slightly but my thighs are still very swollen and it does get very uncomfortable just lying in bed. I almost feel guilty not doing anything!

      However I am still positive and still pleased thad I had both done!

    • renee01952
      renee01952 judyvin

      Posted

      Hi Judy, 

      Checking in with you ... be gentle with yourself - you got a double whammy, so to speak, so your body needs time to heal and that will take out a lot of energy from you - Good advice to do as little as possible, except for the bed exercises to keep the circulation going - 

      are you on any blood thinners?   How is the pain?

      It will be all worth it - I had 2 THR surgeries done witin 6 months and honestly, after the 2nd one I started to really heal - it that sense you are ahead of me - (I am not comparing, just saying)

      one day, one step at a time -

      please keep us posted how you are geting on ...

      \big warm hug

      renee

    • judyvin
      judyvin renee01952

      Posted

      Hi Renee, yes I am on blood thinners and will be for another 3 weeks. I am also on painkillers although I was only prescribed those for 5 days. I have however bought some more co codamol and anti inflammatories and will continue those for another 5 days because i am still feeling pain, in particular in my lower back and coccyx where i am in bed most of the time. I also seem to be getting chronic headaches when i wake up, every other day. I had these when i was in hospital and put it down to the general aneasthetic. I am also wearing compression stockings but not sure if i really need to with the blood thinners.

      3 times a day I am following a routine of exercises with the aid of my partner and he says I am improving daily . Hopefully the physiotherapist wil agree when she comes to see me on Thursday.

      Judy

    • rose0000
      rose0000 judyvin

      Posted

      The thought of marble staircases is something that would put the fear of god into me as well, so best stay exactly where you are for abit, and try and make the most of the time if you can...I found it to be mindlessly boring at times, but when you feel stronger, and in less pain/discomfort the time can be used wisely to plan your future, holidays. I found the 'headspace' so liberating. So rare to escape the circus that is life...and actually think clearly and quietly for a change. By week two/three you will feel MUCH better than you do now.

      The first two weeks is always head down and getting through it day by day. It is so uncomfortable in most positions, but lots of pillows and slightly reclined on the bed I found to be the best.

      Do you have both feet resting on sheepskin or fur of some kind inside your bed on top of the sheet? A strange solution, but it does work and will keep bed sores at bay. It was around this time when I managed to develop six bed sores. I couldn't believe it! I am a spring chicken of 40 and couldn't believe it when I saw them.... If I had known that placing my heels on something furry would stop bedsores, I would have avoided at least two of them! They are really painful and do not tend to heal quickly. Do try to keep changing positions too, as uncomfortable as it is, to avoid pressure sores. 

      And definitely don't feel guilty! Your partner could be going through this TWICE! At least with you it is only once, abeit all singing and dancing with a double hip replacement smile I am not sure how my husband feels about round two at some point, with two young children and a couple of crazy dogs!

      The headaches you mentioned are from the blood thinners I suspect, I had them too. Are you you taking the oral blood thinnners opposed to the injections? The headaches can be quite bad, I felt sick too. It did ease after week two/three which I remember was a turning point generally.

      The headaches are not great, but better than a blood clot. I didn't have the stockings, my surgeon does not think they are neccessary as long as you are moving your legs in bed and taking the thinners. Could you take them off to relieve some of the swelling? Perhaps check with your surgeon as they have a view with you having a double hip replacement.

      It sounds like you are getting through it, and doing very well, keep your spirits up, you will soon feel better and stronger, day by day, and by the summer you will be completely well! I long to see some warm sunshine...it will soon be here, today we can settle for the beautiful winters day we are blessed with. Have a good day.

      PS Not sure if you have access to catch up, but I found Ramsays kitchen nightmares USA particualry hilarious during the early days. Anything that can take your mind off how you are feeling is a tonic, his swearing and screeching is enough divert anyone's atttention smile

       

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