If you have had Bilateral hip replacements how was it for you?
Posted , 10 users are following.
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
lors23 judyvin
Posted
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 judyvin
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judyvin
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judyvin
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gail2910-US-MI judyvin
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renee01952 judyvin
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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 judyvin
Posted
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
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Maidlin judyvin
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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 judyvin
Posted
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
Posted
Apart from the muscle pain in both legs I have no regrets having had them both done at the same time. Judy
Rocketman_SG6UK judyvin
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Everyday things that you used to totally take for granted are hard aren't they
Good luck with the recovery.
Graham - 🚀💃
rose0000 judyvin
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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 judyvin
Posted
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 Maidlin
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Graham - 🚀💃
judyvin rose0000
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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 judyvin
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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 renee01952
Posted
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 judyvin
Posted
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 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