LTHR scheduled tomorrow - bit nervy!

Hi Dinzdale

you will be fine we all worry the first time under the knife they get you out and on the move ASAP i was out of hospital 4 days after the first one and 2 days after the second you will be on crutches for a bit then on sticks we all heal differently they won’t let you out of hospital till you can do steps sounds daunting but it’s not up with the good down with the bad. That is if you have steps at home . There are plenty of folk on here to help and advise and answer any questions you might have hugs and all the best for tomorrow x

Hi, I live in the US, California to be exact, so I don’t know if your surgery or recovery will be similar to mine, but one thing for sure, you will be in way less pain after your surgery.  I had my LHR  11 months ago and have not regretted it a moment.  Today I went on a 4 mile walk with my daughter.  We hiked along the ocean looking for whales.  Last year at this time I couldn’t have gone one block.  

My surgery was using the Anterior method.  I had surgery in the morning and went home at 5pm. I was pretty out of it for a few days, but got off of the strong pain meds after about 4 days.  They sent a Physical Therapist to my house 3 times a week, for about 2 weeks.  I was up walking w the walker the second day, and doing laps around my house (downstairs)  for about a week, then I graduated to using a cane.  I did have my husband at home helping me for about a week.  You will need help w meals and medications for at least a few days before you can do much by yourself.  I starting driving at two weeks, and was really doing very well after about 3 weeks.  

I was realized from most movements restrictions after 6 weeks and could go back to playing tennis at 12 weeks.

i don’t know what your type of surgery will be in the UK, but I  highly suggest doing the Anterior method, incision is minimal ( 3 1/2 inches - yes I measured) and recovery is very quick because they don’t cut any muscles.  Most days I forget that I had my hip replaced.

You will be so glad you had this done, it will be like getting your life back!

 

You will be fine we all have our fears before surgery and believe me please it is not half as bad as we imagine. I am 65 and post op 14 weeks , you will be walking same day as op, in a couple of days you will be home and climbing stairs will be a doddle ! Don't worry ! 

OK - Are you having a anterior or posterior surgery?  When they give you the anesthesia you will be out so fast and before you know it you are waking up.   If you have the anterior you will be able to get up a walk that day with a walker.  And go home that day most likely.  You should have your meds already.  Take them.  A nurse will arrive at your home later in the evening to administer more.  Do your exercises.  I was walking with a walker right away.  You have to adhere to your hip precautions.  They will drill that into you.   

Good Luck! 

I was terrified (and I've had major surgery before!)  I'm 51 and very fit and healthy so in a similar situation as you.  The surgery was fine (I slept through the whole thing!) and the doctors made sure I had pain relievers in order to be comfortable.  I had my surgery on Friday morning and was out by Saturday evening.  It depends on how fast you are able to get up and move around with a walker and go up and down stairs.  Some hospitals may be a bit more conservative and keep you two nights but I doubt more than that.

I was exhausted and very sore the first week at home so it was nice to have someone go downstairs and make meals for me and feed my horses and bring me ice packs from the freezer downstairs.  But by the second week I had more energy to do more for myself.  By three weeks I was up getting my own meals and by four weeks I was out feeding my horses again.  I used a cane up until yesterday and today is 6 weeks.  Even the first full day home though I could go to the bathroom by myself with the walker and putter around the house.  But between being sore and post-anesthesia I was really tired and was happy for all day care.

Have you ever had a broken leg? It's kind of like that.  And not as bad as people seem to think.  I drove myself to the grocery store for the first time at 4.5 weeks (I had a right hip so drove later than folks who get the left hip) and ran into a colleague who was shocked I was up and walking so soon and driving.  But they have you up and walking right after surgery.

Good luck tomorrow! Let me know how it goes.  But you'll be ok.  Just give yourself two weeks to be catered to and rest and you'll be surprised how much better you'll feel after that than you probably thought.

Hi Dinzale, you will do just fine. I've had both done within the last 7 months. I was in so much pain before the surgery that I wanted to kiss my surgeon afterwards😆. They don't keep you in the hospital but a day or two. Expect Physical Therapy to have you up the same day. I made it through both times with Tylenol only. Do you have someone at home to help? Please let us know how you do. Prayers!

Hi dinzdale,

I had THR a week last Wednesday I had never been in hospital, I was really scared so much so I put it off for years. I went to have the spinal anaesthetic at 12 noon and was in recovery by 2.00 pm did not feel anything. I have not had any pain at all. I was discharged on Friday lunchtime. So go in and do not worry, it is quick and painless. Good luck.