my experience
Posted , 9 users are following.
Hi y'all! I wish I found this group before I had my total hip replacements. But a little background ..I initially thought it was my knee that was going because that's where all the pain was... but found out it was my hip when I went to the orthopedic surgeon and had xrays. We scheduled the surgery and I went home and started looking online and found out about the different approaches. Anterior method is by far the least invasive and quickest recovery according to all the websites. Well I called my surgeon he said he doesn't know how to do the anterior method but does the old fashioned lateral kind but referred me to another surgeon in his group who is an expert.. apparently you have to be well trained in that method as it's completely different from lateral. I really could have used this forum! The horror stories I heard from other people who had hip surgery with the lateral method about not being able to bend over or cross your legs terrified me... surgery went wonderfully they got me up after a few hours and the next day the therapist walked me down the hall your pencil on the floor and told me to pick it up.... surprised me but I bent over and picked it up! Used the walker for a few days ...Drove after 2 weeks. That was a year and a half ago and I just had my second hip replaced by the same method and in 3 weeks post op used the walker again for a few days and drove after 2 weeks again, this one is a little harder to get into the car because it was my right hip, so I just use a little step stool to get into my truck. I had an epidural with this one and was still put under anaesthesia, also no catheter this time they get you up to pee right away and instead of staples they glued my five inch incision up. I still sleep on my back mostly or my left hip side... I think it was about 6 weeks before I could sleep on the incision with my first hip. Anyway my point in this post is that unless I hadn't done my research on the internet regarding different methods I would never have known about the anterior method and I would have had to go through all the restrictions placed on you with the traditional method. So my advice to everyone is to look into the different methods and find a great surgeon. I've been going through this forum reading other people's experiences and it is so helpful...
4 likes, 11 replies
AnnieK blueline
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blueline AnnieK
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AnnieK blueline
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lors23 blueline
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I went home on day 4 and as soon as l got home l never used the sticks again and loke you was drving a few weeks later.
I had dissolvable stitches and when l seem my scar l was shocked at hoe neat it was now 9 or 19 weeks post op u can hardly see the scsr its amazing.
My 2nd hip reolacement is monday coming and l can't wait as then its all over and its just a case of recovering hopefully as fast as 1st.
This forum is brilliant as you can disguss or ask for help or an opinion on anything as we have all been there. We have all went through hard times it can be mentally draining, depressing and hard sometimes as you are stuck at home your sleeping is turned upside down and l know l have days of crying because l miss my normal life.
But for me l have 4 days to my last op and then its just recovery time.
This forum has helped so much its gave me the helo and support l needed. And i have also enjoyed helping others .
Wishing you well and don't be afraid to ask anything as everyone is here to help
Laura x
blueline lors23
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mic71403 blueline
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Well researched - I hope too you're finding folk's experiences on here useful too, sharing advice, ups and downs after hipie ops. We seem to have very different advices given us, and some surgeons arn't reding up on the need for post op exercises as much as might be hoped. We heal differently too, depending on age, gender, but maybe most of all pre op fitness.
Anyway, have a nice day, and hope healing goes well for you
Warmly
mic
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renee01952 blueline
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Good for you !!! I wish I was composed enough to do some research when I heard that I needed to have THR surgery - Not found this forum yet but threw myself in the arms of a stranger, fully trusting him that he'd know what he was doing - and it worked - not miraculeous by all means - Had the old fashioned posterior approach, twice, dealt and still dealing with the restrictions -
I did ask him if he could do the anterior method with 2nd THR, but he said that he was not experienced enough - I stayed with him because he did a good job on the 1st one -
I am wee bit jealous to read about all the things you can do, but hey, it is done, and I am grateful
big warm hug
renee
blueline renee01952
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gloriajoy blueline
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I am so interested in your post and happy to know you have had such a good experience.It is an encouragement to those of us still looking for answers,so thank you for that.
I have been researching for a long time now and my hip condition is getting gradually worse.
Like you I wanted to find out all the possible options before making a decision.
I know that the Anterior approach is mostly used in France and from reports of my son's father in law who is French I learned that recovery is easier than the Posterior method because the muscles are not compromised to the same extent.
The thing is that Anterior is less common here in UK , for one reason that it needs A) more assistance in the theatre or B) a special and expensive operating table as used by some surgeons in USA.
Maybe cost is a reason why it is less common here and not often available within the NHS.
I am interested to know where you had your THRs with such a positive outcome.
If you could tell me where,and at which hospital and the name of your surgeon I would appreciate it very much.
Being quite elderly and living alone I am fearful of the recovery process and the chance of doing something stupid after the operation with no-one around to pick me up if I fall or help when I am in difficulty.
I am also quite terrified of the entire procedure.
Your post is so reassuring,so thank you for taking the time to pass on your experiences.
Best wishes
Joy
blueline gloriajoy
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blueline gloriajoy
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