Recovering from bilateral THR
Posted , 5 users are following.
This is my first post on the forum and was looking for any advice/support. I had a bilateral hip replacement 4 weeks ago and I feel I am doing well. There has been very little information on-line for those who have had both hips done at the same time so I am wondering if it is slightly unusual to have them done together.
i was very surprised that the hospital offered to do them at the same time but they said because I was 53 year's old, fit and healthy that there was no reason not to do them both. I must admit I was delighted not to have had one done and go back in for the other. It has been very challenging not having an unoperated leg to stand on particularly with exercising but I am doing lots of exercise now at home which I feel is vital to recovery. I managed to go out to the shops yesterday with my mum for 3 hours on my crutches and I did feel tired but just lovely to be able to get out.
i just wondered if anyone could advise me about mobility. The main reason that I wanted the operation was because I could not bend over to put my shoes or socks on or generally get dressed. If I dropped something on the floor I had to get someone else to pick it up. I literally could not bend my knees.
Could anyone advise me if they had the same problem and did the hip replacement rectify the problem. It would be so nice to cut and paint my toenails.
kind wishes to all in recovery and any advice would be greatly appreciated xx
3 likes, 9 replies
kaye04758 Summertime36
Posted
my life is 100 percent better for having new hips, can walk , go upstairs and for the first time in a long time can pick things up off the floor .
take care Kaye.
kaye04758 Summertime36
Posted
Summertime36 kaye04758
Posted
i am glad you can reach your toes now. I am trying to do some gentle bending but I am still locking my knees and bending from my waste. I think because I was doing this for so long I almost need to learn how to bend again in the normal way. I am sure it is just a matter of being patient and not over doing it.
Have a lovely weekend with your new bendy hips. Xx
Maidlin Summertime36
Posted
i had a bilateral hip replacement last October. My mobility was very poor beforehand, and like you I could not bend down, and also found lifting things very difficult. Although I was 71, I was in good general health, and the hospital suggested doing both at once. Recovery has probably been slower for me than for someone younger, but it has been very steady and I can now do everything for myself. I had some extra physio sessions following my six-week check-up, and was given particular advice on bending and lifting. My greatest joy is being able to pick up my very fat cat for a cuddle! I found sleeping the biggest difficulty during the first couple of months, and got very tired as a result, but that improved once I could sleep on my side. I was able to drive after 7 weeks, and found that being able to get out and about independently gave my morale a great boost!
I've absolutely no regrets about having both done together, and I'm sure you won't either!
Hoping all continues to go well for you,
Maidlin
Summertime36 Maidlin
Posted
i have tried some gentle bending and I am still finding it difficult. I will definitely ask the physio when I go back week after next.
Glad you can cuddle your cat. I have a very feisty Jack Russell who hates being cuddled. He is absolutely terrified of my crutches so won't come near me. I miss taking the grumpy old thing for his walk.
Hopefully I can take him out very soon. Take care of yourself and I am glad to hear that your morale has been boosted following your op.
kind wishes
renee01952 Summertime36
Posted
Welcome to this wonderful forum ...you already received encouraging and positive responses from fellow hippies who have gone through the same surgery -
I am waiting for my 2nd THR - and yes, the unoperated leg is getting a real pain and limit me in my movements and progress ..
do you have a grabber? if not, get one so you can pick up things from the floor by your self - also one of those sock aids I find to be helpful ...
I haven't been able to get to my feet for a long time and oh, that will be such a happy day when I can again ...
tke care and be gentle with your self - it seems that you are doing great
warm hug,
renee
Summertime36 renee01952
Posted
Thanks for your warm welcome. I did use a grabber for a while and it was very helpful but now I am trying to gently bend. I read somewhere that someone used a grabber to shave their legs which really made me laugh. I did think about it but chickened out as it seemed too awkward.
my mum bought me the sock thing and an extra long shoe horn which are both invaluable.
Good luck with the 2nd hip. My poor old aunts who is 76 needed both done but they would only do one and she was in agony waiting to have the second one done. She has had the second one done now and she is like a new woman. Lost loads of weight and is always in the gym and swimming. She looks 10 years younger
take care of yourself xx.
lynn48178 Summertime36
Posted
Reading your post has been great. You sound so positive. Very impressed by the shopping trip.
You have really helped me thank you x
Summertime36 lynn48178
Posted
will you get both done at the same time or are you still deciding. When I tell people I had mine done at the same time they seem really surprised. Even the physio at the hospital seemed surprised when I told her I had both done.
just to let you know I was told that not all surgeons will do both at the same time. I had to see one surgeon at my hospital to ask whether he would agree to it because he doesn't always. I was also in hospital for 4 days which was the length of time they let people out who have 1 done providing there is no complications. I thought having 2 done might mean being in for a bit longer. I was delighted as I couldn't wait to get home.
I would highly recommend having both done at the same time if it is offered to you and you feel up to it.
take carexx