Revision Surgery. Scared!

It is normal to feel some apprehension. I waited 6 years to have revision. I can honestly say that 10 months ago I never thought that my life would take such a drastic change after revision.  I have no pain in my leg hip and can walk do the things I love doing. 

getting thru the rehab is so important and every day do something in bed exercises or leg slides and move up to walkin a little with walker . Never ever over do no matter what. Take your time and listen to your body and do what is right for you thru rehab. Never let anyone distract or push you thru your healing journey. You can get to a better place no pain in just a few months of rehab and healing. 

I always wore cloths that went over my heard no leg into pant to worry about. I have so much hope and I know you will be thru this in no time. 

Keep in touch and let me know how you are doing have more hippies here to help than you can shake a stick at. Everyone is so helpful and very understanding! 

I want to encourage you to look to the future this healing process is so important and just a blimp to living a better life next summer! 👍

Heres to a successful surgery and many healing blessings sent your way!

 

"...Anyone have any experience w revision surgery, recovery ....."

Kara-

  Short answer: Yes, thousands of us have had THR revision surgery.

Because of the addition of a Removal phase, the surgery itself tends to run longer in duration than a primary procedure. And, naturally, there is more carpentry involved, as thigh bones and sockets are sawed, reamed, and shaped to accommodate the somewhat larger piece parts that are a part of the revision process.

Much of this extra drama is invisible to the patient. You can expect the same experiences, a bit exaggerated in time and impact, as with with your primary. Your surgeon will probably even reuse the same scar, with slight extensions.

As with any major surgery, go easy on yourself during recovery. A couple of months of downtime at a minimum. Your body will thank you for it. At the six month mark post-op, plan a nice holiday to a warm location. Order a big meal at a fancy restaurant. And toast your orthopedic surgeon, who made it all possible.

Hope this helps.

Hi Kara. My left hip was revised in December 2016 . My original thr lasted 21 years and then came loose. It has been a year and so far has been a success. I have no pain , just some pressure where the surgeon put in an implant to secure the rod. It was quite a journey. I could not bear weight for 8 weeks. They had to take the old hardware out and my leg felt like it had been put thru a grinder. I had a lot of swelling and bruising that lasted about 3 months. I was blue from my waist down to my knee. The operation was 4.5 hours. I was on morphine for about a year. The horrible pain before the surgery which was like having an infected tooth would never stop and every time I took a step, felt like I had a broken leg. That pain was gone as soon as the surgery was done but the muscular pain was unbearable and hydromorphone was the only drug that would give me some relief and I could sleep. I look back to 2016 and I am happy it is in the past. 2017 was a year of recovery. My left leg had been 1.5 in shorter for 21 years so the ligaments, tendons, muscles had to stretch and they did with a lot of physio and daily swimming and exercises. 2018 is around the corner and I am pain free, biking, swimming, preparing for the holidays. I think it was worth it. Have realistic expectations and ask as many questions and prepare for the worse and hope for the best. Get some books and goals to kill the time because only time heals . Best of luck.

Dear Kara

Yes, what do you want to know?

Cheers Richard

Hi Kara

I've had revision surgery as have others on the forum. Mine was a two stage revision as my original joint had become infected. What sort of revision are you having?

Mike

Thank you eveveryone for your support. Within a year my femerul ( think I spelt wrong) shifted so I've been extreme pain all year. I know he just has to revise just the top part as the leg portion is fine. I'll be non weight bearing for 6-8 weeks which I'm so afraid I'll mess up. And here in Delaware with the opioid crisis they are very strict on how long your in pain meds which is scary too. I've only been on tramadol most of year due to all the changes. I trust my surgeon but not PT as they had me put to much pressure to soon which they believe caused shift. Any PT advice and how they can understand the massive surgery we've all had. Thank you again!!!