Second Hip

Posted , 4 users are following.

I had my right hip done last June (posterior,) and things went pretty good all in all. The only issue I have is my operated leg is 2/3 of an inch longer now. I'm going in for my left hip in a few weeks , and getting a little nervous.

Anybody have any advice on the second? Anything diffferent I should know about?

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • Posted

    YoMIke, had my right hip (posterior) done January this year and leg was 1 and 1/4 longer. Was really nervous about the 2nd one being done due to leg difference and hoping the surgeon could even them out. Had the left one done last month and everything came out perfect. I did discuss with my surgeon before 2nd hip replacement about LLE (leg lenght equality) and he pretty must tries to even them out the best of his ability. The last thing you want to deal with is a difference in leg lengh which can lead to all kinds of problems with knees and back. Would discuss with your surgeon before having it done. All the best to you on your upcoming surgery!  
    • Posted

      Oh wow, that was some difference I can only imagine. My surgeon says it will all even out with the second hip, but he seems a little too confident, like its no big deal. But he has a great reputation, and the first surgery was great except for the LLE.

      So how is it having your strong leg as a recent THR leg? That's a pretty quick turn around for the second surgery.

    • Posted

      My right hip recovered really fast for how bad it was. After first month got approval to go back to gym (leg extensions/curls and back extensions all really helped build strength) and after two months was allowed to use the tread mill (only walking but at a good pace to get heart rate up). By third month was almost back to normal considering everything. My surgeon first said one year but then decided on 3 months due to recovery going well. Still have to be careful with twisting and turning for the first year due to amount of bone marrow grafting done. Best part was to get both legs back to same length. 2/3 difference is still alot and your going to love it once they are the same length with two new hips to feel normal again! 
    • Posted

      I'm nervous about this! I do need both done eventually. I go ThisvTuesday, second visit to talk about surgery again and to see how I'm dealing with it. I'm afraid because what if something goes wrong? There are so many mixed stories and the fact I can't go to the gym!!! I've gone all my life every day!!! I hear it's extremely painful recovery! He told me I have a 70% of getting both but one at a time!! How did you deal with changing your everyday routine? Upset and depressed!!

    • Posted

      Don't be nervous. As long as you are comfortable with your surgeon all will be fine.  After talking to other patients (through hosp rehab or other rehab classes) I found everybody was happy with their THR's. In face the only complaints I heard from other THR patients were that they waited too long from their first to second replacement. You will be back in the gym before you know it!!  In fact my everyday routine was disrupted (couldn't drive and took a while to get dressed) only for the first month till I went back to my surgeon to get my driving restrictions released and clearance to go back to the gym. I was excited to get this done. Just maintain a postive attitude and it will be over before you know it. 

    • Posted

      Thank you for your advice!! Well I go this Tuesday. I guess this visit it going to see what's up and if I'm ready. Honestly dont know yet if I'm quite ready because it's not too too bad! It depends on the weather I think! A couple of days ago I couldn't believe how great I felt!!! But I think I will know better by Tuesday. I'm scared too because my back isn't the greatest either and I feel if they change one thing it will snowball. I mean so far I'm managing. But yea it has changed some things of course like far walks and standing long!!

      Well I'll be back on after this Tuesday! I appreciate being able to talk to you!!!😄

  • Posted

    Hi yomike, 

    I had 2nd THR done 6 months after 1st one - 

    I was told to NOT compare the 2 surgeries and they were right ... I did, of course,do it anyway ... 

    what I want to say here is that don't just assume anything - there might be different little pains, or maybe it heals faster/slower ... 

    To me it felt more painful post-op, but surgeon told me that I already had forgotten how painful the 1st one was... I could do more  and got cocky ... had to pay for that with a little setback  ...

    The LLD will even out - remember that our legs are not exactly the same length anyway -

    congratulatons on your speedy recovery and I am sure you will do absolutely great ...

    keep us posted, okay

    big warm hug

    renee

     

    • Posted

      Thanks Tiger and Renee!

      I can see getting too cocky, because you have the experience of it working out well. It's funny, but knowing the first one went well, but also knowing it's going to take time to heal...the experience is both good and bad.

    • Posted

      it is a mixed bag, Yomike .... you know what is ahead of you and you know what is ahead of you ...a roller coaster ride ..

      At first I was fine with it, looking forward even because of the pain, however the closer the surgery date came the more nervous and anxious I became - ridiculous, right ? at some point I needed medication for anxiety -

      Try to go with your own flow and accept that this is normal - 

      angel blessings

      you will be fine -

    • Posted

      I guess especially if I have no choice! I'm worried too because I have bsck issues and I'm afraid it will make that worse! I can live with my bsck it's not painfully unlivable!i just never came out of my routine. I've been going to the gym for years everyday! That's going to be hard. Plus I clean three houses for years and I'll probably lose them cause from what I understand it's along recovery

  • Posted

    Dear YOMIKE,

    I have done my left hip 8 months agou and I end up with LLD about 1.5

    cm. My right hip need to be done as well hopefully soon waiting for day.

    Hopefully they will sort out LLD and my leg will be same. My surgeon wrote disripency in his paper and promise he will do his best to even my leg.

    Im scare and wory as well. Now I put insole in my shoes to have a

    balance and not to have a sore back it help and least not limping only if

    im tired. I was back to work after 14 weeks, working in nursing home.

    Im sure it will turn be OK and trust your surgon. Try not to be nerves and talk to your surgeon what you want and need. Good luck

    Hug Madla💗

    • Posted

      I guess we all have to trust and have faith in our surgeons even though it's not easy! Tomorrowni go for my visit to discuss what's going and when surgery will be done I guess. I keep hoping it will go away so I don't have to go! I have to say though there has been a lot of positive talk about it since I joined this site. I guess I feel I never thought this would happen!! I worry too because I don't have agreat back. That scares me because I don't want it to screw me back up more because I can live with my back. It's the walking and standing that's becoming difficult.

    • Posted

      Hi Deb ,I know how difficult is walking and steding when one leg

      is shorter and how is affected your back. My physio in hospital

      recommend me to get insole. It was not easy to get one here in

      Australia. Well I sad to my self you have to find some and I ordered one from UK and also I find the shop here who are make some insole and everything for private physio therapy. I both some from them even they wasn't exactly 1.5 cm but in one back in have

      10 insole I put two together and help. It's not perfect but help me with walking and stending. I stending on my feet 6 to 7 hours 5 days a week. It help . Now I just have to wait for day for next hip to be done and put the faith and hope they will sort my LLD with

      opsite hip replecement. Trust your surgon and big good luck.

      Big hug Madla💗 you will be fine

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