Under 40 and booked for op - what do I expect?

Dear Jane

Yes it must have been a shock but it is best to get it sorted. Your best plan of action should be to find a surgeon who has lots of experience and who has a good track record. In the UK you can find this out by checking hospital records.

Good luck

Richard

Hi Jane

i was just as shocked in my forties following a similar route as you. I had a THR last Feb in UK and it is absolutely the best thing I have ever done. The no driving bit is probably the biggest issue in recovery but at 7 and 10 your kids are capable of more than you know in the house ie washing up, tidying own rooms, sorting own clothes, loading emptying dishwashers and washing machines etc. Obviously direction and supervision where necessary. Make the most of everyone in your household. Wrt school wasn't an issue for us as kids a bit older but friends will rally round as they will probably be horrified that you are 'choosing' to have this op. Physio was good and continued until I had so limp at all which was important as I didn't want anything to wear out the operated hip or the other one. Walking is the answer, I think my whole neighbourhood knows me now although I think as it was Feb half term they assumed the crutch was for a ski injury not post  an 'old persons' op. 

Stay in touch with this forum you'll get tonnes of support and info.

 

dear jane, 

warm welcome to this hippies forum - we come in all ages and stages and share our personal experiences and stories ...

we have been there, done that - some are still sitting on the fence or about to have  hip replacement surgery - no better group for support and understanding ...

it comes as a shock, doesn't it ... hip replacement surgery is not just for 70- 80-90 years people any more -

right now we have a forum member who is scheduled for surgery this coming monday who is not even 30 years of age yet ... 

it doesn't make you feel better, I know .. I was 66 when I was told that I had severe OA and thought I was way too young ... 

we also have  mothers with young children here on the forum -- Hopefully they will see your post and respond to you ... only thing I can say is that they had it done and made it !!!

one of our valued members has created a web site where you can find a lot of information:\https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147 - scroll all the way down to 487147 A layman's Guide ... 

Do you mind to share a little bit more about yourself/

where are you in the process? did  an Orthopedic Surgeon give you the diagnosis - 

this is very overwhelming, so, when you are ready, do first things first - don't allow anybody to put pressure on you ... 

come back here any time with your questions and concerns okay ...

it will be alright ...

big warm hug

renee

 

Hi Jane

I may not be 40 but I just had my right hip replaced a month ago.  Like you I had no choice.  My job consists of walking 5 hours a day.  It was getting impossible to perform my job and when I left for the day I was almost in tears.  I took it for a year but finally decided to take the plunge.  I researched my surgeon thoroughly and all the reviews from his previous patients had wonderful things to say about him.  That is your whole key.  Make sure your surgeon is good.  I for one had no pain.  Only took one pain pill to actually see if they work.  If I had pain I took two tyenol.  One thing you have to keep to your exercises.  I for one had no restrictions after surgery.  They say it is the way my surgeon performed the surgery.  There are other surgeons that have restrictions on what you are allowed to do.  You are going to be sore.  There is no doubt about that.  But you have to keep moving.  I only used the walker for a week and now I only use the cane outside of the house.  In the house I walk without it.  My walk is not great yet but I am working on it.  I also take calcium, vitamin D3 and protein shakes twice a day.  Your children are at the age where they can help and mostly take care of themselves.  You must have help around the house and for the first week or so to help you.  Be independent.  If I can help you by talking to you I will be more then glad to.  One way you get through this is by talking to people that had it done and learn from their experiences.  It has helped me.  You are not alone.

Recovery isn't easy, but we all seem to come through it more or less intact , in fact many do it without a partner to help them.   As Renee has said, look at my website, it has many tips from myself, my wife, and many other hippies on this forum, the address is in my personal info here ...

   https://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025

and at the bottom of the moderator's "useful resources" page at

   https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147

and always remember to come back to this forum whenever you need. 

Best wishes

Graham - 🚀💃 🤸

I think the answer to an easier recovery is having what you need at home when you return from the hospital. Find out the type of surgery you will be having, anterior or posterior as each has their plus and minuses. I had a mini-posterior, which is just a posterior with a very small scar, about 2 to 3" on the back-side area of the hip. All posteriors require at least 8 weeks of restrictions after surgery so the ball does not dislocate. The restrictions make life more difficult for those 8 weeks but once they are over, they will be forgotten. Basically ou cannot bend or let yourself get your body or hip in a more than 90% position. Your hips should never be higher than your knees. This means you cannot bend to pick things up, empty the hamper, load the dishwasher etc. It is even difficult to dress yourself. If you plan ahead and buy these good  grabbers, I got 26" soft tip RMS ones advised by my therapist. I was given one, but bought 4 more to have them handy in each room so you are not tempted to bend over. Have a toilet riser, it is a must for the first few weeks, a wedge shaped cushion is great for riding in the car, going out to eat etc. as many seats put your knees above your hips. If you have those things in advance and put your necessities within reach without bending you will do well. I am 7 weeks post op, almost to my 8 weeks. I saw my doctor this past week and he said I could start doing minor bending etc., but not to the floor. He said I could drive now, but haven't yet, expect to this week. I had a huge fear of dislocation. I've been through a lot, had left knee replacement then 11 months later left hip replacement. The knee still hurts but the hip was easy pain wise. It gets tired if you do a lot and then gets achy but no severe pain, except the 2nd day at the hospital. There was a mix up and I got no pain meds. The first 3 days in the hospital are a bit tough but once I it home I was showered and dressed the first day home. I did sit a lot but could walk with walker to bathroom etc. Walker lasted 2 weeks, had home physical therapy and quickly went to cane. I still use cane if I leave house and when I am tired. I think I would not need it if I did not still have knee pain. Both replacements were on same leg so it has it's moments of weakness. I'm doing well though and wonder why I waited with the hip, it's not nearly as difficult as the knee was. Be prepared and you will be fine. 

Hi Jane,

Booking the surgery is the first step. I felt much better once I got the date. I had the same concerns as you. I'm a busy working mom in the NYC area and my biggest worry was/is how long I wIll be out of commission. I had anterior RTHR 8 days ago. Keep in mind anterior recovery is much quicker than posterior. Surgery was on Friday and I got out on Sunday late afternoon, with no complications.  My father is staying with us to take care of me and entertain the kid while my husband works. The first 3 days at home were harsh and all I did was shuffle on my walker from bed to living room. A physical therapist comes every day to for 20-30 minutes of exercise which is great but leaves me sore and exhausted rest of day. I am taking pain meds every 5 hours and icing every 2. On day 7 we drove to pharmacy and out to lunch. Same with today. I am starting to transition from walker to cane. My father leaves Tuesday and then I will have to do a lot more on my own. I'm trying to rest up as much as I possibly can before then. I'm taking the first 2 weeks for rest but then I need to start working from home. I'm worried about my daughter going stir crazy- and driving me nuts. I am hoping to return to work 3 days a week beginning of August. My commute is pretty rough. It's bus, subway and according to my fit bit over a mile of walking. I have already paid for childcare, so I better be ready!  It's only been 8 days and I am so sick of being cooped up at home. I hate that everyone has to do everything for me.  I have a reacher which is great but the dang thing is always in the wrong room when I need it. 

Best, 

Nikki

Are u in the UK?  If not, find a surgeon who uses the Anterior hip replacement method.  Much easier recovery, no90 degree restrictions as with the old method. Most surgeons in my area (Southern California) only use the anterior method.  Much smaller incision also, mine is only 3 1/2 inches.  Yes, I measured.  Look up Lara Spencer on Google.  She is a host on Good Morning America that had the anterior hip replacement surgery  in her early forties.  Her recovery is amazing.  You will be fine.  I was driving again at day 12 after surgery.  But mine was left hip, and I had been off pain meds for 5 days.  I am walking fine W/o cane.  Walked 2.5 miles this morning, one month after surgery.  Let all of your friends know you are having surgery, they will certainly help.  We had a meal train coming to our house for two weeks!

Hi Jane I'm 30 and having a thr tomorrow due to OA. I am also a teacher so I understand how you might be worrying about the kids and work. The best advice I have gotten is to make sure you have adapted your house etc to suit your needs after surgery. Then just focus on your post op exercises and recovery. Going into my op I am very focused on not over doing it as I need to be up and running for work in September. Your health always comes first. Good luck!