I had both hips replaced February and was the best thing I ever did. Prior to the surgery I could not make it around a small grocery store, Since then no pain, just stiffness and some minor swelling still. I would recommed to anyone to have both done at the same time. Golfed 2.5 weeks after surgery and had no pain. I believe strongly that finding the right surgeon who has a great reputation with hips is key. A buddy of mine had each of his done, 6 months apart, was in rehab for months, I had no rehab, he was in hospital for 3 days for the first one, I was discharged by noon the next day, didn't need a walker after 2 days and walked 2 miles after 10 days. Good luck to anyone who gets this done, you shouldnt regret it.
Kevin,
WOW Congratulations!! As this is a support group and it seems the majority of te folks who post are seeking advise and support hen conditions after surgery are less than ideal it is absolutely great to hear of such a positive outcome. As someone who has not yet had the surgery I can tell you it's a story like yours the breathes confidence and allays concerns into the decision to go forward with it. Can you provide any details of the procedure you had? Anterior/ posterior or any information regarding the joint type they used? I agree with you regarding choice of surgeons. From all I've read on it the success stories I see all give a lot of credit to the doctor and many of the more difficult outcomes often seem aligned with surgeons who are less than forthcoming or dismissive of their patients post surgical pain and complications. That's not a very scientific analysis but is my impression. Also, could you remark on some of your personal specifics such as age, physical condition, whether you were considered overweight, how much exercize you were doing before the surgery, how long your condition had been deteriorating and what condition you had that drove the surgery [possiby osteo arthritis]? Also what country are you from and the country the surgery was performed. I don't believe the moderators will allow participants here to publish the names of their surgeon or hospitals but I would like to private message you to get that information for my decision going forward. Thank you for posting your success.
Best,
Jimbone
Wow such a quick recovery! I was wondering what approach was used... anterior or posterior? I'm having LHR in September and am struggling with which kind of surgery to have as my Dr. does both, and did you have an epidural or general anesthesia? Happy golfing.
Male 57 decent shape , hips started bothering me last summer , at thanksgiving got extreme nerve pain that went away in January , by February couldn't walk around a grocery store , bilateral anterior approach , total hip
Had it done in Wisconsin where my brother in law is a podiatrist and knew Ortho well
Not to heavy, 6'1" 225 lbs
I had anterior approach , my brother in laws a podiatrist and knew Ortho well and he said this Ortho only does anterior because there is a lot of problems down the road from posterior approach
I would be cautious of a dr doing posterior from what I learned
Find one that does a lot of anterior and brags about his patience walking quickly
I walked to my 1 week checkup
I had no restrictions after 2 weeks
Good luck
Don't think I had an epidural , but heck I was asleep 2 min after entering operating room
hi kevin,
wonderful post and thank you for sharing ...
there is a lot of discussion about posterior versus anterior approach to hip replacement surgery -
As you mentioned, most important is that the surgeon is a specialist in anterior and has done many THR;s doing this approach ... It seems that the anterior method is preferred now in the USA and not so much yet in Europe ...
thanks again
big warm hug
renee
Well done Kevin. I quite agree that a good surgeon is key along with being fit and having a positive attitude. It is IMO a mistake to expect recovery to be difficult and protracted.
Cheers Richard
Hi Marilee.
Im happy to share my experience of the anterior approach. I'm 2 weeks post operation today and walking without crutches or sticks. I am a fit and slim 49 year old and kept exercising right up to the operation to help with recovery. If you were considering the anterior approach I would ask how long your consultant has been doing that, how many they currently do per year and the ratio between anterior and posterior approach. As everyone says getting the right surgeon for the surgery you want is the main thing. In the uk there aren't many consultants specialising in the anterior approach and it's difficult to get feedback on what they have done. I asked lots of questions and was reassured by the answers I was given. If I hadn't been I'd have kept looking until I found the right person.
Good luck. X
Hi Sara, thanks for your feedback... Right now I just feel overwhelmed with info about both procedures and in the end will rely on my very experienced surgeon to do what he thinks is best for me. Enjoy your recovery.
Hi Kevin
What wonderful news and I totally agree with you. I had bi lateral hip replacement surgery on the 19th January and I haven't looked back. Before my surgery I could hardly walk and now I race around everywhere with no pain. I do have slight stiffness but that is nothing. I put it down to my wondeful surgeon he was amazing and like you so pleaed I got both done at the same time. I wouldn't have wanted to go back six months later to have the second done. I would truly recommend to everyone to get both done . All the best to you and everyone who is due to have surgery you will have a new lease of life with no pain.
Ann