I was told yesterday that i need a hip replacement, I am shocked to say the least as i am only 40 and not in a huge amount of pain like i was imagining hip replacement surgery to be an option. Can anybody give me some info as to what i should be expecting and how i should prepare myself for it please?
Hi, first of all I just want to say it is no where near as bad as it sounds. I've just turned 28 and had two hips replaced at the same time 5 weeks ago. I went through spells of thinking I'm not in as much pain and wondering whether I should have it done but on the other hand was in lots of pain and unable to do lots of things.
In terms of preparing yourself just make sure you are ready to rest and take things slow which can be frustrating as you just want to be able to bend down and put your socks on but you can't. If you have someone at home this is a huge help in the initial weeks, if not make sure you have organised your house to make everything easily accessible.
What I would say is that my surgeon advised me it is a bad idea to wait until things get really really bad as this makes recovery harder and possibly not as successful as it could be when you are still active.
Hope this helps a little!
Hi Kel,
Many of us are shocked when told, but the option - growing pain and increasing disability are not options. So ... welcome to our forum which involves close to 2000 members who have had or are about to have a THR. Graham's (veteran member) created - a layman's guide to THR is a great intro to the topic, provides a general outline and timeline for the average experience and summaries the experience and advice of hundreds of forum members. It is required reading in my view and it is listed at the top of the discussions page for this forum along with other great resources under THR - Useful Resources.
( https://patient.info/forums/profiles/emis-moderator-18625 ).
In short: read his guide, it will tell you what is coming plus identify best steps to prepare. First step is meeting with your surgeon and finding out what procedure s/he will use (posterior, letral, anterior, etc - see Graham's guide for explanations. I strongly believe in doing physio (incl hydro therapy) ahead of the operation to strengthen key muscle groups to make recovery easier. Ask your surgeon about this and other prep recommended. The surgery itself is not difficult (most are unconscious for it). Immediate recovery is in hospital for 1-3 days depending on the surgical approach used, your surgeon's recommendations and the jurisdiction in which you live (one thing you will quickly see is that there is a lot of variation in practices depending upon the surgical approach, surgeon's training, hospital practices, your own health,etc. This effects medications used, activity restrictions and recoomendations, and a host of other guidelines or practices associated with THR surgery).
If you are up to it, there are many video clips online of the surgery itself - not the weak but it will help ypu understand the procedure and the degree of healing needed. The first two weeks of recovery are tough. The incision itself is healing, but the connective tissues affected by the surgery need to heal and 'adhere' to the new hip. This takes time, care and lots of patience. You will need help at home and it is worth thinking through who and how. And lining up the equipment and other aids needed through recovery aids needed.
I won't go through all the phases - these are described fully in the guide above and other resources, but I would like to emphasize three things: 1) regular exercise within the bounds of activities recommended by your surgeon will help reduce pain and promote healing faster. 2) Be patient - this is not a quick fix. But it will eliminate the bone on bone pain and help bring you back to full activity levels if you persevere. 3) This forum is wonderful. The generousity and advice of members is extraordinary (even if there are some you will learn to tune out). And ... through the weeks following surgery, our group provides a kind ear when you need advice or reassurance or simply need to vent a little.
As soon as you can .. I encourage you to share what country you live in, when your surgery is expected to take place and which procedure will be used. This will help us give better feedback to you.
PS - I am 5 months post- surgery (posterior THR on my left hip) and hoping to have my second hip done late this summer/early fall. I have recovered well: walking (mostly except when very tired) without a limp, with full range of motion (exception deep bends). Recovery has been steady but expect some steps backwards (which can be exceedingly discouraging) and some emotional reaction to the whole process - yes, the guys here all report the same. It isn't weakness but a natural response to the serious surgery and frustration at being dependent upon others for a lengthy period. But .. it is worth it for an independent life after.
I hope this does not overhelm but gIves you some starting points.
Best wishes,
Linda
I had a thr 9 months ago and was also 40. My advice would be to expect some highs and lows, not just physically but emotionally too. I was shocked at how much I cried!
Get a comfortable chair and don't stress over not being able to sleep at night. Take naps during the day whenever you feel like it.
Ask for help! You will need help for the first few weeks. I dint realise how difficult simple tasks in 2 crutches could be.
Expect to take 3 months off work. I thought I would be ready much sooner and put myself under pressure to be recovered far too quickly.
Try not to compare your recovery to others as you will heal in your own time. I worried that I still had a limp at 3 months, but it's totally gone now.
If you are worried about anything, there is always someone on here who has felt or thought the same way as you so just ask for advice any time of day or night!
Good luck
Sarah x
Hi there.
Sorry to here that I am getting a hip replacement this month and I am only 18. There can be risk of dislocated it but as long you do your exercise you should be fine. Everyone has different experience. I got told I will be walking with a walking aid and might get up to walk the same day as my surger. Plus you can turn the full 90oc and get some house stuff like a toliet seat ect..
Thanks
Megan x
Hi kel
Well like you l was 42 when l found out l needed both hips replaced.. it was a total shock as l though l had pulled a muscle or tendon l.never though l needed a hip replacement never mind both. I kept thinking this is not right l am to young for both. I finally accepted that l coud not go on living in pain everyday so l had one done and the other 8 weeks later. Its been hard going but worth it as l have no OA pain and the best thing that happened was me finding this forum as it got me through my 2 ops. Everone on here is so helpful and more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you have. And most of all you will find out that 40 is not young to have a hip replacement. There is a 17 year old and a 20 year old right up to much older. But there is loads of people in there 20's and 30's. So you are not on your own and its like a family. We all have the same thing common. So kel ask away anything you want to know. Anything. Its a big op and there is a lot of diffrent things you might need to know or want to know. But you will be fine kel l am 5 months from my last hip replacement. But l have worse to come as l have to get my 2 knee's replaced as well as l have OA in them. But thats just me. But anything you are worried about ask away.
Laura
X
Can I ask what your symptoms are. I too am having a hip replacement on 4th October. I am not in pain. I am fine if I don't do anything. Cannot walk a couple of miles, or do gardening which involves much bending, because the hips hurts. i have a big spur which causes all down the front of the leg to hurt, some times, but not all the time. i have had a year of tendonitis and bursitis (because I overdid it last summer) but that has gone now. I am told why wait until I cease up completely. I am 68 years young. The hospital should prepare you adeqately for the operation. I think I am getting all the info at my pre op, though i have medical insurance and will be at a private hospital.
Hi, completely understand. I was devastated and I am 51 and was Skiing at Xmas! I am 11 days after THR and going really well, walking with one stick outside. First two weeks are a bit difficult. But after that it just gets better and better. Not worth waiting for it to get so painfull that you can't exercise! Your result will be better if you are fit-
completely understand your trepidation, you have come to the right place. There is a wealth of wisdom and support here.
Console yourself with the fact that is something very treatable, and you will get your mobility back.
Opperation is fine. I am now enjoying the enforced laziness. Mind you, was lucky with timing as have managed to watch a lot of Wimbledon!
Mine was not too painfull until the last 6 weeks before the Opperation. Then the pain really ramped up! Asked Surgeon what my hip looked like and he said there was no cartilage and it was bone on bone.
Honestly have no regrets and I will have the other one done as soon as it needs it. The younger you are the easier the recovery. Latest technology means our new hips should last ages!
One word of caution. My Surgeon warned that "younger hippies" tend to do too much too soon and possibly compromise the long term function of their new hip. So when you have it done, love your new hip and take good care of it in the early days and it will look after you for years to come.
Take care.
Kris. X
hi kel, warm welcome to this wonderful forum of hippies where we share our personal experiences and stories -we come in all stages, ages and from all over the world - I have nothing new to add to previous, excellent, responses -just remember that it will not get better and come back here any time you have a question or concern, okay ...big warm hug, you are not alone anymorerenee
Hi margaret, i hardly have any symptoms really i think thats why i was so shocked when the surgeon told me i needed thr. Every now and again approx 3-4 times a week i get what i can only describe as a twinge which feels as if its in the crease of my upper leg apart from that nothing! i was told by the physio when my xray etc was looked at that i had a stage 2 labrium tear but the surgeon said that is completly wrong and it is shot to pieces!There is nothing in particular that causes the pain and i can do almost everything but the strength in my right leg is very weak compared to my left.The surgeon also said i have the first stages of arthritis in my hip.
You've received lots of good advice and encouragement already, Kel. I don't think I can add much. I am 67 and was 65 when diagnosed with OA in my left hip. I was so upset -- I thought I was too young! So I can imagine how you feel at 40. Your youth will most likely help you come through this very well -- but be patient and let it all heal well. Good luck. Do you have a date for the surgery yet?
No date for surgery, I was under a consultant at guys hospital in london but i have now asked to be referred closer to home for surgery so unsure how long the wait will be.
Where has kel gone she has not replied to any off us ??
Hi kel
If you want help and support you need to try and respond as a lot of people have taken the time to give you advice l notice you have responded to one last night. The way this forum workd is you ask for help people will give you there help but l realise you might be in shock at whats happemed but as you can read from your responces your not alone we all have had thr's or worse or are waiting to get them. To get the best from this forum you have to join in and voice your concernd and repspond to the people that have offered you there story. This forum was a godsend for me and it helped me so much all the people sharing there stories. As l say l am 43 and was only 42 when l got a total shock like you nd told l needed both hips replaced l was terrified and now that l have had them both done and came oit the other side l have had another shock about getting both knees replaced. A few of the young lassies are going through hell and have been there full life so join in if you want support you will not regret it and you obviously joined the hip forum for a reason. Let us help you.
Laura x
Your infor has helped me Lida, and I thak you! I am going tor THP one month from today. Posterior, cannot ind a Dr or hospital in my area of SC to do anterior, makes me wish I was still in NY but it is what it is and I know THP has been done this way for years. I have heard horro stories about scars and hw you can dislocate your hip and require surgery to fix it. I will read the article you have posted. My range of motions I now awful and I have many limatation,s going med free for pain so it's not easy. I guess this is when you know you are ready. Dr told me they just changed a 3 night stay to a one night stay inpatient, seems so quick to be getting ito a car the day after surgery.... and how do I get into my bed which is high? Thoughts? thanks so much so glad I looked for a support group, thank you!
hi nettie,
I just responded to you in another discussion -
So sorry that some of the stories frightened you - I wish it would help you if I told you not to worry ... but you will anyway , and that is okay -
Linda's response sums most of it up -
what is the reason that your surgeon changed your stay from 3 nights to 1 night?
big warm hug
renee
Kel - I had my first hip replacement when I was forty (in December) and I was in complete shock too - terrible shock, the idea will settle in a few weeks I promise, in the meantime do your research, think through your options and hold off telling too many people until the idea has truly cemented, as I found so many people asked me questions I couldn't answer, and it rattled me and upset me even more. The classic will be....how come you need a THP at 40! Look of horror crosses the face, and then of sympathy....so you need to be feeling emotionally strong before these conversations and positive too (and not likey to errupt into tears)
I am going to go completely against the grain now and suggest you WAIT as long as possible. If you are not in much pain or very little, if you can manage your life very well and it is not having a major impact, please wait. It is major surgery, the longer you wait the longer your new joint will last, thus preventing you from needing another one so soon. Speaking from someone who has just been through this, if I had had any kind of choice I would not have had one this early.
It is a decison for you, but in your position I would wait. We are all here for advice and information, so please use this forum to share ideas, worries and experiences. We have all been in the same position as you and completely understand,
Love Rose x
Hi Kel,
I'm 40 and 10 weeks post op for a RTHR and have been back at work for 3 weeks now (office based work). I was orignally diagnosed 4 years ago as needing the operation, but I chose to put it off as long as I was able to keep the pain under control. When it started to affect the quality of my life I went for it.... The main thing I was told by a lot of people is that you shouldnt leave it until the joint is too badly damaged and you've suffered a lot of muscle wastage.
I'd say that you've been given a lot of good advice here and all I can really say is good luck with things and whatever you decide to do.
David.
Don't do it unless you cant stand it anymore. Let that be your last phase it hurts like hell forgive me. Just telling the truth. When you do make plans to just allow healing time with rehab in mind. Unless you have someone to wait on you. One day you will say I was right Get a second opinion take your time if no pain
I agree kel if its not unbearable pain and not affecting your life to much yet l would holdm off until it did. In my case l was in pain for about a year and it became unbearable. Did your doctor say you needed inr as soon as possible. How did you find out you needed it did you go and see about it because of the slight oain you were getting?
X