Hi, new to the group and decided to post my experiences especially for somebody who may be facing the op.
I am on day 10 post of of a left THR (Total hip replacement) and mostly enjoying the experience in a daft kind of way.
Yes, there's the usual numb bum, frequent visits to the toilet, thinking I'm all better only for my body to remind me NOT YET (like today!).
I had mine done at the RJAH in Oswestry and in a perverse way I really enjoyed the experience. There was cameraderie in the ward (a bit too much one night when we were told to be quiet ) the staff were so helpful and every stage of the process was explained to me. Even got to see the bone they had removed which made me whince and realise, I have been a brave boy over the last few years (although there are many who would tell you the opposite about me)
So, if you have the op coming up just think about that horrible pain you have in the joint and that will be gone from day 1. I was told just to be positive and laugh as much as I can and its working.
Following this thread has been so helpfull too with the tips and the sharing of experiences after the op.
That's really great that you are enjoying the experience.I am in my 9 th week post op and feel great only slig pain in lower back on getting out of chair but otherwise all good,first couple of days are the worst when legs feel so heavy! Hope you continue as well as I have,it is a truly amazing operation,and the pain relief instant.
Any one who needs the op should go sooner rather than wait,that's what I think.
Agree with Kate entirely. I am now 14 months and 10 months after both hips done. Am back to normal apart from slight discomfort in most recent hip occasionally after sitting but as soon as I take a step am fine. Haven't taken any pain killers since 2 weeks post op. Although there is a lift to my flat I do the stairs (75) at least once, often twice a day. Feel pretty good for 71 going on 72 years old!
It's worth doing your research on surgeons - very happy with mine.
Am waiting for new hip and am having it done by Mr Karlakki at the Orthopaedic in Oswestry. Glad to hear you have had a good experience with the hip and the hospital. I've had both shoulders done there and it's a really great place. The staff are caring, kind and professional not to mention well-trained. I can't wait to have my op to get relief from the pain in my hip and now my lower back (due, no doubt, to the way I've been lurching about when I walk). I don't have any worries about having the operation done and am cheered by all the positive comments about how much better it is when it's all been repaired.
Good luck with your recovery and carry on laughing!
My mother had her hip done 8 months ago. She was amazed how when she woke up in the recovery room, for the first time in 2 years she had no pain. She kept saying over and over again I HAVE NO PAIN!! She was giddy!! Yes there are some difficulties with the recovery but nothing compared to the contant debilitating pain she had before. The miracles of modern medicine!!!
The surgeons now put pain blocking agents in at every level from bone to skin so the pain levels are greatly reduced. When the patient wakes up it's easier to get straight up and walking with very little pain for a good long time so physio can start straight away. Modern medicine again. Can't beat it. When I was involved with operations 40 years ago we kept all the hips in bed for three weeks and I guess many got DVT's. On the plus side, patients were nursed back to health with none of the pressure to leave hospital the minute they've got a pulse and can pee and poo!
Oswestry has always had a good name The only time I went was to see a friend who had a tendon transplant. The ward was like a Nissen hut and was freezing! Beautiful countryside.
Yes the pain from bone on bone goes straightaway. The soft tissue pain takes a while, but you can put up with that.
3 months on, I can walk 5 miles, I just lack the speed, but that will come.