Bilateral THR 6 days post op 68 yrs

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hello fellow hippies,this site has been a big support for me personally leading up to my surgery. At 6 days post op, I'm really surprised on how well I'm doing and how little pain.  I highly recommend anyone contemplating THR to go for it and if bilateral is an option for you, it's well worth considering. I don't want to jinx anything by being too braggadocios but I have yet to feel any pain from my LTHR and only slight healing pain from the RTHR. It's a much easier pain to endure that the previous bone on bone. I feel confident that I can reach my goal and return to surfing sometime next spring.  The hardest part for me is sleeping on my back.  Hope the offers encouragement to those that may be sitting on  the sidelines.  If anyone has specific questions about bilateral, let me know.  Kaiser originally told me the don't do bilateral however I'm living proof the can do it well.

2

Dear Pat

Congratulations, well done!   Take it one step at a time<BG>

Sleep well.

Richard

3

Pat,

Congratulations on your successful surgery and a Double High Five for beating back the Big K.  I am a firm believer that being a very strong advocate for oneself in dealing with the medical industry is essential for positive outcomes.  Hope you're cutting through the barrels in warm waters by spring and having the time of your life.

4

Hi Pat - congratulations from a fellow bilateral! You are doing really well.

I am now nearly 10 (or ist it 11...?) Weeks post op. I have been driving since around 2.5 weeks (could do emergency stop) and walking independently. Went back to work last week - admin and half days at the mo. My surgeon wanted me to follow precautions fir 6 weeks then gradually increase after that. He said at 3 months, ok to do anything - just 'listen to your body'. Only issue for me is tiredness but i rest when i need to and know i get better each day. It is great going from downward slope daily pre op to onwards and upwards post op. Back to surfing eh? You go girl!! 😀😀 x

5

Excellent news! Well done and wishing you all the best , Judith 

6

hi pat, 

thank you for sharing your wonderful experience ... you are so right that dealing with the post-op pain is easier than with that grinding, bone-on-bone deep pain ..

Wishing you continued good healing - allow your body to heal Pat .,timing could not have been more perfect, right ?   

Which kaiser did you have your surgery done?  My ex- husband is a Kaiser doc --- just curious ...

big warm hug

renee

7

Hi Pat, 

Thanks for posting the good news, I'm due rhtr in December and 

like you will find it hard to sleep on my back. Do you know how long one has to sleep 

on ones back until you can either sleep on your side with pillow and without.

Tony

8

Hi Jillypops.

Wow driving at two and half weeks, could.I ask if this would as norm be ok with your car insurance etc, it's posts like this that keeps my hope up, still waiting and trying to shed some timber before it's my time.

Stay safe.

Pete 😀

9

Dear Monkeypearl

We are all very different which of coarse makes us interesting so what is right for one does not mean its right for everyone.

Best to just be inspired and then stay within your own abilities and comfort zone.

Good luck. Richard

10

Hi Richard,

Inspired I certainly am, this forum and many of these positive posts, are keeping me going and give me great hope for the future. I've been in some real dark places, yep we are all different and that's a good thing, I've said it beforr, but mega thanks to all who post on this forum. You keep many folk in a.happy place, and that can only be good.

Stay safe.

Pete 😀

11

Cheers Pete.

Hope all continues well for you.

All the best, Richard

12

Hi Renee,

I've noticed that you are a long time supporter of this hippie blog.  Thanks for all your help and encouragement.  I think the least I can do is share my positive experience and help some of those who may still be waiting, to understand how much better it can be on the post side of surgery.  My op was at Kaiser Irvine with Dr. Nama, who must be a medical magician.  I have yet to feel any pain from my left side and only what I what call an almost good feeling healing pain from my right.  One of my challenges will be to not push too fast forward and make sure I don't take any steps backwards but it's hard not to be excited about my new life going forward and getting back in the surf.

My biggest challenge is sleeping on my back, but all I have to do is pull up my big boy pants (maybe an occasional sleeping pill) and make it happen.  

It's worth mentioning again that the big K told me they do not do two hips at once.  Remember we are our own best advocates and if you feel it's right for your body, take a stand.  I am So very happy I had BTHR.  It's made a world of difference.

13

I was told as long as able to do emergency stop would be ok. As you rightly say, it is wise to check with your insurance company.

14

Well, i was a bit naughty as needed to collect my daughter from a party but i did make sure i could do emergency stop. Best to check with your insurance company as i think i said.

My consultant gave a wry smile when i told him so don't think i'm the first to do that.