I am scheduled for total hip replacement surgery this April 30. Before scheduling this surgery, I was in the process of getting ready to move (another city) - but decided that I should probably get the surgery first as I feel I am a fast healer and tolerate pain well - but now, after reading many comments from people who have had this surgery - there are lots of things to consider - the recovery is or can be long, you are very limited on bending/lifting, etc after surgery - so having the operation before I move could leave me in recovery for lifting boxes, etc. for many months. Although I am now limited in mobility and do have pain - I can still bend, lift, etc. - so, I would like opinions from those who have had this done - do you think having the operation before moving or after would be better. Actually my doctor said I should move first - but I (of course, I know better lol) thought it would be better to get it over with. Thanks you for any suggestions, opinions, etc
Don't count on being able to bend properly or move heavy boxes, furniture etc. for at least a couple of months post surgery. If you can get settled in your new home before the surgery you'll be pleased you did. I wouldn't have been fit to move house post op for at least two months and I had a good recovery. When you read through the experiences here you realise you can't take anything for granted so I'd suggest you make sure you're not under the gun when you get out of hospital. You don't need that pressure on top of everything else.
Hi Laurenlree
I would move first differently get settled first. Everyone recovers different you also want to focus on recovery. Take care
Wish you well
Jackie
Oh my goodness, this is a no brainer to me. Tom50748 is correct. You will have around 6 -8 weeks of restrictions for a posterior approach (I know nothing about anterior). You want to be settled in and have things in place for when you come home after your surgey. You want to focus on your recovery not on moving boxes ! You want to take precautions so you don’t dislocate your new hip. Even if you are a fast healer, get the move over with first. That’s my opinion so think it through carefully
Hi Laurenlee,
It's better for you to move first. I am just little bit more than 3 weeks post surgery and even though I'm recovering quite well and healing quite well, I have to keep on mind the restrictions and some of them go for up to 6 months, in other words, you'll need peace of mind for few months after.
This is a very invasive surgery and you don't know how your body will react, how your recovery process will be until you undergo for it.
I wish all the best on all your plans and a great recovery ahead.
I agree - move first! Not to scare you, but I had anterior surgery, and even a full year later I could not possibly move boxes, lift, etc. My recovery, or rather the lack thereof, was highly unusual - I am back in physical therapy now, 14 months later, because I still have quite a bit of pain. That is certainly NOT typical, but my point is that everyone heals at a different rate, and you can't predict how well it will go. It is very likely that in a couple of months you will be doing very well, and I certainly hope that is the case, but if you are moved and settled you will be able to focus on your healing!
Wishing you all the best both with moving and with your surgery!
PLEASE, move now if you can. Have your surgery after you are situated in your new place. I am 6 weeks into post-op and I am reluctant to bend even a little but I follow my precautions. Please do not risk dislocation after you do have the surgery. There are so many on here that has helped me in so many ways. I am now panic free just some sleepless nights from my good side hurting.
Unfortunately you don't know for sure how fast you will recover from the surgery. Everyone is different. If you move first, that stress will be gone so you can focus on the surgery and recovery. Since you now can bend and lift you can manage the moving process. No matter which method (posterior or anterior), there will be some amount of time for the recovery and you don't want to do anything to jeopardize your new hip.
Enjoy the time in your new home after your surgery.
hi I had a thr 4 weeks ago I am more mobile this week but still can not bend or lift any thing I am walking with 1 crutch and i needed so much help in the first 3 weeks and was in a lot of pain, doing the smallest of things like walking to the toilet left me wiped out and i slept most of the time. I couldn't think of any thing worse than the idea of moving whilst I was in recovery. get settled in your new house first then have the operation .. I am a ( was) very active 40yr lady ..... listen to your doctor they honestly know best .. good luck for your move and operation 🍀
Hi, You may not feel like moving now but yes many things may go wrong, although I’m not in pain any longer, I can not bend the same and I’m not as flexible as I used to be. My op was last May. Take some strong pain killers and get on with the move is my advice.
Dear Lauren
Moves are always considered stressful times and situations and people are of course so different. My gut feeling is to schedule the surgery with the best surgeon you can find and get the move done first with all the necessary help. Can you tell us how old and fit you are because this can be an important consideration.
Good luck Richard
Move first, operation second - moving house is about the only thing you should delay your operation for I'd say.
Like everyone else, my vote goes for moving first. I delayed my THR for over six months as I moved house. I’m so glad that I did as I was able to get settled in before dealing with the after-affects of the operation. I’m now 3 weeks + and healing well. I’ve still got work being done in the house and can supervise that but I’d be very frustrated by my inability to things if I had everything to do. Remember you won’t be able to drive for 6 weeks, apart from anything else.
Hi laurenelee,
I guess I would have to way and measure. First how important is it that you move? As for the surgery recovery everyone one is different. If have a 2 level now and want to move to a one level then move first. Cause the stairs are hard to get up and down. I had my hip replacement in July of last year and we moved in November. My husband did most of the work. You have to do your exercises before surgery to strengthen your muscles for surgery.
I expected to heal sooner then I did. Everyone told me that each person is different. And they were right. Don’t let anyone away you by telling you “oh it only takes 6-8weeks. That is bull. Malarchy. If you over due you can only hurt yourself. That’s the best information I can give you. It just depends on how much help you will have moving and during recovery
Good Luck to you!!
I would listen to your doctor, also all the people on this post!