Thank you!
I having anterior.
Everyone is different with recuperation. Surgeon told me only a few restrictions. It was a little more of a challenge when I was home (only 1 night in hospital) but I did prep for it.
With the stairs and living alone, the rehab could make it a lot easier for you in the beginning.
As far as which rehab, you might want to try to find out some info about them. The hospital can’t always recommend one but give a list. That happened with me when I needed a visiting nurse service for a wound pump situation. Fortunately I picked a great one.
i also live alone and was very worried about managing. i found that having 2 grabbers in the bedroom made dressing so much easier especially knickers and trousers. i also had a leg lifter, a bit like a dog lead which was great as my leg felt like a tree trunk and getting off and on the bed was hard. i bought a second hand walker with a seat for the kitchen diner, which enabled me to move plates and cups around. i couldn’t change the surgical stockings so had to pay carers to come in 3 days a week to do that, and also a cleaner twice a week to stop me freaking out. i have a trolley upstairs with a travel kettle and I put a little milk in a flask every day so I can make a drink in the evening without having to negotiate the stairs. i was given an extra pair of crutches when I asked and that means I don’t have to struggle on the stairs carrying a crutch under my arm. Most importantly I bought an elasticated money belt which I use to make sure my mobile phone can be with me at all times just in case I need to call for help.
i couldn’t afford convalescent care but everything I’ve done has made life much easier - although there’s nothing easy about any of it! Good luck.
You are an angel! Thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom with me.
Warm regards,
Georgette
I am, like you, an active 66 year old. I am just coming up to the end of week 2. I came home after 3 days but had someone here that assisted with showers and dressing and those horrid stockings. throughout the day I arranged a rota of friends who would bring lunch and provide hot drinks. I could not carry anything because I was on 2 crutches.
I bought self a flask for hot drinks that has a handle on it that allows me to carry it from the kitchen to the living room.
By the beginning of the second week, around day 8, I was able to walk with one crutch and my life was transformed.
I totally agree that if you can arrange rehab for the first week you will be fine after that.
Hope it all goes well for you.
Laura
Thank you so much and I’m glad you’re feeling better! Friends have set up a food train for me . . . feeling very grateful. My townhouse is 3 floors, but the main floor is an entirely open concept. My kitchen, living room and dining room are all on the main floor, no steps, nor doors. I also have a powder room on the main floor. My bedrooms are upstairs, but I expect to sleep in my over-sized recliner on the main floor. I purchased a medical 4" pillow to raise me and I have bar height counter stools, which I’m thinking replicate the “high chairs” at the hospital. I have my shower chair in my master shower, but I expect I won’t be rushing to shower. I have two canes when I had both knees replaced, I never used crutches. Right now I use my hands to bear the weight of my right leg when getting in and out of my car. I expect I’ll need something when I eventually sleep in my bed and I think that one of my dog leashes will be helpful. I’m really going to push hard for even a few day of in-patient rehab. My son in Philly will care for my 2 dogs, but my friends work or are moving out of New Jersey. When I had both knees done, I was in in-patient for 2 weeks. I called Medicare and they will cover it if the surgeon writes a script for it. He seems to think that giving me an extra night in the hospital will do the trick. I’m practicing patience and acceptance 
Thank you for the wonderful feedback!
Georgette we are all different, i am fit 60 year old six weeks postop second hip. I was independant showering and dressing from day one. up stairs independantly on two crutches from first day home, i had three nights in hospital. able to get my own breakfast and cook dinner as my husband cant cook. i used my pick up sticks often, i didnt have to wear stockings.
my biggest advice is to write down all your meds because my memory was rubbish and i couldnt remember what i had taken or when. take pain relief by the clock for the first week at least so you can do your exercises. The nights are the hardest time to get comfortable. i had no issue getting in and out of bed never needed a foot lifter, good luck and merry Christmas
WOW!!! You’ve given me so much hope! I am very independent and had been active until a year ago when the back and hip pain began. Had my knees replaced in 2011 and was in in-patient rehab for two weeks and even in rehab I bounced back. I think I’m just feeling vulnerable. I am a widow, and was a widow in 2011. I needed to hear what you said! The current plan s 2 night stay. I have to stop projecting and get back in the day!
Have a wonderful holiday and know that you really made my day!
Don’t forget – everyone is different. Especially if you’re physically active and healthy before your surgery, you may have an easy recovery.
For example, I’m 70 and in good health. I had my revision-THR surgery at 2pm on Sept. 12. By 11pm, I was taking 10 laps around the ward using a walker. By 9am the next morning, I had graduated to crutches. By 2pm the next day, I went home. The only pain meds I took were 500mg Tylenol - one in the am and one in the pm. I also took Gabapentin for 2 weeks to reduce nerve inflammation.
Our bedroom is on the 2nd floor, and I was able to get up the stairs (slowly) upon arriving home. I did get a raised seat for the toilet and still had a device to help put on socks. I had an in home PT come twice a week for 2 weeks, but my rehab most consisted of walking. The first week I did 4,000 to 5,000 steps. By the 2nd week, I went up to 8,000, and by the 3rd week 10,000 steps.
It’s now 3 1/2 months after surgery, and I’m 95% back to normal. I still feel a bit weak in my left leg after a five mile hike, but only at the end.
Many others on this board have not been as lucky as I. But I wanted to post this just to let you know that you won’t necessarily have a very difficult time.
Dear Chaco - you are truly amazing! As I sit here in an in-patient rehab. The THR was tough because when I came out of surgery the pain was excruciating and it took a while to get it under control. I hit a brick wall and had a meltdown. Fortunately, despite my protest, my son spoke to the surgeon, PA and Social Worker and here I am in rehab. I’m very grateful that he was so insistent because I am in an excellent and get stronger every day. Surgery was 12/26 and I’ve been here since 12/28. I should not be here too much longer. I am using a walker and confined to my room, nevertheless the staff reminds me to slow down. Tomorrow I have rehab for 45 minutes in the morning and 2 hrs & 15 minutes in the afternoon. We’re going to practice going up and down the stairs with a cane. So, my friend, you are truly an inspiration!
Hi Georgette,
Sorry to hear you were in so much pain after your op, at least you are through the worst. You are lucky to have so much physio and so soon, (I was not given any) you will soon be walking your dogs again. Good luck with the rest of your recovery. 
Thank you so very much! I’m amazed when I read of others who were active, nor in extensive pain shortly after surgery. When I had both knees done, I was one of those people. I won’t complain, because I’ve seen so many here that are gravely ill . . . such as the 17 yr old once healthy teenager, who is now a parapalegic, as well as many amputees and brain injuries. My hip is a luxury problem compared to those whom I am surrounded with. I’m not a saint, so I just need to air out a bit. I thought I would go home immediately and be skating around my neighborhood I’m suspecting that is because I did not have the anterior and when I look at the incision and it’s understandable. This too shall pass and soon I’ll be back home.
Happy New Year and thanks for reaching out!
Wishing you a speedy recovery. It sounds as if you are in a good place, and well supported. Onwards and upwards, and I wish you a happy new year!
Thank you Judith - the same to you