Pain in right hip led to my general practitioner to order X-rays. Yesterday he said, how do you fell about a hip replacement? I burst out crying! I'm a 66 year old gal and always was very active and worked out. I thought I was taking care of myself for the future? Boy, was I wrong. I have an appt Aug 12 with an orthopedic surgeon. I'm most scared of the aftercare. We have an old dog, we love very much, so moved our mattress onto the floor. I'm worried I won't be able to get up from that position. My question here, ( so glad I found you) is what item do I need to get to be prepared for the 4 weeks after surgery? Thanks for any comments
Hi, you will find this forum a wealth of knowledge and experience as we've all been there done it - some more than others (I'm on my 3rd!)
I've found that every hospital approaches things different, for me before the op date I had the health team come round to the house and ensure everything was the correct height for me, they provided a chair (nicknamed the chair of despair) and toilet frames.
I've heard of other hospitals run a 'replacement' group before the op dates which allows you to talk to others who are planned for a simular op at the same time and to speak to others that have already been through it.
Couple of things I couldn't have lived without, a small backpack and a grabber.
Good luck
Hi Debbi I read through the lines here that you are so upset that you may have damaged yourself, well the thing is is you now have Artheritis and have to get better, there is nothing to blame, just think after the operation you wont have any walking problems or age associated hip problems, you will be rebuilt, We all felt like that blamed ourselves for the outcome, but the rest of you body must be in better shape because of the regular training, these days thay can rebuild you, and you might have got it anyway...you will just need a backpack for small shopping trips, and the Occupational health people at the hospital will advise you and give you things to help you through, and we are all here too, welcome to the group, I have just had my second one done and I am only 54, Kind regards Ian.
Thank you!
Yes, I felt I did it, thank you for reading between the lines!
Hi Debbie don't quite follow why you have put the Mattress on the floor? But don't start bringing problems into it,me and the Hippies will be backing you up,look forward and be positive,good luck Michael
Oh, sorry I wasn't clear. My phone led dog has had joint problems since he was 4 years. He couldn't jump. So, we put the mattress on the floor to make it easier for him. It's been there 10 years. Thx Michael
Hi Debbi, like you I was totally unprepared for the diagnosis when I saw the surgeon back n March. It took me quite a few weeks to really get my head around it all. I just couldn't believe that the terrible pain in my knee was related to the hip. I'm your age and have been very active for most of my life. Can we both take comfort from all the good advice the folks who have been through it all give on this forum? I sincerely believe so. They have truly "got the tee shirt". We must also appreciate that this operation is very common nowadays. I don't really follow your comment concerning the mattress. As you will see from other comments, you must be able to sit and sleep comfortably after the operation and your bed and chairs must be a certain height. I very much doubt you would be able to get up from the floor after the op. I can't get up from the floor with my poor knees and I haven't had the op yet! Try to think positive, picture yourself after the op, and all the things you will be able to achieve, free from pain. Good luck to you. Keep smiling.
Hi Debbi
I too wondered at 43 why I had to have a THR and as I was asked "did you do a lot of sport" I started to wonder if all the years of aerobics etc on unsprung floors could have worn me out... But arthiritis is arthiritis... I don't particularly know why I had it but now it's gone and I have a nice brand new hip.
I had to attend a little pre op class at my hospital with a few others having replacements, to discuss the aftercare needs. I liked loose clothing that I could slip on relatively easily post op. little bag that slips over the body to carry things around the house especially when using the crutches. Also used a grabber and toilet seat risers, the hospital provided the latter. In the early days I needed a commode, that was provided through my GP and local health authority. Also I had Home Help come three times a day for the first couple of months as I was alone all day otherwise. Again that was through my GP and LHA.
Please don't worry too much, everyone on here will give good advice and support.
all the best
Juliet
Dear Debbi,
I was shell shocked when my consultant told me I needed a hip replacement...I did'n even know what it was!!! I am 65 years old, active, I am still in full time work, I went to a gym all my life, I like swimming, gardeniong, walking in the countryside etc.etc. I had my op on the first of June and I am so much better than before the op...The first few weeks are tough, but the ricover is quick....For the first four weeks you will not be able to sleep on a mattress on the floor but after this time you will be able to return to your normal life. Arthritis, ostearthritis etc. are to blame, not us! Fortunately this op has 95% success rate , so we cannot complain too much! Keep writing here, it's good to share our worries with others.
Big hugs and best wishes
Ella
Thanks Jennifer
Good info Jennifer! I haven't been around long enough to know what THR is, guessing total hip replacement? What is LHA? Thanks for your comment!
Juliet, sorry
Thank you, all of your comments make me feel so much better! I'm following you!
Haha 
yes it's Juliet!
You're right THR is total hip replacement. I had a LTHR (left).
LHA = Local Health Authority
And you're very welcome, hope the comments help you!
Like the others, grabbers, something to carry things around the house, loose clothes, kitchen stores or other equipment at waist height. Afraid you will need to sleep on a bed of a certain height for a few weeks. Could the dog have a ladder or just be beside you on the floor
Thanks Maggie, I'll have to work soon me thing out with my dog, lol! I wonder if it's worth renting a hospital bed for a month or so?
Yes, helped very much! I don't feel alone in this anymore!
I bought a hospital bed and had it at at home, and it was a lifesaver for me and a great help as I could sleep downstairs, so not disturb (throughout the night) my boyfriend, who gets up very early for work and was close to a loo and the kitchen... Good for 4am pottering post op! Are you in London because it needs a good home and I'm going to sell it for less than I bought it for. It's only £150
Well California isn't too close to London, lol