Three months ago I fell and broke my left femoral neck. After all this time I know I have a non-union that is going to be surgically repaired with a hip replacement. Feelings of anxiety, nervousness and relief are all hitting me at one time. I know it is going to be a long recovery, but at least I know the recovery will begin after this major surgery.
I am so glad I found this form. It is very helpful. Wish me luck! I will come back here and let you know how I feel after the surgery.
By the way, I am a 46-year-old man living in Miami Florida.
I can't imagine the pain of breaking your hip! I hope the surgery finds comfort for you. I waited 20+ years to finally get both of my hips replaced. So far so good!! I'm not sure why you think going to the restroom will hurt? If you use a raised toilet seat, it's not bad at all, and much easier to get up from. Best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
Good luck Ricky! Sorry for your current troubles, but glad you are on deck for a replacement and recovery from this painful situation.
Plan for some pampering and support during the first two weeks of recovery - you will appreciate it. And line up some distractions (favourite videos, music, puzzles or books) to keep your mind off the pain and swelling after the operation. It is tough but once you start to recognize the function returning and healing going on, it gets much better. But ...this is NOT a quick fix, so try to get your head around the layers and types of healing needed - it will be easier if you see this as a longer term project.
I strongly recommend spending time on Graham's website www THR UK or (add dots between these). He has incredible resources there including a time line for recovery and summaries of advice by topic.
Best wishes for a very successful operation and smothered recovery.
PS - sessions on the toilet aren't so bad (get the high toilet seat though). Eat lots of fibre (grains, prunes and other fruit or use over the counter meds to keep you regular as the meds will 'stop you up'.
Cheers.
L (64 yr Cdn woman at 16 weeks waiting for her other hip to be replaced)
Ricky, I was right where you are 4 weeks ago and listen to me when i tell you to listen to everyone here.... Relax things will be so much better after. I know it's easier said than done but I promise they were right!!! I don't even use a cane anymore! Another thing they were right on is one user said to me don't worry about the surgery worry about having patience for recovery.... You want to do things you haven't done before but there are rules of recovery to follow. Follow everything you are told to do! Good luck and keep us posted...
I also broke my femur. They didn't repair some of the fracture during surgery and told me it would never heal and could collapse due to necrosis.
However, at my last x-ray a few weeks ago (around 6 months post-op), I was told that all was looking good and that the area is not dead and appears to be healing.
I hate that I had the fall and needed the op in the first place, as I am sure you also do. However, I have a lot of hope, especially since that last x-ray. I've been doing some volunteer work in the past two weeks which has involved a lot of squatting and standing for extended periods. I'm fine in the moment, but always in significant pain by the time I get home. I've found it's nothing that a hot bath and a rest can't fix, so I'm sure it's all good.
Keep your spirits up! It might be a long recovery, but you will have victories along the way that will buoy you...
warm welcome to our hippies forum where we share our personal stories and experiences - it is overwhelming, isn't it ? we have been there, done that, some of us twice or more -
it is going to be alright ---
the bathroom issue is less challenging for a man , but I appreciate the sitting on seat part - definitely get a raised toilet seat
sending you light, love and healing -
you are in good hands - have faith and know that all is well -
Hi Ricky and welcome to the forum . I see others have advised you re raised toilet seat - definitely helps in first few weeks , and they will give you meds to make things ' easier' - bad luck on the non union of your fracture - unlucky . Best of wishes for your op xxx
Hello everyone, sorry for the late reply. I have been in the hospital since Monday. I got my left hip replaced with a dual radius hip replacement from Stryker. The doctor gave me this because it has less wear and tear and it is designed for younger patients. I did have a complication though. My doctor had to make the incision much bigger because my muscles were filled with scar tissue from my initial accident three months ago. That is what is actually causing me the majority of the pain.
One day after surgery I walked with a walker and today I did much better. But I am still in a lot of pain. Tomorrow I will be discharged and I will be going to a rehab for therapy.