Hi, I'm 43 on Tuesday and due a hip replacement next month due to degenerative arthritis from dysplasia as a child. I feel totally unprepared and scared, not for the actual op itself but for the recovery. I've informed work and they want to know how long I will be off, I've no clue. I'm a community carer so not exactly an easy light job.
Any advice welcome
Standard times in the UK are 6 to 12 weeks, depending on how physical your job is. I would suggest in your case that you should be OK in about 12 weeks.
Best wishes
Graham
Hello! Had right hip done 5/31/17 and then left hip 8/25/17..both anterior approach.
I remember feeling fear and anxiety. Now; a year out life is so GOOD. Feel great..and back doing things I love. Am 52; and an elementary PE teacher.
Recovery from hip surgery...was just resting for me. My doc ..believes “less is more..
Prayers..
Rest assured NON of my fears came true.
Hi
I am 58 and had the tried and trusted posterior approach end of March, I do manual work and the hospital told me to tell work I would be off work for at least 3 month in fact I was off for just under 4 month. As it is quite a long recovery due to muscle damage during the op.
I must say though I am now 5 months out and after the recovery period it feels great to be able to cycle and walk miles all pain free.
I have read posts where people have had the anterior approach which is less invasive and returned to work much sooner. Good luck with the op hope all goes well.
Hi cherilyn
I totally understand your worries as I had my 2nd hip replacement just after Christmas last year. I am 47. The main thing is not to rush your recovery and listen to your body and your consultant. As your body has gone through something major, giving yourself time is crucial. Dont feel pressured by others . Maintaining your exercises is important to build up muscle tone and flexibility. When you feel confident to do so and ONLY when you feel confident, you can set yourself small goals to achieve. Dont be afraid to ask for help as you will have restrictions/limitations as to what you can/ cant do. I was off work for 7 weeks + 9 days a/l. I went back on a phased retun for a couple of weeks so i built up my hours and was very careful as to what I was doing. I am a carer so physically not an easy job!
Also keep on top of your pain relief as this will help keep you comfortable but bear in mind constipation!
In the beginning tasks will take you longer to complete but remember there is no hurry!
So listen to the advice from physio. O.T and consultant and listen to your body. Only you know how you are feeling!
Best of luck to you.
We are here to help and support each othrr. Keep us posted.
Xx
Thank you all so much for the replies.
I had LTHR in November 2017 at the age of 40. I work in a retail job - lots of heavy lifting, on my feet 10 hours a day etc. I was off work for 8 weeks and would’ve gone back happily at 6 weeks but this fell at Christmas/ New Year so I had to wait for my follow up appointment. I’m in the UK and had posterior approach.
As others have said, allow 12 weeks for recovery. Do your exercises and rest. I work in the care industry, so I know what you will be returning to. Ensure to fully use all manual handling aides provided on your return, and insist they are, if they aren't. It'll take a good year or so to fully recover following your operation.
I am 50 and am waiting for a date for my op, surgeon wants me in as a matter of urgency for my left hip and to do my right once I'm recovered. I too have displagia. My sister, 8 years my junior, found out that she had it, last year. She had a procedure to remove honey growths, but is having a total hip replacement in November. I wonder if I'll beat her to it!
I am 51 and now 4 days post op for my total right hip replacement.
I had a total left hip done 6 years ago I’ve read a few of the other posts.
Listen to your body I also work in the caring profession.
Take what time you need to recover your having major surgery.
You need to learn to walk quite literally before you can run.
It’s life changing and think of how you will be pain free after all these years of suffering.
Good luck
Thanks for all comments.
It's all happened so fast, no time to think about it really, consultant only put me on his list at the end of July!!
I think I had to wait four months from the time my consultant put me on the NHS waiting list. I hope you do not have to wait so long. The important thing is to get as fit as possible so that should really help afterwards.
I am the same age as you, 43 and this is my second THP. My surgery is back for the 27th of Sep.
I was truly terrified before my surgery but actually the pain was okay. First few weeks are the worst, then you start to feel much better. The recovery is quite long, but you have to simply press on and keep going and it will be so worth it at the end. I am so happy with my new hip. Take your time and look after your body. I would imagine 4 months would be a good gauge and slowly return with easier tasks but five/six months should be much stronger.
*booked
Hi! I was also really scared about the op, but honestly, from the moment I went in to the Leighton Hospital in Crewe all was good. They all put me at ease and explained everything before the op. The surgeon was so nice. I had a spinal and had planned on listening to music on my ipod, but ended up chatting away to the anaethetist for most of the time. The 90mins went by so quick, and I was back on the ward in no time. The nurses give you all the pain relief you need and they stressed that there was no need to be a hero, if I needed more meds then I should just ask.
Rest assured you'll be fine!
Two weeks on and I am now recovering at home, walking well with two crutches at the moment, though I'm sure I could manage on one at times!
The surgeon stressed that I have to be careful and not get too cocky too soon! Onwards and upwards!
Good luck! You'll be fine!😘
Well I worked as a medical transportation driver and direct care provider for years until 2016 when I could barely walk without pain. I had just turned 60 and was unable to keep both my jobs. I applied for disability and was approved after 4 months. I had my first surgery this past January on left hip and was so afraid. I was so happy after it was done with a few depressed moments from the meds. My right hip will be replaced this Friday and the same surgeon will do it again. I know you want to go back to work but it will take time to give your new hip time to get better. Please do not rush it and take your time in the recovery phase. Doing the exercise and taking meds if you have to. I wish you the best and praying for your recovery.
Thank you, I've got 6 weeks until my op. Working 4 evenings a week and I'm struggling with the pain, finding it difficult to relax and sleep. I'm muddling through though as I know I'll be off a while afterwards .