Left hip replacement scheduled in 2 weeks. Having second thoughts. Been reading about complications such as sepsis happening even years later! Can be caused from uti or influenza! Makes u second guess
Hi Kda,
I had my hip op in april and the positive is I have not had any pain since. I was in hospital for 2 days and did not know anything about op. Yes, recovery can take a few months but, it is a big operation, but you will be walking the following day.
You can get an infection from anything at anytime and I will be honest never heard of anyone getting sepis years later from a hip op. Every operation carries a risk, I got a blood clot in the lung at week 7/8 but, life is a risk.
Go and have your hip op and I bet you will come back and say how pleased you are you had it done.
My hip replacement is scheduled in 2 weeks time as well. I had a bit of a wobble about it last week. I kept thinking what if this happens and that happens. I came to the conclusion that anything has got to an improvement on this dreadful pain i’m suffering at the moment. I’ve looked at all the risks but there are risks in all areas of life. Just to be pain free and get normality back in my life is going to outweigh any risks.
I really hope you can think positively and manage to have your surgery.
Best wishes
Thanks! Oh I didn’t mean you get sepsis from implant, I’ve heard if u get an infection in blood stream such as uti or something else it can spread to hip implant and become quite serious. Sometimes antibiotics can’t treat it completely & implant has to be removed until healing takes place. Hopefully that will never happen!
Hi I'm sure you know the statistics regarding hip replacement so I want go into the actual numbers as their not going to be of interest to anyone and are going to be a lot lower than you imagine.
Sepsis is not something restricted to hip replacement or any other surgical procedure, you can get sepsis with the flu/UTIs and many other things so whether you have had a surgical procedure or not it's still a possibility.
Keeping clean is obviously something you will do after your op any way so that will reduce your chances of any infections after and although I haven't had mine yet I actually know loads who have had it done without looking back once.
Remember that keeping hydrated is an absolute must to help keep any infections at bay.
My sister was taken into hospital two weeks ago due to dehydration and possible sepsis, shes fine now but a bit sensibler where fluids are concerned, you will be absolutely fine I am sure because you know how to care for yourself well
I'm on the forum now, but I suspect in a few weeks I won't be. The reason? I went through with the surgery. I'm on my way to being pain free in almost a year. I won't be able to run, but I will be able to walk around the park with my grandson, go on vacations and do a little hiking, ride a stationary bike. I understand your fears, and I had them too.
As for infection, just take some precautions. Starting two days before the op, they had me take a shower each night, then go to bed in just cleaned clothes and sheets. Had to repeat this the night before surgery. Freshly laundered clothes each day. Then, morning of surgery, another shower & clean clothes.
After surgery, they said no dental work for 3 months, and then a course of antibiotics one hour before the dental work the rest of my life. It also follows that one should keep one's teeth and gums in tip-top shape, since that's a good source of infection.
I love gardening, but from now on you can bet I'll pay much more attention to wearing gloves and replacing them as soon as there's a hole.
I used to work out in the gym, but gyms are pretty filthy places, especially the weights. So I'm going to get a stationary bike and a set of weights and do my workouts at home.
In other words, a lot of common sense measures, and you should be just fine.
The best surgeon and hospital is the key.
I know you did not mean from the operation, the point I really wanted to make is you could fall over get an infection etc, yes it us true infections can go to the hip joint but, you cannot look at life in that way. If you had an accident and they performed an emergency hip op you would get stuck with it anyway. You will be fine.
Don’t have second thoughts, sadly things can only get worse with your hip not better. Hip replacements is one of the most successful ops in the world. Anyone can get sepsis, like anyone can get hit by a bus crossing the road.
I had my right hip op 7 weeks ago and I am amazed how quickoy I am progessing. Off sticks at 2 weeks, walked nearly 2 miles at 3 weeks and driving at 5 weeks. Went back to the gym last week. Best advice . Do your exercises, get enough rest, keep hydrated and lots of walking. I feel fantastic and have so much more energy now the pain is gone. Go for it and remember that a lot of people will put negative things on forums like this because they have a problem and are looking for help. There are thousands more like me who have positive experiences and most of them don't post on forums. Good luck with your op. You won't regret it!
Never take THR surgery for granted. There's a downside to everthing. What is the alternative to not doing thr. You could risk,loosing your mobility or waiting until the damage to the joint area will be complicated to repair or choose to live in severe pain without thr.
I have had both hips done and one revision. There are flu shots and immunizations available as well as precautions taken such as antibiotics are recommended for dental proceedures to keep you safe and healthy. Life is good and thr is a great way to maintain a healthy happy pain free life.
Best wishes and soon you will be on your way to enjoying life free of pain!
I totally agree. I am 7 weeks post op and very happy with the result. I feel human again and almost back to normal. Got quite excited a few days ago when I discovered I can now sit on a regular height loo without feeling that I'm about to fall in. It's amazing how such a small thing that you usually take for granted can make you feel so good. Dread to think how excited I'll be when I can manage to cut my toe nails! Go for your op and I wish you all the very best. If you recover as well as I am, you will be really happy.
Most people do well, but there is always a risk. Lots of people get a septic joint even with no surgery. Balance your personal risk benefit from surgery and go for it if the benefit is significant. S**t happens and no one gets out of here alive 😉
Treat yourself to a pedicure. You deserve it.
My daughter said the same. I think I'll do just that. Be nice to be pampered for a bit.
Hi. i had my left hip replacement 4 weeks ago. the difference is amazing. i dont feel any pain whatsoever, from what i had felt. it does take some time for total recovery, but you will feel so much better. just follow all that physical theraphy tells you.. i was only in the hospital over nite. i was walking a bit the same day i had my op. now after almost 4 weeks. i have some discomfort around where the joint is but no real pain. my pain level has never been more than a 2 or a 3 being 10 the worse. i do hope that you do well
Hi Marion..i had my op 4 weeks ago this coming friday. i still have a little discomfort around where the joint it, but have never had any real pain. you said you were walking after 3 weeks...did you have any discomfort at all? this is what i am wondering. i had my left hip done, and drove 2 weeks after my surgery. but am wanting to start walking some distances. i am still using the walker some, but progressing to my cane.
Exactly my experience, Dave. I am now at 7 weeks and doing most everyday tasks I normally do. Ditched the walking sticks at 2 weeks and started driving last week. Like you, I have some soreness in deep tissue around the joint which is obviously still healing. I still do my exercises religiously and walk twice a day. Keep it up, Dave. It's so worth it.
I am pretty much like you, Dave. Some soreness deep inside and I can tell muscles and ligaments aren't settled yet but no pain whatsoever. I have never had a problem walking even at 3 weeks. I am now 7 weeks and have been discharged completely by the surgeon and physios. It's all up to me now.
thank you marion. i've started walking more and noticed that the soreness and stiffness at the joint have subsided more . yes i know. keep on excercising and walking. it only strengthens the joint area. i golf so i know i have to wait for at least 3 or 4 more months.