Hi all,
After years of pain and one crap consultant I finally saw a great Dr on Monday who immediately said I need a replacement as my oesteoarthritis is severe. I knew I was in pain obvs but still came as a shock and I'm still getting my head around the fact I need a new hip and I'm not even 40! However I have reached a point where I am so limited with my mobility ans in pain that I just want to get it done!
my main worry is the recovery, as a busy mum who also works (kids are 10 and 7) I just need to be up and about!
Dear Jane
Yes it must have been a shock but it is best to get it sorted. Your best plan of action should be to find a surgeon who has lots of experience and who has a good track record. In the UK you can find this out by checking hospital records.
Good luck
Richard
Hi Jane
i was just as shocked in my forties following a similar route as you. I had a THR last Feb in UK and it is absolutely the best thing I have ever done. The no driving bit is probably the biggest issue in recovery but at 7 and 10 your kids are capable of more than you know in the house ie washing up, tidying own rooms, sorting own clothes, loading emptying dishwashers and washing machines etc. Obviously direction and supervision where necessary. Make the most of everyone in your household. Wrt school wasn't an issue for us as kids a bit older but friends will rally round as they will probably be horrified that you are 'choosing' to have this op. Physio was good and continued until I had so limp at all which was important as I didn't want anything to wear out the operated hip or the other one. Walking is the answer, I think my whole neighbourhood knows me now although I think as it was Feb half term they assumed the crutch was for a ski injury not post an 'old persons' op.
Stay in touch with this forum you'll get tonnes of support and info.
dear jane,
warm welcome to this hippies forum - we come in all ages and stages and share our personal experiences and stories ...
we have been there, done that - some are still sitting on the fence or about to have hip replacement surgery - no better group for support and understanding ...
it comes as a shock, doesn't it ... hip replacement surgery is not just for 70- 80-90 years people any more -
right now we have a forum member who is scheduled for surgery this coming monday who is not even 30 years of age yet ...
it doesn't make you feel better, I know .. I was 66 when I was told that I had severe OA and thought I was way too young ...
we also have mothers with young children here on the forum -- Hopefully they will see your post and respond to you ... only thing I can say is that they had it done and made it !!!
one of our valued members has created a web site where you can find a lot of information:\https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147 - scroll all the way down to 487147 A layman's Guide ...
Do you mind to share a little bit more about yourself/
where are you in the process? did an Orthopedic Surgeon give you the diagnosis -
this is very overwhelming, so, when you are ready, do first things first - don't allow anybody to put pressure on you ...
come back here any time with your questions and concerns okay ...
it will be alright ...
big warm hug
renee
Hi Jane
I may not be 40 but I just had my right hip replaced a month ago. Like you I had no choice. My job consists of walking 5 hours a day. It was getting impossible to perform my job and when I left for the day I was almost in tears. I took it for a year but finally decided to take the plunge. I researched my surgeon thoroughly and all the reviews from his previous patients had wonderful things to say about him. That is your whole key. Make sure your surgeon is good. I for one had no pain. Only took one pain pill to actually see if they work. If I had pain I took two tyenol. One thing you have to keep to your exercises. I for one had no restrictions after surgery. They say it is the way my surgeon performed the surgery. There are other surgeons that have restrictions on what you are allowed to do. You are going to be sore. There is no doubt about that. But you have to keep moving. I only used the walker for a week and now I only use the cane outside of the house. In the house I walk without it. My walk is not great yet but I am working on it. I also take calcium, vitamin D3 and protein shakes twice a day. Your children are at the age where they can help and mostly take care of themselves. You must have help around the house and for the first week or so to help you. Be independent. If I can help you by talking to you I will be more then glad to. One way you get through this is by talking to people that had it done and learn from their experiences. It has helped me. You are not alone.
Recovery isn't easy, but we all seem to come through it more or less intact 
, in fact many do it without a partner to help them. As Renee has said, look at my website, it has many tips from myself, my wife, and many other hippies on this forum, the address is in my personal info here ...
http://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025
and at the bottom of the moderator's "useful resources" page at
http://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147
and always remember to come back to this forum whenever you need. 
Best wishes
Graham - 🚀💃 🤸
I think the answer to an easier recovery is having what you need at home when you return from the hospital. Find out the type of surgery you will be having, anterior or posterior as each has their plus and minuses. I had a mini-posterior, which is just a posterior with a very small scar, about 2 to 3" on the back-side area of the hip. All posteriors require at least 8 weeks of restrictions after surgery so the ball does not dislocate. The restrictions make life more difficult for those 8 weeks but once they are over, they will be forgotten. Basically ou cannot bend or let yourself get your body or hip in a more than 90% position. Your hips should never be higher than your knees. This means you cannot bend to pick things up, empty the hamper, load the dishwasher etc. It is even difficult to dress yourself. If you plan ahead and buy these good grabbers, I got 26" soft tip RMS ones advised by my therapist. I was given one, but bought 4 more to have them handy in each room so you are not tempted to bend over. Have a toilet riser, it is a must for the first few weeks, a wedge shaped cushion is great for riding in the car, going out to eat etc. as many seats put your knees above your hips. If you have those things in advance and put your necessities within reach without bending you will do well. I am 7 weeks post op, almost to my 8 weeks. I saw my doctor this past week and he said I could start doing minor bending etc., but not to the floor. He said I could drive now, but haven't yet, expect to this week. I had a huge fear of dislocation. I've been through a lot, had left knee replacement then 11 months later left hip replacement. The knee still hurts but the hip was easy pain wise. It gets tired if you do a lot and then gets achy but no severe pain, except the 2nd day at the hospital. There was a mix up and I got no pain meds. The first 3 days in the hospital are a bit tough but once I it home I was showered and dressed the first day home. I did sit a lot but could walk with walker to bathroom etc. Walker lasted 2 weeks, had home physical therapy and quickly went to cane. I still use cane if I leave house and when I am tired. I think I would not need it if I did not still have knee pain. Both replacements were on same leg so it has it's moments of weakness. I'm doing well though and wonder why I waited with the hip, it's not nearly as difficult as the knee was. Be prepared and you will be fine.
Hi Jane,
Booking the surgery is the first step. I felt much better once I got the date. I had the same concerns as you. I'm a busy working mom in the NYC area and my biggest worry was/is how long I wIll be out of commission. I had anterior RTHR 8 days ago. Keep in mind anterior recovery is much quicker than posterior. Surgery was on Friday and I got out on Sunday late afternoon, with no complications. My father is staying with us to take care of me and entertain the kid while my husband works. The first 3 days at home were harsh and all I did was shuffle on my walker from bed to living room. A physical therapist comes every day to for 20-30 minutes of exercise which is great but leaves me sore and exhausted rest of day. I am taking pain meds every 5 hours and icing every 2. On day 7 we drove to pharmacy and out to lunch. Same with today. I am starting to transition from walker to cane. My father leaves Tuesday and then I will have to do a lot more on my own. I'm trying to rest up as much as I possibly can before then. I'm taking the first 2 weeks for rest but then I need to start working from home. I'm worried about my daughter going stir crazy- and driving me nuts. I am hoping to return to work 3 days a week beginning of August. My commute is pretty rough. It's bus, subway and according to my fit bit over a mile of walking. I have already paid for childcare, so I better be ready! It's only been 8 days and I am so sick of being cooped up at home. I hate that everyone has to do everything for me. I have a reacher which is great but the dang thing is always in the wrong room when I need it.
Best,
Nikki
Hi Nikki. Had the same procedure done a month ago. One thing different I didn't need pain pills. Used walker for a week and have been on cane when I leave the house. In the house I manager to get around without a device. Started driving after 3rd week. You must make sure u can change from gas to brake. At first it was a little sore but I was determined. Like you I was going stir crazy being cooped up. May I make a suggestion take your calicum vitamin D3 and protein shakes. Most important walk, walk and walk. Don't give up it gets easier. Get plenty of rest also
Are u in the UK? If not, find a surgeon who uses the Anterior hip replacement method. Much easier recovery, no90 degree restrictions as with the old method. Most surgeons in my area (Southern California) only use the anterior method. Much smaller incision also, mine is only 3 1/2 inches. Yes, I measured. Look up Lara Spencer on Google. She is a host on Good Morning America that had the anterior hip replacement surgery in her early forties. Her recovery is amazing. You will be fine. I was driving again at day 12 after surgery. But mine was left hip, and I had been off pain meds for 5 days. I am walking fine W/o cane. Walked 2.5 miles this morning, one month after surgery. Let all of your friends know you are having surgery, they will certainly help. We had a meal train coming to our house for two weeks!
Hi Jane I'm 30 and having a thr tomorrow due to OA. I am also a teacher so I understand how you might be worrying about the kids and work. The best advice I have gotten is to make sure you have adapted your house etc to suit your needs after surgery. Then just focus on your post op exercises and recovery. Going into my op I am very focused on not over doing it as I need to be up and running for work in September. Your health always comes first. Good luck!
Thanks all, great advice! I have a great surgeon now who I specifically asked for as I know he specialises in working on younger patients. I'm in uk so prob anterior not available, I have a date for 'hip school' in September when I'll hopefully find out more. My op is booked for 6th October, which actually is a 'good' time as we can have summer and then hopefully I'll be recovered in time for Christmas!
I need to get it done as the pain is relentless, waking me at night etc and I just can't do much physically which is v frustrating. And yes I will be tasking the kids to help out much more post op! Xxx
Dear Jane
Not sure it makes any difference what age patients are to a competent surgeon but I do think it is a mistake to delay the surgery if you need it.
Cheers
Richard
Good luck for tomorrow! Think I'll be a bag of nerves the day before my op, hope you're feeling ok. Keep us posted on how you get on. I'll be really interested to find out how you get on xx
Thanks! A little nervous but looking forward to being pain free and getting my social life back! 
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for the advice. I am taking calcium and will add in a protein shake. I can't imagine going without pain pills. My leg hurts so bad. After 7 days I'm trying to cut down to one and a half oxy every 5 hours from 2 but I'm just suffering for it. I also take Tylenol in between and it's just no enough to dull it. I know it's best to get off them so I'm sticking with the reduction. Driving at 3 weeks would be amazing 😜
Hi Nikki, don't feel you have to try to reduce your meds if you are in pain. I took everything prescribed for the first 2 weeks, then cut down because I wasn't really having any pain. Take it steadily.
All the best for tomorrow. I teach too, had my op mid July last year, and was back at work late September. ( I did pop in a bit at the beginning of term though, and for some part days.)
Yes the main thing, be happy with your surgeon. Where are you having your op?
Hello Jane
I was forty too and have two children, similar age...so I know the fear you have for the operation and also for your children. I got the point of no return, and the pain became impossible trying to live a normal life.
My best advice would be to max out on help and childcare for the first six - eight weeks. When is your operation? For the first four weeks you are going to need help with most things, cooking, cleaning and basic needs. After three weeks you will be able to cook and get around much more, I started driving at this point but I do have an automatic car and it was my right hip (check the insurance and emergency brakes before driving)
I prepared the house in the same way I did for the birth of my children. Spring clean the house, get the birthday cards and presents sent, spares of everything, many cooked freezer food, lots of things that your children can prepare themselves. Plenty of fruit, yoghurts and cathedral city crackers that come with cheese and can be made by your little ones themselves safely. Download tons of films for you to watch, and for them when they are with you. I made a basket full of crafts and things to do so they were not bored when I did not feel up to much. A freezer full of healthy ice lollies.
Do not arrange to see or do anything for the first month. I went out for the afternoon around the end of week two, but you tire so easily and feel exhausted alot.
Who will be looking after you? Do you have a plan? Perhaps a timetable so you have lots of help.
The important thing is to remember your recovery is more important than almost anything, once you are better and well you will be able to enjoy motherhood again. You will be active and pain free and happy. So just focus on the end result, keep doing your exercises every day (my girls joined in with mine) and try to rest as much as you can. You will want to to hurry the recovery, but in my experience it takes time. But it is SO worth it in the end! I am so happy I had mine done.
Keep in touch with the forum it is a wonderful source of reassurance, support and information.
Wishing you the best Jane