What should I be doing/getting before THR? Any hints and tips?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Thanks to advice on this forum I have now decided to have a THR. Just wondering what I should be doing or getting ready before the surgery? Any things I should be getting to aid my recovery or make things a little easier?

2

As much exercise as you can bear to do with the pain, the fitter you are the quicker your recovery. I appreciate this might be almost nil, but even the smallest amount to keep your muscles strong is worth doing.

Freezing dinners so you have plenty of meals that are full of vitamins and are good for you. You are not going to easily be able to cook for yourself on crutches. 

Get your spring clean done in your house - enlist help if you can. Family and friends so your house is sparkling and it is one less thing to worry about when you come back.

Prepare your home with aids, and make sure your bed is the right height and you have chairs ready that are all quite high

Write ten good reasons why you are doing this, and what your goal will be when it is fixed. It is good to go back to if you start to feel nervous.

Keep a diary - I wish I had, amazing to see your progress

Send out all birthday cards/presents now so you have just your recovery to think about.

Think twice about making arrangements to see anyone in the first three weeks, you are likely to feel tired.

Good books, films and DVD, box sets all ready and waiting 

Comfortable clothes for your return home and a few months after. Leggings in extra large size so they are not tight, tunic tops, baggy summer dresses that sort of thing

Know in your heart it will all be worth it! 

3

Hi, I had this done 3 weeks ago and to prepare I went to the gym 4 days a week and took various classes. I feel it's made a massive difference to my recovery (even though I've nothing to compare it to) but I was out of hospital after 2 days. Since then I've hit the 12 week exercise targets and feel like I'm back to normal, no pain, no crutches, bit stiff in morning but otherwise pretty good. I think my overall fitness and muscle strength from persevering at the gym made the process so much easier. I felt at the time that I was in pain anyway so might as well exercise (strange thing being that once I started at gym nothing hurt again).

I've pretty much been on my own since getting out apart from visitors but kids have been at school/college so had to manage and if I'm honest it's not been that difficult. Saying all that I'm only 46 years old and have no other health issues. Good luck with everything ☺️

4

Thanks Rose! Lots of things I hadn't considered

5

I agree totally with Rose and Kirsty but would just add do get a raised loo seat with frame so that your risk of dislocation is reduced. I've just booked one for my hip revision surgery planned next month unless it's again delayed.

Good luck

Richard

6

Thanks kirsty. At the moment I'm doing short walks every day and aqua fit once a week. That's about all i'm able for at the moment. Hope its enough as having surgery in June.

7

it's top of the list! thanks richard

8

Yes, you'll need a hip kit for sure, your Physical therapist will know what that is .

A valco shoes.

9

hi sinead, 

congratulations on making the decision ...

you are so lucky to have found this forum before your surgery ... I was clueless and went with what the pamphlet listed ---

here, however, you get the practical stuff ...

for furhter info please visit 

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-     scroll allnthe way down to : 487147 where you find the web site created by one of our valued members, based on tips and information from fellow forum members ...

and of course, always come back here -

do you have a surgery date yet?

big warm hug -

renee

10

Hi Sinead,

I am just on 6 weeks post op. I agree with everyone, and will add a few other things I found helpful too:

Headphones and /or ear plugs for the hospital (will help you rest when there's a lot of distracting noises)

A hip pillow - i found mine on Amazon, just search for one. This separates your knees, and helps you sleep on your side (in addition to double pillows between your legs) without crossing the midline. I also use mine to raise my ankle when I am on my back.

Ice packs. I didn't know about this one, sent my husband out for one as invaluable after a few physio exercises. I'd actually suggest 2, so that you always have a cold one.

I found this forum so helpful and continue to use it in my recovery, so do keep us informed on your progress.

All the very best to you

Caron

11

Hi Sinead

I think Rose has covered most things. A table next to where you will sit on return home so you can have all your meds, tissues, books, remote control etc I borrowed a tea trolley! Loose undies or go commando as anything slightly tight aggregates the wound! And as Rose said get everything done at home before you go as you really won't feel like it afterwards. Dry hair shampoo is great as you can't shower for a while. My daughter washed mine when I got home but it was hard work. Plenty of treats and snacks as your appetite won't be great at first.

Good luck keep us posted

Julie

12

I forgot get your toenails cut and take off polish as you won't get down there again for a while!

Julie

13

What are valco shoes??

14

thanks! yes this forum is so helpful! No date set yet...just been told it will be early june

15

thanks caron. Never thought of a hip pillow!

16

good tips!! you say you can't shower for awhile....how long is awhile?

17

Hi Sinead, probably velcro? I had some loose slip on shoes that I wore. I had my hip replaced last July, I think it's easier being a summer hippie. You can wear less clothes... I wore dresses for most of the first 6 weeks, easier than trousers, and I didn't need socks. (Though you will probably have to wear the Ted socks at the beginning) Also when it's warm you feel more inclined to go out walking.

I think everyone's given great advice already. Good luck!

18

Hi Sinead, it depends on the surgery. I had disolvable stitches and my wound was covered over with plastic. I had a shower in hospital on day 2, before I came home. I was lucky.

19

aww that makes more sense. I'm using slip on sketchers at the moment and they are great!

20

I have pain in my left hip which will need surgery soon - and I also go to the gym four times a week, the pain in my hip is quite intense, but as you said Kirsty we are in pain anyway - I just turn the music up so I can't hear myself think!

My husband tells me not to do so much as I am limping quite badly at the end of some days - but we know it is so much better to go into this with peak fitness and it makes me feel so good when I am there. I feel alive and well when I am at the gym, totally love going as much as I can.

Did you find the cross trainer made things worse? What did you do towards the end? I have been told by my consultant not to run and wear out new hip too early - so running machine is out as I find it SO boring on the treadmill without running. What did you do pre op? Some ideas would be great to vary the work out.

I am 42 and had my first THP 18 months ago - and so have been through the surgery so know what to expect for next time but this time I am enjoying the gym to the last minute - I do understand Sinead's situation as at the end I couldn't even get in the car much less to the gym. Good reason to get it done sooner rather than later.