topic Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips... in Wellness

Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

CatsyCline — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 00:16:05 GMT

i have hip replacement in 9 days. it came up suddenly as there was a cancellation. that person refused the mandatory COVID test

i scared DH telling him he must help me use a commode and that he has to give me sponge baths for 2 weeks.

but seriously, what am i in for? i'm just talking do i need velcro on/off pants, raised toilet seat...what??

have a dr visit to 2 days before surgery to get the pain/procedure lo-down but it may too late for the commode shopping

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

colleena — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 00:27:14 GMT

@CatsyCline Before my hip replacement surgery I had to attend an orientation put on by the hospital's bone replacement department - this was for the patient and partner. We were given a notebook explaining the process. I really recommend you do the pre surgery exercises as these help strenghten your muscles as you'll want to be able to use a walker or cane. There was someone from occupational therapy, physical therapy and just alot of question/answers. A raised toilet seat & grab bars for the bathroom/tub, a shower chair were all very helpful for me. & ask questions of your doctor/his assistant if you have any. Since you are having the surgery in 9 days there might not be time for the orientation but if there's a notebook explaining the process that's really a good thing to read, highlight any questions so you can ask ahead of time. Good luck.

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

pdlinda — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 00:34:48 GMT

I've had both my hips replaced. My left in 2008 using the posterior method and the right in 2017 using the anterior method.

Do you know which method your ortho surgeon will use? The aftercare differed for each.

The strides they have made in joint replacement post-op care is enormous. In 2008 I stayed in the hospital for 4 days. In 2017 I stayed in the hospital for 2 days and today I believe it's an overnight stay.

I used the raised toilet seat for both procedures. As I recall I purchased prior to surgery from Amazon. I also purchased a kit with different aids including a shoe horn, sock assist and a grabber (that I still use today) to help me reach things. The hospital provided the walker I needed for a few weeks post op.

The physical therapist came to the house both times. The exercises were different for each type of procedure. I did the exercises for a long time after the surgery and think it helped my recovery go smoothly.

Also, I went to a hospital orientation class in 2008; however, in 2017 I was suffering so much they got me in almost immediately so I missed the class; however, the manual they used in the class was available online so I used that for the info. They went into extensive detail about every aspect of the procedure. It was very helpful.

In both instances, I followed my doctor's orders and both times the recovery went quite smoothly. My both hips are trouble free and I have benefitted greatly from the surgeries. GOOD LUCK!!

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

KingstonsMom — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 00:52:19 GMT

@CatsyCline

I agree with @colleena , you should go ahead and get a shower chair and a riser for the toilet.

If you have a handheld shower attachment, you can do most of the showering, with DH's help for hard to reach places.

If your shower doesn't have a handheld attachment, you can easily add one from any big box store.

A walker can really help you get around, too.

If you don't want to buy these items, you can also rent them from medical supply stores.

And yes, you'll want easy on/off apparel, I would wear a nightgown/caftan/robe. etc. rather than pants, because it takes a lot of movement of your hips to put any kind of pants on.

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

Katcat1 — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 01:04:43 GMT

@CatsyCline Did you have a CT scan or MRI scan that indicates you need a hip replacement? I had a hip replacement. NEVER lift your leg up because you will dislocate your hip and the pain is unbearable. You definitely need a temporary toilet set lift and don't buy a cheap one. If you want to take showers you need to get the chair that you can sit on from outside the tub (remember no lifting legs) otherwise place a towel down and sponge bath yourself. Pull a chaie inro your bathroom. There will exercises you need to do. Usually you would go to a nursing home after surgery for a few days and receive PT. My surgery was a nightmare. I ended up with a staph infection, I dislocated the hip (that was my fault as I lifted my leg up on the tub -- I was screaming). I did not have control over the staph infection. If you follow my suggestions you will be fine. best of luck to you.

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

CatsyCline — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 01:52:27 GMT

Thank you all for your suggestions and help!

i am in so much pain espcially at night i don't know why it hits me in the early morning hours i am in complete agony and i have strong pain meds but they mess up my sleep and make me nauseous.

my hip is bad, its osteoarthritis, x ray showed it. had CT scan 2 weeksago. the bad hip leg is much shorter than the other leg.

ohh wow lots to think about. i knew about the toilet lift. i can't use the shower then becuase i woiuld have to lift my leg over the tub. the nightgowns are a good idea, mine are all short maybe i can pick up a few this week. the grabber, cushion and other items.

will ask aboiut orientation. hmm my first appt. with Ortho was over 2 months ago they never mentioned classes or orientation. i don't want to go to rehab because i had C-spine surgery 9 months ago and was sent to rehab it was a nightmare being there. i signed myself out

there is a PT and or nurse who comes to the house.

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

Anniedog — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 03:10:12 GMT

Check with your local senior center about borrowing medical items. Many will lend them for free.

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

Memebell — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 03:14:10 GMT

@pdlinda @How was the recovery comparing the anterior and posterior method? Was anterior any easier? Please share any differences.

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

colleena — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 03:14:23 GMT

@CatsyCline At home I was able to get both occupational & physical therapy and once you are able you probably will be sent for so many outpatient physical therapy appointments depending on your needs. Some people I know needed hardly any after surgery therapy but others depending needed more - I think it's important to use it as long as you need.

We have an agency, totally forgetting their name now, but one can get wheelchairs, walkers, canes, shower chairs, etc. for just a deposit & for as long as needed - so appreciated in our community. I got a shower chair that kind of goes over the edge of the shower so you can shimmy from outside the shower to inside the shower on it.

And, like mentioned above Amazon has all what you may need also.

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

pdlinda — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 03:27:21 GMT

@Memebell They hype the anterior as being far superior to the posterior; however, I found the recovery about the same. They say you can resume doing anything you normally do with the anterior in a short amount of time because they don't cut into the muscle; however, I'm told that they don't do that with the posterior method anymore.

They also said I could cross my leg with the anterior that was strongly discouraged with the posterior FOR LIFE.

I would say the most annoying thing with the anterior method was that the incision is in front of the hip so it's in direct contact with your panty line. Because of that, the upper portion of the scar took a longer time to heal because of the friction of getting into and out of underwear.

Of course, now the scar is almost invisible and my 2008 scar is completely invisible.

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

Memebell — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 03:50:17 GMT

1) Depending on how mobile the rest of your body and health is, you may want a bedside commode for the first few days. You don't want to rush to the bathroom when needed so it will help til you have a little more confidence and speed, especially in the middle of the night.

2) Buy a few pair of extra large panties. Your leg will likely be swollen and of course you will have stitches. You will just be more comfy with the extra size in the panties, especially the leg opening. You will use them for several weeks til the swelling goes down and until the scar is well on its way toward healing. You will also want loose fitting comfy pants as others have mentioned.

3) I agree a raised toilet seat and a chair for the bath are really pretty essential and help with your independence. Once again, depending on your mobility, your husband may indeed have to help with your wiping for a couple of weeks....sorry but that's the only way I know to put it.

4) You don't have to live in fear of raising your leg....several of your exercises will do just that. The issue is not lifting past a certain angle which they will show you. They will make sure you know how to safely get yourself in and out of the shower before they discharge you. If they don't, make sure you request that they do,

5) Be faithful to your precautions but also to the exercises. The success of your surgery is pretty much solely dependent on how well you do these two things. Push yourself even when it hurts like $&#@, but do it properly! Also remember to excercise your other leg both before and after surgery. You will be using it help you so keep it strong and as mobile as possible.

6) You may want to set yourself up a basket to keep close by with some books, magazines, crochet, anything you would like to do while you are on the mend. This might help you from driving hubby crazy bringing you things. By the same token you may want to stock your kitchen so the both of you can have things easily available the first few days after you come home. This will help lighten the load and stress for both,of you. Eat things you love the first few days. This is not the time to go on a diet or try to turn over a new leaf. That can come later!

7). You will do great. It is true, the hip pain is gone immediately. But you will have to suffer through the surgery pain, but that's a whole different kind of pain than you have now. That pain will go away. The pain you have now never will without your much needed surgery. You will be so glad you did it.

PS. If you are like me, the last couple of days before surgery you will wonder how you drug your leg around as long as you have and surgery can not come fast enough. I think once we know help is on the way, our bodies realize it doesn't have to over compensate anymore. You will be so ready for surgery when you realize you don't have to push yourself to do the things you are making yourself do now.

Let us know how you are and if you have more questions along the way to full recovery! Prayers for you to have a flawless experience!

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

Memebell — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 03:57:56 GMT

@pdlinda Thanks! I have had posterior but often wondered how things would have been different with anterior since it was hyped as so much better. I imagine they have to move muscle around either way still so what you say makes sense.

So do you cross your anterior leg now or is it uncomfortable to do so? May seem silly to ask...but I do miss crossing my legs.

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

Katcat1 — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 04:05:13 GMT

@CatsyCline Glad you had xray and scan. I want to say that today my hip is fine and everything is in place. I thought I would share my experience even though it was not much fun. You will be fine. Take care. I hope you sleep tonight.

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

CathyNY — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 06:31:18 GMT

I had an anterior right hip replacement on Nov 1, 2019. Stayed 2 nights in hospital. I used a walker for a couple of weeks at home. My surgeon is unusual as he did not want any physical therapy other than walking. First week he directed resting at home, no exercise, Rest! Just bed to couch to bathroom. Thereafter, walking in increasing increments. I did not require any home aids for toilet or shower. Of course, no shower for a week after surgery. I wore PJ's or joggers. Hubby helped with socks first few weeks. I was driving in a month.

Third week I used a cane. By the fourth week I was good to go. I credit a lot of this to a fabulous surgeon.

I understand the recovery from anterior is much easier than posterior. I have no limitations on hip or crossing legs. The incision, scar is only about 2 1/2 inches which I find amazing.

I only wish I hadn't waited so long. I was practically crippled. I'm so happy with my new hip. YAY, and I mean YAY!

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

CathyNY — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 06:48:13 GMT

@Memebell

I believe the difference is in the anterior they only have to move a small muscle. The posterior requires them to cut through muscle. The healing time is greater for the cut through muscle.

I had no precautions for recovery with anterior. There was a long list of precautions for posterior.

A factor in determining type is the surgeon. Anterior is more technically difficult and requires special training for surgeon. I had a great surgeon. I was also eligible for anterior.

No discomfort in my crossing my legs. I can even sit Indian style (can I still say that?) comfortably. I'm very pleased.

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

ChanelNanny — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 10:37:07 GMT

The anterior approach is so much easier to recuperate from. The incision does not require cutting into any muscle whereas the posterior does. The anterior incision is much much smaller making movement easier and quicker...everyone gave good equipment advice , all of it so useful upon coming home and for some days following. Here is my biggest tip...POST OP PHYSICAL THERAPY, AND DOING THE EXERCISES ON YOUR OWN BETWEEN THERAPY SESSIONS!!!...your recovery will go so much faster! I was an operating room RN for 30 years, working many times in the joint replacement rooms and I also have had both my hips replaced...Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

hick — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 10:42:12 GMT

I had my right hip replaced in 2014 and the left in 2015. Both with the anterior approach.

Like most of the posters, I too attended a class prior to the procedure in which lots of information was provided.

I had never had any kind of surgery before so I was terrified.

Thankfully, I didn't have any complications. For both replacements, I stayed in the hospital overnight. My daughter stayed with me at home for the first 5 days. SHe woke me up in the middle of the night to give me my pain meds "stay ahead of the pain, mom". Good advice.

I was off the narcotic meds in 4 days and taking only tylenol for pain. I was also put on a blood thinner although I don't think they do this anymore. I had a walker and then a cane. I was walking around my neighborhood, little by little, within a day or two. I could also climb stairs in 2 days to get to the shower.

The worst thing for me was trying to get those darned elastic socks on - to prevent blood clots. Impossible without help!

I had PT come to the house - I did their exercises religiously. Also had a raised toilet seat - a must in my opinion.

I actually have an appointment next month for my "5 year" checkup.

I wish you well.

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

Catlady Nicole — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 12:00:20 GMT

My Mom just had her hip replacement surgery (actually first surgery of her life at 81) on August 18th. All of the advice you've received so far is spot on! We found the commode chair very helpful. It may be a bit indiscrete but it was so much easier for my Mom to get to it quickly, versus having to ambulate down a hall to the bathroom.

The only new tip I have to share is for putting on the compression stockings. Place a plastic grocery or produce bag on the foot, then slide the stocking on over it, once in place, pull the grocery bag out through the bottom opening in the stocking, where toes go. If feet are clammy or sweaty, sprinkle a little powder on them to help the bag slide back off. Hope this makes sense and helps. We found it brilliant when putting my Mom's stockings on post-op. Those buggers are tight and getting over the heel is the toughest part.

Sending you best wishes for your surgery @CatsyCline

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

ProudMa — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 15:05:58 GMT

All good tips...

A physio Therapist told me...get a thickp iece of wood...I used a large cutting board, and put it under the cusions of any chair/sofa you are sitting in.....it makes getting up soooo much easier. and sitting is less painful with a firm surface

Re: Hip Replacement...Post-OpTips...

ProudMa — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 15:08:28 GMT

My md said the postierier takes a little longer, more muscle to cut thru...but he does not do the anterior access.....There is a real danger of cutting a nerve that supports the foot. You could end up with permanent drop foot....