Hip replacement surgery

elruth · ‎03-13-2010

My husband may have to have hip replacement surgery. He is 84.The ortho Dr explained the procedure but I really want to hear from someone who has had this surgery or knows someone who has had this done. What really is the recovery time? Weeks? Months? I know everyone's situation is different but I would like to hear from a person, not just the Dr.

september · ‎03-09-2010

Everyone's experience is going to be different. I had this surgery done in my 40's, so of course, my experience is going to be very different than what a person 40 years older will go through.

Usually, the hospital will have some kind of classes or sessions to help patients prepare for the surgery. Please look into this.

Gooday · ‎03-23-2010

I do know that it is a much easier rehab than a total knee replacement. It's easier because your hip is at your center of gravity. The therapy is not as painful. However, you much be very careful not to cross your legs and you must use an elevated toilet seat.

However, the doctor or his nurse will go over all of this as well as the use of a blood thinner starting a few days prior to surgery and for 3 weeks after. Your husband should do well.

tansy · ‎01-02-2011

There's a forum called Bone Smart that would may be helpful. I've also heard that the hip recovery is easier than a knee.

4Kicks · ‎03-17-2010

I think Gooday means a BLOOD THINNER should NOT be used in the few days before the surgery. (Right?) Having gone through a LOT of surgeries with DH I am very well versed in the procedures.

Yes, he had a hip replacement when he was in his late 50's and in very, very good physical shape (a runner). It went very, very well although he did have considerable pain. That was just before they started doing them with the small little incisions (orthoscopic). Most of them are done that way now.

Now, my brother just had his done three years ago with the little incisions and he was also in his 50's. His was recalled and he had to have it redone. It popped out once when I was with him and he went back to the hospital to have it reset last year. I don't believe they are using anymore of those that were recalled, at least I certainly hope not!!!

Anyway, back to you and your Hubby. Surgery is always difficult and this is major surgery. How much pain is your Hubby in and how limiting is the pain in his daily life? I am sure he has had x-rays and what do they show? Bone on bone? That is how my husband's doctor described his hip prior to surgery. Another brother of mine (a medical doctor) will always tell you there are three possible results of surgery, and I tell this to anyone considering surgery. (1) You will have a good result and be in better shape after the surgery. (2) You will be no better after the surgery and will still have the same problems/pain. (3) You will be worse and could die during surgery or shortly after.

You will read pretty much the same thing in papers you will be signing before surgery. Very few people consider that there could be a bad result from surgery, but it could and does happen. The odds go up the older you are when you go under general anesthesia. If you do not believe me, ask your doctor about results. I feel compelled to tell you this. If your husband is in constant debilitating pain, I am sure the decision will be easy for you. I feel for you as my husband is getting close to your DH's age and I struggle with decisions as well. I hope I have helped. God bless.

In Sunny AZ

sophiamarie · ‎08-08-2013

On 8/9/2014 Gooday said:
I do know that it is a much easier rehab than a total knee replacement. It's easier because your hip is at your center of gravity. The therapy is not as painful. However, you much be very careful not to cross your legs and you must use an elevated toilet seat.

However, the doctor or his nurse will go over all of this as well as the use of a blood thinner starting a few days prior to surgery and for 3 weeks after. Your husband should do well.

I think this might be a mistake?? Isn't it just the opposite??

monalisa1452 · ‎03-09-2010

I just got home from rehab - not for this. But my roommate, 82, did have a hip replaced. She spent 4 days in the hospital, and 10 in rehab. When she left, she was considered independent (didn't have to have anyone following her around). She was using a walker. Of course she still has work to do. But she's well on her way.

september · ‎03-09-2010

The blood thinner ( usually Coumadin) is used post surgery, to prevent blood clots. No, you don't want to use anything like this before surgery, nor should you use anything like aspirin, Aleve, or Advil.

PalmSpringsTransplant · ‎07-05-2010

I've had hip replacements and revisions over the last 30 years and I'm still walking. My left hip was replaced in 1985 when I was about 35 because of psoriatic arthritis. Since then its been revised multiple times, the last being in 2004.

In April 2013, I had my right hip replaced (I'm now 65) and the improvement in technology was striking. I stood full weight the first day, was walking the second and discharged the third. I did have complications during some of the revisions on the left side, but I'm still getting around, though with a cane.

I know about the hip support group mentioned in the earlier comments, but I personally didn't find it particularly helpful. If you're on Facebook, there are at least 3 hip replacement support groups that are great!

Marybella · ‎03-09-2010

I had my hip done 5 years ago when I was 59 and in good health. Easy rehab and no complications. Not sure how an 84 year old will do. Hope all goes well!