Hip replacement?

spumoni99 · ‎02-16-2019

I am getting a hip replacement next summer, just wondering if others have had their hip(s) replaced and if you had a good experience?

I saw my regular gp today, I had lost 18 pounds from march of this year, she wants me to lose 15 more. She said she would prescribe a weight loss drug if I want it but I usually do good counting calories so I will work on that first.

I can hardly walk first thing in the morning but once I start moving around it gets better. I do use a cane when I go shopping but I think walking is good for it and my doctor agrees.

Goodie2shoes · ‎04-30-2012

I haven't had a hip replacement but I have had 3 knee replacements ! 2 on the right knee. I wish you all the best and that you have complete relief and much improvement in your ability to get around and be able to leave that cane behind !

Linmo · ‎12-16-2013

I had a right hip replacement in August 2024 after a fall where I fractured my upper femur. The best way for them to repair the femur was by doing the hip replacement.

After your release from the hospital, you'll probably use a walker for a short time and then your cane. You'll also probably need home and physical therapy. You're supposed to not bend down for several weeks so the therapist will give you tips and tools to help.

You'll need a shower chair and some slip on shoes.

I not only had the hip replacement but also a fractured shoulder. I was able to drive after 3 weeks, so depending on your age and overall health, your recovery time will vary. My doctor said that I will never get arthritis in that joint.

Best wishes!

spumoni99 · ‎02-16-2019

@Goodie2shoes Thank you! My mom had rheumatoid arthritis since she was 5, she passed in 1999. Anyway she had both knees and at least one hip replaced. She said the knee was a lot harder. I mentioned that to my doctor today and she agreed.

I have been putting it off because I'm chicken but my husband keeps encouraging me and I know he is right.

spumoni99 · ‎02-16-2019

@Linmo Thank you! In 2009 I had a bad fall and broke my foot. I still have the plastic lawn chair I used. Did you feel like you needed a recliner?

By the way that sounds bad what you went through!

Linmo · ‎12-16-2013

@spumoni99 We don't have a recliner, but with both injuries and a large dog who sleeps in our bed, I felt more safe and comfortable resting and sleeping on our large couch in the family room. It was easier for me to get up from there than the bed for a couple of weeks. If you don't have a side rail on your side of the bed, that is another helpful thing to get before the surgery.

One more really important thing to know is that after a hip replacement, you need to take antibiotics an hour before any dental appointment, even a cleaning, for at least a year. SInce my surgery was un-planned, I did not know until I went to the dentist a few months later. In rare cases, bacteria from a cleaning or other dental work can cause an infection in the replaced joint.

NYwoman · ‎03-09-2010

I had a hip replacement in my fifties. I had CLPD (Perthes Disease) as a child. This means my femur was like a multi layered honeycomb that was also distorted. This caused my left left to be 1/2" shorter than my right leg. I was in a wheelchair and home schooled till 6th grade.

When I became 50 my femur disintegrated, as usual for this condition. My leg shrunk 2" then. I went to HHS (Hospital for Special Surgery) in NYC as I needed expert orthos. Pre op patients go through a class and get a lot of information before the operation.

My orthopedic surgeon is now the head of surgery there. An ex Marine. He was "Head Hip" at the time. His patients were members of the NYC Ballet and other difficult cases. He was fantastic.

My experience was excellent. It takes awhile to get used to the extra weight of the leg. If you follow the surgeon's directions COMPLETELY after the operation you will be fine. There are post operation restrictions and dietary adjustments. The exercises are essential to success. I lived alone and had no problems. And within the year, I was attending a university.

I would recommend a THR if needed.

Neetgal2 · ‎02-12-2016

@spumoni99

I had the right hip replaced after years of shots and pain. The only comfort was my daily sitting and reading with warmth of cat in my lap. What made me make the decision was when walking, which I did daily, along with indoor bike, the leg sort of caved. I had been under an orthopedic doctor for over ten years. I am 75 and was only about 8 pounds overweight. A trimmed down to idea weight, had the surgery and about 6 weeks of therapy. I followed all instructions from doctor and I am fine. Doing the knee on other leg in a few weeks. I am just a few pounds overweight but trying to lose, it is due to a vitamin, which my entire life has increased my appetite. I tried not to take it for years, but at doctors insistence I do now.

My joints are filled with osteoarthritis which we have been watching for years. Finally decided to do the knee because sometimes a bone spur along with bad knee required a cane.

Good luck with your hip next summer.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

I personally have not had hip replacement but a girlfriend did. The first time was maybe fifteen years ago. Everything went fine but she eventually had a major complication. Her operation and recovery went smoothly. I'd pick her up several days a week and we'd walk together. She also had PT at her house and exercises to do. Then a blood test revealed heavy metals and it was discovered that the hip replacement equipment was faulty and had been recalled. She had to have the whole thing done over. The second time around she knew what to do so she didn't need the PT visits. Make sure you talk with your surgeon about the hip assembly equipment he/she is is going to use on you.

Good luck, @spumoni99