Hip replacement?

[Steve2002]

How can I best prepare for a hip replacement operation coming up soon?

[DorsetLady]

Hi,

Some info here, if you haven’t already seen it...

whenithurtstomove.org/hip-r...

Exercise your leg/hip as much as possible (pain allowing) so the muscle are strong around joint.

From personal experience - post op -

Get things organised at home so you don’t have to bend down to get anything out of cupboards /closets.

Most white goods - washers, dishwashers, fridges, freezers have low shelves, so think about that if you live on your own.

Wear loose trousers/pants and shoes you can get on and off easily

If you are going to have to wear compression socks afterwards - find an aid to help you get them off and on (plenty on mobility web sites)

Getting out of bed afterwards - youtu.be/bOKUjxNxAzE(Not working as expected?)

Good luck with op, you’ll be bouncing around like a spring lamb in no time!

As you used to be on PMRGCAuk forum, and haven't been around lately dose that mean you are in remission?

[Steve2002 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks a lot! I haven't got the date for the op set yet, so I'm hoping they will give me some more info about what's to come then, but this is a very good start. Yes, I did have PMR and was on this forum about that a few years ago. It has thankfully departed, but I suspect the prednisone I took for it helped rot my left hip. How are you doing?

[DorsetLady in reply to Steve2002]

Good thanks.

My GCA has been in remission for over four years, but still on forum, just to help others.

I’ve had a knee, hip and shoulder replacement in last 3 years - not sure I can blame Pred as it’s a family trait and certainly had a bad shoulder before I started steroids.

Take care, and hope all goes well.

[LisaGuy-Cowes in reply to DorsetLady]

ive been told to try raise my bed higher !

[DorsetLady in reply to LisaGuy-Cowes]

That’s useful......of course it’s something we can all do 🤦🏻‍♀️. Bet it came from someone who doesn’t have arthritis!

[LisaGuy-Cowes in reply to DorsetLady]

If I ever get surgery booked , its on the list! ill ensure my husbands back is sound !

[Amanda_iona]

With a bit of luck you will be visited beforehand by an OT who will advise on aids, bed height etc

On discharge you will be on crutches and zimmer frame. You wont be allowed to bend down for a while, though it is possible if you put the op leg out straight to the side and crouch down with the other while hanging on to something. So pick-up sticks in several places!

The best advice I got was to get a commode - my bathroom is a walk and a step away from my bed. You will be taught to get up a step or two but need something to hang on to.

Second best thing was a little trolley (argos) as you wont have free hands to carry things. I used mine all time. Depends if you have a helper at hand . I live alone.

Shopping will need to be delivered if you dont have that already.

Again, if alone, get a stock of microwave meals and easy food.

If alone, think about things you do away from home and get them done before the op eg haircut, chiropody. Even if you have a helper, you will be pretty tired for a few weeks and not feel up to doing much.

But you will improve quite fast and the joy of being able to drive again after 6 weeks!!

Best of luck

[Cat33]

Good luck with your hip replacement

I have had both mine replaced and feel amazing

It's the best feeling ever to get rid of that awful pain

I found too the recovery was fairly quick

I'm sorry I don't really have any particular tips for you but just wanted to say how fantastic I feel from mine and I know you will be the same

Take care

[Steve2002]

Thanks, everyone, for your tips and encouragement. One thing I was wondering about is the difference between the new anterior approach and the traditional way the surgeons have gotten access to the hip. Is there much difference in the rehab difficulty and time to recover?