I posted some months ago about needing hip replacement for arthritis, and I appreciate the many replies I received. I am 5 weeks out from my surgery and doing great. I was able to have the surgery where I see my MPN specialist. I was nervous, given this was my first surgery since diagnosis 10 years ago. I sailed through with no complications, and my recovery and physical therapy is going well. Apparently, being a regular exerciser and very active, (prior to arthritis settling in), has helped me to recover quickly. Just a reminder to stay active, as our disease allows us!
They have you up and walking the same day or the next day. I spent 2 days in the hospital, and then home. The advances they have made to do the surgery are amazing, which reduces recovery time, and the likelihood of complications like a blood clot. I did learn, (in the US ) this surgery is elective, so something to keep in mind, as it can take longer to get scheduled. Given the pain and disability, this makes no sense to me.
Wishing anyone facing this surgery, success and a speedy recovery.
Take good care.
Written by
Indigo42916
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Glad it hear it all went well. I too had a hip replacement at just 40.
Being very active at the gym I pushed hard with strengthening exercises early on. This was causing discomfort, and I thought this was something I had to just push through.
The best advice my surgeon gave me was to let it heal naturally. If you have an active lifestyle you will regain pretty much normal range of movement and function. Once it feels "normal" again, then hit the squats and weights at he gym.
Thank you! It made me realize when I was limping around with my cane, how much I missed my active life, and how we really need to take care of our precious bodies.
That all sounds great, well done you. I think I will be following in your footsteps in the not to distant future and like you very active but feel like I am slowing down or putting off due to the discomfort. I want to hold on to my original hip as long as I can!!!
Thanks for your reply. I do understand; the original is the best! I wonder, if they can replace the hip, why can't they just replace the cartilage? I guess it is not that simple!
Hi, I know they carry out at procedure called Birmingham resurface where they reline the joint (i think that's what they did with Andi Murray the tennis player).
So glad you are making a good recovery post hip-op - I had both mine replaced now... really good walking ok & doing all household chores too .Lots of luck with your recovery x
Hello great MPN community! I am almost 3 weeks post my right hip replacement and I wish I could say that mine went as splendidly as Indigo's went. I had surgery 7/1, appeared well in recovery and transferred to room. That's when it all went "South". The same day as surgery physical therapy came to see me and when they sat me up I immediately broke out in a cold sweat, extremely nauseous and beginning to pass out. At first staff thought I may be still having effects from anesthesia and jokingly called me a "lightweight". I too thought it could be that. My BP was taken as it was 94/45!!! Immediately blood was drawn and CBC revealed my hemoglobin was 6.0 and Hematocrit was 25.1. Platelets were 1200, normally stay in 600"s. My local hematologist was notified and I contacted my MPN specialist. I developed a hematoma at incision site. Ultrasound confirmed it, along with some bleeding. I had stopped my Blood thinner more than 48 hours prior to surgery, yet it was evident that My INR and Prothombin time were having a play in this event. All these numbers had been checked a few days before surgery and no one seemed alarmed. I was given medication to raise my BP and MPN and local hematologist orderd 2 bags of red blood cells and one of platelets. By now it is day 3. I slowly began to feel better. My hematoma began to resolve, 2nd ultrasound confirmed. By day 5 my Hgb was not where it should be and I received another tranfusion of RBC's. By 7/6 I started to feel a bit more like myself. More to follow at another time. I am home now, yet there were other episodes that returned me to the hospital after initially spending 8 days there. Let's say that my PV was not "cooperating"!!!! to everyone: always be your best patient advocate. I was throughout my stay!!
I am steadily improving at home now, 3+ weeks following surgery. My 2nd return to the hospital happened 36 hours after returning home. I developed a seroma at site of incision. This is different than a hematoma since it is clear fluid buildup and most of times will resolve on it's own. The hospital kept me 2 more nights not so much because of the seroma, but that my liver enzymes were highly elevated. I had an ultrasound to rule out that anything else was going on. As it turned out, it simply was a combination of Tylenol( given nearly every day during 1st stay) and PV trying to respond to all that was going on!. Again, PV played a major role. I am fortunate to have a visiting nurse 2x a week as well as Physical Therapy 2x in my home. I will have a CBC and CMP this Thursday to see if all numbers are falling into the correct parameters. Looking forward to a telemed appt. with my MPN specialist this Friday to determine if I should resume my Besremi. So glad that this is a "memory" now and hoping the next 3 wks prove to be quicker in recovery.
Sorry to hear about these complications. I am glad you have an MPN specialist, and it sounds like you received great care. Hoping, for a seamless and successful recovery going forward.
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