New hip

Hope the physio is helpful annie, and it's good to hear you have no pain.

I thought I would update those who were kind enough to reply to my original post. I went to see the Orthopaedic Surgeon today and the outcome is that I'm not having a hip replacement - yet. My hip is very stiff so I'm going to have some physio to see if I can regain some mobility. I'm not in pain yet so, because I'm only 61 he wants to wait for as long as possible before he operates. Then, when he does he will probably use a ceramic 'ball' which he hopes will last longer. So there is no immediate answer to my problems. I will no doubt be asking for more advice and hand holding in the future.

2 hips about 14 years ago, 1 knee 3 years ago, all still going strong and made an enormous difference to my life.All the aids mentioned were very helpful and it's really important to get physio and keep up with the exercises.
I hope yours will be very successful and that you are out of pain soon.

merlotgran

I had a hip replacement 7 years ago and TG it has been a success. You need to keep walking afterwards to build up the muscles.
If you're wondering about "marital rels" afterwards, we had a workshop before discharge, with a cartoon film, part of which showed the positions to adopt - talk about Karma Sutra
That was in France, very down-to-earth.

Many thanks for all your replies. I went back to see my GP today and get my x ray results. My hip is 'shot' so it looks like a new hip is definitely on the cards. Hey - ho!

Oh and no crossing ankles for a while...it's all coming back to me.

Yes I too found sleeping on my back very difficult.

I love the idea of exercises at a bar, tanith

I too had a THR 8yrs ago under epidural with mild anaesthesia, up the next day on crutches and doing excercises at a bar, day 3 up and down stairs with a stick, home on day 4. The relief from the grinding pain was instantly obvious as soon as the surgery was over.
I found sleeping on my back the most difficult but as long as you do all the exercises religiously you should be well on the road to normal after 3/4 wks , I managed without my stick after 3wks back driving after 6wks and back to work on light duties too. I've never looked back although now my other hip is on the slippery slope .
I hope all goes well.

If the OT department offer you a perching stool go for it. You are at the right height for sitting at a table and DH plonked it in front of the barbecue so he could sit there happily cooking away with his hip at the right angle. We even took it up the pub so he could join in with Quiz Night.

You have to sleep on your back with your new hip on the outside. We had to swap sides for the first one and I was the one who found it difficult to be on the wrong side. HE slept like a baby.

Good Luck. You'll be fine.

Oh yes the raised loo seat was very helpful.
I also had a good, high armchair at home, low sofas are awful to get up from. The helpful little sticks, like small litter picker uppers (sorry their proper name has escaped me) are very useful for picking up dropped items off the floor and they help putting your undies on too.
The hospital had me up the day after the operation and onto a zimmer frame. The next day they had me on crutches walking downstairs. I was off crutches after 5 weeks.
I still find it more comfortable to sleep, on my side, with a small pillow between my knees.
Good luck, my very best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Annierich - good luck and let us know how you get on.

annierich I've had both hips replaced...one under general anaesthetic and one under local...both entirely successful. Climbing stairs [gingerly on day 3] The first six weeks are tricky-ish but, after three months you will be feeling fine and pain free. Exercises vitally important. No bending or twisting as Humbertbear says. I have never regretted having surgery.

Humbertbear - that info is so useful. Many thanks.

Annierich - my hip had almost collapsed due to arthritis by the time the root of my pain was diagnosed. I was walking on crutches the day after the op and climbing a flight of stairs the following day. The initial recovery is 6 weeks and by 12 weeks you should be completely over it. The 6 weeks are difficult because you mustn't bend or twist. Make sure you get Physio and do your exercises. Social services should supply equipment such as raised loo seats. Good luck.

There, I was just going to say that Ariadne would know, and there she is!

(Phoenix waves to Ariadne)

Recovery varies as to you!
My problem now is balance.
I was sailing a 29ft Sadler with my oh within 3/12 with no help

I'm on my third
The first was 20 years ago
The second was 1 years later
I had to have the second one replaced after 15 years but they are both ok at the moment!
Go for it!

Thank you for all your answers. One more question if I may - how long did the recovery period take? Say until you were walking unaided - no crutches or sticks? Many thanks.

Theseua had a hip replacement this time last year, and I got so much help from GNetters - it's worth trawling the threads. He rode the cycle lap of a triathlon in July, but that's down to his overall fitness and bloody minded ness!

However, we were really impressed by the whole procedure and aftercare, and the difference it has made to T is quite incredible. I am now heading for a knee job with some confidence.

Hi I had my hip replacement ten years ago. I was only 44 and it was a sudden out of the blue emergency. I was up and mobile the next day. No pain and no complications and it's still doing a good job.
Good Luck.

My husband has had both his hips replaced, annierich. He opted for an epidural with sedative rather than a general anaesthetic because the recovery period is quicker. He is free of pain and his mobility is much improved.

Yes, annierich, mine was done seven years ago and is still fine. I think there are more success stories than otherwise and there are quite a lot of us on Gransnet. I also had a trapeziectomy because of OA in the joint just below my thumb which has been an outstanding success - apart from not being able to snap my fingers!