Hip advice, please

Hi Notsoold.
I had my hip replaced 6 years ago. No way would I put up with pain of worn out hips or knees.
Hip replacement is common place today, very straightforward if you are in good health otherwise.
I won't lie to you, it is painful for a couple of weeks afterwards and you will need pain killers, uncomfortable for a few more weeks, but in my experience I was 90% back to normal after 3 months. Took about a year before I forgot I even had a replaced hip and was 100% fit.
You will need to follow the physio regime if you want to recover asap.
When my other hip starts to get painful, I will be asking for a replacement asap, no point in putting it of, get your life back asap.

It's nearly ten years since mine was replaced and I am still going strong. The relief from the pain was almost instantaneous and I never looked back, though I know that different people have different experiences. Not quite as bionic as Ariadne, though I also had a partial shoulder replacement the following year. Prepare to set the alarms off at airport security!

Oh, you are in the right place to ask, NotTooOld! Several of us have recently had hips and / or knees replaced, and in general are very happy.

I am 69, and had a knee replaced last May, and a hip replaced just over two weeks ago, both with spinal sedatives. Both were so successful, and honestly, I am going upstairs faster now, and with much less pain than before the operation. Sleep is a bit disturbed for a while. I am using just one crutch, and can do most things - slowly!

Do all the exercises, keep mobile, rest a lot too and all will be well. I am a walking tribute to our wonderful NHS! (Oh, and I had my cataracts down in between!)

Good luck, and keep us updated.

I had mine done on Sept 23rd and had a spinal with sedative. This is the usual way now as it makes recovery speedier. I too was about as terrified as you can be beforehand!

I have had quite slow recovery owing to other health problems, but we knew it would not be a piece of cake for me. However, I am now back to driving and my main aim now is to get some muscle strength back, as mine were/are a bit weedy from a long recovery from a fracture 2 years ago. I can now stay standing up - which was quite impossible before.

What I would say is not to expect to be better instantly - I did and was disappointed! The physio says that everyone recovers at their own speed but we all get there in the end. Hopefully you will be a quick recoverer, but if not don't get despondent - for me it has been a long haul but has been worth it.

I know several people who have had hips done.
There isnt a single one of them that regrets it.

I suspect in a few weeks time, you will be wanting to know where your x ray appointment is, and waiting in pain for your operation to be done.

My sis-in-law had a general, NotTooOld and her recovery period was nowhere near as straightforward. DH had a sedative with his first hip replacement and was so drowsy he wasn't really aware of anything going on. I rang the hospital expecting to be told not to visit until the following day but they told me I could go in as soon as I liked because he was sitting up in bed watching the Test Match!!

It was such a success he didn't bother with the sedative for the next hip. He chatted to the anaesthetist throughout the op and although he couldn't feel anything he could hear the equipment being used but that didn't bother him.

Having had three general anaesthetics myself for various ops I would be only too happy to avoid them if possible.

I'm sure you will get lots of advice and tips from others on here.

I haven't had a hip but have had both knees replaced in the last seven month. I had spinal anaesthetic and a sedative. I was barely aware that anything was happening and no after effects. Of course the recovery and exercise programs are not without discomfort but the relief of not being in constant pain is well wort it.

Thank you very much, merlotgran and tanith. Your positive comments are very reassuring. I didn't know you could have an epidural. I rather think I might prefer the general anaesthetic so I do not know what is going on, coward that I am.

NotTooOld its a frightening prospect I know , I had my right hip replaced and several years ago and the relief from the grinding pain makes it so worth overcoming your fears for..
Mine was a great success and the recovery was good I was back at work on light duties after 2 mths and driving after 6wks. They will get you on your feet very quickly and home again to recover. I also had the epidural with sedative and was very scared but it was fine I didn't remember a thing about the surgery.
Don't put it off just go for it as soon as they offer you the surgery you won't regret it.

NotTooOld, My DH has had both hips replaced and both ops were a great success. He had an epidural with sedative rather than a general anaesthetic and was back home after three days. They give you lots of advice about what you can and can't do for six weeks after the op so don't be scared just think about being free of pain and much more mobile.

Good Luck.