Hip Replacement

Don't feel cheated - the hip replacement will give you your life back.

Unfortunately mine did not work so well - but I know so many people with replacements and ALL have been just fine. The man who helps me with the garden was out of action for a few weeks and is now back digging, lifting and generally functioning normally and pain free.

I made the mistake of falling over the other day and landing slap on my replacement hip. It is still jolly sore but, as I have osteoporosis, I am sure if I had fallen onto the other hip I would be in hospital right now having a fractured hip repaired! So, whatever else it might be, my new hip is strong!!!

I am afraid that as you get older bits start to function less efficiently, but you have to accept this with as much of a smile as you can muster, as an awful lot of life can be wasted feeling aggrieved about it! Keep calm and carry on!

cupcake1 being told news like this does throw you off balance and it feels unfair to be stopped in your tracks. I recently had a foot op which I waited six months for but knew I needed for a couple of years. Now I can get on with life again. Once its done you will be so much more able to enjoy life. I know lots of people who are golfing, walking, playing bowls and walking netball all sorts since having their hips done and have never looked back. I hope its done soon and you don't have to wait too long. Good Luck xx

It was a relief when they told me I should have that aching hip replaced! The waiting time was a bit miserable, but the minute the op was over, the pain was gone. Even the post-op pain wasn't too bad and all that was 13 years ago. The hip is still working well, though the poor old knees have seen better days! So, Cupcake, never fear. Your new hip should be a great improvement on the old one! In the meantime, don't feel embarrassed to use a walking stick. My GP, physio and consultant insisted on it, during the waiting time.

I’ve had two 12 yrs apart and the relief from the pain is wonderful. Do not hesitate to go ahead I can’t think of anything I can’t do now that I did before it was necessary to be honest.

Goodness me ! It’s not the end it’s a new beginning..
I had both knees replaced 4 years ago at the age of 59. Can’ imagine what I would feel like if I hadn’t.
Get it done and enjoy life and retirement.

Thank you all for your lovely replies and encouragement. I can honestly say you’ve made me feel much more positive and upbeat I hope you recover soon Lucky Thanks again everyone x

My doctor brother did some research into patient care/mobility after hip replacement operations in the mid 1960s. The conclusion was to get patients up and out of bed asap after the operation.
So you know who to blame when you are encouraged to get out of bed the day after the operation...........

It is well worth it. I am recovering from having had my knee replaced- my other being done 5 years ago. Once the pain goes I will appreciate what I can now do and hopefully pain free.

All I can say is please choose your orthopaedic surgeon carefully unless I am too late with that advice.

Well, you are 10 years older than when I had my first, and 30 years older than my great friend, who had one in her 30s. My tip is physio.
When I had my first, I was in an area with poor physio provision, and I had some private work, to get well prepared, and to hasten recovery after. For my second, the physio provision was much better, and I had good preparation and good aftercare.
Do the exercises religiously!

I don't think think that this means your life is over - after surgery you should get your life right back!

My orthopaedic surgeon who did my knee replacement (at 50 following an accident) had a hip replacement at 39 and I know someone who teaches skiing despite having had a knee replacement.

I was glad to be free of pain-I would be in a wheelchair now without THR. Tough first few days but, as others have said, exercise is the key. Find someone beforehand to give you good exercises and swim too. And get on with it afterwards! I'm 69 and five years post op. Glad to be able to get on with life, walking, keep fit, looking after DGC etc. Hope it all goes well.

I had my hip replaced 5 weeks ago and today have walked 4 and a half miles and been swimming for 30 minutes. It doesn't really hurt at all now although I still need to strengthen my muscles. If you do all the exercises you are given and increase your walking gradually after the operation you'll be amazed - well I am! I'd second the suggestion of finding a good surgeon if you possibly can.

I am 73 and not old!

Mary you posted for me Im 73 and last night I was boogying at a 70th (crazy) party

Any happy survivors from ankle replacement surgery?

I’m almost 79, and not old! Being short and chunky in build seems to have one advantage. My bones are strong! I have started getting some twinges in my right knee and hip recently, though, so maybe I am finally succumbing to wear and tear.
When you think about it, aren’t our bodies amazing! What machine would run constantly for years on end without much attention, and what pump would work endlessly for so long, as our hearts do? I am so grateful that my body has kept going so well for so long, and so efficiently! When I read of the difficulties so many people on here have, I really do count my blessings.

I know it’s not even as bad but I feel old this week - I’m 70 - and due to mouth problems from shingles that have attacked my gums I have to have 3 teeth out and a lot of the rest are loose , maybe false teeth soon - bit dressed by it and feel a wimp as not something terminal or even major surgery but def makes me feel my age ?

Old because you need a hip replacement! bunkum! I had a hip replacement aged 63 and I haven’t looked back. I lead a very active life and travel more than most. People are very surprised if I tell them I have a titanium hip. I walk normally and don’t need a stick (which I did before the op). My new hip gave me a new lease of life. Do your physio after the op, Cupcake1, and you will soon be up and about and able to all those things you had planned.

Age no is in your head! Doesn't mean you can stop doing stuff after your hip replacement even if it doesn't work out properly. You adjust and keep going.

I am 56 and my husband 60. My husband passed unexpectedly 3 months ago. Be grateful your still alive and able to do things even if you have to adjust. It's a hip replacement. Not cancer or the like.

I have had both knees done, and when I was in hospital I was amazed to see people who had their ops on the same day as i did walking up and down the corridors while I was still struggling to even get out of bed. Then I was told they had had hip replacements done, and as they are not weight bearing joints, they are much easier and less painful to deal with. Also the recovery time is quicker. I had my first knee done over ten years ago and it is still going strong. So don't be afraid, you will find life so much better afterwards. I was very scared when I was told I would not be given a general anaesthetic, but would be given an injection like an epidural, so would be awake during the op, but I actually fell asleep in theatre and woke up in bed. No sickness afterwards. No raging thirst. So don't be afraid, and go for it. It really will make life so much better.

Ps.
I am almost 81 now, and dont have trouble with either knee.

Hello cupcake1! Good morning! I only personally know of eight either hip or knee replacements in my wider circle and each and every individual has had a new lease of life in both pain free and activity arenas. I have read of unfortunate results but only actually know of complete successes. Hope your experience turns out to be the same. Good luck and I hope you get a date for the process real soon.

Had right hip replacement five years ago. Op was carried out at 4pm (private). 8pm same day was sitting up in bed having a cup of tea . 10pm with nursing assistance I was able to walk to the toilet.I am now due for left hip surgery and can't wait to resume a pain free life.

Cupcake - don’t despair. My friend’s hip replacement has given her her very active life back! Chin up and happy second chance!