Hip replacement surgery

[kpgclark]

My dad who is in his early 70's and EXTREMELY active has to have a hip replacement. If you've had one or been around someone who has had one, can you give me some insight into the recovery process and anything else you think I might need to know. My parents don't live near me so my mom will be the one primarily taking care of him.

 

[Microcell]

Sorry, I don't, but I thought I would respond so you can be moved to the front page again!

 

[Lisa F]

My mother (who is in her early 50's but also very active) just had to have both hips replaced. They do one at a time, but she is SOO much better now. The first hip was in worse shape and was a slower recovery because she still had one bad hip but with the second, she was back at work within a few weeks.

My mom had it done at the hospital for special surgery in NYC and they had her up and walking around the day after her surgery. She was able to go home as soon as she could prove that she could walk with just a cane (instead of a walker) and that took about 3 days. She had the choice of going somewhere for physical therapy or having someone to the house and she got someone to the house. Basically the biggest thing to remember is that you can't sit in a way that will bend your hip 90 degrees or more so you need a special insert for the toilet to raise you up, you need to sit on pillows to raise you up and you can't put on your own socks (but they do make a neat sock putter-oner!)

All I can say is that it was so wonderful seeing my active mother not in pain again. There is some pain and soreness from the surgery but if he is needing a hip replacement chances are he will feel better than before pretty much right away. If he is already very active, he will probably have a speedy recovery as well.

If you have any specific questions, I can try to answer them. It was REALLY scary the first time but sort of old hat the second time. It's so great to have my active mom back!

 

[GoofItUp]

My FIL (latter 60's) had his hip replaced last summer. I was amazed at the recovery. He was walking the day after surgery and within a few weeks was doing most of the things he had done before his hip went out. He did a lot of PT (rode a stationary bike quite a bit). He said the pain/soreness from the surgery was nothing like the paid he had with a bad hip. If you dad is still an active guy then I'll bet he'll recover from this with flying colors.

 

[monarchsfan16]

My grandmother had her hip replaced in '96. She had a slow recovery, but that was because of complications related to the actual surgery (blood clotting and stuff). However, once she started getting better, it was amazing to see the improvement in her. She went through extensive physical therapy, most of which was at home. For comfort, she said the best thing they did was buy a recliner. It really helped, because of the angles you can and can't sit at. She actually slept in that for awhile after the surgery. And now she uses it all the time. Since then she has had her knee replaced, so it is obvious that the whole joint replacement thing made a lasting good impression on her.

 

[kpgclark]

You guys are making me feel much better about this. I am so worried that something will go wrong and my dad will lose mobility.

Heather, how did Grandma get into the chair if you can't be at less than 90 degrees?

Kathy

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just wishing your dad the best, Kathy.

 

[monarchsfan16]

I don't remember exactly, because I was little (8 or 9 I guess), but I think my grandpa propped it up on some boards (he built a base) to elevate it, and to set it so that when she sat down she was at an 88 degree angle, or something like that. And then as soon as she was in they reclined it. So she wasn't actually sitting for more than a minute, but I do know that there is a base under it, and I remember him telling me when I asked what he was doing that he was changing the angle so grammy could use the chair. They have to be at less than 90 degrees, not more.

 

[kpgclark]

Oh, less than 90 degrees. How do you sleep?

 

[monarchsfan16]

She was never at a 180 angle when sleeping. SHe was either in her recliner, or she had a pillow under her in bed. THat's only crucial for the first couple of weeks (I think). I think the most important thing is that the hip isn't at a right angle.

 

[Mary Ellen]

My DB has has both of his hips replaced. He was only 32 at the time of the first hip. Due to fears/concerns he put off that surgery for some time. He talked to everyone he knew who had the sugery - or had a family member who had (as you are doing).

Prior to surgery your father will be told of EVERYTHING that could possibly go wrong. Yes, there are some VERY serious possibilities, but he will also be told the odds. (I drove DB to this appointment. It scared me more than him.) Face it, there are risks anytime one has surgery.

Even immediately post-op DB was in SO much less pain. He kicked himself for putting off the operation for so long. When it came time for the next hip, he had the operation right away.

His surgery was in the morning, the hospital/MD had him on his feet that afternoon. He had to be able to go up/down stairs in PT before he was released from the hospital (even if the house doesn't have stairs).

He wasn't allowed to sit upright for 6 months. It's been about 16 years, so I don't remember the details, but it was several increments up to 90º.

I just remember the 90º taking 6 mo. because DH and I took my DB & SIL to WDW as soon as he could sit upright for the plane trip. He needed to have some fun and my SIL is a SAINT for putting up with him. She needed to be able to relax, so DH pushed the wheelchair (his Surgeon required him to use the wheelchair for the trip, due to the amount of walking involved).

As this was his first trip 'handicaped', he was nervous. Being only 32, he was afraid of how he was going to be treated (people thinking he was 'abusing' the system or CM rolling eyes at having to deal with another wheelchair). WDW came through with flying colors.

Oh, DS has pointed out to me some people that kind of 'roll' as they walk. This is due to hip replacement.

Best of luck to you and your father -