I'm scheduled to have my right hip replaced at the end of October. This is something that I have put off for quite sometime...well it's time now. I have delayed it until the end of October so that I can enjoy the TT as much as possible.I will have the TT winterized prior to surgery, so I won't be using the trailer until Spring of 2014. I don't have a clue as to what effect this will have on my mobility next Spring. Hopefully, everything will be healed by then.Any suggestions for RV'ing after hip replacement surgery, or any suggestions/modifications to the trailer would be greatly appreciated.Thanks in advance...TravelTracer

I can't comment on a hip replacement, I've never had one. I did have Total Knee Replacement. My doctor told me a hip replacement is easier than a knee replacement. (just repeating what I was told)And, four weeks after my surgery I was running my walk behind snow blower.Go into the surgery with a positive attitude, do the therapy after your surgery and you will be fine. Let us know how you make out.

Any suggestions for RV'ing after hip replacement surgery, or any suggestions/modifications to the trailer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance...My Mom asked me to put in a "riser" for her rv toilet. Seemed to help her with it being raised a little bit higher.(side note) My Mom never gained back all of her mobility. Had to use a cane or walker after her surgery and never got along without it. There is really a reason why I share this. My Mother in law also had hip replacement surgery (2 weeks after my Mom). My Mother in law did all exercises her Dr said to do, then she would do extra, if she felt OK with it. My Mom did only the min and sometimes skipped that. Mother in law fully recovered and still living. (Move forward 8 years) My Mom had several falls and never regained spark in life and afraid to walk anywhere and became a "shut in". I think she really died of broken heart. P.S. Please do your exercises!

DH had his left hip replaced last July, the right hip replaced 3 months later in Oct. and by Dec. we were on the road with our 5th wheel for a 3 month trip. It was so much easier and pleasant for him with the new hips. Made a world of difference! Good luck with the surgery.

Thank you for your comments.....I've also heard that the hip is suppose to be easier than the knee replacement. Others have said the same about exercises and how important the are. I'm definitely going in with a positive attitude and will follow the therapy routine. Thank you for your comments and well wishes!TravelTracer

Most of the people I kow that have had ht surgery are doing fine. About the MOST important part of the recovery is the therapy prescribed by your doctor. Do what they tell you to, and always give as a goal to be able to use and go RVing again. Do that and you will be fine. Have that as a goal, and be determined to get there.

Hip Replacement and RV'ing | Good Sam Community

TravelTracer
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
Thanks WayneLee there is a lot of helpful info in your post. I would think that I have had the non-glue procedure (I'm 65). The hospital staff was very persistent about all of the hip precautions. Since I don't want a return trip to the hospital, I plan on following all of the rules. I'm very glad you mentioned the necessary caution up to a year after surgery.....didn't know that one! Thanks again...

TravelTracer
Islandman
Explorer
Oct 31, 2013
My DW has had two hip replacements, the first about four years ago on her right hip using the conventional or older method of surgery from the back side, that replacement has caused problems and pain once in awhile since then. The left hip was replaced at a different hospital where the surgeon used the modern anterior method of operating from the front, she was moving about three days after the surgery and has had no problems whatsoever. So your recovery and ability to RV again in a short while depends on the surgery method and sticking with the therapy program, only go to a orthropedic surgeon who is up-to-date on methods and the actual prothesis used.
TravelTracer
Explorer
Nov 21, 2013
As promised...here is my progress report:

I had the surgery to replace the right hip on October, 21st...a Monday and was sent home on the following Wednesday. Each day I do see progress. I'm taking all of your advice and precautions. While therapy is not much fun, I can see where it is helping. My check-up 3 weeks after surgery was all positive. I was given the approval to start driving. Although, I've only driven twice for a very short distance. It is now 4 weeks post-op and I'm really looking forward to the 2014 camping season...Guess I must be doing okay.

Thanks again for your suggestions and words of encouragement...they are greatly appreciated.

TravelTracer
emzee
Explorer
Nov 22, 2013
TravelTracer so happy to hear how well you are doing. Hang in there!! Thanks for updating us. :)
WayneLee
Explorer
Nov 22, 2013
That's really great!! Glad to hear that you are progressing so well. Keep up with the physical therapy, it's very important. My wife and I are into ballroom dancing and we compete in it. Two weeks ago we were in Orlando at a competition, my first after the hip replacement in April. Went really well and I didn't have any problems with my hips at all. Now, it was a whole other story about my knees. Yuck, I get my hips fixed and now my knees are getting bad. It really sucks getting old!!
TravelTracer
Explorer
Nov 22, 2013
WayneLee....That's amazing! I understand about the knees for sure. I was told that my left hip may be next. However, my left knee is also a problem. I'll get thru this and worry about the other joints later. One thing for sure, If I need additional surgery, it will have to wait for a season that will not interfere with RV'ing....LOL!

TravelTracer

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