Hip Replacement

Can't talk about knee replacement, but I have a lot of experience with hips. I had my left hip replaced in 1996 and went back to work in 4 weeks. Would have been faster, but I got a urinary tract infection that slowed me down.
Had to have that hip redone in 2003-4 because it turned out that I was allergic to the bone cement used in '96. It ate into the pelvis as well as having to split the femur to remove all of it. I was without a hip for about 9 months due to other problems. Had the redaction done at Stanford and was up and about in a couple of months. Main reason for being slow was no hip, which caused me to have to start walking over again.
Had my right hip done in 2006 and was up and out in 3 weeks again.
since that time, I have had no issues with either hips and do very well.
I did go out in my MH while I was sans left hip. Used crutches and did pretty well.
Overall, I highly recommend repairing the hip because the pain you have now willo be a thing of the past. Most people say "Why did I wait so long!"
Get it done as soon as you are able.

I had my right hip replaced 5 years ago. I was out of the hospital in a few days, driving in 2 weeks and back to work in 4 weeks.

I live on Long Island and work in NYC, so my commute was not easy the first week back to work. My commute consists of driving to train station, taking LIRR to Penn Station and then walking one avenue to get a subway and do it all over again in reverse after work. I did all of this while using two crutches. Needless to say I was exhausted at the end of the day.

If my doctor told me I have to have my left hip replaced, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

If it were me I would do it ASAP. Seems the key to success or failure is in the post op therapy and exercise. Do exactly what they tell you. No short cuts. Best of luck

Oasisbob wrote:
If it were me I would do it ASAP. Seems the key to success or failure is in the post op therapy and exercise. Do exactly what they tell you. No short cuts. Best of luck

2X!!!

My wife did not keep up with the exercises, and never fully recovered from her hip replacement.

Dr told me walking is the best therapy for hip recovery. I was walking to the rest room before I even got our of the hospital. I got mine done last June 30th 2014 and still have a little discomfort in the muscle. nothing I can't handle, I don't take any thing for pain meds any more.

My dad had hip replacement surgery on October 6 and is doing very well. He has a great attitude and is doing everything his physical therapist and doctor tell him to. He only uses his cane when he is tired or going long distances.

On another note, hips are apparently easier than knees...

Recovery depends on whether it is an anterior or posterior approach. With the posterior they don't cut the stabilizing muscles of the hip and you can bear weight that evening. With the anterior the muscles are cut and have to heal before you have full stability and can walk well. But the anterior is easier to do, and slightly more accurate in getting the angles correct. In either case, people are correct when they say that exercise is the key to recovery. The stronger you are before surgery, the more quickly you can get going again, and the more you try to walk after surgery, the better you will do. Remember that the postop pain is less than the preop pain you lived with, and gets better daily if you are strong. Those who moan about the discomfort and don't try to exercise don't have a full recovery. I helped put them in for 3 decades at many places with many systems. There are a few short term differences, but in the long term they all do well if you get walking ASAP.

My wife has had multiple health problems for the last few years including bleeding ulcer, heart failure, blocked arteries in her legs, and a broken hip Jan. 2014. Now she has compression fractures in her back, Aug. 2014. She seemed to get over the hip replacement the fastest of any of her ailments, the compression fractures seem to have caused her the most pain and are taking the longest time to get over. I would get it done asap.
Best wishes,
Ed