Hip replacement.

I didnt need support stockings,presumably to prevent DVT's but I did have to inject myself every evening with an anti clotting medication,that was the one bit that was hard,now I have done it,I know I could do it again now I a have a wonky left hip.

Oh yes the plastic bag trick is essential! But you still can’t do it yourself soon after a hip op.

There are ways to get them on , using a plastic bag can work but not easy.

A plastic bag on a car seat helps you slide in and out of a car.

Katie59 my sock device worked very well for my support stockings.

If you need support stockings you aren’t going to be able to put them on yourself for several weeks, normal socks are going to be a challenge at first

I asked about stockings and said I would find it awkward so the consultant said I didn’t need to wear them. So I didn’t and was fine.
There seems to be variation about post op rules depending on the surgeon involved.

I’m a little surprised so many are saying they managed by themselves. How did you change your support stockings? When my husband had a hip replacement he certainly needed help during the first two weeks while he recovered from the general anaesthetic and he was very grateful to have help getting his food etc and getting washed until he had managed to get more mobile.
The support stockings thing went on for weeks!
I would say get support if you can especially for the first two or three weeks by which time you will be well on the road to recovery but will need to build up your walking steadily for the next few months.

Someone I know who is 102 walks 4 miles a week with his walking group

I had my hip operation a few weeks before my 80th birthday , the surgeon told me the lady he operated a week before me was 90 !

That’s dreadful Charleygirl. Am sure that’s not right. Many 80 year olds are still very active.

A friend of mine, an ex orthopaedic ward sister was told by a physio at the age of 80 she is too old for a THR as it would be a waste of resources.

I had THR at the end of April last year,discharged next day,I live alone and managed really well,walking without support, week after,crutches more of a hindrance than a help.
Grabber,raised toilet seat,and bath board for iver bath shower all invaluable,but bought myself,and a sockaid is brilliant for tights as well.
Recovered really quickly, would also recommend having epidural rather than GA, as you feel better straight after op.

Imarocker

You will only want to go up and downstairs once a day. At first you will be walking with crutches so you can’t carry a cup of tea into the lounge. When DH was on crutches we put the kettle and microwave on the dining room table!
Most importantly, you cannot bend or twist for 6 weeks. Ie you can’t pick anything up off the floor even if you are sitting down. So you need to buy a pair of ‘grabbers’ for picking things up.. You won’t be able to change your compression stockings by yourself.
If you live on your own you need to make sure you have pre-cooked meals in the freezer or order ready meals from a supermarket.
Where you live needs to be assessed by an occupational therapist who will give you whatever aids you need, including a higher chair if necessary.
On the bright side, I had no pain after the op and was out after three days.

The advice you’re giving about bending down won’t apply to everyone. It depends on what method has been used to replace the joint. I had no movement restrictions other than those my own body applied - it was weeks before I get to my feet!

Best to check with the surgeon before discharge.

Imarocker

You will only want to go up and downstairs once a day. At first you will be walking with crutches so you can’t carry a cup of tea into the lounge. When DH was on crutches we put the kettle and microwave on the dining room table!
Most importantly, you cannot bend or twist for 6 weeks. Ie you can’t pick anything up off the floor even if you are sitting down. So you need to buy a pair of ‘grabbers’ for picking things up.. You won’t be able to change your compression stockings by yourself.
If you live on your own you need to make sure you have pre-cooked meals in the freezer or order ready meals from a supermarket.
Where you live needs to be assessed by an occupational therapist who will give you whatever aids you need, including a higher chair if necessary.
On the bright side, I had no pain after the op and was out after three days.

I had no assessment of any kind and the only equipment I was provided with was the crutches I came out of hospital with and a walking stick. Anything else I needed I had to buy.

The main things I would have found it very difficult to manage without without were two litterpickets and a high toilet seat (I got the one with a frame which fit round the toilet).

kircubbin2000 don’t think it’s age. Think waiting lists in NHS just getting longer the various strikes not helping All sorts of ops seem to be getting cancelled

I had my hip replaced three weeks ago and was discharged the day after surgery. I’ve found that I’m rehabbing much more quickly than my first hip op - about 3 years ago.
My husband was going skiing a week after my surgery so my sister moved in to help me and I was grateful as she helped with things like the rubbish and recycling. I could have managed on my own but it did really help to have her around. Having mugs of tea delivered was a bonus!
Sleep has been more elusive this time as I’ve found sleeping on my back much more difficult. I’ve recently taken delivery of a ‘Slumber Support’ from Cambridge Futon Company. Best purchase as it means my operated leg is fully supported which enables me to sleep on my side. Brilliant!
The other useful purchase was a cheap tabard (£5) with a big front pocket. I can carry my iPad, my book etc up and down stairs, leaving my hands free for the banister.
My advice is to start the physio/rehab exercises before your surgery to build up your muscles.

How much help you need depends on how mobile you are now, if you’re fairly able now you will be OK after a few days, a bed downstairs will make it easier and safer. Carrying drinks and plates will be hard with 2 crutches so a chair in the kitchen is a help.
OH had a hip done and was using one crutch after 1 week able to carry a mug or a plate and fully mobile in 3 weeks.

I wonder if the NHS is discouraging older people from going on the waiting list.

kircubbin2000

I have been in pain for 2 years and my GP dismissed it as minor wear and tear so I am going private.

My GP said minor wear and tear. The NHS physio wasn’t very good so I went private and she couldn’t quite understand what was going on so asked me to get a copy of the x-ray report. It was NOT minor wear and tear.
There is a website called Bonesmart which is about knee and hip replacements.

Thank you silverlining48
I've been reading the old threads, reassuring to read that recovery is different for everyone.
I shall go with the flow as far as DH's recovery is concerned.

It’s usually life changing, the pain goes away almost instantly. Glad all going well with your dh LadyGracie

DH had his hip replaced on Tuesday and came home yesterday with crutches and a zimmer (he prefers the zimmer) and is walking about regularly. He has some oozing in the dressing (blood) which we're assured is normal.
Apart from discomfort you'd expect in the hip area (totally different to the pain before the op) he's doing well even with his arthritic knees.

I love the grabbers I was given and still use them, as do my grandchildren. Ended up with two of them so one is hanging up at my allotment where it's been invaluable.

silverlining48

Mizuna it’s my understanding that knee replacement is more complicated surgery with a slightly longer recovery time.
No doubt you know this already but wanted to mention just in case.
Hope all goes well.

Thank you, yes it's a more complicated operation and, I found, more painful. I had my other knee done seven years ago. I went out to a café after a week but as I'm a bit older now I'll take it day by day!

Imarocker. Highly unlikely that an OT will visit and provide equipment so best not to rely on that.
I was given two sticks and a raised toilet seat and after 36 hours discharged. In the loft in case my other hip needs replacing.
There’s lots of helpful advice about useful equipment to pick up on the hip and knee thread. Don’t forget to look for the 👯‍♀️
I love my long handled shoe horns, the picker uppers are good too.