For goodness sake you are not dying!! Get over it. Have it done and you will be fine
German voters slide inexorably to common sense …
Well its official, I am old! I'm 67 and just been told I have to have a hip replacement due to arthritis. The pain has been getting progressively worse since Christmas and inhibits normal daily activities most of us take for granted. My DH and I planned to do so much in our retirement and although I know there are a lot of people far worse off than me I cannot help but feel cheated of what should be 'our time' to enjoy the benefits of retirement. Have any of you lovely ladies (or gents) had a hip replacement and if so what are your experiences?
For goodness sake you are not dying!! Get over it. Have it done and you will be fine
I know a few people who have had hip replacements, including my brother in law who was in his late fifties and they are all happy they have had it done. Just make sure you follow the after op instructions of what to do and what not to do.
..and don't forget Prince Phillip at 96 (today's his 97th happy birthday Sir!) had a hip replacement and less than 2 weeks later went to harry and Meghan's wedding - no stick and standing tall. I know exactly how you feel as being immensely active and sporty wore out my knee and had a total replacement. Not as good as new but so much better than it was - work hard on your exercises and take heart from all the good news stories.
Cupcake - don’t despair. My friend’s hip replacement has given her her very active life back! Chin up and happy second chance!
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.
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.
Ps.
I am almost 81 now, and dont have trouble with either knee.
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.
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.
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.
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 ?
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.
Any happy survivors from ankle replacement surgery?
Mary you posted for me Im 73 and last night I was boogying at a 70th (crazy) party
I am 73 and not old!
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 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 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.
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!
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.
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...........
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
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.
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.
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.
Registering is free, easy, and means you can join the discussion, watch threads and lots more.
Register now »Already registered? Log in with:
Gransnet »Get our top conversations, latest advice, fantastic competitions, and more, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter here.