Hip Replacement

Thanks Jane10 and AnnS1. I was not particularly worried about having the spinal with sedation just interested in knowing if I would be aware of things. It would actually fascinate me to be able to watch the whole procedure.

I had mine done aged 66. NHS and they were amazing. Every member of staff - brilliant. No painkillers after a couple of days. Down to one crutch after 3 weeks. Driving after 6 weeks.

I'd done pilates for years years and consultant said this helped my recovery.

In got a huge amount of physio help whilst in hospital (3 days) and did all the exercises when I came out. You need to exercise A LOT. Very important.

I do a lot of gardening and have been told off by the consultant for doing too much bending. My hip does ache a bit after a hard day!

I was back to pilates as soon as I got over the "Do not bend more than 90 degrees" period. Zumba after about 6 months.

Mine was done three years ago - no regrets! Swallowed a couple of pills an hour before the op and was so out of it, I had to be held up for the spinal. I knew nothing until I woke up back in bed. Did have a reaction to a painkiller but was fine when it was stopped. Also had to have two units of blood. The worst part for me was injecting myself in the stomach daily for four weeks afterwards. No district nurse visits for dressing changes etc. I had to do everything myself. But it was a fast recovery and I wouldn't hesitate to have it done again. Best gadgets were the step to get into the shower (mine's over the bath) and the grabber. It's amazing how often you drop things when you can't bend down! Good luck.

My mother in law had both hips replaced, returning to waterskiing with no problem - she was known as SuperGran. She only ever mono skiied and pulled up on one - safer than two skiis - she was a legend.

PS I had a spinal for knee replacement - I did hear the odd bang - a bit like the noise at the farriers - but nothing really. But it does mean a catheter until you regain control - the surgeon apologised for the choice of music but his son had wiped his ipod and replaced the tracks with Garage music - hmmm.

I had a GA for my first knee replacement and really had to be talked into having a spinal with sedation for my second knee last year.

I did not hear a thing- I am not sure where I woke up but it was definitely not in the operating theatre! Go for it!

I'm just back from my appointment with the orthopedic surgeon. He said he could do my THR next week or I could wait until he returns from holiday in 7 weeks. I've opted for the later date for a couple of reasons.

Next week is just a little soon to get everything I need to have done sorted and also we are in the process of selling our house and this just gives a bit of time for that to happen.