?‍♀️Hip Replacement #2 ?‍♀️ (Knees Welcome!) ?‍♀️

The major problem for each of us is that we are all marginally over the age of 29 and try as I might, I can not stop getting any older. If anybody has found that solution please let me know because the thought of an 80th birthday next year fills me with dread.

The only good thing is if we are still receiving state pensions then, mine will be increased by 25p a week. I will try not to gloat when that happens.

I suppose that it’s only when things start to go a bit wrong one starts to (really really )feel older. I still expect to do what I have always done without the huffing and puffing, but still hope that’s the remains of Covid, only time will tell. I do miss walking.
I tell myself to stay active. There is a walker I know who is 101 and fit as a flea. He is impressive, and to him you, and me too, are but youngsters Charleygirl.

Hello everyone, I am having a THR in 3 weeks time. I'm very relieved but apprehensive too. I can't believe how quickly my hip has deteriorated. It was only a year ago that I started having a few niggles; now it's bone on bone and the grinding sensation feels dreadful.
Getting on and off the loo is a concern and sorting myself out whilst I'm on there , if you know what I mean, feels impossible as you're not supposed to lean forward.
Perhaps I'm thinking too much.

Welcome labradorlinda no, you are not overthinking and if you are unsure how to do something, why not read through what we have written as there are many helpful tips there.

Regarding your present problem, it may be easier to stand up to clean yourself and now is the time to practice, before surgery.

Perhaps you may need a temporary handrail beside your loo to make life easier for a few weeks.

We are here to help, no matter how trivial you may think it is.

Each hospital supplies different gadgets but you will definitely receive a raised loo seat.

Welcome labradorLinda. Not long to go before you get your shiny new hip. There’s so much on our hipster posts but if you have any questions, or worries, we are here to help.
I don’t think anyone regrets having their operation and it won’t be long before you are feeling much better than you are now.

I think you can lean firward now,its just after the operation that you shouldn’t. Not long to wait now. Best wishes

silverlining I was asking LabradorLinda to practice now pre-op so she is better prepared.

As you said, we are here to help.

Thank you both for your support and advice. I will start 'practicing' when I'm on the toilet. .... it's all the everyday tasks that we take for granted that will need a rethink.
I'm getting my 'nest' prepared for when I get home. Ice packs, nighties, big socks, grabbers, long shoe horn etc..
Fortunately for me, I have appointments just before my surgery already booked....hair, facial, dentist, physio and family visits.
3 weeks today and counting....

Always good to get your hair done and teeth looked at (especially teeth).
These last 3 weeks will fly by and soon you will be pain free. Something to look forward to.

Labradorlinda there are devices on Amazon for use 'sorting yourself out' on the loo. I won't go into detail but I found the one I bought was very helpful. Can't twist after the op for a while.

Good afternoon Hipsters ,hope everyone is feeling tickety boo.
I am thinking for after my op,no date yet,would a wheelchair,with a careful driver be a good idea.
I have my hair cut every 3 weeks,I have a pixie that grows out quickly,I know I couldnt/ wouldnt make it on crutches to the hairdresser as it is a bit of a walk,the thought of looking shaggy is not a pleasant thought,I dont have a car,or anyone to take me.
How soon would be advisable if at all.
tia.

labradorlinda Welcome to the very helpful hip thread.

I had my new hip on August 10th so it will be ten weeks old tomorrow. I found lots of helpful, practical information on here before surgery.

A leg lifter is very useful. I used mine a lot before surgery and for a while after, great for lifting leg onto your bed.
Also a gadget for putting on socks but I found I could only make it work with fairly loose socks. My local Community Rehab ( my hospital contacted them to say what was needed before I was discharged) supplied raised loo seats which are built into a sort of frame so there are arm supports which I find very helpful.
I have a stool to go in the shower which I have more or less finished with now, but it was very reassuring when I was able to have my first shower.
We bought a non-wheeled folding walking frame a few months before. This was so good for getting out of the shower cubicle and having something to grab in front of it.
Also, I used it at night to visit the loo as it felt safer than being on crutches!
You won’t be able to tie shoe laces and this has been a problem as most of my shoes are lace-ups. I have had to buy some slip-on shoes. The trouble is, nobody says when it is safe to tie shoes again or when you can lean forwards again.

All my pain went after the surgery which was so good. I am sure all will go well for you too

Hello all I haven’t been on for a while as I was away with poor connections . I have managed a good bit of walking whilst away but worried now as my other hip is hurting!?. Hoping that I have just overdone walking on Cornish cobbled streets and cliff paths . Appointment with the osteopath is booked for Friday! My newish hip is behaving well though , no muscle pain at all. I have also just heard that my first exercise on prescription appointment is on 3rd Nov .A friend has just had his hip replaced and was only in hospital for 24 hours . Poor chap was in a great deal of pain the next couple of days . He only got sent home with codeine and paracetamol. I’m sure I had the morphine based Oxycodone for 48 hours.
Hip replacements will soon be done as an outpatient .

SusieB do not jest- I have known of two people who were discharged the same day. We are all different thankfully.

Those of you who know me, know that I err on the side of caution and I do not think you should be bending forward under 6 months. It takes a full year for your hip or knee to be in full working order.

I am pleased to hear that raised loos seats are more stable now because they used to be placed on the loo and could wobble.

When I had my bathroom upgraded a few years ago I decided to have a decent size loo fitted there and in my downstairs loo so I will not have to think about raised loo seats.

I was discharged after 36 hours on good Friday so everything closed got the long weekend. Didn’t feel well and Ended up calling out of hours and they sent a paramedic round. All very dramatic initially but it calmed down fairly quickly. I was fine, and still am, but know I was discharged too soon.

iPadGrandmaelastic laces are really useful if you want to wear lace-ups. Your long shoe horn will be required also.

People have different types of hips inserted so ask the consultant's secretary that simple question and she will ring you back.

On the 25th Oct I will be 12 weeks post op. Today I went for a long walk with my dear sister and we did 6500 steps and just over 2.7 miles. I still take a stick, confidence issue when outside, but inside and in garden none. It is so wonderful to be able to walk with out hip pain. My back still hurts but I usually find somewhere I can sit for a few minutes to ease it then I carry on. All the new people and those nearing their operation date you hopefully will have a wonderful pain future to look forward too.??‍♀️?‍♀️?‍♂️?‍♂️

Congratulations travels. Well done.
The furthest post op walk I have done so far is about 13,500 steps and did an easy 11,000 step walk this week. My max pre op was 23,000 steps so have a way to go before I do that, but I will.
I am 74, 6 months post op with lots of lovely walks to look forward to. I had my stick but left it in the car. Keep on trekking , we know it makes sense.

Morning all, it’s wet and not a day for walking (try to avoid slippery mud) but wish you a hippy hoppy happy day.
Hope this will bump itself onto Active. Just for a change.! I need to get out of bed and get active too.

Nada ?

Very wet and slippery out today . I was out most of the day yesterday , up and down escalators and steps galore . Back is suffering today. I think I will read the paper and wait in anticipation for the noisy arrival of DD and 2 DGC this pm for a few days . The plan is for older DGD to stay on but she is anxious about staying without mum and sibling. I blame lockdown …. ?‍♀️

Good morning everyone, I hope everyone is having a good day. The rain is relentless here; it's so dark! I'm continuing with my pre op exercises and practising certain moves.
Can I ask the 'hipsters' who are recovering if they were offered ice packs in hospital to help with the pain and inflammation?
It seems routine in America. People talk about ice machines by their bed in hospital.
We have 2 gel ice packs at home with a cover but I'm not sure if they would put them in a fridge for me.
I'm sure I'll get a phone call from the hospital soon so I will ask.
Take care everyone...

I wasn’t offered ice packs in hospital and didn’t use them at home , but a couple of friends who have recently had hip replacements (it’s the latest craze round here!) have used them once home. Maybe take them in with you, although length of stay in hospital seems to be only 24 hours !!

I didn’t need ice packs either. No swelling.
The only thing I was given at the hospital was a raised toilet seat and two sticks. It seems to be hit and miss what we have all been given but most the toilet seat and sticks were both useful. I found the stand which fitted round the toilet very useful in getting up/ down safely. It doubled up as something to put clothes and towels in when showering. A decent shower mat too is important.
Be careful with any meds, co codamol can cause dreadful constipation.

labradorlinda I would not take any of your ice packs into the hospital because you will never see them again! Leave them in your freezer at home so they will be ready if you feel you will need to use them.

It appears to be the bare minimum patients are given nowadays and little practical advice.