I was over the moon when I got my date in August 2016 aged 68. Right hip total replacement. I'll try not to repeat what others have said but my memory is poor.
I was last on the list that day and got back to ward at 8:00pm. At 9:00pm two lovely people from the physio team came to see me. I'd seen them earlier in the day and also when I went for my pre-op assessment. They got me out of bed and I took my first few steps over to the door, turned and back to bed. The walker was a tall one, that I rested my arms on.
I was in for 3 days as I had low blood pressure the second day but I should have been out after two. The days were full of physio and by the time I left, I knew how to cope with stairs - up and down. I left on two crutches.
Pre-assessment is important as they go through all equipment you will need. I had to buy nothing. They even supplied a chair high enough and a toilet seat. This is the NHS. My sister in law had her's done privately and had to buy everything.
Even though I was unable to do hip movement exercises, I'd always done a lot of Pilates and the surgeon said this had given me good muscle control and would make recovery much quicker. By two weeks, I was on one crutch and by four weeks off them completely. It can't be repeated enough, but regular exercise is tiring but vital. I lay flat down on the bed for an hour's sleep every afternoon for weeks afterwards.
I don't wear slippers and was allowed to bring some slip on shoes in to wear (just had to make sure the soles were clean)
Physio told me that I could attend for sessions at the hospital but I'd done so well in the three days, if I followed all the instructions, I'd be fine and I was. They rang me twice the following week to check. I went for my 6 week check and was given permission to drive. I drove home?
I get a little too enthusiastic sometimes and do too much gardening (bending) and both my hips ache the next day but an ice pack helps. A few weeks ago I went for my yearly x ray and completed the online assessment. A phone call 10 days later confirmed that all was well.
Well done to the NHS staff I've met to help me through this operation. I've no qualms about ever having the left hip done, if needs be. I was back to doing Pilates after 6 months. The class of 12 I go to has 5 of us with hip or knee replacements and the tutor is our age so understands our needs.
Let us know how you get on. Pain free days are on their way silverlining.