THR Am I fooling myself?

[CB1018]

I am a 45 and have been ignoring my hip pain for over a decade. This last year the pain was constant and so bad that I couldn't ignore it anymore. I was diagnosed with severe OA in both hips. I will have the left one replaced in an outpatient surgery center on July 7th (was originally scheduled for May 26th, but the insurance company originally denied me). My insurance company finally approved me this week and I was able to schedule for July 7th.
I know we all heal differently but...... I have a Disney World trip scheduled for mid August (16th). This trip has been scheduled for a year and is also a family reunion trip. I have accepted that I will have to rent a mobility scooter because I will not be able to walk 10+ miles a day (only 6 weeks after my surgery).
Am I being ridiculous in thinking I will be able to go on this vacation?

 

[skigirl]

I don’t think so!! I think a scooter is a wonderful idea! I wish I had had one at Disney world which is vast!!! Be prepared for your relatives trying to steal it!

It does not sound like the trip can be rescheduled. So I would plan for the trip, ask fo a wheel chair at the airport, just to save your walking strength. Take it easy, maybe you will have to rest part of some days?

By one month out I would love all without crutches about a mile or so, however I still tired easily. My surgery was anterior so I could easily sit for a two or three hour plane ride but some with a posterior hip might have some issues with sitting.

If u will not feel badly that you might miss a few things and need extra rest I think the trip is doable. I suppose you could push your surgery back a month and then be sure of going?

 

[Layla]

That’s a tough one, because a lot of it will depend upon how your recovery is going, pain wise and energy wise.

In my opinion you would definitely need a scooter as you can clock a lot of miles on foot at Disney. I don’t know how much you’ll enjoy it via a scooter, how much of a burden, if any it will pose on your group and whether you’ll be able to do all of the same things you can do on foot without it taking extra time.

You will need to be hyper aware of other pedestrians, especially the little ones as there is always the possibility of injuring yourself, or others. Keep in mind also, that the seat may, or may not, be uncomfortable so you may want to bring something cushy to sit on in case they’re vinyl / non breathable, which I’m unsure about. Possibly you can find out ahead of time. I agree that the trip is probably doable, but I can’t say that I would have felt up to navigating Disney at that point of my recovery.

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but you also mentioned you have severe arthritis in both hips so I can’t help but wonder how much the prolonged sitting, or extra walking may affect the comfort level of your (right) non op hip. A lot to consider…

Wishing you comfort and all the best as your date is fast approaching.
@CB1018

 

[Layla]

Here is some pre-op reading for you -
Longevity of implants and revisions: How long will my new joint last?
Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home
Recliner Chairs: Things you need to know if buying one for your recovery
Stories of amazing hip recoveries

 

[Jaycey]

Have to agree with Layla - it is a very aggressive plan for a new hip. Energy drain is real post major surgery and trying to ignore it is impossible. Here are a couple of articles that might help you plan:
Activity progression for THRs
Healing: how long does it take?
Chart representation of THR recovery

 

[CB1018]

Thanks for the advice and tips!

I guess I will not know until the trip gets closer and I have some idea how I am healing.

The good news is my family will be okay waiting for me or coming back for me if I skip an attraction. My 10 and 13 year old just want to be there.

 

[CB1018]

f u will not feel badly that you might miss a few things and need extra rest I think the trip is doable. I suppose you could push your surgery back a month and then be sure of going?

Unfortunately, it is now or wait several months. I teach AP classes (college courses in high school) and it would be too stressful for me and my students to miss a minimum of 2 weeks.

 

[skigirl]

Then go and enjoy the part of the trip that you can do. If you miss a few things because you have to rest, oh well. At least you can enjoy the fun and the camaraderie of seeing your family

 

[PolarIce]

I am a 45 and have been ignoring my hip pain for over a decade. This last year the pain was constant and so bad that I couldn't ignore it anymore. I was diagnosed with severe OA in both hips. I will have the left one replaced in an outpatient surgery center on July 7th (was originally scheduled for May 26th, but the insurance company originally denied me). My insurance company finally approved me this week and I was able to schedule for July 7th.
I know we all heal differently but...... I have a Disney World trip scheduled for mid August (16th). This trip has been scheduled for a year and is also a family reunion trip. I have accepted that I will have to rent a mobility scooter because I will not be able to walk 10+ miles a day (only 6 weeks after my surgery).
Am I being ridiculous in thinking I will be able to go on this vacation?

You can do this(I am a avid Disneyland goer so I know alllll that it involves).

You are right everyone heals different, but you are young and assuming healthy otherwise. You will be up and walking by then, I would however rent a wheelchair down at the parks, because I doubt that you will be able to handle the amount of walking.

 

[skigirl]

Good advice!! I was pregnant the one and only time I endured Disney land for my kiddos and I was wiped out from the walking