Had my anterior total hip replacement done May 12, 2020. Thought I'd share what I did before and what I experienced after surgery. First, I'm 57 (58 tomorrow) male with a long history of playing sports. Had hip pain for 3 years. super active in that I play tennis 3 times a week, golf once a week (walk the course) and workout 4 times per week. Ended up bone on bone with my left hip, including bone spurs.
1. Anterior is the way to go. My ortho primarily does posterior but I wanted anterior. So much better. So few restrictions. can't recommend enough. hospital personnel and PT folks were so surprised at my immediate recovery.
2. Pre surgery I got my legs, core and hip muscles in extra great shape (that is the key)
3. Post surgery. Used a walker first day post op. Used a cane second day post of. Walked unaided since day 3. PT 4 times first 2 weeks. Stationary bike since day 5.
4. Do your exercises 3 times a day.
5. walk as frequently as you can.
6. Ice is your friend (constantly ice the first 7 days). elevate your hip slightly.
7. Gravity is your enemy. When not walking, rest. let it heal.
8. My recovery. Had swelling and bruising first 9 days then it dissipated. Only taking Tylenol, gabapentin and aspirin. By day 10 I reduced dosages. by day 14 I'm down to minimal use. incision healed first 6 days. had nerve and muscle pain first 7 days. pain fluctuated and migrated to different parts. I learned that healing is not linear but it does trend up.
Take-aways:
1. do anterior
2. get in great shape presurgery
3. ice and elevate
4. walk slow and often. when not walking, lay down
5. do your exercises 3 times a day. You will see that by day 14 you can do almost any leg/hip exercise with minimal pain.
6. see how you feel and try to back down the pain meds if you can. this gives you a better idea of your pain, the degree and location.
Day 19 i'm doing light weightlifting, a lot of stationary bike and 3 times per day PT exercises. Goal is to be biking by week 4, golf by week 6 and tennis (doubles) by week 12.
Good luck. It's sooo worth it.
1. Anterior is the way to go. My ortho primarily does posterior but I wanted anterior. So much better. So few restrictions. can't recommend enough. hospital personnel and PT folks were so surprised at my immediate recovery.
2. Pre surgery I got my legs, core and hip muscles in extra great shape (that is the key)
3. Post surgery. Used a walker first day post op. Used a cane second day post of. Walked unaided since day 3. PT 4 times first 2 weeks. Stationary bike since day 5.
4. Do your exercises 3 times a day.
5. walk as frequently as you can.
6. Ice is your friend (constantly ice the first 7 days). elevate your hip slightly.
7. Gravity is your enemy. When not walking, rest. let it heal.
8. My recovery. Had swelling and bruising first 9 days then it dissipated. Only taking Tylenol, gabapentin and aspirin. By day 10 I reduced dosages. by day 14 I'm down to minimal use. incision healed first 6 days. had nerve and muscle pain first 7 days. pain fluctuated and migrated to different parts. I learned that healing is not linear but it does trend up.
Take-aways:
1. do anterior
2. get in great shape presurgery
3. ice and elevate
4. walk slow and often. when not walking, lay down
5. do your exercises 3 times a day. You will see that by day 14 you can do almost any leg/hip exercise with minimal pain.
6. see how you feel and try to back down the pain meds if you can. this gives you a better idea of your pain, the degree and location.
Day 19 i'm doing light weightlifting, a lot of stationary bike and 3 times per day PT exercises. Goal is to be biking by week 4, golf by week 6 and tennis (doubles) by week 12.
Good luck. It's sooo worth it.