THR Finally decided to go ahead THR right side

[Tazmanian]

Hi, Male 64 fit and healthy until the start of 2023. Developed lots of pains and stiffness in my right hip and a limp. Sought medical advice and saw a physio around the same time. Physio advised that I'd lost a good deal of muscle in my right glute area and devised a program to address this. Finally manages to actually see a doctor in person after around 6 weeks!!
He suggested that I have an x-ray taken to see what was going on. Eventually got this done in April and it wasn't good to look at. Then got referred to a orthopaedic consultant in May and that was when I saw how bad it was, bone rubbing on bone, literally zero cartilage!!
The strange thing is that my pain level had reduced considerably through my exercise regime. I didn't feel particularly comfortable with consultant so didn't make any decisions then. My pain level reached a certain threshold and has not improved in the couple of months since.
Arranged to see a different consultant, has a new x-ray a couple weeks ago. Felt much more comfortable with this one and a very positive session with him.
He's advised that my exercise regime has been beneficial but will not help me to overcome the lack of cartilage, the upshot being it's surgery or put up with the pain which will undoubtably increase and that my limp will worsen.
I've agreed to proceed with the THR and it is booked in for 10th October all being well.

I've never had a major surgery before and am apprehensive but realise there's no real alternative. My biggest concern is that being a very active person I've got to prepare for at least many weeks of greatly reduced activity.

 

[djklaugh]

@Tazmanian Welcome to BoneSmart! While you will be on reduced activity for a while that truly is TEMPORARY! Hip replacement is major surgery and it takes time to heal everything following such surgery. The key to being able to get back to your favorite activities is to HEAL FIRST! Then get back to training and strengthening. Everyone's journey through joint replacement is unique and the time needed to heal will vary ... but generally it is recommended that one allow 8-12 weeks following surgery to return to a job - particularly one that is physically demanding. This also applies (generally speaking) to returning to strenuous sports and other activities.

Listen to your body! Most new hips do not need PT = though for some the muscles around the hip can benefit from PT exercises.

Do get new shoes before surgery and do not wear them until afterwards. The wear pattern on old shoes will be in the old limping pattern you are getting now -- and that old pattern is NOT good for new hips.

Here are our pre op articles and suggestions:

Hip: pre-surgery considerations

If you are at the stage where you have joint pain but don't know for sure if you are ready to have surgery, these links may help:


Score Chart: How bad is my arthritic hip?
Choosing a surgeon and a prosthesis
BMI Calculator - What to do if your surgeon says you're too heavy for joint replacement surgery
Longevity of implants and revisions: How long will my new joint last?

If you are at the stage where you are planning to have surgery but are looking for information so you can be better prepared for what is to come, take a look at these links:


Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home
Recliner Chairs: Things you need to know if buying one for your recovery
Pre-Op Interviews: What's involved?

And if you want to picture what your life might be like with a replaced hip, take a look at the posts and threads in stories of amazing hip recoveries

 

[HopalongCassidy]

Hi Tazmanian
Welcome to the forum. I've found this site to be really helpful on my THR journey.
Lots of really helpful advice here so I'd really encourage you to engage.
Best of luck!

 

[Jaycey]

My biggest concern is that being a very active person I've got to prepare for at least many weeks of greatly reduced activity.

It's all temporary - but necessary. Let that hip heal and you will have years of activity.

 

[benne68]

I've never had a major surgery before and am apprehensive but realise there's no real alternative. My biggest concern is that being a very active person I've got to prepare for at least many weeks of greatly reduced activity.

Being apprehensive is normal! I've had multiple surgeries over the years, but still become anxious before my THR.

Yes, there is some down time after surgery, but as Jaycey said, it's temporary. I was out hiking and bicycling again at six months post-op.

And, the best part is that, you will not only be able to get back to your favorite activities after this surgery, you will find them more enjoyable since you won't be dealing with pain!

 

[Tazmanian]

Many thanks to all of you for your kind and supportive replies. I've started some extensive reading and will hopefully overcome my fairly serious trepidation over the longish recovery time. I've only had a knee keyhole surgery before and I was back at work after a couple weeks. Of course I do appreciate that the first 10 days or so will be a bit of a trial and that after that I should be capable of some movement and indeed exercise. I've now got my pre op assessment booked for 21st September and will learn more about my specific treatment.

Once again many thanks,

 

[nasruddin]

I've never had a major surgery before and am apprehensive but realise there's no real alternative. My biggest concern is that being a very active person I've got to prepare for at least many weeks of greatly reduced activity.

It's not a rose garden, but most people seem to be pretty functional in a few days, & can start to do a little
walking in 1-2 weeks. You may have some activity restrictions, some may last for a while. However you'll
probably be pleased with the effect it has on you. It's somewhat like recovering from a broken bone.

It sounds like you have been fortunate in that you haven't gone thru a steep decline in what you can do.
This may be in your future as you delay. This was true in my case - the delays were necessary but doing
the surgery a few months earlier would've been better. I too did a lot of physiotherapy & other things &
the first year or so of that delay was well worth it. The last 6 mos though, were not so pleasant.

 

[benne68]

appreciate that the first 10 days or so will be a bit of a trial and that after that I should be capable of some movement and indeed exercise.

You will find that the hospital staff will have you on your feet and walking around within a few hours of surgery. They will make sure you can walk and climb stairs before your are released.

One of the best parts of recovering from a hip replacement is that it really doesn't require physical therapy. In fact, the best exercise is walking!

 

[Tazmanian]

I've never had a major surgery before and am apprehensive but realise there's no real alternative. My biggest concern is that being a very active person I've got to prepare for at least many weeks of greatly reduced activity.

It's not a rose garden, but most people seem to be pretty functional in a few days, & can start to do a little
walking in 1-2 weeks. You may have some activity restrictions, some may last for a while. However you'll
probably be pleased with the effect it has on you. It's somewhat like recovering from a broken bone.

It sounds like you have been fortunate in that you haven't gone thru a steep decline in what you can do.
This may be in your future as you delay. This was true in my case - the delays were necessary but doing
the surgery a few months earlier would've been better. I too did a lot of physiotherapy & other things &
the first year or so of that delay was well worth it. The last 6 mos though, were not so pleasant.

Many thanks for your kind comments, I'm very relieved that I'll be having my treatment before I become too debilitated. I do hope that the rest of me being in good physical health will help my recovery.

 

[Tazmanian]

appreciate that the first 10 days or so will be a bit of a trial and that after that I should be capable of some movement and indeed exercise.

You will find that the hospital staff will have you on your feet and walking around within a few hours of surgery. They will make sure you can walk and climb stairs before your are released.

One of the best parts of recovering from a hip replacement is that it really doesn't require physical therapy. In fact, the best exercise is walking!

Thank you for your positive kind words. I'll be delighted if they've got me up and walking a few hours post op!!
As regards the PT my conversation with my Physio has inclined me to try and have reasonably good supporting musculature pre op to perhaps counter any atrophy during my post op recovery.
In some ways I'm almost looking forward to some enforced rest!!

 

[Mojo333]

Hi @Tazmanian
to the forum.

I, too, got a bone-on-bone, end-stage OA dignosis over 6 years ago for both hips
After hip replacements, I am stronger, healthier and though the first months were a lesson in patience....I am still a Grateful Double Hippy.

Bonesmart is a great place to get real info from those who know.
Time to get better!

 

[Tazmanian]

Hi @Tazmanian
to the forum.

I, too, got a bone-on-bone, end-stage OA dignosis over 6 years ago for both hips
After hip replacements, I am stronger, healthier and though the first months were a lesson in patience....I am still a Grateful Double Hippy.

Bonesmart is a great place to get real info from those who know.
Time to get better!

Hi Mojo,
Thanks for your supportive and encouraging words. I note you mentioned your THR in 2017 so you've had several years to evaluate and enjoy. Kudos!!
I too hope to have as positive an experience. I'm a little bewildered by the amount of different implants being used and indeed the different surgical approaches. I believe I'll be undergoing a minimally invasive procedure with a 5 inch incision and getting a non cemented ceramic ball into a polyethene socket liner. My pre op is on 21 Sept so I'll try and ask the right questions and update.

 

[Eman85]

I've never had a major surgery before and am apprehensive but realise there's no real alternative. My biggest concern is that being a very active person I've got to prepare for at least many weeks of greatly reduced activity.

This is an elective surgery, bad hips won't kill you. In hopes of regaining the level of activity you want a few months of reduced activity will be a small price.

 

[Tazmanian]

I've never had a major surgery before and am apprehensive but realise there's no real alternative. My biggest concern is that being a very active person I've got to prepare for at least many weeks of greatly reduced activity.

This is an elective surgery, bad hips won't kill you. In hopes of regaining the level of activity you want a few months of reduced activity will be a small price.

Hi Eman85,
Your most succinct 2 lines is exactly the type of thinking that has helped me to arrive at the decision to proceed.

 

[Eman85]

The decision is all yours. once you decide to do it go all in for the recovery and accept the slow but steady recovery. It's not a simple procedure or a simple recovery which can be very frustrating. It's also not a slam dunk and the results vary among us.

 

[PolarIce]

Great to see you are going ahead with getting this done. I know the decision making on whether or not to get the surgery can be tough sometimes. As you posted, once the pain starts it does get worst much quicker from there. A great exercise and strengthening program can definitely make a big difference, I know it is what saved me and helped delay the replacement by quite some time. Unfortunately even that has it's limitations. The great news for you is that you will be going into the surgery in much better health and shape which will help with your recovery.

Good luck with the surgery, super excited for you and your recovery!

 

[SurreyGirl]

Right decision. Try to do as much pre-op training as you can and buy some new shoes for the recovery.. this is important.

Upper arm excersises useful for those pesky crutches. The week leading up to the op and the first few “omg what have I done” days after are the worst but that passes and the outcome for most of us is excellent. Thank your lucky stars you are having the anterior approach and feel sorry for those of us with 12 inch scars .. :/)

 

[Tazmanian]

@PolarIce & @SurreyGirl
Thank you both for your kind words and support. I have my pre op assessment on Thursday 21st and will update as possible.
I've been working pretty hard in the gym keeping as fit and strong as possible. After reading lots of stuff about peoples experience I've come to the conclusion that there are 4 areas to keep in good shape above all else. Glutes, quads, shoulders, and triceps. So far I'm happy with my efforts and progress, I'm still around 4 weeks away from surgery and will try to keep as positive as I can about it.
I'm fairly well resigned to the likelihood that the first 10 days or so are going to be the most testing but there we go!!!

 

[Tazmanian]

I've now attended my pre op and believe I'm good to go on 10th October.
I asked about the restrictions I may be subject to but apparently will be told later!
Which helping should I obtain? The hospital will provide as required.
How long will I stay in? Possibly 2 nights but more likely to be just one night and I'll be discharged once they've watched me manage a short flight of stairs.
Did confirm that it would be a minimally invasive procedure with a relatively small incision.
We went through the likely method of anaesthesia and think they prefer to go the nerve block and sedation rather than GA. I asked as why this was and was told that some people have a bad experience after a general. I explained that I'd had a GA three times without any problems. Will have to discuss and agree with the anaesthetist on the day.

 

[Jaycey]

@Tazmanian Sounds like you are good to go! Well done!

Regarding the anaesthesia - the spinal and sedation is so much easier to recover from. No groggy feeling, no nausea. And you are awake and alert as they are wheeling you out of theatre.