THR Having total hip replacement surgery in 8 days

boricuaterp

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Hello all,

7/16 is the date for my total hip replacement surgery. I had a closed reduction/internal fixation emergency surgery on my right hip of a displaced femoral neck fracture on 4/5, after falling of my bicycle and tumbling down a hill off a bike trail the day before (4/4).

After 6 weeks of non weight-bearing on my right leg, I went for a follow-up with the surgeon that performed the surgery. I told him that I had been experiencing pain in my groin and in front of my thigh when I performed straight leg raises during PT sessions. He looked at an X-ray of my hip taken the day of the follow-up, and he said that ‘it is not looking like it was healing’ but he wasn’t too specific. He wanted me to come back to his office after 5 weeks. In the meantime, he allowed me to do toe-touching weight bearing on the right leg.

I went ahead and got a second opinion from a hip/knee specialist on 6/16. He was very straightforward in his diagnosis, which turned out to be nonunion, along with osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and some degree of osteoarthritis. He suggested removal of the pins and doing hip pinning surgery again (but he didn’t give me a good prognosis for that procedure) and total hip arthroplasty. I chose the surgery route. The new surgeon will do a direct anterior approach hip arthroplasty after removing the screws that are in there right now. He said the surgery will only last 45 minutes, which came as a surprise (pleasant) for me.

I was 100% mobile prior to the accident, with no known comorbidities. I am overweight, but not obese. I’ve managed to lose almost 30 pounds since the accident by doing portion control, eating more fatty fish (mackerel, sardines) and fruits.

I feel anxious about the surgery, especially after doing some research about it, and seeing all the complications that I could run into (dislocation, infection, etc.). If you have any suggestions in dealing with anxiety prior to surgery, please send them my way!

I am very happy to find this community, where people share their experiences with these procedures. I wish good luck to everyone having surgery in the near future!
 
Hello @boricuaterp - and :welome:

It sounds as if you've had bad luck with your right hip so far.
Be reassured that a THR is usually a very successful operation.

I feel anxious about the surgery, especially after doing some research about it, and seeing all the complications that I could run into (dislocation, infection, etc.). If you have any suggestions in dealing with anxiety prior to surgery, please send them my way!
The complications you mention are only possibilities, not probabilities. For all the hip replacements that are done, only a very small percentage of people experience complications. Most people have a successful surgery and, after a period of recovery that takes quite a long time, they go back to living a normal life.

Here is some reading to hep you prepare for your 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 from other BoneSmarties provided in this link:
Stories of amazing hip recoveries
 
As your surgery isn't far away, here's a sneak preview of our recovery guidelines:
Hip Recovery: The Guidelines

People are all different, as are the approaches to this recovery and rehab. The key is, “Find what works for YOU.“ Your doctor(s), physiotherapist(s) and BoneSmart are here to help, but YOU are the final judge as to the recovery approach you choose.

1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now, they are almost certainly temporary.

2. Control discomfort:
rest
ice
take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)​

3. Do what you want to do BUT
a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you​
b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.​

4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of these

5. Try to follow this

6. Access these pages on the website


Pain management and the pain chart
Healing: how long does it take?
Chart representation of THR recovery

Dislocation risk and 90 degree rule
Energy drain for THRs
Pain and swelling control: elevation is the key
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

BIG TIP: Hips actually don't need any exercise to get better. They do a pretty good job of it all on their own if given half a chance. Trouble is, people don't give them a chance and end up with all sorts of aches and pains and sore spots. All they need is the best therapy which is walking and even then not to excess.

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery.

While members may create as many threads as they like in the majority of BoneSmart’s forums, we ask that each member have only One Recovery Thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review the member’s history before providing advice, so please post any updates or questions you have right here in this thread.
 
Thank you so much for providing me with the great information @Celle! I’ll be doing some reading in the following days to gain as much knowledge and to calm down and relax as my surgery approaches!
 
You're welcome. We're here to help.
 
The anxiety and nervousness is normal and we all go through it. I had pins in my hip from a different situation, they were in for almost 50 years. They posed a little bit of a problem for my OS but I came out with a new hip and it's worked out well. The risks are there and they do happen but you just have to weigh out the benefits.
 
Thank you for the encouraging words, @Eman85.

I haven’t been able to put weight on my leg for a little over 3 months now, after being completely independent for 51 years. An accident can happen to anyone, at any time; that’s part of life, I guess. I have to stay positive, since this surgery gives me the best chance to get back on my feet, and it will hopefully allow me to regain my independence once again.
 
It’s hard to fight the normal anxiety we all have facing this (or any!) surgery. Being informed and confident in your surgeon go a long way. Surgeons and their teams/facilities try and reduce the risk of complications as much as possible. This is new for you but a regular “day in the office” for them. Get all your questions answered and then allow them to be the professionals they are. Just be patient with yourself in recovery as you have a bit more to overcome than most of us did. It will just take the time it takes. Blessings for a successful surgery and good recovery.
 
Thank you for the beautiful words, @Hip4life!

The support that I’ve received in this community in just one day of being here is nothing short of amazing! I’m going to use all the advice and positive vibes that you’re all sending me to carry me through this new chapter of my life.
 
Those of us who have already been on this journey were in the same place pre-op. It is very easy to let the imagination run wild. Keep busy and keep posting here. It does help ease the nerves.
 
Hi @Jaycey, you’re 100% correct about the mind running wild and coming up with all these different scenarios, it can feel very exhausting.

Thanks for the advice. I’m trying to stay busy with family, which is probably the best thing that I can do at this moment.
 
I had a THR 5 years ago, I too was pretty anxious. The first week was hard but the recovery for hip is so much quicker then TKR which I just had at the end of April. I remember I walked 5 miles the first week of the hip replacement. I kept a diary in my phone about progress and in a month I was "almost" back to normal minus all the pain. One thing I did to stop the anxiety was meditate. I spent 20 minutes each morning and it truly helped me.....I haven't stopped it either. I hope all goes well and isnt it great this forum is here :)
 
Hi @rachelgarden. :yes!:, the forum is pretty awesome! My surgery is going to be at an outpatient facility, and I will be sent home the same day :fingersx:. Great suggestions about keeping a progress diary and daily meditation. Thanks!
 
Hello @boricuaterp Welcome to BoneSmart and thanks for joining us!
Anxiety is something we can all relate to. You’re not alone, we understand. With surgery only a week away, you’ll soon be resting comfortably back at home, with your body in healing mode and on your way back to happy / healthy.

I found everything happened so quickly the morning of surgery. Enough so that I was surprised when it was “already” over. It will be just another Friday for the team you engage with next week, doing what they were trained to do and what they do best. No one will be indifferent, everyone you deal with will have your best interest in mind and they will work together for the best possible outcome. Let them know if you’re anxious that morning and they can give you something to make you more comfortable.

Keep in mind that joint replacement surgery is one of the most prevalent surgeries performed world wide. The outcomes of these surgeries have become excellent based on a number of techniques changing over the years. The implants are durable and long lasting, with longevity much greater than before, offering an increase in the likelihood you’ll never have to experience the procedure again. I think you’ll do great and we’ll all be rooting for you. I look forward to following your healing journey.

Wishing you peace of mind and comfort as you wait. :)
 
If you read my posts you'll see I waited over 30 years from the time I had my first visit with an OS to discuss THR. He was a very good highly recommended OS and he told me basically that no matter how good he was once he starts it's game on and things do happen. Once you find the OS you're comfortable with and their complete program then you have to go all in. That includes your mindset for the operation and most importantly for the recovery. Going all in also helps the recovery go smoother and helps prevent some of the what ifs. I had the basic 6 week restrictions with my surgery and I didn't fight them, I accepted them as the path to a better recovery.
 
Hello @Layla. Thank you for welcoming me into this outstanding community! I feel like I am part of a place where people really care for each other, even if they haven’t met before. It is a great feeling to have!

I’ll definitely keep a diary here of my progress. Thanks!
 
Great advice @Eman85! I think the key for everyone going through something similar is to go all in, and trust the process. Thanks!
 
Good LUCK!! Looking at my diary for my hip was pretty enlightening for when I did my knee.
 
Good Morning!
Tomorrow is your big day. Before you know it, you’ll be home resting with the pre-op anxiety behind you. With meds and ice, your pain should be manageable. We’ll be thinking of you and waiting for an update once you feel like posting.
Wishing you comfort and all the best!
@boricuaterp
 
Good morning and thank you @Layla!
Less than 24 hours to go (surgery is at 7:30 am). I’ll create a new post-op thread once I get back home from the surgery.

I’m anxious, but I am positive that everything will turn out just fine:prayer:.
 

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