Hi Matt,
You will be so glad you found this site. I refer many friends [I'm at the age when many are needing hips and knees, LOL].
I got a plastic/metal combo late Oct '11. No complications other than the H decided to give me my blood back; count was low and I had donated to myself so it was there for them to use.
I was standing up taking a few baby steps within 2 hours [AM surgery]; wiggling my toes, pointing my foot whenever I thought of it in post-op. I used the breathing thigamagig for about 3-4 days [prevents fluid in the lungs].
Surgery Th AM, out on Sun AM - was even able to make my way up the diner ramp b'fast that morning!
I did everything they told me to do [pre-op diet to post-op PT, food, meds, bed exercises ... no crossing my legs were a biggie for me]. I had much success; I too am fit and in good health.
My progress: Was able to work from home with a pretty clear head in about 3 weeks, showered in 4, drove in 5.5 weeks [right leg so I had to wait the full wait period]. I played on the rug with my grand daughter at Christmas and walked my dog in 8 weeks [winter ice and my very aggressive Schnauzer needed more time than typical; took no chances]. I did have a setback about 10 weeks out. I overdid my PT and got a serious strain in my quad. Don't get caught up in trying to accellerate the healing process and overdo your PT! I'd say give yourself 6-8 weeks to feel pretty darn good though you will need months to heal so pay attention to the guidance your doc gives you for the whole first year and stay tuned in here for support.
My best first weeks advice: Do your meds and keep moving! Forget addiction and forget holistic for these first weeks. Low/no pain allows you to do the PT that is needed to get that new part moving. Movement is a very important part of your recoup.
I posted a lot during my earely days including a list of what I used to get around the house; even Josephine thought it a goodie. Do a search of my name for those posts if you like [thegiftlady]. I included a web reference to a Hospital for Special Surgery document that was very helpful too.
... Ever hear of the GOLFER's REACH? For me, it was a lifesaver while I was in my precautions weeks. Read about it.
It's 9 months post-op next week and I feel terrific. Crossing my legs is still not a great thing to do and I do get a reminder from time to time that I have to pay attention to this part of my body but I think it's God's way of holding me back from hurting myself
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Thinking about my other hip a lot these days. No pain yet but my doc says I'll need a second. Thinking of having it done before my husband retires next year and our insurance changes / ObamaCare [OC] takes over our country. Though I had an almost perfect surgery/recoup I've learned with this surgery that I am left footed and I had my right hip done so I'm worried that my left hip will be a little more difficult. Probably just an empty fear.
Hope this helps. You have a little time. Like someone else said, read all you can in here. It will help a lot; no two surgeries are the same - even on the same person!
Good luck.
United Kingdom
