How long before second THR?

[Catwoman]

Just wondering how long the recovery should be between LTHR and RTHR. The OS said at least 3 months but what would be sensible.:sct: I just want to be fully mobile as soon as possible so don't want to delay it longer than I need to.

Cat

 

[Texas]

Hi Cat. Im a knee, just wanted to wish you well. Make sure you listen to your body, dont go to fast....I agree with the, I want it done now and move though...lol

 

[Catwoman]

Hi Kim, part of me thinks if I get it done sooner rather than later I'll be recovered from it all sooner. The other part thinks I should be fully recovered from this one first so the recovery from the second will be easier. I'm seeing the OS tomorrow so I'll see what he thinks. He said the right hip looks worse than the left but he did the left one first as that was more painful at the time. Now the right one is giving me more trouble as I'm using it more. I noticed a few knee people were having the same issue with their knees.

Cat

 

[webbie73]

Hi Cat,
I am not doctor but if I were in need of a second hip replacement I would be waiting longer than 3 months. I am just about at my 3 month stage and by no means would I want to be having a second surgery. In my case I would wait a good year.

 

[Josephine]

There is an issue here about how close should you have two major operations and it's not really about recovery. One member here had their second hip (or was it knee?) done 5 or 6 days after the first. The reason that was safe was to do with the thrombosis issue. The crucial period for thrombosis risk is between 1 and 6 weeks which means that no surgeon and/or anaesthetist would be wise to entertain another major surgery within that time period unless it was an emergency situation.

So, how long to wait before doing the second hip? Could be any time once that crucial period is over.

And finally, it seems good sense to have another few weeks to get back to normal functioning and over the painful period so you know you have a nice sound hip to lean on! Plus, he could always be playing it safe on the dislocation risk.

Of course, the alternative is always to have them both done at the same time but probably a bit to late to seek out a surgeon for that now.

 

[Catwoman]

Hi Josephine,

I had my left hip done at the end of April so it is too late to have them both done at the same time :hehe:. I don't know how people cope after having them both done at the same time.

I was thinking that end of August for the right one might be good. I'll see what the OS says tomorrow and let you know.

Cat

 

[Josephine]

Ah! Missed that!

 

[HopAlong]

I was amazed at how fast Tom (T-Bone) recovered from having both hips done at once. It made me wish I had both done together too. I only had one hip done before him, and he went back to work way before me!

 

[mvo]

Hi there,

My sister had her hips done 3 months apart - her surgeon's recommendation. At the time of the second one she was a little hestiant about going into surgery again just as she was recovering from the first one, but now she ses that the timing was just right.

 

[TBONE]

Cat--My first OS said 2-3 months, depending upon recovery issues and how the first hip did. Second OS said I could stay in hospital and do the second at day 6 or so. Third OS said simultaneous. I was happy with the decision on both at same time. If I did have them done separately, and if I wasn't in too much pain on the un-operated leg, I would think 3 months would be about right.
Best of luck
Tom

 

[Catwoman]

Thanks Tom, I saw the OS today and have fixed a date for the RTHR as 27 August. That's just over 4 months so should be ok. He's pleased with my recovery so far from the LTHR.

I tried to get in my car today. To get in I have to move the seat right back. Problem then is that to move it forward again so I can reach the pedals I would have to lean forward to pull the leaver which is under the front of the seat. Can't do that without breaking the 90 degree rule. Looks like I won't be driving until the 12 weeks are up

 

[Jamie]

Good girl. I know it's inconvenient, but you are making the right decision to stay within the 90-degree rule!

 

[Andy A]

I had my right THR done Oct 26 (Halloween at home hiding), and the left one the following June. I'm glad I waited until the right one was very strong ( although walking outside in Phoenix in the summer meant 5AM wakeups).

 

[pharman]

I had my right hip done Nov 08 and the left done Jun 09. My left hip was so painful from the arthritis that I would gladly have had it done much sooner, but, my surgeon has a long waiting list so I had to wait my turn. I'm 8 weeks out from my left surgery and I am having no joint pain at all. My leg is still sore and a little weak so I'm using the cane. I have started riding my stationary bike about 15 minutes every day and it really helps. I should be able to start swimming next week. I just need to be sure I can get into and out of the pool. I think how long you wait between surgeries depends on your level of pain and the recommendation/availability of your surgeon. Recovery has been much easier with this one since the other hip is new and pain free as well.

 

[tahoe1009]

Don't have much too add, but thinking about you!! I also need the other side done so I was eager to see your answers! Alas, because I had a DVT with the first one I'm sure it would be longer for me anyway! I have to wait for financial reasons anyway so... It's educational at best for me.

Let us know what comes of this!

 

[Catwoman]

The last couple of months at work have gone so quickly and now I only have 2 days before my RTHR. Off to the hospital in a minute for my blood test and then I guess I should start thinking about what I need to take into hospital. Think I'll need a good book or two.

Hope you are all doing ok and sorry I've been neglecting the forum for a while.

 

[Judles]

Cat! A book or two???? I'm an avid reader and I could hardly get through a newspaper!:shk: Best of luck and look forward to hearing from you on "the other side!" :thmb:
:p :p
:hehe:

 

[Catwoman]

Thanks Judi, I'm off to pack now.

 

[mvo]

The book comment made me smile - I packed six, thinking I would get through one a day... just like on holiday - ha!
Nope, I just managed the newspaper every day, between naps. All the best!