Hi Everyone,
A year ago I was in your position worrying about everything. Also being very independant. I had spine surgery , but this was my leg, my mobility. All went well. A few wow moments in the hospital. Lilke no one told me my leg would weigh 1,000 pounds. How would I get up to pee at night at home. Well darn if I tried as hard as I could on day 3 and 4 so I could get that hunk out of bed alone . It was slow, but it worked.
Do your exercises for strength now, make sure you have stool softeners at home. They never did give me enough in the hospital, so ask for more if you might need them.
Once you get there, the hospital people are experts at their jobs, just let them take care of you.
I would talk with my doc about pain management at the pre op apt with him or her. I am very lucky with my surgeon, he wants no one in pain and realzies it hurts. The first few weeks bring such dramatic changes it is just an incredible surgery.
I know my left hip is going, don't know how fast, but I have not one worry about it.
Take as much time off as you can.
Those are my thoughts this morning.
judy