YoungM,
Ditto to all the above. I'm not as young as you, but a 'younger' THR patient at 43. I'm 11 days post surgery and very pleased with the result! I went through lots of phases getting ready. The thing that kept me strong and postivie was knowing that after surgery, I'd be on a healing path, rather than a "getting worse" path.
I think we're all saying that the healing process is a great right one to be on! Congratulations for getting on the healing path!
"Does anyone have any advice for any preparation you can share with me?" To answer your question, I got into eating right, getting in the best shape possible, both in terms of muscle strength and flexibility. I figured that anything I did would be like money in the bank during and after surgery.
I learned as much as I could about the newer procedures available as mentioned above, including the direct anterior approach, resurfacing, types of implants, etc. I listened to my surgeons opinions and was careful to question my sources (especially internet ones). I also kept in mind that most of the research does not focus on younger, athletic hip replacement recipients. For example, my physical therapy goals are to get back to riding horses, swimming, and maybe some easy downhill skiing.
"Also, any particular questions I should ask the surgeon?"
I dug out my list of questions from my surgeon appointments. I went through a couple surgeons before I found one I was comfortable with.
Here's the list I brought with me to the appointments:
1.) How many THR's do you do per month? How many in my age group?
2.) Should I bank my own blood?
3.) When is the best time to schedule surgery?
4.) How do you ensure accurate leg length?
5.) What brand/type of implant do you recommend? What are the pros/cons of each?
6.) Are you restricted on your choices of implant by the hospital, insurance or any private company?
7.) How long after surgery before full weight bearing?
8.) How will physical therapy be structured after surgery?
9.) When will surgeon follow up visits occur?
10.) How many nights in the hospital?
I hope this helps and good luck!
Tom Pompei
Dayton, Ohio