THR Second THR on July 10

[BroncoinVA]

I am scheduled for a LTHR on July 10. I had my right hip replaced in October 2020 and the results have been excellent. I am using the same surgeon, same approach (posterior). One thing different is that last time I had the surgery in the hospital and spent two nights there due to low blood pressure issues and an inability to stand and walk. Now there is a new, separate joint replacement clinic and the goal is surgery in the morning and same day release that afternoon/evening. I know this is fairly common, but it makes me a little anxious given that I couldn’t even imagine leaving the hospital on the same day after the last surgery.

This forum is very helpful and encouraging. Thank you for all the good information and advice.

 

[Jaycey]

@BroncoinVA Welcome back to BoneSmart! Please don't worry about leaving the hospital too soon. They will not discharge you until all is stable and you are feeling comfortable. Work with staff if you are feeling the slightest bit anxious. As you say - it is a goal to go home on the same day, but it's not a given.

I'll get you added to our July surgery group.

 

[Zorro]

I agree that same-day discharge is a worthy goal but do not fret. You will not be discharged if this is against your and the hospital's interests. But on a humorous note, think of the bragging rights of being able to tell others that you had your hip replaced at 7:30 am and by 7:30 pm you were back at home!

 

[Eman85]

I couldn't imagine it being in my best interests, I was given the option and I opted to spend the night.

 

[Gloucestergal65]

I can’t imagine going home on the same day. Fainting and nausea and vomiting meant that I was reluctant to go home after three nights.

 

[benne68]

Don't let this worry you, @BroncoinVA. As Jaycey said, you won't be released until they are satisfied that you are stable.

In many cases, this "out-patient" approach is being driven by the insurance companies. My surgeon explained that I could stay in the hospital for up to 23.5 hours -- even overnight -- on the initial insurance approval. My surgery was scheduled for 10a, so that approval was good through 9:30 the next day. (And because it takes hours to get the paperwork completed in most hospitals, even though the doctor discharged me in the morning, I didn't actually leave until after lunch! )

Once the initial approval time is up, it's just a matter of the doctor determining that you aren't stable enough to be released. The reasons can include any of the following: BP too high, BP too low, pain not managed, dizziness, inability to keep food down, etc. etc. A big one for us joint replacement patients is inability to complete the PT requirements in the hospital.

So, don't play the hero. If you aren't up to being released, just let the hospital staff know.

 

[BroncoinVA]

Thanks everyone for the good advice. I will trust the hospital staff to know if I’m ready or not to be released, and likewise I will not be shy about telling them if I don’t think I’m up for it. I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes. Exactly 5 weeks from today! I can’t wait. I’m barely able to walk and have resorted to using a cane nearly fully time. I’m in much worse shape this time around than with my other hip.

 

[benne68]

Hope the time passes quickly for you, @BroncoinVA. Find some good books and binge some TV! We don't often have a really good excuse to take it easy!

 

[PolarIce]

Great news! super excited for you to be able to get a new joint and improve your quality of life even more. Make sure to keep us posted on your recovery!

 

[Zorro]

I co-sign Benne68's advice about using the downtime constructively with binge-watching videos and catching up on reading. You might also take up a new hobby. The recovery from your joint replacement can be a very special time to not only heal your body but to enrich and restore your total well-being. Good luck and God bless!

 

[MissFanny]

I felt strong and well enough to go home the same day. I don’t remember my first THR in September 2022 that well, but with my April 12, 2023 surgery, I was in surgery at 7 and in my car at 11. The first few days aren’t that painful anyway because of the block. I liked being at home where I am comfortable, could sit on my deck in the sun, and didn’t get woken up by hospital staff making their rounds all night. But as others have said, they will only send you home the same day if you are able to, so don’t sweat it. I am just offering the viewpoint that going home the same day can be a good thing! Good luck!

 

[Zorro]

With my own RTHR, it is a GOOD thing that I was not sent home the same day.
If this had happened I would have been telling EVERYBODY, every cloud in the sky, every blade of grass, every pebble on the side of the road about how "I had RHTR at 7 am and I was (very gently) walking and home by 11, doncha know!"
It is a blessing to the world that this never happened to me, because I would have never shut up my mouth about it.

 

[BroncoinVA]

Thanks everyone for the advice and the well wishes. 9 days to go and can’t come too soon for me.

 

[MarilynR1234]

Good luck tomorrow!!!

 

[Mojo333]

Time to get back to life without chronic hip pain...
Last One, and Done!