Hip Surgery this Thursday

[Billinsd]

I’m scheduled for a new hip this Thursday. I’ve suffered for 5 years and finally getting it done. I had initially scheduled the replacement right before Covid, but wanted the craziness to settle first, didn’t want to get crummy care and rehab. There are some limitations and critical care issues that I must maintain after surgery. Some I didn’t know about, like getting an antibiotic before I get my teeth cleaned for the rest of my life, any bacterial infection could go to my hip, even years after surgery. If the hip gets infected it will have to be taken out. Otherwise my surgeon said no running or jumping. Running or jumping will drastically reduce the life of the replacement. He said I could safely ski if I stayed on blue runs, black diamonds will drastically reduce the life of the replacement. I just turned 62 and am slowing down, some.

I also just found out my big right toe is arthritic, but not real bad. It hurts a little to walk. I never figured I’d get arthritis in my late 50s, early 60s.

Wish me a successful surgery and speedy recovery and rehabilitation! My surgeon said my hip muscles are weak and rehab will take 6 months, so get up right after surgery and get walking!!
Thanks Bill

 

[wyosteve]

Good luck Bill. Just be sure to do the recommended rehab. therapy. All the folks I know who've had replacements wonder why they waited so long!

 

[Ross]

Good luck new joints help a lot, but the effort and time spent after the replacement is Key slow and steady and you will be very good in 1 year.

 

[voltage]

My dad had both of his knees partially replaced and had his hip replaced in his mid 50s. He said the hip was the easiest. Follow the rehab to the fullest extent possible. 10 years ago, he was miserable while pheasant hunting. Today, he pheasant hunts at least twice a week, and usually does 6-8 miles each hunt. No issue at all. He always talks that he would have done it sooner. Good luck!

 

[NealS02]

Good luck with the surgery Bill! In terms of the risk of hip infection, you are at greatest risk immediately post op, but risk still very low. As an ER doc, having seen 10K+ patients, I have never once seen someone develop a prosthetic hip infection beyond 1 month following surgery.

 

[survivalistd]

Heal quickly brother. I'm headed for an anatomic shoulder replacement soon.

 

[5MilesBack]

Well that "after the fact stuff" don't sound good. I'd be out. My mom had a hip replacement and two knees and never had to get an antibiotic for teeth cleaning. That's a new one to me.

I talked to her surgeon after one of her surgeries and told him I'd be getting mine done earlier in life rather than her at 80 like she did. And he looked at me and said "That's a bad idea for someone active like you......you'll wear it out and have to have it replaced in 10-15 years". Well, that sucks. I guess I'll just keep sucking up the pain and pressing on with what I've got. I have a large tear in the labrum in my right hip now. Getting the shots this week, then a repair if that doesn't help. Hopefully I can put off a replacement for another 20 years because I run and jump off stuff all the time on an elk hunt.

Good luck......and enjoy, I guess.

 

[Broomd]

Hang tough, Bill! Git 'er done. We'll all be pulling for your full and complete recovery with minimal discomfort!

 

[cnelk]

A friend of mine had both hips done last year. She is very active doing mtn biking, pickleball and downhill skiing and most definitely not limited to which color runs she skis.
And she’s 68
I think you got fed a line

 

[keller]

Good luck Bill!! I am 55 had a knee replaced 4 weeks ago it is going really well!! Had it done with robot aid. I was riding bike at therapy next to a lady last Friday who had a hip done recently and a knee couple years ago. She Said the hip is a breeze compared to a knee. DO the therapy it's NOT that hard. Worst part is trying to sleep. My discharge orders say I need to take an antibiotic before any dental work. Not sure for how long. Confirmed that with my dentist who is also my cousin. It is common practice. Do as much stretching as you can before. Not sure if I can help but feel free to reach out. I'm off work 12 weeks. My main concern is therapy!!
Good luck John

 

[TaperPin]

The 72 year old father in law just had his hip done a couple months ago. Two weeks later he was cleared to fly to Hawaii for vacation. We wheeled him through airports, but otherwise just slow shuffling from the car to restaurants or to sit on the beach. After two months you’d never know he had it done.

Every new hip is different, but his experience is very similar to the wife’s new hip two years ago.

Stay up with your pain meds, and even if you don’t think you’ll need the high power ones, get them, you’ll need them, and get off them as soon as you can.