Coping with Hip Replacement

I agree with the ‘growing older’ comment David.  Aren’t we lucky to live in age when this can be done to make our lives better.  I can remember my maternal grandmother being totally crippled with osteoarthritis, she could hardly move at all and I suppose she must have been in a lot of pain (she died when I was 8).  My consultant appointment is tomorrow so I’ve no idea how long I will wait for my operation but, like Chas, sometimes other people are more important.  I can hobble around, we have the caravan and I can drive so I will wait my turn.  Shares in paracetamol might be worth considering though!!! 😆

i had a new hip and was advised not drive for at least 2 months ,also not to cross my legs and not to bend down to pick things up the hospital supplied me with a litter picker type unit and a long handled shoe horn ,my hardest task was trying to my socks on ,you are advised to do certain exercises before and after your op which will aid your recovery poss after 3months all will be fine but it can take up to a year for some people

Pleased to hear you are doing ok Chas, I do hope you continue to carry on well.  My hip replacement is due in January or February, so I have my fingers crossed all goes well as we have things planned, but who knows!! 

I have had both hips replaced [2010 & 2016], and we didn't begin motorhoming until April this year. The bending/stretching veto is likely to be for a minimum of 6 weeks, and much depends upon the enthusiasm with which you undertake the physiotherapy exercises to rebuild the muscles [regularity rather than brute force]. Once the muscle has recovered and the physio has signed you off, kneeling and bending will be no problem. The only issue I have is with the 2nd hip replacement which was fixed differently from the first, the changed fixing giving greater protection against fracture/dislocation in the post operative phase. Despite the muscle rebuild, I still struggle to stand from a kneeling position and invariably need to grab a chair, table or work surface.

But driving themotorhome, getting up and down the cab steps, even when on levelling ramps, is no problem, nor is scrambling around in low level cupboards, putting bikes on and off the rear mounted cycle rack etc.

Steve

Just had one of mine done and have been wondering same thing, also can someone say what difficulties they did have, can't believe there are none. Toilet seats for example ??

However, a bit of research says kneeling is fine on one leg so I intend to get a garden kneeler seat andthat should be ok for pretty much all I need.

Chasncath,

                  So sorry to hear you are having trouble rising your leg. Personally I would be very keen to see the Consultant and have the X Ray before putting my faith in Physio. It is just my thoughts I have no medical skills, but have had 2 hip replacements that have been a 100% success.

DK

    You don't need me to remind you I am sure, but Knee operations are far more difficult than Hips. My best mate is super, super fit and he had 2 knees done at the same time at the age of 75 a very rare operation at his age, so you can tell how fit he is. It took him 18 months to get back to a reasonable condition, as he calls reasonable. When we go for our walks we do stop now and again and sit for 5 minutes for him . Knee's are a far more complicated issue than Hip's for certain. He would have had the operation at an earlier age put was told not to until the last minute by the surgeon. 

I hope chasncath have discovered that the 90 degree limit is for the recovery time only - you should get the the full range back (especially if you do the exercises!).  I get a new hip next week and very much hope to resume solo caravanning at the end of recuperation time.  

Commeyras.

                    I agree regarding those dam stockings, worst thing about the whole operation. When my wife wore them they delighted me , when I wore them they depressed me......horrible things.