New Hip anyone?

[bluejay]

About 90% of the outcome depends on you surgeon. Many orthopedic guys do knee and hip replacements as well as arms, legs, shoulders or what ever else you need. Look for the best Dr. you can find that only does the joints that need help. I have two new knees and one new hip. Second knee and hip came after retirement but with first was back on the field in two months with no problem. Trust me, the hip is not as much recovery as the knee and there is much less therapy to do. In my case I knew I had the best Doctor.
BTW, if you have a hip joint going bad the pain will be a burning in your groin much more than just your hip.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Updating: I finally took the plunge and opted for a total hip replacement, anterior method. My surgery took place 11-28-17, so I'm about 11 days post-surgery.

I was discharged the day after surgery after doing some short walks around the ward with a walker. I was sent home with the walker, a pair of crutches, and a cane (which I'm not supposed to use yet).

I was given some oxycodone to be supplemented with Tylenol. Had a few other drugs to take to help with nerve pain, constipation, and urination.

The pain level for the first week was tough. I've had visiting nurses come to my house along with Occupational and Physical Therapists. My dressing was changed once and will be checked again next week to see if I'll be able to just let the incision "air out".

My right leg is still quite swollen and I have significant bruising along my backside. I'm required to wear "TED" stockings during the day to help prevent blood clots. Thank goodness my wife helps me with those as I don't think I'd be able to handle those on my own. Same with showering - I can't reach below my waist much to wash/dry.

I have about a half-dozen exercises they gave me to work. Amazing that I'm not even able to lift my right foot up following surgery. I have to "wake up" various muscles and re-train them to do what they're supposed to do.

My first follow-up with the doctor is 12-27. Pain is getting more tolerable. Worst right now is the right quad which is a burning sensation whenever I flex it.

I'll update as I go along. If anyone has a question, you can post it here or send me a PM.

My target for return to the field is mid-April which is when our HS season starts. I would have preferred another couple of weeks buffer, but we'll go from here.

[Tru_in_Blu]

I had my dressing checked earlier this week. Incision looked good, no swelling, redness, or heat coming from the wound.

Working the exercises, some tougher than others. I swear I have to try my good leg on some exercises to convince my brain that my body can actually do those "simple" motions. Trying to do them with the operative leg is quite difficult.

Today I was told I could ambulate about the house with a cane instead of the walker. Not to do stairs or go outside yet without the walker, but my gait seems positive enough to progress to the cane. Outside is not quite safe yet around here. We've had some snow and freezing rain, so I'm sticking the the warm and safe areas.

Still taking the pain-killers, but at a somewhat reduced rate.

Progressing slowly...

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

I had my dressing checked earlier this week. Incision looked good, no swelling, redness, or heat coming from the wound.

Working the exercises, some tougher than others. I swear I have to try my good leg on some exercises to convince my brain that my body can actually do those "simple" motions. Trying to do them with the operative leg is quite difficult.

Today I was told I could ambulate about the house with a cane instead of the walker. Not to do stairs or go outside yet without the walker, but my gait seems positive enough to progress to the cane. Outside is not quite safe yet around here. We've had some snow and freezing rain, so I'm sticking the the warm and safe areas.

Still taking the pain-killers, but at a somewhat reduced rate.

Progressing slowly...

Just a note: Even when told you no longer need the walker or cane, be wary of where you will be when leaving to house or even at home. Even though some may see a cane or walker, many do not pay attention and disturb your space or intended path. Pets and children are often oblivious to a walking aid and/or do not understand why you may be using it.

In public, I carried my cane long past the time I was ready to put it away. More than a few time it came in handy blocking a playful child from running into me. Sad part is when I blocked the child, only once did the parent respond with a mild admonishment to the child to be careful of others. On the other half-dozen or so instances, I got a nasty glare from the parent for having the audacity to protect myself from their uncontrolled child.

Even though you may be walking with confidence, it only takes one relatively simple slip/nudge to put you back in the hospital.

Be careful and follow all the rehab directions.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Just a note: Even when told you no longer need the walker or cane, be wary of where you will be when leaving to house or even at home. Even though some may see a cane or walker, many do not pay attention and disturb your space or intended path. Pets and children are often oblivious to a walking aid and/or do not understand why you may be using it.

In public, I carried my cane long past the time I was ready to put it away. More than a few time it came in handy blocking a playful child from running into me. Sad part is when I blocked the child, only once did the parent respond with a mild admonishment to the child to be careful of others. On the other half-dozen or so instances, I got a nasty glare from the parent for having the audacity to protect myself from their uncontrolled child.

Even though you may be walking with confidence, it only takes one relatively simple slip/nudge to put you back in the hospital.

Be careful and follow all the rehab directions.

Thanx, all good advice. Given the time of year, I likely won't be venturing out from the homestead too often excepting appointments and such.

All this puts a lot of extra work on my better half and I need to remember to tell her how much I appreciate it.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Thanx, all good advice. Given the time of year, I likely won't be venturing out from the homestead too often excepting appointments and such.

All this puts a lot of extra work on my better half and I need to remember to tell her how much I appreciate it.

That's why she is your better half

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

That's why she is your better half

That is a fact and cannot be disputed.