I know lots of people who have had that done...one gal has had 3 hip replacements. The first was done when she was about your age and it only lasted about 18 years so it had to be redone. Shew as in the hospital about 3 days with the first...andw ent hoem with her daughter. then friends helped her....she was walking at the shopping mall after about 10 days. It was fun to see her with crutches going one lap and then to watch her progress to one crutch and then to a cane...and walk more and more easily.
She would say itw as one of the best things she did for herself.
Linda C

I've know several people who have had hip replacements and being pain-free afterward was such a relief for all of them.

All the best to you!

I've heard that most people wish they had done it sooner and are now pain free. Apparently the cemented version is quicker healing but is more prone to being replaced earlier. Since I'm getting the uncemented one, I know it will take some time.

Anyone who's been thru it, please give completely honest feedback because I'd rather be prepared than surprised. Oh, and the incision will be on my side, rather than from the front. Someone told me I have to lay on the incision side, which didn't make sense to me. ???

I work in a hospital and see quite a few people who have had joint replacement. I am always amazed to watch someone going from walking with a cane or walker and wincing in pain post-op to moving around pain-free within a few months. It's miraculous.

One drawback -- you will now set off the alarms at the airport! Be sure to have whatever paperwork is required before heading off to the airport.

Good luck and keep us in the loop.

My grandma had it in her 80's. It was a new operation back then. She put it off due to the risk at her age. But it all went well and she went from being full of pain and almost in a wheelchair to dancing a jig in a matter of months. And she was not a young woman!! It was a blessing for her, we too wished she had done it sooner but like I said, back then it was a brand new operation. I think a lot will depend on your motivation to rehab. But if my 80 year old grandma could do it anyone can! Just keep thinking about those grandkids!! Keep us posted NG!!

Hi,

My mom had it done several years ago after a scary break in Portugal.

She had the anterior approach performed (the front). It is supposed to be an easier recovery but fewer surgeons know how to do it. Why the lateral approach?

Best and to many pain free years!

Adele

Actually because I am overweight and have a "belly roll" they don't want to take a chance of the incision getting infected, so instead of entering from the front, they will go in the side.

I had a pre-op appointment yesterday and was assured that I will not sleep on the side with the incision, didn't sound right anyway.

Because they always have a concern on blood clots or excessive bleeding, I will stop my anti-inflamatory meds Monday. My concern with this is that I also have sciatic pain on the other leg and fibromyalgia. They said they'll try "pain management". I guess one thing at a time. I'll try not to whine.

Any suggestions for my DH?

I cared for my 62 yr old uncle last year after his hip replacement. He was under the impression that he could just come home from the hospital without help...ding dong.
I insisted on staying with him for a few days making meals and such. He was glad for it, as hobbling around on a cane and carrying a simple glass of water don't work well :)
Make sure your hubby rolls down the support stocking you'll be wearing (like we use to do in the "olden days" with our delicate nylons)it makes getting it on so much easier.
Uncle waited many years before he decided to go ahead with the replacement and can't believe he didn't do it sooner. He's pain free and thrilled to be able to do the things he loves to do without "paying" for it later.
Good luck to you, I'm praying for a speedy recovery.
Deborah