I've had two -- I think 2004 and 2006. I'm asthmatic and the steroids I've had to take have leached my bones. No problems with either surgery, although the first was more successful in the long run. Same MD -- who did ONLY hips, day after day. You MUST DO the PT afterwards, and it's easy because you're on pain meds.

I came home on Day Three because my DH could help me. I borrowed a walker and raised toilet seat from our Senior Center lending closet. An RN came frequently to check the blood thinner levels. A PT came to the house, too.

Good luck to your DH!

Both of mine have been replaced. In my experience, it depended on my surgeon. The first hip was put in at the wrong angle and he killed nerves in my hip...therefore, the last 8 years have been so many problems....it feels like it is caving in and it makes me limp terribly. But the second one was done by a different surgeon and I got along great. I never even realize it has been replaced, other than the pain is gone.

The first three weeks might be a little rough, but after that, it was all on the up-swing. I can not take pIan medication so if he can, it might be better for him. He should start exercising now! The stronger the muscles, the better off he will be. He needs to do his PT faithfully, but use it!...the more he better.

I hope he has a good experience.

I had a car crash in 1972. The ilium was broken. Screws were put into the hip so that it could grow back, I was in a Spica Body Cast for 10+ weeks. My biggest problem then was stairs.

That all started to go back about 2000. I went to a couple of docs and they said to live with it, after a buncha exercises.

Finally found a ortho guy who did the removing of arthritis crap in 2005. 4 days in hospital and 4 days in-house therapy. Went home and did out-patient therapy for about 5 weeks and then on my own.

I have no problem with the hip doing jumping jacks, even though I am 50+ pounds overweight. Occasionally, I take some ibuprofen but that is all.

I have seen several people, young and old, who have had the knee surgery and it is tough and has a longer recovery. With a good attitude, a hip replacement is a breeze. Tell him to go for it!

My step f as ther had hip, knee, and shoulder replacements to date....he says the hip was by far the easiest one of all. He followed all the medical orders and healed very fast even though he was a heavy smoker.

Chisue, my almost 8 year old has very problematic asthma and is often on steroids..should his doctors be advising me about bone issues?

I've had both of mine replaced -- both by the same guy, same hospital, same person (me), but different results. Both were successful, but the recoveries were not the same. I did very little PT -- just walking. If it's allowed, I can give you an excellent web site where people discuss their hip replacements, telling both the good and bad parts. He could get some very good advice about preparation and recovery. People from all over the world participate and it's very interesting to read about how different it is in other countries, even in different areas of the States.

Are you referring to Bonesmart?

Everyone I know who has joint replacements say that hip replacements were the easiest for them to recover from.

Little bit of history. My mother in law was one of the earliest candidates (I think the first that particular hospital) for the surgery back around 1970 or so in California. At the time you had to be of a certain age, you had to have no other options left and you had to take the risk things could be far worse than better. Her first surgery she stayed in the ICU for about a week. Then it was to a regular room and later to a rehab facility. I provided in home care for her after she came home. The second hip was done just a few years later. A few days in the hospital, a little rehab and she was good to go. What huge leaps in the surgery were made over those first somewhat "experimental" years. Now of course new techniques are used. Her surgical technique is more than likely obsolete by now.

Thanks, friends! It's pretty amazing to hear of the advances in this surgery over many years. He hasn't had his initial visit with the specialist yet (monday), but there is no question that this procedure is imminent.

There is a relatively new pain cocktail that many orthopedic surgeons
have been using - it's a combination of pain meds and Exparel which is a
long lasting local anesthetic.

My brother had his knee replaced 2 weeks ago and his surgeon and the medications were featured in this article.

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2014/02/17/A-new-cocktail-of-medication-during-surgery-helps-patients-get-back-on-their-feet/stories/201402170013

Hope your DH has a quick recovery.

Yep, Bonesmart it is.

I probably need one. I was having severe pain but started taking ibuprofen and have been mostly pain free, except at night. I can't sleep on either side, just my back. My intention was to call my doctor after the first of the year, but I got busy taking care of the new horse, and now riding him, and I don't really want to take the time to do it now. I don't like taking medicine so I do need to see the doctor and find out what my options are. Like everyone said, I have heard it is easier than a knee. I had my right knee replaced 3 yrs ago, and I thought that was easy. I had 111* range of motion when I left the hospital ( after 3 days). I did do PT and exercises faithfully. I am 70 yrs old but I am in very good health and very active. I could stand to lose 20 lbs but doubt I will so I don't worry about it.

Here's a follow-up on Robert's surgery, done yesterday morning:

Modern surgical practices are amazing, aren't they? He was on his feet last night and walked a few steps. Today, he participated in physical therapy twice and occupational therapy for quite a while (more on that in a minute).

He feels best after a bit of standing or walking, so he's done very little laying in bed. Lots of little strolls to the nurse's station and back. He's so gratified and upbeat, though we're a bit anxious about getting in and out of the tub to take a shower.

The plan is for him to come home tomorrow; and I'm anxious about it.

I was greatly amused today when the two occupational therapists came to his room to explain and demonstrate how to put on and take off his socks, shorts, and trousers, among other essentials of hip replacement recovery. They were both enormously attractive young women, full of personality and humor and it was hilarious to see Robert just a little bit flustered when made to show that he could pull his drawers on, lol.

But then, the pharmacy guy came by to add another bag of antibiotics to the IV drip, and he looked and sounded just like Bradley Cooper! Be still my heart. I really had to say something then. I asked them if they were all on an episode of Grey's Anatomy, or something. Sooo much gorgeousness in one room at the same time!

So glad to know everything went well. Also that you both have a great sense of humor.

My friend and SIL both had a hip replacement. My only advise to to make sure that Robert does what he was told to do and how he was told to do it. Both friend and SIL went to rehab instead of straight home. But I know some go home right away.

Well, I'm glad 'the view' in his room is good ;0) He should do well Rhizo, I'm just sorry for the tub/shower combination. Have the OT/PT show him the best way to get in and out with the tub edge before you leave the hospital, that's their job. Anything he may need to do alone or with your help, they will have a best way.

I was in the hospital pool on day 4 before being released that afternoon to come home. It did wonders for my confidence.

Silly little thing, but I had one of these and used it with my taller 4-poster (bed). I can't tell you how many times I've loaned it over the last 15 years, even though helpful/needed just a couple of weeks or so. DH went back to work two days after I was home, no rehab facility although I did have PT after healing. He stayed while I showered and helped with socks, then my SIL would stop later after taking her children to school with a latte, see if there was anything I'd like done that DH couldn't do...there really wasn't anything I needed.

Tell Robert to keep up the good work!

One of my big concerns with recovery was the proper way to enter and exit the car. The therapist demonstrated and then stood there while I tried it. It was OK after a time or two. My biggest problem on the way home was how much it hurt, I was not accustomed to sitting in that position and it was a 20 minute ride. Not the same as sitting on a chair in the therapy room.

The doctor and nursing staff help make the recommendation about discharge date, rehab, and home healthcare. Robert is only 59 and has always been active and fit. He makes a perfect candidate for coming home on his own with me as his caregiver. We sure did see lots of other surgical patients on this knee and hip floor that are not capable.

He starts out with his PT on Monday, three times a week to start. He (and I) have been well drilled on what he must not do, what he cannot bend or twist. I will be his drill sergeant about that.

So glad to hear his surgery went well. We actually have some great ortho surgeons in our area. Several friends have had hip replacements and every one has done very well. The ones who have done best are like your Robert and are very fit to start with. My good friend did a lot of pool therapy and recovered very quickly with both her hip replacements. She is in her 50's and had pretty bad arthritis and pain prior to the surgery.

Getting in and out of a vehicle is simplified by putting a plastic bag on the seat. You'll slide much easier. Just lay it on the seat and sit on it, although it doesn't breathe so your asparagus will get sweaty.

The best advice that I can give was given by a friend who had her knees done. Get to work ASAP and do the prep exercises! Get yourself ready for it and you'll have a much faster and less painful recovery. I used a pool and did the exercises since walking was such a problem. All the nurses and therapists were surprised and impressed with my progress and how little therapy I needed after the surgeries. I have had both hips replaced on separate occasions. My surgeon wouldn't do them both at the same time and now I'm glad he didn't since mine were in such bad shape it took much longer to do each one. What's normally an hour and a half to maybe two hour procedure took nearly 5 hours the first time and nearly 7 hours the second time. I only wish I would have been able to get them done 20 years earlier.

Glad the surgery is over. Robert will be FINE! He must remember not to reach for things or try to pickup something he's dropped -- or let his feet turn *in* in bed. He must TAKE the meds as prescribed so that he can DO the PT. It may be true the 'nothing hurts', but it's important to stay ahead of pain. (I suspect men are more apt to refuse the meds -- like it's somehow more 'manly'. Pfft!)

Gosh, those stockings! My DH would help me s-t-r-e-t-c-h them on. We would dissolve in laughter every time.

Well, my dearest Robert had a set back today. We are so upset.

I helped him take his first all over shower late this morning and was in the process of helping him put his undershorts on when something in his hip "popped" (we both heard it) resulting in horrible but short term pain.

I pulled the bathroom call cord, as well as rain into the corridor to yell for help. Two nurses got him to his chair and unbelievably, the surgeon on call was on the floor!

By then, the pain had subsided but he felt that something 'wasn't right'. Of course, we were both horrified. Dr. ordered xrays, which indicated that the joint was fine, no trauma.

He's staying another night due to 1) his pain level 2) his loss of mobility and 3) our anxiety.

What if this had happened at home? He has been extremely careful and cautious about how far he bends, never turns his feet inward, has stayed active with his walker, really not feeling the need to spend much time in bed.

He's so discouraged....we will await a CT scan tomorrow.

Thanks for listening.

Oh, that must have been so frightening when it happened and worrisome now that you are waiting to find out the results of the CT scan. It's good that the x-rays showed nothing and that he's in a place where help is immediately available. Try not to worry too much tonight; there's nothing either of you can do.

Best wishes that the scan shows no damage and that this was but a small bump on the road to recovery. Hang in there!

Did his doctor offer any suggestions as to what happened? I'd have been frightened too. Darn. An audible pop and the joint is intact, that's beyond my experience or lay persons knowledge. I'm sorry he's feeling discouraged and hope he's not blaming himself. You both sound well enough informed to have not been making mistakes or being careless. Please get some rest yourself and let us know what the CT shows tomorrow. ((((hugs))))

I hope that he's feeling much better today and that there was no damage.

Waiting with you. Can't guess what 'popped' -- and caused such pain!

"The eagle has landed!"

Well, the doctor decided that a CT scan wasn't necessary after all. He slept very comfortably overnight and had returned to his previous pain level (2), felt comfortable walking the halls and did well in PT.

The doctor simply wasnt concerned since Robert was not in severe pain, there was no extraordinary swelling, etc. He didn't have a definitive answer about the popping soundWe did the shower routine again with no problem, he sat back to watch the Arkansas/Kentucky game (or should I say the Kentucky game) and then loaded up his mountain of stuff and headed for home.

We were both anxious about getting into his tall truck with running boards but it wasn't nearly as hard as we feared. Leather seats help. I hate driving that truck, by the way.

He's resting comfortably in bed right now but was happy in the recliner earlier. I am so relieved to have him home.

Thank you all for your support, best wishes, and advice.

You are going to be a busy bee looking after him! I'm glad that his surgeon wasn't overly concerned.

That's great you have him at home, I'm sure you'll both rest better. I'd like to have read an explanation for yesterday but if his doctor isn't concerned, I suppose we shouldn't be either. I hope you and Robert have a good day tomorrow!

All is well. This will get to be 'routine', and then it will be history before you know it. DH is making a guess about the 'pop' -- an adhesion? Could be a new one or an old one. Has Robert had prior surgeries?

Keep us updated on Robert's continuing progress. Did you both sleep in the same bed? I'd be afraid of accidentally bumping his hip. Of course, if it's a king-sized, it's a moot point.

I hope he's still feeling good and you're the best care-taker/drill sergeant.

That's great news!

So glad you have Robert home and he's doing well. Still a big mystery on the pop, huh?! Maybe this is something not so unusual after the surgery, tendons, etc. I do know those guys do an awful lot of manipulation of the leg getting things out of the socket and moved around to do the joint replacement. And tendons can make a gawd-awful sound. And hurt sometimes. Let's hope that's what it was.

I'm so glad to read your hubby is now doing well. That was a scary experience!

Hi, all! Today was our first full day at home but it feels like his surgery was two weeks ago instead of four days.

He had his first PT session today and did well. We stopped off at a medical supply place so he could do a little shopping for things to make his life a bit easier and we ended up renting a lift chair recliner. There's not a good chair for him in the LR, they are too low slung, a real no no.

No, I am not sleeping with him but am in the same room on a daybed. We don't typically share the same bed as his cpap is too noisy for me.

Adhesions are the primary theory for the pop, as are tendons and ligaments. His major pain now comes from these incredible muscle cramps all up and down his thigh and inner leg. His muscles will have to heal from being sliced. The cramps are mighty but of short duration.

Interesting Rhizo. I didn't have any cramps or spasms. Is his incision outer thigh/hip area or did they do something more contemporary like minimally invasive with two smaller (or more). I had one chair with arms in the house that had a straight back and was the right height. It went from room to room for a few weeks ;0) I have two now. When I redecorated I made sure to include a chair with arms that would be good for guests with back or hip issues in my living room.

That sounds like a fairly busy first day at home, in and out of the car a couple of times too. How's his appetite, are you spoiling him?

If they are muscle cramps for sure, try giving him a little mustard to swallow, or a bit of vinegar (a pickle?) My mother always swore by this cramp cure.

morz8, the vehicle was one of our biggest fears. His truck is high off the ground with a running board that he has to mount backwards to sit down. But once he did it once, it's gotten easier each time, with my help lifting and guiding his leg.

I've been too tuckerd out to spoil him, but he's getting lots of loving care. I even do his home exercises with him!

I think that he will be okay for me to leave him alone tomorrow to do some grocery shopping, as long as he stays put. He's been hungry for fruit!

Rhizo, I came home on a Friday and two days later DH left long enough with my blessing to go to a Superbowl party - although he only stayed for half the game. Funny story though, he'd been working days but after several days he left in the evening to referee a high school basketball game, something he'd done many years. I was feeling very independent and sure of myself. I had a chicken cashew salad, fruit, buttered roll, glass of milk - all of which I placed on a pretty tray for my dinner, planning to eat lounging on my bed watching television. Then stood and looked at the tempting tray. I realized I had no way to get there carrying the tray, or to the table either. Really silly, I stayed standing at the counter for my dinner ;0)