Hip Surgery? Replacement?

Question:

What is the down time and how soon could I go back to work? Anyone with experience out there?
Doctors give general answers so I want it from a source who has been there.

Answers:
I've had both of my hips replaced several months apart. Although I had already retired early, I feel that I could have returned to my prior job about 5-6 weeks after my second THR. I was also approved to drive by that time. The nature of that job was partially sedentary and partially spending time on my feet and walking around. It did not involve much lifting and no heavy lifting. I would probably have still been using a single crutch or cane at 5-6 weeks but that would have been possible in my old job. I also had the ability to vary my routine and this would have been ideal as I would have had a hard time sitting all day (or standing all day). So, I guess the answer is that it will depend on the nature of your job and the speed of your recuperation. And patients' experiences do vary considerably with THR.

I was in the hospital for 4 days each surgery and went directly home. I did not go to a rehabilitation center but rather had a visiting nurse and home physical therapist for two weeks. After that I went to outpatient PT and traveled to the lab for blood draws, etc.

I had a much tougher time after my first THR. This was partially because I still had a bad hip on the other side so my recovery was slowed considerably as I couldn't exercise as much as I should have. I also had more pain and swelling after that first surgery. The pain pills made me nauseated.

You may expect that you will have some trouble getting a good night's sleep for awhile. This could affect your desire to go back to work too soon.

PS: Now that I see what these surgeries have done for me, I sort of regret retiring early!

Sort of!

My dad just had a hip replacement. It's a 1 1/2 hour operation.3 days in the hospital, now he's in a rehab home. They will allow up to 6 weeks there.His neighbor had the operation and was out and about in 4 weeks. It depends on what shape your in before the operation. Both are retired.

Depends on what your present health is and how much you weigh; it also depends on the type of procedure that they do. I had one 4 years ago and it's not something you just walk out and stay off of your feet for a couple of weeks. It took me a long time to recover. Be sure to ask your doc if you qualify for a minimally invasive surgery..I didn't. But i hear that the recovery time is alot speedier and you don't lose as much blood. godloveya.

I haven't had hip surgery but this is the 3rd time I've re-strained my hip after physical therapy and rehab. It took me 2 months.

Hip Surgery? Replacement?

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