Full Hip Replacement
Contributors to this thread:General Topic
From: Norseman
25-Jun-23
Going under the knife on Wednesday for a full Hip Replacement (anterior approach). Seems like my HS and College sports wear and tear injuries are catching up with my age.
I was wondering if any other bowsite folk have had this procedure done. Recovery time to get back to mtn shape? Any Limitations, observations? I got a Utah elk tag i need to redeem soon. Its been bothering me for years and i am pulling the trigger on the only solution to get me back out in the mountains. Thanks guys.
From: shakey
25-Jun-23
I’m 45 and had one replaced 18 months ago. I was on a job site 4 days after surgery with a walker. In the mountains in September. It still feels a little unstable but I’m able to get around with very minor issues. It worked well enough I’m getting the other one replaced in December
From: jerry
25-Jun-23
I’m 73 and both of my hips were done a few years ago. The first hip I babied, walker a few days , cane a week or so. I went through all the physical therapy and was back at doing things after a few weeks. The second hip I knew what to expect. I was on a walker one day, cane for 2 more days and out and about after that . Back to work in a week. My physical therapist signed me off right away because she wasn’t needed. No problems getting around, hanging tree stands etc. Keep active and don’t feel sorry for yourself. The only thing the doctor doesn’t want me to do is jump out of an airplane.
From: Groundhunter
25-Jun-23
Today's surgery.is amazing and way ahead of years ago. My friend had it this spring. 6 weeks he was back.
From: Mpdh
25-Jun-23
Have had both of mine done. 1st one at 55 and 2nd at 63. They usually tell you 12 weeks till full recovery. I was ready before that, but everybody’s different. A lifetime of physical activity and exercise, plus doing the therapy is key. I did all the therapy at home by myself.
From: Norseman
25-Jun-23
Thanks guys. I am 55 and have always been in pretty good shape. No elk hunting this fall but want to be back in fall of 2024. I keep putting it off but the limping around and the pain at night and after even a short walk was just too much.
Thanks for the insight, gives me hope!
From: Ace
25-Jun-23
A friend (who had done it already) told me that after a day or two you'll say to yourself "why didn't I do that sooner?" And he was absolutely right. Hips are easy to rehab from (knees less so, and shoulders? Well I never plan to find out). The absence of pain is immediate and significant (YMMV). Choose a surgeon who has done a bunch, both the anterior and posterior approaches have their proponents. I'd suggest that you pick the Doc you want, and let him do it the way he prefers.
Afterwards; Listen to your physical therapist and tell yourself that you'll work at the PT. You'll be walking very soon after, and you'll build back strength and balance faster than you think. The only 'pain' I experienced was that from working hard at PT, but that's a satisfying pain (more sore muscles), because it's from making progress. Good luck!
From: bigbuck
25-Jun-23
I was 62 when i had it done, after living in pain for 10 years finally decided it had to happen, i was up and walking 3 hrs after the operation .Next day i went on a little over a mile hike ,i will admit i might have over done it a little!! 6 years later i am still hiking those mountains like i was 18.not quite but you get the idea.I just kick myself i suffered all those years for nothing . i am sure recovery will be short Good Luck!!!
From: TGbow
25-Jun-23
My Dad is 94 now. He has had 2 hip replacements, the last one about 7 months ago. Both times it went good for him. He has had some problems gaining his walking ability back but mostly due to other problems.
I think you will come thru it like a trooper. Just be sure and follow thru with therapy.
From: TonyBear
25-Jun-23
Full hip or just resurfacing of the ball? Had both done before age 53. On the first one, I helped my brother drag out my buck about 12 weeks after surgery. On the second I was downhill skiing in 10 weeks. Granted, I was pretty young and had them done due in part to undiagnosed Lymes 20 years prior. The only problem with the Birminghams is that they occasionally squeaked. Yeah, a bummer during bow season.
Good luck, you likely won't regret the surgery due to the improved mobility afterwards.
From: Teeton
25-Jun-23
Norseman, good luck Wednesday. Want to be my get back in shape/healing buddy. I got my right knee done Friday. Let me know how your doing. Ed
From: t-roy
25-Jun-23
Good luck with your surgery, Norseman!
From: Norseman
25-Jun-23
The whole kit-n-kaboodle Tony. Chop of ball and auger out socket. Replace with new. I will let you know how it went Ed. You should have a good geographic presence staring at that map for the next few weeks! Thanks for the well wishes Troy….i figure i will be back on my tractors in no time.
From: butcherboy
26-Jun-23
Can’t help you out except To say good luck. No X-ray pics like another notorious Bowsiter did a few years ago! LOL I still can’t get that image out of my head.
From: Zim
26-Jun-23
I got a load of broken parts including a very weak heart, but so happy at 63 none include any joint replacements. Can’t imagine dealing with replacement knees or hips on a mountain. I feel lucky to mostly just have to deal with a pacemaker.
From: Mule Power
26-Jun-23
If they can’t fix my disc to relieve the sciatic nerve pain I might never climb another mountain because I’m ready to cut my leg off!
From: BULELK1
26-Jun-23
Good luck with the surgery TJ------>
Keep the Faith,
Robb
From: Zebrakiller
26-Jun-23
Good luck hope all goes well!
From: midwest
26-Jun-23
Hope you heal up quick, Norseman! No junk pics, please!
From: Bowboy
26-Jun-23
Heal up quickly and listen to your doctor and PT.
From: xtroutx
26-Jun-23
Are they installing a metal shank in your femur bone? When I had mine done in 2006 they put the shank in and let the bone heal around it. I was 47 at the time, so they did not use glue, mainly because it will have to be replaced again, but hopefully not the shank. I had 6 weeks on no touch down on it. I was a long recovery, mainly because I had 2 surgeries to try to fix it before the total replacement. Anyway, I can do pretty much what ever I want. You will know when you are aggravating it. Lifting to much weight and rough terrain are the worst for me. I think the worst part about the whole thing is the loss of range of motion. Pool therapy is fantastic for it if you have one available. I am sure 17 years later they have changed a lot. Best of luck.
From: Norseman
26-Jun-23
Yes Rick, they will be hammering a ss shank down the center of my femur.
From: Norseman
26-Jun-23
Thanks for all the well wishes, men.
From: Norseman
26-Jun-23
C’mon Nick, i got to show some nasty scar pics!
From: BowSniper
26-Jun-23
Do some research on make/model of parts they want to install. Ask what kind of metals are being used. Years ago they discovered a huge problem with metal on metal hips causing heavy metal poisoning of blood (cobalt and chromium) that nearly killed my wife.
I think they use more ceramics and titanium and hard plastics these days. But all parts will rub and wear by design it seems. Does that wear still put any microscopic particles into bloodstream?
From: Jaquomo
26-Jun-23
Jaquomo's Link
Yep, had it done at 60, now 69 and it's the best part of my body. I actually did a live Bowsite thread on it as it was happening, as well as my recovery. Here's the link. Unfortunately, the photos are no longer on the thread so you can't see my nurse, "Hot Jen".
Be sure your doc does the anterior method and not the older posterior method. I was walking that night, on a stationary bike four days later. Could have gone home that night except they made me stay over for observation.
Good luck! You'll be happy afterward, but be diligent about the PT, even though it isn't fun.
From: Norseman
26-Jun-23
Wow! Thanks Sweet Lou! I will check it out!!
From: Nyati
26-Jun-23
I’m 7 weeks today after a right hip replacement. I had posterior muscle sparing technique with cement less implant. 2 weeks with Walker , a week with cane, since then nothing. Saw surgeon last week for 6 week follow up . Everything good and restrictions were lifted. It’s still sore when I start walking but goes away after about 4-5 steps.
I didn’t apply for any tags this year just points because I didn’t know how I would be doing. If things continue the way they are I should be back to normal in a few more weeks.
Anterior and posterior approach both have their good points and bad points.
Anterior usually heal quicker but have a higher risk of nerve damage and femur fracture. Posterior have a longer healing period and a higher risk of dislocation in first few weeks. The muscle sparing posterior approach decreases risk of dislocation
From: Norseman
26-Jun-23
I found the pic Lou!!!
From: Jaquomo
26-Jun-23
How did you restore the pic? I need to learn that trick!
From: Norseman
26-Jun-23
I wont be posting the phallic pics
Question…why did they give you spinal block vs general anesthesia? Was the option your choice or based on something in Pre-op?
From: Jaquomo
26-Jun-23
They did both. I'm not sure why the spinal block was necessary, but when it was wearing off it felt like 1000 little worms wriggling around in my legs for a couple hours.
From: SteveB
26-Jun-23
Good luck Norseman....I have a good friend 70ish who had one done and it was so successful went right back and had the other done. Was back on the golf course in less than 3 weeks. Amazing.
From: goelk
26-Jun-23
Good Luck Norseman and speedy recovery.
From: greenmountain
26-Jun-23
I had the anterior approach . It took forever for the anesthesia to allow me to move my foot. I spent the night in the Hospital but walked up and down the hall the following morning. The even had me climb stairs. I woke up with a different pain after the surgery. It is much more bearable than the bone on bone. Good luck and work hard to recover.
From: shakey
26-Jun-23
They put a nerve block on mine and I couldn’t feel or function my leg until the next day. My doctor said 1 out of ten this happens too and it’s no big deal. He was right. The hardest thing for me was getting off the couch, I wasn’t really prepared to be lifting myself up with only one leg. I put extra pillows on the couch so I sat higher and it was much easier to get up.
From: spike buck
26-Jun-23
Mule Power, cant they go in your hip bone, make the whole that the Sciatic nerve passes through bigger to relieve pain. From what I heard, if your nerve is enlarged, at the point where it passes through the opening in the hip, you have severe pain. Enlarging the hole where sciatic nerve passes through, the enlarged nerve wont hurt.... Another guy mentioned he had this surgery and was pain free. Anyone else hear about this?
From: Robear
27-Jun-23
I’m scheduled for my first surgery on the 28th of July. Both hips are trashed. Gonna get #2 done as soon as recovery on the first one allows. My guy uses the posterior technique. I’m sick of the pain and limited mobility. Have to ride the quad side saddle, can’t ride my motorcycle or bicycle. Just tired of it.
From: Norseman
27-Jun-23
Good luck Rob! Thanks for all the well wishes. I hope to repot later tomorrow after the procedure.
From: Jaquomo
27-Jun-23
You'll have a speedy recovery!
From: Zim
28-Jun-23
How old are you guys with hip pain or artificial hips? And were these kind of degenerative, or caused by injury? Hoping to avoid this problem.
From: BIGHORN
28-Jun-23
My wife had a full hip replacement, and she got a staph infection. They had to take the hardware out and put in a temporary one plus a pic line for 6 weeks. Then, they had to take the temporary one out and put in new hardware. Glad that it worked out for everyone else. I had a full knee replacement and during PT they had me do a certain exercise which caused a bone to break in the knee. That was 5 months ago, and I am still having problems.
From: Robear
28-Jun-23
I’m 58. I think I just have bad joints. I have had several meniscus repairs along with an ACL. Throw in walking on concrete for 35 years every day as a maintenance man in steel mill, along with an active lifestyle, my hips gradually have gotten to a point that it’s either get them replaced or cut out all the things I love to do.
From: xtroutx
28-Jun-23
Zim- Mine was caused by an injury. I was a carpenter and fell off a building setting roof trusses. I was 42 at the time. I completely broke the ball off the neckbone of the hip joint. Try to avoid that, it hurts. :)
From: Norseman
28-Jun-23
All done and recovering. Procedure went really well. Dr said it was long due from what he saw during surgery. Pain 5 hours after surgery was stable at about a 6 on the scale. Had to sit on toilet for 20 mins and force myself to pee before they let me out of post op recovery. Surgery ran late today so i am staying overnight in recovery suite. Pretty posh! Up walking with walker already
Zim, i am 55. First symptoms stated at age 48 with an impingement. I ran track in HS and college. Triple Jumper, High Jumper, and ran hurdles. Also played football on artificial turf. Look up triple jump videos on YouTube to get an idea what strain it can have on hip. Never had an injury per se but i feel it all added up. My non jumpin leg socket looks great. Thanks for well wishes
From: Robear
28-Jun-23
Sounds good Thomas!
From: t-roy
28-Jun-23
Yeah, the tremendous jarring that looks like takes place with the triple jump, would sure seem to be hard on the joints! Glad things went well so far, Norseman!
From: deerhunter72
28-Jun-23
Glad things are going well! Hope you will feel much better soon.
From: Chuckster
28-Jun-23
Gald everything went well for you. Looks like the Taj Mahal of recovery rooms LOL. I ran alot of track in my youth (ran track with Sean Salisbury). My left foot was my plant foot in high jump and that hip sometimes gives me some problems. Had both knees replaced (2014L,2020R). My mechanic had his hip done 2 years ago. I was amazed at how quickly he recovered. Good luck to you.
From: Norseman
29-Jun-23
Thanks Men! If anyone has doubts or is holding back due to anxiety of process, i just want to let you all know that this was my first surgery and stay at hospital. Things couldn’t have gone better today.
From: BULELK1
29-Jun-23
Glad you are doing fine man!
Good luck, Robb
From: Zebrakiller
29-Jun-23
great news!
From: xtroutx
29-Jun-23
Glad everything is going well. I hope you have a great recovery..
From: midwest
29-Jun-23
Great news!
From: deerhunter72
29-Jun-23
My mom is having her right hip replaced next Wednesday. Has been suffering for the last 5 years, but she has put it off. Her orthopedist didn’t really help, just told her that when she couldn’t take the pain anymore then he’d replace it. She’s 74 now and I’m hoping her recovery won’t be too difficult. Would’ve been easier on her a few years ago…
From: Shug
29-Jun-23
Heal well
From: Shug
29-Jun-23
Heal well
From: Norseman
29-Jun-23
She will have no problem. My mom had both her hips done i her 80s and was up walking with a walker the same day
From: Jaquomo
29-Jun-23
That's great! Keep us posted on your progress!
From: Norseman
29-Jun-23
Teeton, how is the knee doing today?
27 hours post surgery and i am now home. Pain in quad is now appearing. Feels like someone took a baseball bat to it. Pain in pelvis where they installed the cup is almost on existent. Which is awesome. Some constant dull pain in the backside of my femur on the top, that is expected as they sawed the ball right off in that area. So far i have kept the pain at bay with only acetaminophen and Meloxicam (anti flam). only one pill of oxy yesterday after surgery. Still have yet to have bowel movement today.
I just took a 10 minute slow walk with just a can and only touch and go with it on straight aways. Using can on all stairs and when moving around the house. Still a little unstable with side to side shifting. Wife is being a boss and scowling at me a lot for not following directions. But my PT gal said it was up to me when to drop the stroller and/or can. Ice ice ice! Really helps, especially after my walks and PT
From: Whocares
29-Jun-23
Norseman, do the pt and you will be good in short order. Go get it!
From: Nyati
29-Jun-23
Pain is my quad over femur was bad and very tender first 2-3 weeks. At 7 weeks now most of pain is gone but still a little tender. I think it’s from where they ream out femur to accept the femoral component . I was on Walker for first 10-12 days, then went to cane. Been walking without anything since about 3.5 weeks
From: Teeton
29-Jun-23
Norseman, Last night was a little hard to sleep, just couldn't get comfortable. Knees swelled up some, black, blue and yellow. It's stiff, can't get it to bend much, it's a little short of 90 degree yet. Sometimes I get this hurtful kink in around my kneecap that I feel like it's just going to pop and the pain will go away, but it doesn't. I do feel I'm walk with walker on it more. So I guess that good. Hopefully tonight I'll get a better night's sleep.
I hope your feeling great as great can be right now and glad to see your home. I'm thinking they have you up walking already?
From: Norseman
30-Jun-23
First night at home was not so good. The pain and stiffness really hit me last night along with light headedness and nausea . I was told this but was in denial as i felt surprisingly good yesterday. Hit the Narco in the middle of the night and got some decent. All else is well. Maneuvering in the house with a cane as the walker is just too bulky through doors and around the kitchen. Hopefully swelling and pain subside a little today. But I suspect the next few nights will be tough.
From: Robear
30-Jun-23
Following along closely. Thanks for the honest reporting. When do you start therapy?
From: Norseman
30-Jun-23
Thanks Rob. PT now is pretty simple. While in bed i do butt and quad muscle flexing along with toe wiggles and foot pedel pumps. Most of this just to keep DVT at bay. I also am doing heel slides bringing heel to butt if i can then back down to straight leg. They also want me up for short walks every 90 mins. And two 6-10 in walks a day. 1/2 hour ice pack after every walk or excercise attempt. With walking my PT told me she wants quality gait walking over quantity or length
From: Norseman
30-Jun-23
Anterior approach incision location
From: Norseman
01-Jul-23
Just got around to naming my walking aid.
From: t-roy
01-Jul-23
A wise choice, grasshopper….
From: Teeton
01-Jul-23
Hope your feeling better Norsemen. I'm about the same, maybe a little better, but still stiff.
From: Norseman
01-Jul-23
Good to hear you are hanging in there Teeton! Hoping tour pain and stiffness subsides soon.
For me….Not much progress today. Still real stiff and sore. I got a good nap in this afternoon. My doc and PT said that rest was a big part of my rehab. Whose going to argue with that?! Thigh is real sore and lots of swelling above knee. Ice and elevation! Hopefully tomorrow i turn a corner and start seeing some mobility improvements.
From: Birddog75
02-Jul-23
Tomorrow will be exactly 2 weeks post surgery for the same procedure Norseman had, just opposite hip. I was released same day as surgery and started pt the next day, 2x/day. I'm still taking pain meds, slowly decreasing concentration but they do help. It took me a good week before swelling noticeably decreased in leg but still noticeable around incision site. Used walker for 3 days, cane for 2, nothing since, but do have a limp in my gait and not taking full strides. Stay positive, if you haven't seen progress with pt yet you will soon, and for me that progress was daily. Saw my surgeon Friday when they removed the gauze from the surgical site and did an xray. He stresses less is more meaning it is alright to do pt and brief walking, but most important is to let it heal. He even went as far as saying he doesn't even care about the pt stressing the important healing process. Sorry to be long worded but thought I'd share my progress which hopefully is encouraging, just be patient. Did shoot a dozen or so arrows the last couple days and that helps. If you have any questions I'll answer as best as I can from my experience.
From: Norseman
02-Jul-23
Wow ! This is awesome. I got some mote healing brothers to help.
Birddog thanks for the info. My PT said the same thing. Short quality PT at this point. Been using Kwai Chang the whole time since my release. The walker was a PITA inside.
Feels like swelling is down a bit in the mornings. Pain on top of femur is down a bit today. Incision is itchy and stings/burns from time to time.
Thanks All.
From: Norseman
03-Jul-23
Full Day 5 after surgery update. Leg and hip felt good last evening before bed i thought i would give my body a break from all the pain killers. Probably not the smartest thing to do. Lots of pain this morning in my thigh bone. Strong deep ache, kinda like a restless leg where every position felt good for a minute then had to shift and rearrange. Pain is subsiding this afternoon and now my leg feels more like it’s healing. Kind of hard to explain but it now feels like healing pain vs a strange pain my body couldn’t comprehend before.
Swelling has subsided and pain is under control now. I think i will take it easy the rest of the day. Only walk i took was to raise Ol’ glory down at the end of the lane.
King Salmon and habenaro/mango glazed porkchops on the grill tonight.
Happy 4th to all!
From: xtroutx
03-Jul-23
Tom- Glad to hear things are going well. As far as pain meds go, my doctor told me they are a very important part of healing, just like theropy is. You can cut down some, but he said don't cut down to soon or you will regret it. You will know when it is time, don't rush it. I have had my (new) hip for 15 yrs now and if you have any questions about long term don't be afraid to PM me. (same offer to you Brandon). It is a very painful surgery with a long recovery time. Anyone that says it is not, is lying. Look back a week at a time instead of daily to really see your progess. Hope you have a speedy recovery. Rick
From: Teeton
03-Jul-23
Norseman, Hopefully your over the pain hump. Mines about the same, except it don't hurt as much putting weight on it. Still very stiff, but I got a stationary bike. No I can't peddle all the way around. Going back and forth on the peddles right now. I can feel it working the muscles, so hopefully in short time I'll get all the way around.
From: Norseman
03-Jul-23
Ed, Good to know im not the only pathetic one in pain. Keep up the movement on the bike. Tell me more about the device you have on in your pic you shared. Is it some sort of cryo pressure device/sleeve you wear?
Thanks for the words of encouragement Rick!
From: Jaquomo
03-Jul-23
Norseman, when do you start your supervised PT? Mine was on day 6, but they had me riding a stationary bike at home for 15 minutes a day on day 4, so by the time I got to the ortho clinic I was pretty loosened up. The first day of supervised PT it was a little sore. Good luck and stick with it!
From: Teeton
03-Jul-23
The picture your speaking of is a brace to keep me from bending my leg. Is was on only 3 days. The reason it was there is on the back of my knee, I had a sack about the size of half a tennis ball under the skin. The red lines are a drain. Heres a better picture of the vacuum part of the drain.
From: MA-PAdeerslayer
03-Jul-23
Glad to hear everyone healing! And Norseman that’s a damn good lookin leg but I bet that salmons gonna look even better hahahaah
From: Jaquomo
03-Jul-23
Xtroutx, just curious about what you mean by a "long recovery time"? I was hiking on uneven ground in the mountains by week 4, and hiking with my day hunting pack by the end of week 5. Considering they sawed off my leg, it seemed pretty short.
From: Birddog75
03-Jul-23
Imo Tom, you are pretty brave not taking pain meds less than 1 week post surgery. I took less medication for pain after a week post surgery and continued reduction for another week until today, 2 weeks post, without taking any. I occasionally feel muscle/nerve pain on quad and still have inflammation/swollenness around incision, but both reduces daily. I'm not the Dr but my only thought is not to overdo it, be patient, it is still healing. I'm struggling with the patience, the day before surgery I walked 10 miles(tried to wear it out before they removed), and did 460 push-ups in combination with a bicep workout. Trust me, I'm about to come unglued but realize the significance of healing. Best of luck to each of you, we'll get through it.
From: Chuckster
03-Jul-23
Jaquomo, that statement caught my attention also. My mechanic (65YO) had his done and it seemed he was back up and working in short order. Glad all you guys are progressing well. Also, agree on not stopping pain meds too soon.
From: xtroutx
04-Jul-23
I am sorry, maybe I didn't pick the right words. What I mean't by long recovery was to get to 100%. or as close as you will get. I also returned to work soon after surgery. I also still had painful times with over extension, heavy lifting, weather,ect. To this day it bothers me at times. Is it better than before surgery? Yes 100 folds. Is it as good as before my fall? No, but I am thankful for the repairs.
From: Nyati
04-Jul-23
Yesterday was 8 weeks since mine. Feeling much better. It still hurts some first 4-5 steps when I start walking then it quits. I had posterior approach. Because of my anatomy I wasn’t a good candidate for anterior approach the surgeon told me. Anterior approach seems to heal and improve quicker than posterior approach
From: Norseman
04-Jul-23
Much better today. PT went well and pain is down. Big mistake skipping my pain meds yesterday night and morning. Still have som significant swelling on thigh between hip and knee. Compression stockings preventing swelling to lower leg and foot. Back of thigh is now showing yellow/ purple bruising. Doc says this is normal.
Did I mention that my lower back pain and sciatica is gone after this surgery?! Hallelujah! A two for one pain fix.
Happy 4th all. Enjoy your families!!!
From: Thornton
04-Jul-23
They basically pound those into the femur with a sledgehammer. First time I watched it, the surgeon and resident had white tyvec suits splattered in blood. Back in the 80's my rancher friend had his done but gave up riding his horse due to decreased lateral range of motion. Bought a Yamaha 4 Wheeler instead. My grandfather had it done as well and did pretty good with it.
From: Jaquomo
04-Jul-23
Good to hear Norseman! You'll be rocking in no time!
Just out of curiosity, what sort of pre-surgery exercise regimen did your Ortho have you on?
From: BULELK1
05-Jul-23
Slow and steady man!
Good luck, Robb
From: Scoot
05-Jul-23
Good luck with the recovery. Don't be stubborn or too proud to speak up! Follow your plan and you'll likely do great!
From: deerhunter72
05-Jul-23
Glad you’re feeling better Norseman! You’re well on the road to being much better. My mom is going in for her replacement this morning.
Thornton is absolutely correct! Most all orthopedic surgery is pretty much like woodworking. Drills, hammers and screws. It was a real eye opener back when I first started running Xray equipment in the OR.
From: Robear
06-Jul-23
Went in for a pre surgery consult with the orthopedic surgeon today. The left hip replacement was originally scheduled for the end of March. Well I also suffer from psoriasis. When I got my labs back this go round for my Tremfya, it came back positive for latent t.b. I had to go though a regiment of pills for 3 months to insure the t.b would never become active. Soooo the surgery was put on hold till that was done. In the meantime my right hip has become worse pain wise than my left. We did another x ray, and I was shocked at how much worse my left hip had become in the last 6 months. He moved the surgery out to the 9th of August for my left hip because of concern of infection because Tremfya acts as an immune suppressant. It was scheduled for July 28. He ordered an MRI for the right hip. I’m sure it needs replaced as well, but he has to have proof of what it looks like with the dye injected MRI. It will lock up from time to time and hurts like crazy when it does. Torn labrum most likely. Glad everyone seems to be doing fairly well. Hopefully I can get two new hips before the end of the year comes around. That model they show you sure does move smoothly!
From: Norseman
06-Jul-23
Robert, i hope everything lines up fine for you. Really seeing the positives today. You will be so glad you got 2 new hips.
Teeton, how the progress with that knee?
Today was a good day. Pain from swelling pressure was way down. I took my aquaseal bandAge off and the wound is healing great. No blood or discharge. Tissue around incision is still dead to the touch. Doc says getting feeling back can take months.
PT was good today. I can feel my leg and connective muscles getting stronger.
From: t-roy
06-Jul-23
Good to hear, Norseman!
From: Jaquomo
06-Jul-23
I still have a numb area around the incision, 9.5 years later. Just part of me now. Keep after it!
From: Teeton
08-Jul-23
Pains less. Swellings still there, kinda up and down. But never gone completely. Still stiff. Seeing Doctor for first time Tuesday since surgery.
From: Teeton
08-Jul-23
Pains less. Swellings still there, kinda up and down. But never gone completely. Still stiff. Seeing Doctor for first time Tuesday since surgery, see what he says.
Hope your doing well.
From: Ron Niziolek
09-Jul-23
Happy to hear you’re doing well Norseman. Hang in there Ed!
From: BULELK1
09-Jul-23
Chicks dig Scars!! haha
Seriously though, that looks like it is healing up very well.
When can ya get out and do some walking?
Good luck, Robb
From: Norseman
09-Jul-23
Thanks Ron! Hanging in there
Hey Robb. Yes healing well. They had me up and walking day one after surgery. I am now walking 3 times a day. Length and duration is up to how i am feeling. Yesterday i took a 1/2 mile walk and things felt pretty good. I got a little fatigued near the end and the quality of my gate suffered. PT wants quality walks to avoid falling into a limp. Still pretty sore and stiff in the mornings but it is slowly getting better. Tuesday i have post op follow up with surgeon. Hope to get driving privileges back.
Teeton, great to hear your pain is better! I hope you are getting good sleep now.
From: Norseman
18-Jul-23
3 week post surgery. Up to 2 miles walks at a time before fatigue sets in and compromises my stride. Sitting down for more than 15 mins still bothers me. Still some discomfort when i wake up and am off any pain reliever over 6 hours. Swelling is gone except for right under incision. Incision has healed well, but still cant feel much around that area. Hitting PT hard which seems to really help balance and stairs and such. Slowly but Shirley……;)
From: Scoot
18-Jul-23
Who's Shirley???
Glad to hear you're doing well and headed the right direction! Keep it up!
From: deerhunter72
18-Jul-23
Sounds like you're doing great! And don't call me Shirley;)
From: Jaquomo
18-Jul-23
Seems like you're right on track! Great to hear and great job with the PT.
From: Robear
18-Jul-23
That encouraging! 3 weeks and counting for my surgery.
From: t-roy
18-Jul-23
Keep up the good work, Norseman!
From: Ron Niziolek
18-Jul-23
Keep it up!
From: blue spot
18-Jul-23
Glad to see you guys recovering well and back on the road to enjoying being active again!! Quick story of encouragement here. Our long time customer Neal is 83. 2 years ago he went to the fair but never left his camper due to pain and discomfort. It had been coming on for a long time. He is a retired truck driver. He had both hips done that winter. Since then, he has been a new man and is back out walking his wood lots and keeping an eye on things. Over 800 acres, maybe a dozen lots spread over 4-5 towns. I just went for a walk on one of his wood lots with him today to look at building a new truck road and access for a timber harvest. We went somewhere between a 1/3 - 1/2 mile into the woods and back and poked around a bit looking at his woods. An easy walk but we crossed a stone wall and some modest blow down. It is a real pleasure to see how much happier he is now. I expect you guys will enjoy a full and active recovery as well.
From: BULELK1
19-Jul-23
2 miles is dang good at this point!
Don't overdo it though,
Robb
From: midwest
19-Jul-23
Keep on keepin on, Tommy!
From: Robear
30-Jul-23
How we lookin’ Thomas?
From: Jasper
31-Jul-23
Thomas, you’ll be fine and should be able to do any hunt you want. I’ve had one for years and it hasn’t slowed me down at all. I’ve done mountain hunts with no issues. I ran an ultra marathon at 63 2 months ago. Prayers for a speedy recovery!
From: gutthooked
26-Aug-23
Got my hip replaced on Thursday this week, still pretty sore, but the pain isn't as bad as before surgery. Guess they found I had an impacted osteopyte that was probably causing all of my pain, Dr said he had a hard time removing it, hoping to get back on some kind of routine after a few weeks. Still swollen around the incision site and turning black and blue today. Felt great to get a shower today. Although I can't put my sock on yet on the side that was fixed.
Found this thread and just had to reply to it as there is a ton of good info in here.
From: Robear
27-Aug-23
I’m about 2.5 weeks in on mine. Left side posterior method. The last 4 days or so the pain has really gotten better. Could finally sleep on my side in bed. It was mostly sleeping in a recliner before that. Walked about half a mile today with a cane. Felt really good. Problem is, my right side has a torn labrum. I go in the morning for my post surgery check up and hopefully get the game plan for the right one. I hope they just change it out as well and get it over and done. You will be good Gut. First couple weeks aren’t any fun tho.
From: Nyati
27-Aug-23
Tomorrow will be 4 months for me. I think I’m 98% back to normal. I’m sure a LOT better than the year before surgery. Still gets a little sore depending on what and how much I do
From: gutthooked
27-Aug-23
Robert Mine was right side anterior approach, icing it does make it feel better, walk 1/4 mile today with the walker down my street.
From: Tejas
27-Aug-23
Late to party with my post …. but I had a full hip replacement when I was 38. Doc said I was youngest person he ever replaced. Avascular necrosis……surgery in the spring and I was climbing trees that fall.
From: Norseman
29-Aug-23
Hi Boyz! Thought i would chime in with a little update. Week 9 and things are going pretty good. Seeing improvements every week with strength, less fatigue and recovery after workouts. No ice needed anymore after PT or my walks. Biggest improvement lately has been week 6 to week 8. All thigh pain is gone. I still get a little discomfort when i move my leg around in bed at night or tie shoes etc…as certain positions cause stress on joint.
Walking 2.5 to 3 miles daily. Last night i did my first 3 miles with jogging walking combo. No pain while jogging and striding with out any hitch. Felt it a little this morning. I think if i had to i could perform ok in a gentlemans elk hunt this September. Hip feels strong, now working on leg strength to get leg back from babying it for years.
Incision is healing great and getting feeling back slowly in the area. You guy’s recently under the knife feel free to ask any questions. Be glad to give u my side.
From: Sam
29-Aug-23
That’s awesome, my wife is on month 11 and just recently seems to have it completely behind her. It’s a miracle procedure. Your progress has been exceptional.
From: gutthooked
30-Aug-23
I walked up and down the driveway a few times without a walker or cane. Felling better the last day or two, hard to believe it's been less than a week it was put in. I'm suprised at the progress.
From: Robear
30-Aug-23
That’s good to hear! I’m three weeks in and did a mile on flat ground with a cane. My guy is adamant on using it for six weeks to avoid a fall, but I had my muscles cut because of the method he prefers, and they worry about tearing it apart before it can heal. I also found out I have the second one replaced the last week of Sept. Oh well, at least I know what to expect.
From: midwest
31-Aug-23
Good news, Tom!
From: Norseman
31-Aug-23
Keep up the good work John and Rob!
Remember to ice and elevate for 20 mins min after a workout. Really helps!
From: gutthooked
31-Aug-23
Just curious, what did you guys use to sleep? It's pretty tough for me to fall asleep anymore. Seems I feel all that aching bs and just can't get comfortable been taking a few sleeping pills and painkillers to doze off.
From: Robear
31-Aug-23
I had to sleep in a recliner for about 2.5 weeks. I tried the bed every night, always ended up going to the chair. Like you, the aching wouldn’t allow sleep no matter how I laid. I think that the surgery induces insomnia as well. It’s a lot for our body to deal with. After all, they basically cut the top of our leg off and it put back together again with fresh parts. After three weeks I can now sleep comfortably in bed and lay however I want. Hang in there, it will come.
From: Robear
31-Aug-23
From: Birddog75
31-Aug-23
First 2-3 weeks sleeping was difficult. Pain meds an hour prior going to bed helped. If I couldn't go to sleep on my back with the surgical side leg elevated I would sleep on the non surgical side with a pillow between my knees which helped me tremendously. Hope you find a solution for yourself that makes sleeping more tolerable. Sounds like each of us has a different recovery rate but stay optimistic, it will get better and be worth it.
From: xtroutx
31-Aug-23
Birddog x2. Pain meds were my best friend when I had my hip done. I don't have an additive personality, so I was not afraid to use them often. I think I took them for 28 days after surgery, 4 times a day. On the 29th day I woke up feeling pretty good and never had another one. I am not a big fan of pain when it is not necessary. I wasn't out to impress anyone on how quick I got off my pain meds. A pillow between my knees also helped a lot. Best of luck with your recovery. It takes time but will soon be in the past.
From: Shug
31-Aug-23
Get well
From: Shug
31-Aug-23
Get well
From: Shug
31-Aug-23
Get well
From: Shug
31-Aug-23
Get well
From: gutthooked
13-Sep-23
Got off the pain killers last week, can drive now. Still got some annoying nerve pain and some stiffness just above my knee, think I'm doing ok , therapy is helping. Still tough to sleep for me even with meds.
From: Robear
14-Sep-23
Sounds like you are doing great at three weeks. I’m at five weeks and have barely any pain in the new hip. The other side however is a whole other story. It’s coming out on Sept 27th and I get to do all this again.
From: gutthooked
14-Sep-23
Hope the best for you with the other one.
Dr says my other side is just as bad as the one I just got done, but I have no pain in it at all. So I'm not getting it done anytime soon.
From: Nyati
14-Sep-23
15 weeks since my hip replacement. Back to doing everything I was before but with much less pain. See my surgeon next week for “official “ release
