I'm 33 years old and suffered with a SCFE as a child. I'm a few weeks away from a total hip replacement and I have been asked by my doctor to participate in a study where I would put weight immediately on my hip after surgery. Has anyone else done this? Also, I live alone and don't have a caregiver. Am I naive to think that I can recovery by myself? Any help or advice about recovery or life after a THR would be helpful. Thank!!!

Denise

-- denise davis (adinkradesigns@earthlink.net), November 10, 2003

Answers

Hi Denise,

The answer to your question about taking care of yourself post- surgery is difficult to answer because I don't know how prepared you are in regards to making your home safe, having meals prepared, being able to access transportation for doctor's appointments and physiotherapy. If you have access to some type of home care, and someone who can check in on you, that would be helpful. As far as weight-bearing immediately post-op, you would be 50% weight-bearing with a walker or crutches for a few weeks post-op, to allow the prosthetic to attach to the bone if you have a non-cemented hip replacement. A cemented prosthesis would allow immediate weight- bearing but is generally only used in older patients.

-- christina delottinville (seamoregirl@hotmail.com), November 17, 2003.

I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia (from birth) when I was 25 years old. I am now 30 and have had both my hips replaced. I had a THR on the right two years ago and am doing very well with that hip. I had the THR on the left about a month ago. The first surgery that I had was the traditional, 12-inch incision. I dislocated the hip two days after getting out of the hospital. That surgery took a good four months to completely heal to where I could walk without assistance of a cane. This second surgery, I had the new MIS 2-incision hip replacement and it has been wonderful. They do this procedure through 2 two-inch incisions (one near the groin and one on the side) and there is no cutting of muscles, tendons, or ligaments. They are able to access the joint by separating the muscles. There has been less pain and a quicker recovery of this recent surgery. You are also allowed FULL WEIGHT BEARING (as tolerated) immediately after surgery! There are also less precautions and less chance of dislocation. I was off narcotics and out of bed the day of the surgery! Being a month out from surgery, I can walk on my own around the house and for short distances. I still need the cane for long walks, but I should be off that in a week or so. I would highly recommend researching this procedure for anyone that needs a THR. It has been wonderful. The website to research this or to find a doctor in your area is www.pacewithlife.com.

Good luck!

-- Sonya Luther (sonyal123@hotmail.com), April 13, 2004.