Hip Replacement

[Newportnobby]

Christmas Eve morning I was informed I need my right hip replaced, with the op scheduled maybe in March. This means I will be on 2 crutches for 6 weeks followed by 6 weeks on 1 crutch
It will put a severe crimp in my 'pimping' activities as I won't be able to drive for 12 weeks and so am likely to miss many of my favourite Model Railway Exhibitions :'(
There is no way I can avoid this op as the hip joint is totally shot and I'm existing on powerful anti-inflammatories and not a lot of sleep.

I'd like to hear from anyone else who has had such an operation, especially about the period when booted out of hospital. Horror stories are to be avoided please as not only am I squeamish, but I also have a fear of hospitals, experience being limited to emerging from hospitals with worse things than I went in with

Offers from fellow Mods to buy me a parrot have been treated with the disdain warranted!

[Malc]

One of my slightly older pals had his hip done about 5 years ago, when he was about 59. He used to get around with a stick and was in lots of pain. To see him about 2 months after the op, he was walking like a 20 year old. I hope you have someone to keep a weather eye on you when they boot you out of hospital, it won't be easy looking after yourself.

I am sure there will be lots of offers for transport to shows from nearby n gauge forum members.

Good luck.

[ParkeNd]

My mother had hip joint problems all her life - until she had the troublesome hip joint replaced. She dreaded going in to have it done and nearly didn't go ahead.

The day after it was replaced she got out of bed and walked up the ward. She has never looked back. No problems at all. Total success. Since then she has been all over the world and walks like a little steam train.

[port perran]

My cousin's wife has had both hips done over the last 2 years.
She gets around like a long dog now after barely being able to walk.

[shandy]

A mate of mine had his hip replaced last year about this time. He's in his late 50's but has been a pretty manic sportsman all of his life hence the somewhat premature wear. He went in to have the op just before last  Christmas and was back at work in mid January! He was using one crutch for a few weeks but now you just wouldn't know he had the op. Before the op he was in a lot of pain and walking was getting more and more difficult for him.

He works for himself so he was pretty keen to get back to work asap - no sick pay!

Also he had the op done under a local anaesthetic    as apparently the recovery period is shortened that way, not something I would fancy but there you go.

Anyway, not a personal experience but hope the story gives you a bit of confidence, they really are amazing at this sort of thing now.

Hope it all goes well, if my mate is anything to go by I'm sure you won't regret it

Cheers Steve

[Jerry Howlett]

Sorry to hear that Mick. No personal experience with your situation, but I hope you get some positive responses as I know of a few friends / relatives that have undergone similar ops, one friend had his done nearly 30 years ago and it is still going strong.

More time for the forum and the odd bit of kit bashing then.

Jerry

[davieb]

Christmas Eve morning I was informed I need my right hip replaced, with the op scheduled maybe in March. This means I will be on 2 crutches for 6 weeks followed by 6 weeks on 1 crutch
It will put a severe crimp in my 'pimping' activities as I won't be able to drive for 12 weeks and so am likely to miss many of my favourite Model Railway Exhibitions :'(

Hi Mick 

Sorry to hear you need the replacement 

But never fear you won't miss many exhibitions 

I will come and pick you up 

All we need to do is leave my mum at home and I can push you round the Exhibitions in her wheelchair 

And don't worry I'm fairly safe with a wheelchair   

dave 

[scotsoft]

I have offered to look for a stuffed parrot for his shoulder, so if anyone hears of one going "cheep" please get in touch.     

Thank you - John.

[Malc]

They don't go "cheep" John,  they go "pieces of 8!"

[scotsoft]

They don't go "cheep" John,  the go "pieces of 8!"

Thank you for that information Malc, I shall amend my search parameters   

cheers John.

[RST]

Haven't done my hip but I'm 8 weeks from breaking my ankle now.  Now sporting a metal plate + 5 screws and 2 pins, 6 weeks in various casts and another 6 weeks on load bearing crutches.  It's OK apart from not being able to drive as I'm a complete petrol head!!!!!! I'll have been almost 5 months before I can go back to work in February again.  All I can say is you have to follow the docs / physio's advice whatever they say.  Time will pass quick enough -unless you have to resort to what's on daytime TV!

[kevin141]

Had mine done 5 years ago nice to come back from the op pain free from the hip joint a bit of post op pain but soon goes,just do as the physio tells you and if possible get into a swimming pool helps no end so all the best you will not regret it
kevin

[rusticged]

 
Hi
I had my hip replaced 4 years ago at the age of 64. I am a keen mountaineer and the Consultant asked me, before the op, what I hoped to get out of it. I was in horrendous pain, but I told him that I wanted to continue climbing mountains. He decided that I should have the Birmingham Hip replacement as it is a more substantial joint. it went like a dream! I was out of the hospital in 2 days. (the deal was, I could leave hospital as soon as I could go up and down the stairs). I used 2 sticks for a week and then one stick for 2 weeks and then just went for it. I was lucky - no pain at all now and I am climbing again.
I hope it goes equally as well for you. if you believe you will heal quickly, then you will.
All the Best.
Ged.

[daveg]

A pal had both hips done within a few months of each other and he's doing fine.

Hope your op goes just as well Mick and you're to 'up and running' in no time.

Dave G

[jonclox]

Those that have had it around here seem to only go in for 24 hours at the most
They move a bit slow for a few days then just get on with life.
Get a stock of kits, paints and glue in so you can sit quietly at a table and model away to your hearts content.