What Made You Decide to Have Hip Replacement?
After trying everything possible, PT, shots,natural treatments. The pain was getting harder and harder to deal with. I got to the point were no activity was comfortable. Was hard to sleep in bed, trusty chair, sofa, even tried floor. Last shot hurt worse instead of relieving pain. The very thought of a joint replacement was scary.
What Were You Not Prepared For?
That first getting out of bed and the extreme pain. I also learned that getting up the first time I needed to put my glasses on. I wear contacts and with the drugs in my system I got very sick the first 2 times out of bed.. throwing up. Putting on my glasses somehow balanced me and I stopped with the puking. (Put glasses on right away with second surgery and had no problem)
For some reason I thought the 6 week mark in my healing would be the magic number and I would go back to my "normal" time... It takes a bit longer to get back to normal.
Leg discrepancy, an inch added to left leg and SI joint pain because of this.
Lessons Learned
- I did water therapy after first surgery (I ended up having second hip replaced 6 months later). Because I had waited so long with the first surgery my muscles were in terrible shape and had to have an inch added to the left leg to help keep joint in place.
- I would exercise in water before most all surgeries due to the benefit of tissue and muscle health.
- The first time after surgery that I got into the water I felt "normal" and highly recommend it. Just don't push too hard and over work the muscles.
- Have lots of help when you go home from the hospital.
- Patience.. life will go to normal.
