Dad needs a hip replacement

[SeldomSensible]

I haven't had a chance to discuss it properly but my mam has told me that my dad needs a hip replacement. My question is: how long does the recuperation take? For instance I was told that he shouldn't drive for quite a while afterwards which could lead to a number of problems which I need to consider.
Any clarification will be much appreciated.

[L D N]

Hi, I am up for a replacement (or maybe even a double one) in the next few years even though I am only in my thirties. Therefore I've looked into this a bit.

The general recovery time is 3 months although it will vary with each person. Generally they do like patients to be up and moving about within days of the op but I think driving is out of the question for a good while.

The replacements they use last 10 - 15 years at the moment but I have heard they are starting to use aluminium more which lasts forever meaning another op won't be needed - worth asking about this.

Highly recommend your Dad takes arnica tablets before and straight after his op. There reduce bruising and aid healing faster. My Dad took these before having his liver cancer op and was sitting up in bed within hours - he reckons they made a huge difference (has had other ops).

Your Mum and Dad will need to look at their home as well for when he comes home. I would think they won't stop him doing stairs but just need to ensure walk ways are clear etc.

Hope this helps and it all goes well for him.

L

[SeldomSensible]

Thanks for that - I'll definitely tell him about the arnica.

I'm glad he should be able to use the stairs because they've just had their lift removed because they're trying to sell the house and they thought it was putting viewers off. Typical bad timing I suppose!

[L D N]

That's sods law isn't it?

I don't know for certain about the stairs but as it's important to make the joint go through it's range of movement I can't see why not. Check out the arthritis help sites on line, there should be plenty of info on aftercare there.

[Be Happy]

Hi

My husband had both hips replaced (6 months between) a few years ago. He was around 70 at the time. He was in hospital for a week. While in hospital he was up and about after the 2nd day - moving from zimmer frame to 2 crutches, to 1 crutch and on to one stick by the time he left. He got exercises every day and was not allowed to leave until physiotherapist was sure he could walk up and down stairs. He managed well with the stairs in our house. Occupational therapist had called in to house before his op to check what was needed in way of equipment to help him eg raised toilet seat, long reach handling stick, etc which were all supplied for a couple of months after op.

Walking was very slow for first week or two, but quickly improved. Our shopping centre has shopmobility scooters for use and he benefitted from this. He was told he could drive again after 6 weeks and found he was able to do so. Basically after a couple of months he was back to normal.

Any other questions, please ask, and I'll get answers from him.

My mother also had a knee replacement a couple of years ago, aged 84. This followed the same pattern, but as she lived alone she was given temporary home help with shopping, housework, etc for the first month. She has made a full recovery too.

Both have been full of praise for our local NHS hospitals.

[tanith]

Hiya sorry to hear about your Dad's hip , I had my first one done 3yrs ago and am expecting to have the other one done in the next year or so... if you have any more specific questions feel free to PM me or just post again here..

Recuperation is different for everyone I can only tell you my experience was up and walking on it the next day.. out of hospital in 5days and back at work after 8wks although on light duties for another month... you are usually asked not to drive for 6wks although if it is your left hip and you have an automatic I think they can relax that a bit... They get you walking up and down a flight of stairs before allowing you home and also show you how to get in and out of the shower with a bath board... they will give your dad a grabber to pick stuff up without bending (bending is a strict no no as the new hip can dislocate) and a long handle shoe horn . Also he should be supplied with a bath board and a raised toilet seat for a month or so......

As I say feel free to PM if you think of anything you want to ask... by the way my outcome was excellent and I managed to walk without a limp or stick to my checkup at 6 weeks , the doctor couldn't tell which hip I had done until I showed him my scar........:rotfl: :T tell your Dad that the operation is a miracle cure for the pain in his hip, it disappears as soon as the op is done.....

[SeldomSensible]

I think the most pressing concern is the driving. He'll go potty without the car!! The house is pretty well adapted (minus the lift!) for a disabled person as he has MS so I think he should manage quite well.

[tanith]

I think the thing that I found most difficult was sleeping on my back for ages... I was a side sleeper normally and because of the danger of dislocation you are required to sleep on your back for a month or more....

[SeldomSensible]

Again thanks for the helpful replies!
I had a bit of a chat with dad tonight but he was feeling a bit groggy so we kept it fairly brief.
He's mostly upset that his plans to move to Spain have been delayed/cancelled because of this situation, and I don't think I helped by discussing the driving - although he was reassured that he can get his groceries online. I also told him about the arnica and he said he'd make sure to stock up....