Has anyone had any experience with you (or a loved one) having gone through hip replacement surgery?

My dear friend went through the process. She however left the state to do it. She also recovered in a facility meant for that purpose. However she did have really good insurance.

I can’t recall the time it took for her to recover but remembered being surprised with the speed of her recovery. She is independent by nature. And she wait so long for surgery that by the time she had it done it was more of a relief from pain then otherwise. She quickly regained complete mobility.

http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/recovering_from_hip_replacement_surgery/

Has she looked into the Anterior approach? I know someone who had this done and was walking with a cane within a week and back playing tennis in 3 months. It’s not for everyone but it’s worth finding a surgeon who performs this method and being evaluated.

https://www.hipreplacement.com/about/about_surgery/anterior_surgery
“The Anterior Approach for total hip replacement is a tissue-sparing alternative to traditional hip replacement surgery that provides the potential for less pain, faster recovery and improved mobility because the muscle tissues are spared during the surgical procedure. The technique allows the surgeon to work between your muscles and tissues without detaching them from either the hip or thighbones – sparing the tissue from trauma.” Good luck.

I deal with a lot of farmers, and it isn’t that unusual for them to need this surgery. The recovery for them is fairly quick. But it hurts. One said do both at the same time because You don’t want to go through it twice. But after their recovery they all bounced back and felt so much better they enjoyed life so much more.

Not necessarily a loved one, but a co-worker, about 15 years ago. She had hip replacement surgery, and was back to work .after about a 4–6 week recovery period, if I remember correctly

My aunt had it but she is in primo physical shape (former professional dancer, works out daily, etc.). She didn’t go to rehab, if I recall correctly, but she was home for a few weeks.

I’m surprised your friend is not considering the needs of her child before the needs of her mom.

You don’t mention the overall health and age of the mother.
If she’s in otherwise good physical condition it’s ridiculous to uproot the entire household for what may be 4–6 weeks recovery. What if they rent their home for 6 months and mom’s good to go after a month?
Sounds to me like your friend needs to fly out, get an extended-stay motel for a couple weeks, and see mom through the surgery. Go from there.

Thanks everybody. My poor friend was kind of having a few days of hysteria. She’s quite a bit younger than me and has never really had anyone close to her have any serious medical problems. I think she also feels a bit of guilt regarding her mother, simply for the fact that she and her husband moved out here to CA, so they hardly ever get to see her mom. I’ve been gone for 3 weeks, house sitting, so I haven’t had the chance to sit down with her and calmly go over the details. I suspect that her mom probably just mentioned that there is a “six month recovery period” which, if you read any of the info, it does say that, but I don’t think they mean that the patient is bed-ridden or in need of 24/7 car for 6 months, it just means that it might take that long to be back to normal. Luckily, my folks talked to her 2 days ago and kind of calmed her down a little bit, but she is a bit on the worrisome side and I think she was just having a bit of a mini meltdown. Unfortunately, her husband is out of the country on business for two weeks, so she wasn’t able to talk to him directly until last night. We are planning to have a girl’s heart to heart later this afternoon. One of our other girlfriends is also going to talk to her tomorrow. As of late last night, after I sent her some basic information about the surgery and recovery, she seemed to be in a better state of mind and has so far abandoned the idea of renting out the house. She’s scheduled to go to Ohio in two weeks, for a trip that was planned before she ever found out about this situation with the surgery. Her kid is going with her, and we’ll be watching the pets, as usual. Hopefully she’ll be able to talk to her mom’s doctor and get the necessary information.

@Ibstubro, Her mom is in her mid 70’s. As far as I know, her general health is pretty good. I’ve met her several times and she seemed perfectly fine, other than suffering from sciatica which seemed to come and go depending on her activity level, but otherwise I don’t think she has any other health issues. I’m guessing the surgery might alleviate the sciatica too. Her mom is not suggesting that her daughter move out there to care for her for 6 months, that idea is coming from my friend only.

Again, thank everybody. I’ll let you know how our talk goes today : )

@Kardamom: Does your friend have anxiety about many things or just this?

I personally know 3 people (well) who have had hip replacement surgery, ages from early 50s to about 75. You need to follow the post surgery instructions to a tee. All of the people I know did so and recovered quickly. One of the people, born with congenital “clicky” hips has had both hips done now, she is an occupational therapist and commented that she was not going to have the second hip done under epidural and would have full anaesthetic for the second. All 3 people lead active lives.

I know several people who have done it. I take care of a 92 year old who had both done when he was in his 80s. He’s just fine. As Adagio says -if she follows the post surgery instructions and exercise regimen faithfully, she will be fine. But DON’T be afraid to TAKE THE PAIN MEDS they prescribe!! They were invented for a legitimate medical reason. The body actually heals better when it is not under the stress of a lot of pain – and they will help her to be able to do the exercises, which is the KEY to success.

It’s really wonderful that your friend wants to go help her mom. But six months isn’t necessary. Maybe a couple or three weeks. Mom will go to a rehab facility from the hospital, where she will learn how to take care of herself at home & what exercises she needs to do. They will show her some adaptive things she can get to make life easier…. (ie toilet risers, sock puller-onners :-) reachers, etc.) and they won’t let her go until she can perform certain basic tasks. Your friend can come just before mom leaves the rehab so she can get some instructions for home care. She won’t need CONSTANT care…..she will be able to get around with a walker, but will need someone to help with the exercises, go with her on walks around the neighborhood, help with meals ,etc. My 60 year old friend had his surgery, and 2 weeks later he came down (75 mile drive) & met me for lunch. All he was using was a cane. Hip replacement is EASIER than knee replacement, believe it or not!

The Rotator Cuff surgery – now that may be another story. Mom may need help a little longer for that one. Perhaps your friend could go out for a few weeks after the hip, then go home to the hubby and pet, then go back when the rotator cuff is done? Maybe mom could help with the plane fare if $ is an issue. With that one, it seems the physical therapy is even MORE crucial…...my brother didn’t do it religiously, and he got the frozen shoulder thing. Good luck!!

@moonafari Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and detailed response. I shall share this information with my friend : )