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Original poster

Life after hip replacement

15 replies

Excitedannie · 01/12/2024 09:15

I'm 51 and have just had a hip replacement due to osteoarthritis and will need the other one doing in a few months time.

I'm fed up. I feel like I've bought this on myself through years of yo-yo dieting and lack of exercise over the last decade (although I was very active before then). I feel like I've totally neglected myself. Since becoming single a few years ago, my motivation for anything is zero

I really want to get well - fit and strong, lose weight etc but I have no idea what to do or where to start - particularly with two new hips (I'm only 10 days post op with the first) and I feel quite lost

Any idea what direction I should take?

OP posts:
Opuntia · 01/12/2024 09:17

Go to a physio and ask their advice

I'm recently recovering from a long illness and found a physio specialising in rehabilitation and they've built a programme for me.

And don't be hard on yourself. Lots of people who are perfectly healthy have osteoarthritis!

Opuntia · 01/12/2024 09:18

(I'm the same age as you btw so totally get how you feel! Good luck with your rehabilitation)

Chemenger · 01/12/2024 09:20

My uncle had a hip replacement when he was a bit older than you. He followed the recovery instructions to the letter; walked exactly the recommended distances, did exercises etc and he was back playing golf, walking and carrying his clubs within a year at the most. I’ve also known someone who had a hip replaced in his 30’s who also made a quick and complete recovery by working at the physio instructions to the letter.

Lulubear50 · 01/12/2024 09:28

Please don’t blame yourself some people are more susceptible to OA than others. A lot of it is genetic and not lifestyle. When women of my age in their 50s talk to me about their triathlons and I should give it a go I do internally roll my eyes or feel like screaming, depending on my mood, as I have a genetic condition which is leading to widespread OA.

How much weight do you have to lose? Weight is about food not exercise so perhaps weight loss injections are an option as a kick start.

Original poster
Excitedannie · 01/12/2024 11:27

Thanks everyone

I'm seeing a physio on Tuesday so it sounds like that might be the place to have those initial conversations

I did mounjaro for a month before my op and managed to lose a stone so I'm not against that at all and might be the way forward - I could probably do with losing a couple of stone. I used to walk and swim but that went by the wayside with my motivation but I am looking forward to walking the dog properly again!

I feel like this is something I need to do - 2025 will hopefully be a more positive year even though there's another major op to get through!!!

OP posts:
VesperLind · 01/12/2024 11:30

I’m super fit and a healthy weight, former fast 10k runner, I lift heavy weights and exercise properly every day. I have moderate/severe OA in my knees and wrist- it’s not your fault OP. Do what you can and absolutely commit to the recovery plan.

EdithStourton · 01/12/2024 11:52

OA has a huge genetic component so far as I can tell - I don't think yo-yo dieting is a cause.

Of the people I know who have hip replacements, the ones who have followed the physio advice have made amazing recoveries. One of my friends set the alarm on her phone and you'd be visiting her for a cuppa, the alarm would go, and she'd get straight up and start doing her exercises. Her motivation was phenomenal.

Both she and another friend were back to distance walking, cycling and swimming within 6-12 months. An elderly relative was back to walking into the village to go to the shops.

Maybe give yourself a target with the dog: of time each day, or distance, or terrain, or of getting the dog to do things, like jump over a log, do a sit stay, stand on a tree stump, sit still while you walk a circle round him/her. The dog will probably enjoy it (they like daft games with a reward at the end) and it will distract you from thinking 'I must walk another mile' because you'll be having a lark with your dog.

Yuzin · 01/12/2024 12:26

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MontyDonsBlueScarf · 01/12/2024 12:39

I echo the advice to get a good physio and do what they tell you religiously. Getting a new hip was the start of a whole new way of life for me, I lost 3 stone, took up regular exercise that I enjoy, and perhaps more importantly learned that things I had believed impossible were doable with the right support.

I did the exercises little but often, as told, although I thought it was unlikely that things that were so easy to do would make much of a difference. Within 6 weeks I was cleared to do anything I wanted and within 3 months I was back skiing.

Good luck!

Original poster
Excitedannie · 01/12/2024 13:47

Thank you all so much your advice and positive stories. Just what I needed to hear. I realise this is almost as much of a mental journey as it is physical - they go hand in hand - but you've all inspired me! Smile

OP posts:
unsync · 01/12/2024 14:07

There are quite a few women at my gym who have had hip replacement. My ex had one too, his consultant said that once healed, he could do everything except horse riding in the way of exercise.

Your physio will be able to point you in the right direction.

EdithStourton · 01/12/2024 19:42

unsync · 01/12/2024 14:07

There are quite a few women at my gym who have had hip replacement. My ex had one too, his consultant said that once healed, he could do everything except horse riding in the way of exercise.

Your physio will be able to point you in the right direction.

No horses?
That will be news to someone I know who is breaking in two ponies (New Forest? Exmoor? Can't remember).

YourGreenSheep · 01/12/2024 20:21

I had my hip replacement at 51 due to to OA, just over a year ago. I was back at work (NHS) after 6 weeks. The first couple of weeks are the hardest but I was off crutches after about a week or so. Now I bike ride and swim, it was so worth it to be pain free! Planning to try indoor rock climbing with the kids again…It all gets easier!

Original poster
Excitedannie · 01/12/2024 21:24

YourGreenSheep · 01/12/2024 20:21

I had my hip replacement at 51 due to to OA, just over a year ago. I was back at work (NHS) after 6 weeks. The first couple of weeks are the hardest but I was off crutches after about a week or so. Now I bike ride and swim, it was so worth it to be pain free! Planning to try indoor rock climbing with the kids again…It all gets easier!

Thanks, good to hear. I'm still in the first two weeks and it's soooo sore and tight but I'm doing ok. Won't be able to ditch the crutches for a while as I can't stand for long - that's what makes it sore - but I think that's to do with not having a "good" hip because the other one needs doing! I'll get there tho!!

OP posts:
ByPithyViper · 14/12/2024 01:53

I had my second hip replacement in Feb this year (at 48). As others have said a good physio can help you in the next couple of months and I did find them really helpful and reassuring. Once they signed me off I started working with a personal trainer and now go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week (never been to the gym before). The aim is to safely get back to playing tennis for next summer! I never thought that was even a possibility. I have no pain whatsoever now and I really have to remember sometimes that I have 2 new hips.

I would definitely recommend a follow on personal trainer if that’s an option for you but make sure they’re properly qualified to support rehabilitation 😊

hang in there! It will start to feel soooo much better very soon.

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