hip replacement? ?

[BobPatandIgglePiggle]

My dad has an initial appointment at the hospital on Wednesday about a hip replacement. He's needed it doing for years really but has finally given in.

He's really struggling and can't even get across the living room without grabbing the furniture. It's horrible seeing him struggle.

He's really proud stubborn and won't accept any help or advice.

I was just wondering really if anyone has any experience.

How long might he wait for the surgery?

How long might he be in hospital?

How long might he be imobile for?

I know everyone is different, just canvassing experiences.

My mum is waiting for this. I think wait is about 2 months to see them and then about 4 months approx on the waiting list. They do it in day surgery but yu generaly stay in a night or two- maybe up to a week, trying to recall. not sure about rehab times but total immobility isnt too long- maybe 2/3 weeks and about 6-8 weeks to have most of normal movement back. any strength training he can do on upper body will be helpful betwen now and the op

I'm unusually young, but I just had one (coming up to my 3 month review soon - eek!). I put up with what I now know to be a huge amount of pain - at the time I didn't know it was that bad, because I had grown up with it (if that makes sense). I can't even feel my new hip now it's been done, it is a total revelation. Everyone should have one! I want another .

I was private, so possibly a slightly different experience, but...

I was in hospital for 5 nights. Realistically I could have gone home after two or three, but it was the weekend so sorting pharmacy/physio was awkward. And the extra nights really boosted my confidence.

Physio were on the ward and working with me 23 hours after my op finished - helped me transition from bed to chair with a few nervous steps on crutches. I was very scared, due to a painful experience with a different operation but it was a breeze.

Immobile...I wasn't!! Like I say, I was up and about (slowly) within 24 hours. There are "rules" to follow about bending/twisting, but you are encouraged to get up and get moving to help recovery. I had compression stockings for 6 weeks which I hated, but they are to make sure you don't get a clot - moving more obviously helps this.

The thing I hate most is having to sleep on my back. I slept in a chair a lot for the first few weeks (this may not be a good idea - it certainly wasn't medically recommended) because I just couldn't get comfy on my back. I still can't really, but am more used to it now. I'm allowed to lie on my side, but don't feel confident yet.

The best thing he could do is gentle Pilates type exercises to strengthen his core - that's what my initial physio focused (Is focusing) on - a strong core and spine will help to support the body.

Thank you so much, I'll pass all of this on to my dad!

Just out of interest how do you remain on your back if that's the right position? They say we all move around 60 times in a night so in our sleep we can change from back to front to side, without knowing about it.

I am 26 and fear i will need a hip replacement in the not so distant future so it's good to read good things about recovery

Well when I came round from theatre I was strapped to the bed . Just my leg...

In hospital they put a big wedge between your legs so you can't twist over, and then at home I was advised to replace it with a cushion or a pillow. If I shifted in my sleep I woke up (and I'm a heavy sleeper). It was a total pain and the worst bit about recovery.

To be honest, the first week or two I so was 'aware' of it that I had no desire to roll onto my side. It didn't hurt, but I just knew it was something I couldn't do...does that make sense? I am a wriggly sleeper and it's only now that I'm starting to shift a lot in my sleep.

3pigs I'm a bit younger than you... I was so apprehensive, but it was genuinely the best decision I've ever made and I'm annoyed with myself I left it so late.

I was so, not I so was...

Old if you don't mind my asking what were your symptoms

The joint degenerated following an accident when I was younger. I was all for pushing on until I was much older but my consultant took an x-ray and put his foot down.

For several years, I couldn't sleep through the night due to pain, it hurt to walk/stand/sit... We went on holiday to the USA and I spent the whole time in agony from the flight. I was taking ibuprofen 3 or 4 at a time, and 2 before bed every night just to ease the pain enough to sleep. BUT, I should have done it earlier. It was stupid to wait until the pain was that bad.

Nobody knows how much pain you are in, except you. The thing I realise now is you don't get a medal for putting up with it. You get a much better quality of life for admitting you need help, holding your hands up and letting the professionals take over.

Best thing I've done in ages! I was 61 and pretty active - very frustrated by almost constant hip pain. I waited a couple of months for the op, spent 5 days in hospital (would have been out in three if I hadn't had a reaction to the painkillers) and six weeks off work. Two years later I'm pain free and very glad I had it done.