After a year of thinking I had a pulled groin muscle, going to therapy, exercising, yoga, and stretching, my limp continued to get worse, so I went to an Orthopedic Doctor. I had an x-ray taken, and the dreaded phrase came out of Dr. Payne’s mouth (not the best name for a Dr.) : “You have bone on bone in your hip, if I had just seen your x-ray, I would be scheduling you for surgery”. He was surprised this 63-year-old woman could walk in unassisted. I was still walking 6 miles a day at that point but with difficulty. I have always been very active, healthy, and usually walked at least 10,000 steps before breakfast. My faith has always been something that has sustained me. Everything we do in life is a choice. I choose to have faith in God and move forward with persistence in gaining knowledge and conquering obstacles when possible.
Once I knew I would never get better without surgery, my decision to have a total hip replacement was easy. My next challenge was researching surgeons and what to expect and need for and after surgery. My only experience with hip replacement surgery was when my father suffered a hip fracture and needed a total hip replacement 17 years ago and passed away about three months later. I have learned hip replacements have come a long way since then. They can last over 25 years; some report that the new ones can last over 75 years. There are lots of considerations when researching hip replacements, like what approach your surgeon does, anterior (front of thigh), lateral (side of thigh), posterior (back of thigh), and if your muscles are cut or not. My surgeon performs anterior with no muscles cut on a special table, and when he operates, he may do several of these a day; he is an expert with hundreds of amazing reviews! That is what I wanted.
I checked with my insurance and googled all the hip surgeons in Virginia Beach and read every Google review. After all my research, I decided on Dr. Gondusky at the Jordan-Young Institute in VA Beach. He had three fellowships and specialized in hip and knee replacements. It took four weeks to get the appointment. At the appointment, I knew I wanted him as my surgeon and scheduled my surgery that visit, for March 20, six weeks from my appointment. I completed the hospital class that gave an overview of what to expect about one and a half weeks later. I completed the required blood tests and EKG, and my personal Dr. approved me for surgery. Three weeks before my surgery, my back tooth chipped, and I was blessed to get a dentist to crown it in two days.
The week before surgery, my surgeon’s office called and moved my date up two days to 3/18/24. I was overjoyed. I had to shower with Hibiclens skin cleanser the night before and the morning of surgery. I did have some anxiety about surgery. My surgeon preferred to use a spinal over anesthesia because it is overall better for the patient and results in a faster surgery and less blood loss and quicker recovery. My concern was I had a spinal with my first child 37 years ago and had a reaction when the spinal wore off, my legs kicked uncontrollably (Myoclonus). This is associated with restless leg syndrome. Side note I take magnesium every day and that alleviates the restless leg syndrome. The day of surgery, I talked with the anesthesiologist, and he said because of the new needles and how he performs the spinal I shouldn’t worry. I am glad to say I had no kicking or spinal headache with my hip replacement.
My husband drove me to the hospital and helped me in the pre-op. I had to wipe down each area of my body with a different towel soaked with more Hibiclens cleaner. An IV was placed in my arm. My husband took my glasses. It was 8:45 AM; I remember being pushed down the hall, and the next thing I heard was my name being called in recovery.
The whole surgery experience was like a light switch being turned off then on. I closed my eyes then opened them, and the whole surgery was over. I don’t remember being placed on the hip table, being given the spinal, or anything else. The nurse got me up, I walked with a walker to a chair, ate a sandwich, a cookie, chips and talked with my daughter and husband. I had no pain because of the painkillers. After eating, I walked assisted with a nurse to the bathroom where I was able to use the toilet. I then walked to a room where I was able to go up and down several stairs. Mike filled my prescriptions at the hospital pharmacy, I was given low dose aspirin, Meloxicam (a strong NSAID), stool softeners, Tramadol (an opioid), and extra strength Acetaminophen. At 3:00 pm, I left the hospital, and easily backed into the passengers side seat of the car, with the help of a satin pillowcase on the seat, and was home by 3:30 pm.
The first week was rough, felt like a Mack truck hit my thigh, but each day gets a little better. Good news was the groin pain was gone. I took the Tramadol for a couple of days but it didn’t seem to do much and causes constipation so I stopped. I have continued to take Tylenol and Tylenol PM to help with the stiffness and discomfort. I also take 800 MG of magnesium at night to sleep and get rid of constipation. I was able to use my walker from day 1 to use the bathroom by myself. One side effect I noticed from either surgery or the medication, spinal etc., was that I had to pee a lot during the night for the first week. Not fun when you have to get up four times during the night with a walker. I started each day in bed with a few exercises, the best tip I can give you is to get a satin bottom sheet. It makes heal slides sooo much easier. I did have one complication, when I woke up on the forth day post-op I had trouble breathing, my chest hurt when I tried to take a breath. I got up and did some deep breathing and the pain went away. I hadn’t used my spirometer the previous day and I should have. I called my Dr. and said I was feeling fine but did have breathing issues when I woke up, they said to call back if I experienced this again. (5 weeks post-op now and I’m fine)
I used a 2-wheel walker for 2 weeks then used a cane starting week 3. I have used the 4-wheel walker outside because it’s more stable, and I can sit down when I get tired. I’ve been told to use the walker or cane until I can walk without a limp. (This is at 2.5 weeks from surgery)
I am staying in a spare bedroom because the bed is lower than my bed (top of mattress hits the back of my knees). I really needed the leg lifter for the first two weeks then was able to lift my leg without it. Also, the first several weeks it’s hard to sleep. I wake up every few hours; I was able to watch TV or look at my cell phone to distract myself till a sleeping pill kicked in. I wanted my husband Mike to have better sleep and also to not share a room with my cat who likes to sleep on the bed with us. I was afraid of getting my new hip knocked around. I have been sleeping on my back, I’m usually a side sleeper, and surprisingly enough I’m getting use to it.
I’ve gone out to lunch twice, once at 13 days out; Mike pushed me in a wheelchair a couple of blocks to a nearby restaurant. It was wonderful getting out, but the ride was a bit bumpy, and my hip was a little sore the next day. My second time out was 19 days after surgery; my Mike drove us, I took a pillow and so glad I did. My hip felt fine with it. I’m still using a satin pillowcase to help slide in and out of the passenger’s side seat in the car.
Showering: I love taking a shower or bath, but didn’t have the energy to take a shower until the fourth day after surgery with help from Mike. I did wash up every day by myself. That first shower felt wonderful. A few days later I was able to shower by myself. I can’t wait til I’m cleared to take a bath!
19 days post-op: I try to walk every hour and do exercises at least 3 times a day. I have a week and a half before my checkup with my surgeon. I could probably drive but haven’t tried and want to have a stronger leg before driving. I can only stand or walk about 30 minutes, then I need to sit down. Shopping would be hard having to use a walker or cane. I walk with my 4 wheel & seat walker outside because my operative leg muscles aren’t strong enough yet, and I don’t want to accidentally fall. I did walk 4000 steps today with lots of breaks, taking advantage of the walker’s seat. I use a cane inside and go slower. My goal right now is to strengthen my muscles and not overdo; I don’t want a setback.
Day 28 Post-op. Four days ago I did a little too much stretching’s and had pain in my hip where my leg meets my body. It hurt to walk so I iced and rested the next day and got back to where I was before the pain the following day. I’m walking about two miles a day with a cane. I can walk wobbly without a cane around the house on occasion just to test my hip progression.
I was having physical therapy once a week for four weeks then stopped. It was great to have them show me how to do the exercises and learn to do them correctly. I didn’t need them to come more than once a week. I like doing the exercises daily by myself without supervision. I’m concentrating on walking and flexibility exercises for the next month, and if I’m still limping at that point seek more PT. I see my Dr. in two days.
April 16, 2024 – 1 month post-op
I saw my Dr. and she removed by clear gauze strip that was under my initial bandage. All looks good. I did ask for a handicap parking permit and received the paperwork to give to the DMV, the permit will be good for 6 months. It’s interesting that you can’t apply for a handicap permit before your surgery. I also bought a cane with a seat from Amazon, for when I go shopping. I’m walking around 6,000 steps a day outside with a cane and sit down when I get tired. I sit down and rest before I have pain, then walk again. When I get home from walking I ice my thigh.
On April 17, I was able to drive for the first time myself to Trader Joes, about 10 minutes away. I did sit on an added cushion on my seat. I have full control over my leg but thigh muscles are still a little weak and I still limp without a cane. I’m going to concentrate on strengthening my thigh muscle. At four and a half weeks I was able to take a bath, and I had no trouble getting in or out of the tub. The warm water of the bath felt great on my muscles.
Five weeks out tomorrow, I’m walking 10k steps a day. My thigh muscle is still weak so I’m using the cane outside. Walking inside some with cane some without. I have been practicing walking indoors heal toe and marching to get rid of the limp. I have been able to walk a little without the limp. I can’t wait for my achy hip to be healed completely so I can walk without a limp. After exercise I use ice 20 minutes on 40 minutes off.
(I will come back and update this blog here as I progress)
See exercises below.
Checklists
Clothing
Sketchers slip-on shoes
Cross-body bag for cell phone
Bathrobe with pockets
Soft big pants with pockets
Soft flowy dresses
Nightgowns, and shirts with pockets
Front-hook bra – not a necessity but made life easier
Soft high-cut leg underwear for Anterior approach
Non-slip socks
Sweater with pockets
Items that help
Long shoehorn
Sock helper
Back washer
Grabber
Cane
Cane with seat
Walker 2 wheels
Walker with 4 wheels
Jell ice packs
Leg lifter
Satin bottom sheet
Watch that counts steps
Nutrition – for faster healing
Seeq protein powder drink & shaker cup
coupon for 20% off – SURVEY20
Marine collagen
Facebook Support Groups that helped me through the process
Hip Replacement Forum for Active and Young People
Hip Replacement Recovery: Support Group & Forum
YouTube Rehab Videos
Bob and Brad PT exercises
411 hip replacement – whole series very informative
Healing time – this is major surgery
At home 9 days after cellular bandage removal. 4″ scar under clear gauze.
4 weeks post-op 10% healed
6 weeks 25% healed
3 months 50% healed
6-8 weeks for pain in thigh to stop
10 to 12 weeks usual activities
12 weeks, 3 months start to feel normal
6 months 75% healed
9-12 months healed
Most Important
Surgeon – VERY experienced and has at least one fellowship.
Surgery approaches where muscles are not cut for faster recovery.
If you get a cortisone shot, you can’t have surgery for at least three months.
Do your exercises and walk, but listen to your body. Everyone is different, and recovery time varies.
Nutrition – Protein powder without sugar (I use Seeq) and Marine Collagen to heal faster.
Educate yourself on the process; learn all you can.
Have someone to help you at least for the first week if possible.
Exercises – 1-7 first week, start 7-13 when able probably 2nd week start out doing 1 set, each exercise 10 x, work up to 3 sets
- Sitting in bed – ankle pumps
- Sitting in bed – squeeze glutes 5 sec
- Sitting in bed – quad set push back of knee into mat/bed
- Sitting in bed – slide heel right and left, heel stays on the bed
- Sitting in bed – heel slides to butt
- Sitting in bed – pillow under the knee short arch quad foot/leg up
- Sitting in bed – towel under thigh bring up
- Seated arch quad kick the leg straight
- Stand holding back of chair – bring knee up, marching
- Stand holding the back of the chair – sit to stand, bend hips and knees as if sitting in a chair
- Stand & hold chair back – raise up on toes
- Stand holding back of the chair – Knee bends – bend the knee toward the buttocks
- Stand holding the chair – Sidekick, kick leg to the side keeping the knee straight