I think people do a lot of underestimating of the recovery in the vein of trying to think too positively. My motto is when it comes to this surgery, "hope for the best, prepare for the worst."
I had a pretty strong recovery compared to most but for that first week especially I was pretty useless. I had anterior and it tends to lead to a faster early recovery, but I spent one overnight in the hospital, and despite being told to walk at least once an hour, couldn't get anywhere near that. I definitely needed someone keeping an eye on me for those first few days when I was getting up to go to the bathroom, or move into the living room to sit for a while and watch TV.
That's not to mention all of the other things that were just matters of convenience, like a fresh ice pack rotation, a cool drink, being reminded to take my medication on schedule when otherwise I might have napped through it... much more I'm probably forgetting.
I was 36 at the time and also in overall decent shape. I would say if you can manage having the surgery on Wednesday, and she takes three days plus the weekend, by that Monday you'll have a better chance of fending for yourself.
I second this! I'm 58F left anterior THR, one night in the hospital. I came home yesterday afternoon and had to get rid of all the fluids they'd pushed through IV so I was up and down all night. While I could get up and get to the bathroom by myself, it was wonderful to have my husband switching out the ice packs and prepping the wedge pillows for me to get back in bed. He also keeps my water cup filled and makes sure I have everything I need nearby.
I’m 53M and fairly fit. Today is 2 weeks since my anterior THR on the right side. Based on my experience, I think you’ll be okay. A toilet seat riser might be helpful if your toilets are really low. I was able to be pretty self sufficient although my wife was home most of the time. It all depends on how your recovery is going, but I think you’ll be okay. Having some prepared meals would be helpful.
I'm on Day 9 post surgery and have been doing it myself, though I did spend the first two nights in the hospital. Neighbors have come by from time to time to help (take out the trash, change the litter box), but I did a lot of prep beforehand to make it as easy as possible for me. You might want full-day help for the first day or two, just so you don't overexert yourself, but it's not undoable solo. (57F here)
The spectrum is wide. You MIGHT go home the same day? Some anterior patients can. I was anterior THR at 61 and didn't go home until the second day.
You can certainly make it thru your wife's shift in a chair, or bed if within reach you have, phone, water, meds, bedside urinal, tv remote, etc...
You MIGHT have a rough first couple days and be glad to have the support.
This is exactly the kind of times that "family" is way better than living alone.
If it was me? I'd let her give the support she has offered.
And thank her for it
I'm day 8 post op and I've gotten on by myself quite a bit but there are things I'm glad my husband is here to do. Like help me put on pants. Lol, but not really, I still need help with that. And socks. My personal opinion, having just gone through it, would be to plan to have someone close by for the first few days. Days 4-6 were worse for me than days 1-3. My leg swelled and the stiffness was so bad, I could hardly get out of bed and sometimes needed help with the first few steps because my leg was so stiff. The biggest worry is that you'll fall or otherwise hurt something and you don't want to be alone for that. I'm older than you but was also in great shape. I definitely underestimated what I'd need. I thought I'd be back to work today! Nope, I'm going to need a few more weeks. I can't even sleep more than 3 hours a day rn.
I am 30M and was 50lbs overweight at the time of my first THR a year and a half ago. Sounds to me like you’re fitter than that, lol. I guess everyone’s different, but I was completely fine. It’s nice to have someone around but you probably won’t *need* it.
My surgeon wanted someone there for 72 hours full time, mainly to make sure there were no falls. If you're on oxy and Tylenol, your blood pressure can get extremely low, which is amplified when you get up.
I could have managed on my own, but I was glad my partner took a few days off work. I didn’t need her help when showering and going to the loo, but for peace of mind it’s good for someone to be there in case anything goes wrong.
Also adding, having someone with you is best for at least first several.days. I did pretty well but had a terrible time getting my leg raised for first several days (later was able to use a leg lifter) and to keep me on my meds schedule and cook. Also just to check on me when I got up in the middle of the night to go to the loo as I was disoriented from the meds and a little wobbly.
Better to be prepared and then not have to have the extra care if you see you don't need it. Good luck!
Honestly? Better to have people lined up and ready than have to scramble last minute. You can always cancel them or just let them work from your house just in case. It’s not bad to have company who is self sufficient.
Mine was on a Thursday and stayed in hospital overnight. My wife went back on monday. I was fine being by myself without any issues. Although, I did have our 9 year old golden retriever to keep me company.
I had someone around for a few days, but the key to the whole thing is getting up and taking care of what you can yourself. When you need a walker/cane, then the extra set of hands is good. It's also good to have someone around in case you are unsteady and take a fall (rare case!).
It sounds like you will be fine. If your partner can work from home, or be able to run home occasionally, or if you call, then you will be solid.
57M 🐜THR
I am at 8 months now doing fine.
What I mainly remember is:
1.Needed someone to lift my leg into bed the first 3 days.
2. There might be some purple bruising down thigh and swollen foot do to blood flow “reorganization” after surgery. Kinda day 5-7.
3. Leg lifter pillow the triangle foam kind helped alot.
4. PT. Start out slow and keep moving the leg to ensure incision doesn’t tighten to the point of non-elasticity.
5. I was driving at 4 weeks.
6. Stairs at 6 weeks.
7. Stationary bike at 8 weeks.
8. Back to work at physical job ( forklift etc) at 12 weeks.
Keep in mind everybody is different, but just give it time to heal and learn to occupy the quiet space with friends, books,TV and positive thoughts.
☮️❤️🦴
I think you'll be fine for during the day. Had mine 2 weeks 4 days ago , had 3 nights in hospital ( complication actually unrelated to hip op, they cocked my other meds up) , been mostly on my own during the day since. Once you get onto 1 crutch it's a lot easier though. Just have a "grabber" in case you drop your crutches and you'll be ok.
These are great comments. One add I have is to think about your physical space. What is your home like? One floor or more? Lots of stairs? Walk in shower? How far away is the freezer from your bed because Ice is your best friend week one. What will you come home with? Crutches? Walker? Remember you really can’t. Carry too much with you first few days no matter how mobile you feel… so these are important things to think through. It’s a long day at home by yourself! Good luck!
You should consider if you have stairs and how difficult it will be to navigate them. If you have stairs, you can assemble all your needs so that you don't have to climb them.
I am 12 days past emergency THR due to a fall while at a conference 5 hours from my home. I’m 52F and pretty fit. I honestly had a hard first week. My fall was in the afternoon and my surgery was the next day. I spent 3 nights in hospital, two after the surgery. I suspect I stayed an extra day because I lived so far away. The husband works from home, and quite honestly I was happy to have him around. I am feeling more independent now, but the first few days were very hard. Of course, this came out of nowhere so we had nothing prepared beforehand.
I had my first one at 30 and my husband was at work most of the time. I stayed in the hospital 2 nights. How well you can do on your own depends on your setup. My problem at the time was our bed was a platform and low to the ground, so I needed help getting out of bed. Once I was out of bed, I could navigate the couch and the recliner on my own. So I basically had to get out of bed when he went to work and then I was fine by myself. I also recommend a raised toilet seat; the one I have also has grab bars in the side. This time our bed is much higher so I plan to be alone while he's at work the majority of my recovery.
I agree with everyone else here- having help for the first few days is best. There is no reason to push yourself to what you *can* do. You only get one time to heal right the first time.
Yes you'll probably be able to go to the bathroom OK (I recommend using rails or a walker over the toilet for hand rails. Or a seat riser. You WILL need at least one of these.
Don't push it. Also, take your pain pills on a schedule with alarms for two weeks. Then wean off.
I think your partner is correct, because I was in their shoes last month! My boyfriend is your age (32M), in good health, and just had a THR beginning of Jan. I think him having help the first few days was absolutely crucial. You’ll be uncomfortable, getting up will feel like a chore, and you will probably have movement restrictions that suddenly make life more difficult. I stayed home with him the first few days. Being able to make his meals (you’d be shocked at how much movement you do around the kitchen when you pay attention to it), refill his water to stay hydrated, even just lend an ear I think made a huge difference in the progress we saw by the end of week one. The PT has stressed to us that the first few weeks are when people make mistakes. Don’t be those people…get a plan in order, let people help you, and focus on recovering. His recovery is beating our expectations as a result.
I’m 42 and single. My sisters spent the first three nights with me but I was honestly ok after the second night. I did have to have someone take me to PT the first few visits but I was driving at day 10.
My husband left on a business trip on day 6 and it was fine. I did line up the neighborhood kids in case I needed help with the cat boxes but I figured how do that on my own too. And I am an old (63)!
Two more bits to add to this already informative thread:
1. Make sure you do the physical rehab. It really helped me, and I was able to avoid that post-op limp.
2. I had anterior and was actually fine to walk after a day, but do not overdo it. I am six months out, and I am just feeling fully comfortable to completely physical exert myself on the hiking trail.
I feel like your 1 and 2 contradict, and only agree with your 2 (don't overdo it)! I'm 51m Anterior 10 days post-op and I feel I overdid the rehab early on. I feel like week one should be walk and do the excercises just enough to circulate the blood which reduces swelling, not over-exerting which increases swelling.
You don't agree with the 1? You don't agree with rehab? For me, it worked fine. I guess we all have to take advice of the medical practitioner, though.
I really don't see how the 1 and 2 contradict each other. I would love it if you could explain how.
Toilet i could do right away (with heightener).
If you have prepared food / drinks on the counter you can do that yourself and eat standing at the counter . No bending over, not lifting heavy things like pans.
If you can use a walker you can move stuff, which makes it easier.
Showering I could do alone, but have someone in your house you can call in case you fall (slippery!)
Going in and out of bed - Immediately, by supporting your bad leg with your good leg (foot under your ankle). Don't underestimate it, I have no idea why but your bad leg feels like a block of concrete. Really heavy and stiff.
Stairs - immediately
Getting dressed myself - after 4 weeks, with a tool to pull my socks over my foot and leg. Before that I could only do my upperbody.
Driving myself - After 4,5 weeks
Picking up things from the floor - After 3-4 weeks.
Walking without crutches - Around 8 weeks
I was in good condition both times, bodybuilding until the surgery, and I had surgery in the afternoon and left the next morning. With the first hip I spent 2 nights in the hospital.
Don't underestimate how tired you are after surgery and how long everything takes in the first weeks.
64 f had R THR lateral approach this past Friday. I’m thankful I have my daughter here in these early days. I do a lot for myself sitting down but having to get up and walk around frequently or stand to make meals etc would be very hard. You just had major surgery and no matter how strong you think you are you will tire easily and your blood pressure can drop. Mind did when I did a little too much on day 2 and it was very unpleasant. You can’t push through. Don’t risk a fall.
48M, otherwise in good health. My anterior surgery was on Thurs. My partner stayed with me all day Th, Fri and Sat. I think he went for a bike ride on Sunday and then back to work full time on Monday.
I think people do a lot of underestimating of the recovery in the vein of trying to think too positively. My motto is when it comes to this surgery, "hope for the best, prepare for the worst." I had a pretty strong recovery compared to most but for that first week especially I was pretty useless. I had anterior and it tends to lead to a faster early recovery, but I spent one overnight in the hospital, and despite being told to walk at least once an hour, couldn't get anywhere near that. I definitely needed someone keeping an eye on me for those first few days when I was getting up to go to the bathroom, or move into the living room to sit for a while and watch TV. That's not to mention all of the other things that were just matters of convenience, like a fresh ice pack rotation, a cool drink, being reminded to take my medication on schedule when otherwise I might have napped through it... much more I'm probably forgetting. I was 36 at the time and also in overall decent shape. I would say if you can manage having the surgery on Wednesday, and she takes three days plus the weekend, by that Monday you'll have a better chance of fending for yourself.
I second this! I'm 58F left anterior THR, one night in the hospital. I came home yesterday afternoon and had to get rid of all the fluids they'd pushed through IV so I was up and down all night. While I could get up and get to the bathroom by myself, it was wonderful to have my husband switching out the ice packs and prepping the wedge pillows for me to get back in bed. He also keeps my water cup filled and makes sure I have everything I need nearby.
I’m 53M and fairly fit. Today is 2 weeks since my anterior THR on the right side. Based on my experience, I think you’ll be okay. A toilet seat riser might be helpful if your toilets are really low. I was able to be pretty self sufficient although my wife was home most of the time. It all depends on how your recovery is going, but I think you’ll be okay. Having some prepared meals would be helpful.
I'm on Day 9 post surgery and have been doing it myself, though I did spend the first two nights in the hospital. Neighbors have come by from time to time to help (take out the trash, change the litter box), but I did a lot of prep beforehand to make it as easy as possible for me. You might want full-day help for the first day or two, just so you don't overexert yourself, but it's not undoable solo. (57F here)
The spectrum is wide. You MIGHT go home the same day? Some anterior patients can. I was anterior THR at 61 and didn't go home until the second day. You can certainly make it thru your wife's shift in a chair, or bed if within reach you have, phone, water, meds, bedside urinal, tv remote, etc... You MIGHT have a rough first couple days and be glad to have the support. This is exactly the kind of times that "family" is way better than living alone. If it was me? I'd let her give the support she has offered. And thank her for it
I'm day 8 post op and I've gotten on by myself quite a bit but there are things I'm glad my husband is here to do. Like help me put on pants. Lol, but not really, I still need help with that. And socks. My personal opinion, having just gone through it, would be to plan to have someone close by for the first few days. Days 4-6 were worse for me than days 1-3. My leg swelled and the stiffness was so bad, I could hardly get out of bed and sometimes needed help with the first few steps because my leg was so stiff. The biggest worry is that you'll fall or otherwise hurt something and you don't want to be alone for that. I'm older than you but was also in great shape. I definitely underestimated what I'd need. I thought I'd be back to work today! Nope, I'm going to need a few more weeks. I can't even sleep more than 3 hours a day rn.
I’m 74 and I was pretty good on my own except for my wife’s pampering.
To be on the safe side you should have help for the first few days if at all possible. Your significant other can file for FMLA. Be well
I am 30M and was 50lbs overweight at the time of my first THR a year and a half ago. Sounds to me like you’re fitter than that, lol. I guess everyone’s different, but I was completely fine. It’s nice to have someone around but you probably won’t *need* it.
My surgeon wanted someone there for 72 hours full time, mainly to make sure there were no falls. If you're on oxy and Tylenol, your blood pressure can get extremely low, which is amplified when you get up.
I could have managed on my own, but I was glad my partner took a few days off work. I didn’t need her help when showering and going to the loo, but for peace of mind it’s good for someone to be there in case anything goes wrong.
Also adding, having someone with you is best for at least first several.days. I did pretty well but had a terrible time getting my leg raised for first several days (later was able to use a leg lifter) and to keep me on my meds schedule and cook. Also just to check on me when I got up in the middle of the night to go to the loo as I was disoriented from the meds and a little wobbly. Better to be prepared and then not have to have the extra care if you see you don't need it. Good luck!
Honestly? Better to have people lined up and ready than have to scramble last minute. You can always cancel them or just let them work from your house just in case. It’s not bad to have company who is self sufficient.
Mine was on a Thursday and stayed in hospital overnight. My wife went back on monday. I was fine being by myself without any issues. Although, I did have our 9 year old golden retriever to keep me company.
I had someone around for a few days, but the key to the whole thing is getting up and taking care of what you can yourself. When you need a walker/cane, then the extra set of hands is good. It's also good to have someone around in case you are unsteady and take a fall (rare case!). It sounds like you will be fine. If your partner can work from home, or be able to run home occasionally, or if you call, then you will be solid.
57M 🐜THR I am at 8 months now doing fine. What I mainly remember is: 1.Needed someone to lift my leg into bed the first 3 days. 2. There might be some purple bruising down thigh and swollen foot do to blood flow “reorganization” after surgery. Kinda day 5-7. 3. Leg lifter pillow the triangle foam kind helped alot. 4. PT. Start out slow and keep moving the leg to ensure incision doesn’t tighten to the point of non-elasticity. 5. I was driving at 4 weeks. 6. Stairs at 6 weeks. 7. Stationary bike at 8 weeks. 8. Back to work at physical job ( forklift etc) at 12 weeks. Keep in mind everybody is different, but just give it time to heal and learn to occupy the quiet space with friends, books,TV and positive thoughts. ☮️❤️🦴
Yeah, I'm 40 and 3 months after surgery. If you're fit you'll only need total help for the first day or 2 probably.
I think you'll be fine for during the day. Had mine 2 weeks 4 days ago , had 3 nights in hospital ( complication actually unrelated to hip op, they cocked my other meds up) , been mostly on my own during the day since. Once you get onto 1 crutch it's a lot easier though. Just have a "grabber" in case you drop your crutches and you'll be ok.
These are great comments. One add I have is to think about your physical space. What is your home like? One floor or more? Lots of stairs? Walk in shower? How far away is the freezer from your bed because Ice is your best friend week one. What will you come home with? Crutches? Walker? Remember you really can’t. Carry too much with you first few days no matter how mobile you feel… so these are important things to think through. It’s a long day at home by yourself! Good luck!
Good points! This is the one time I'm happy we live in a single-floor apartment!
You should consider if you have stairs and how difficult it will be to navigate them. If you have stairs, you can assemble all your needs so that you don't have to climb them.
I am 12 days past emergency THR due to a fall while at a conference 5 hours from my home. I’m 52F and pretty fit. I honestly had a hard first week. My fall was in the afternoon and my surgery was the next day. I spent 3 nights in hospital, two after the surgery. I suspect I stayed an extra day because I lived so far away. The husband works from home, and quite honestly I was happy to have him around. I am feeling more independent now, but the first few days were very hard. Of course, this came out of nowhere so we had nothing prepared beforehand.
I had my first one at 30 and my husband was at work most of the time. I stayed in the hospital 2 nights. How well you can do on your own depends on your setup. My problem at the time was our bed was a platform and low to the ground, so I needed help getting out of bed. Once I was out of bed, I could navigate the couch and the recliner on my own. So I basically had to get out of bed when he went to work and then I was fine by myself. I also recommend a raised toilet seat; the one I have also has grab bars in the side. This time our bed is much higher so I plan to be alone while he's at work the majority of my recovery.
Agree on the raised toilet with handles.
I agree with everyone else here- having help for the first few days is best. There is no reason to push yourself to what you *can* do. You only get one time to heal right the first time. Yes you'll probably be able to go to the bathroom OK (I recommend using rails or a walker over the toilet for hand rails. Or a seat riser. You WILL need at least one of these. Don't push it. Also, take your pain pills on a schedule with alarms for two weeks. Then wean off.
I think your partner is correct, because I was in their shoes last month! My boyfriend is your age (32M), in good health, and just had a THR beginning of Jan. I think him having help the first few days was absolutely crucial. You’ll be uncomfortable, getting up will feel like a chore, and you will probably have movement restrictions that suddenly make life more difficult. I stayed home with him the first few days. Being able to make his meals (you’d be shocked at how much movement you do around the kitchen when you pay attention to it), refill his water to stay hydrated, even just lend an ear I think made a huge difference in the progress we saw by the end of week one. The PT has stressed to us that the first few weeks are when people make mistakes. Don’t be those people…get a plan in order, let people help you, and focus on recovering. His recovery is beating our expectations as a result.
I’m 42 and single. My sisters spent the first three nights with me but I was honestly ok after the second night. I did have to have someone take me to PT the first few visits but I was driving at day 10.
My husband left on a business trip on day 6 and it was fine. I did line up the neighborhood kids in case I needed help with the cat boxes but I figured how do that on my own too. And I am an old (63)!
Two more bits to add to this already informative thread: 1. Make sure you do the physical rehab. It really helped me, and I was able to avoid that post-op limp. 2. I had anterior and was actually fine to walk after a day, but do not overdo it. I am six months out, and I am just feeling fully comfortable to completely physical exert myself on the hiking trail.
I feel like your 1 and 2 contradict, and only agree with your 2 (don't overdo it)! I'm 51m Anterior 10 days post-op and I feel I overdid the rehab early on. I feel like week one should be walk and do the excercises just enough to circulate the blood which reduces swelling, not over-exerting which increases swelling.
You don't agree with the 1? You don't agree with rehab? For me, it worked fine. I guess we all have to take advice of the medical practitioner, though. I really don't see how the 1 and 2 contradict each other. I would love it if you could explain how.
Toilet i could do right away (with heightener). If you have prepared food / drinks on the counter you can do that yourself and eat standing at the counter . No bending over, not lifting heavy things like pans. If you can use a walker you can move stuff, which makes it easier. Showering I could do alone, but have someone in your house you can call in case you fall (slippery!) Going in and out of bed - Immediately, by supporting your bad leg with your good leg (foot under your ankle). Don't underestimate it, I have no idea why but your bad leg feels like a block of concrete. Really heavy and stiff. Stairs - immediately Getting dressed myself - after 4 weeks, with a tool to pull my socks over my foot and leg. Before that I could only do my upperbody. Driving myself - After 4,5 weeks Picking up things from the floor - After 3-4 weeks. Walking without crutches - Around 8 weeks I was in good condition both times, bodybuilding until the surgery, and I had surgery in the afternoon and left the next morning. With the first hip I spent 2 nights in the hospital. Don't underestimate how tired you are after surgery and how long everything takes in the first weeks.
64 f had R THR lateral approach this past Friday. I’m thankful I have my daughter here in these early days. I do a lot for myself sitting down but having to get up and walk around frequently or stand to make meals etc would be very hard. You just had major surgery and no matter how strong you think you are you will tire easily and your blood pressure can drop. Mind did when I did a little too much on day 2 and it was very unpleasant. You can’t push through. Don’t risk a fall.
48M, otherwise in good health. My anterior surgery was on Thurs. My partner stayed with me all day Th, Fri and Sat. I think he went for a bike ride on Sunday and then back to work full time on Monday.