Don't Make These Mistakes After Hip Replacement

In this episode of "Talking with Docs," our expert panel discusses the top five mistakes to avoid after hip replacement surgery. They cover neglecting physical therapy, ignoring precautions, skipping medications, neglecting wound care, and not communicating with healthcare providers. The episode provides practical tips to optimize recovery and avoid complications, empowering viewers with essential post-operative care knowledge.

Medical emergency
Do NOT use the Video for medical emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on the Video.

General information is not medical advice
The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practice medicine or general healthcare in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. Information obtained on the Video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment

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[karenfleming]

Great advice. Just had mine done April 2nd. So many people say it’s an “easy” surgery but it’s true pain and I definitely needed help and the pain meditation!!!! Thank you

[joanneb]

I followed all these rules and had very little discomfort. I was given a Rollater walker and attached a basket to the front so I could wheel my drinks and phone and other small items around. That was super-helpful!

[patricialanthier]

I had a good experience with my hip replacement in 2018 at OTMH. The pre-op clinic where they taught me how to do stairs, told me what I should buy and informed me of what to expect - it was invaluable. The team was excellent and a lot of my concerns were greatly diminished by the time I had the surgery. I recommend being as informed as possible prior to surgery and also buying more than one grabber. I kept dropping my grabber and needed a second one to pick it up! I also practiced doing stairs and dressing myself with the grabber before surgery and I felt more confident as a result. My husband attended the pre-op class with me and took great care of me after surgery. Having your loved ones know the risks is very helpful. My recovery went very smoothly and I’m grateful for everyone involved.

[mbh]

Best thing to buy before surgery is a reacher grabber tool from a hardware store or online. You end up dropping a lot of things and this tool saves the day.

[paulhodge]

One of the best things that happened after my hip replacement was the Dr ordered me to start walking the first day after surgery. I was to put weight on the hip and walk with a walker. And I did walk and it really helped me not to fear any negative reactions. This was in 2016 and I’m still doing well at 79, thanks for you great information !

[pamelabrooks]

I had this surgery last May. I excercised by riding my stationary bike daily right up to the day of surgery. But exercising after the surgery was not so smooth. I wish doctors and their staffs would let people know that your muscles have to reset - after this surgery. My muscles had adapted to a bad hip and had to adapt to a new, good one. It takes time.

[danamoore]

THR anterior 6 weeks ago walking without devices after 5 days and up and down basement stairs. All great points be patient, recovery is a journey be careful and safe.

[lynnettecook]

My first hip replacement was in June of 2016. I lost my job so I didn't have insurance and that caused me to put it off for a long time. Long story short, my surgeon told me if I had waited any longer, I could have lost my leg due to the damage. I had no Cartledge and numerous fractures in the joint and surrounding area. My recovery was brutal but after, I was able to walk again and above all, no more severe pain. Anyone that needs a hip replacement: DON'T put it off, get it done and over with!!!! Btw, my other hip replacement (2018) was easier and my recovery was easier. I also didn't wait until I could no longer walk. I really hate arthritis!

[deedee]

I had a preexisting condition that impacted the musculature on the side of my hip replacement. I made sure I showed the surgeon as well as the surgical PA how I stood up so they would understand my unique situation. They paid little to no attention, and did a "routine" procedure on the OR table and now I cannot stand up. When a patient tells you there is something important you should know, LISTEN.

[skillhunterffv]

-Long handled scrubber for showering
-Multiple reachers, I put one in my bedroom, one in the bathroom and one by the couch.
-Walker, it allows smoother movement in the joint. (I have to have crutches in my house bcs I have narrow doorways.)
-Multiple small garbage cans or bags hanging off dressers knobs.
-Wedge pillow and several other pillows to put under legs. It keeps them from swelling. But lay without them sometimes during the day to let the hip flexor relax.
-Raised toilet seat unless you have a tall toilet. I’m 5’1” and have a 3.5 inch one bcs our toilets are to small.
-Commode if you don’t have a toilet on the floor you sleep or the front room/sitting room is located.
-I have a folding table and a seat with a footstool in my room to eat the first two-three weeks.
-A wide shower chair to transfer easier. An exercise strap to lift the leg up to get into bed/shower.
-I used command hooks to hang my crutches and reachers on.

I just had my second hip replacement 3 weeks ago. The first I had 4 months ago. I’ve had a lot of practice 😊
When the hospital tells you someone should be with you 24 hours. You need 2-4 weeks of help. Mine is longer bcs both my hips were really bad.
Be patient with yourself. Both my hips are different and have taken different times to heal!!!
Check with your surgeon about pain medicine, instructions bcs the hospital and surgeon instructions will be different!!!
And remember many people giving you instructions have never had a hip replaced. They don’t know what it feels like!!! Your having your bone cut/broken and mettle screwed and pushed into places it shouldn’t be. Your body needs time to
Don’t do to much bcs the bone needs time to grow into the replacement.
I moved to much the first time and ended up making my leg hurt a lot.
Last walk, walk, walk properly. It helps move the joint making it stronger. BUT don’t over do it. The pain shouldn’t be more than a 4, 5, and move once an hour. I have my alarm set for every 50 minutes throughout the day.
Hope these help!!!!

[donnaford]

I had my left hip done May 2024. Three weeks after I was sliding over on my bed, to get my meds and pop. I have never had so much pain. Had to have it put back in place, without another surgery. I'm now getting ready for the right side, hope I do better this time. Your info is great. Thank You

[emilynouvertne]

My surgeon said hip replacement is the only joint that the patient has less pain after the surgery. Don’t forget if you are sitting, your hip is already at 90 degrees! No bending toward the floor while you’re sitting! Anterior approach is wonderful! I walked in to surgery at 6:45 and walked out with a walker at 3:15! 7 days if P.T. And done!

[sjgraham]

ICE! I am 2 months out from surgery for a total hip (anterior) replacement. I still ice 2-3 times a day, on top of stretching and exercise (PT prescribed--I go 2x a week). I've made tremendous progress (although I was athletic to begin with and did lots of prehab, which it seems lots of surgeons ignore). I was on oxy, and I felt nauseous for two weeks post-surgery, but I would take it again in a heartbeat b/c it allows you to do the movement you need to do. I took 12 weeks off of work, and I'm glad I did. You might start the day feeling great, walking a mile or more, being active, and then: Pow. Exhaustion sets in. As the docs say, respect what your poor body has been through. It needs a LOT to heal. Thanks for these great videos Talking with Docs--I'm a devoted fan!

[jeankobeckis]

I have a total hip replacement Oct 30, 2024 and I’m slowly starting to do my house chores. I’m going slow and making sure I do what I need to do to get better. I bought a hip kit on Amazon which has been an awesome help . I still can’t put my socks on without my sick thing but it’s coming . I can now touch the bottom of my leg that the hip was replaced but make sure you get your house ready and your help ready before surgery it will make a huge difference

[Bikerman]

I had a hip replacement at 60. I now go dancing to techno at least twice a week as I did all my exercises religiously after surgery. I know a guy who is younger than me who still uses a walker years later as he didn't do anything post surgery. Do your exercises people even though it's literally a pain.

[JeanetteCollier-re]

I was lucky enough to have Dr. Weening replace my right hip in August of 2022. He did a great job and my life has improved immensely. When he visited me the following morning in the hospital before discharge, he did indeed tell me not to fall plus 2 other instructions that I have since forgotten. I made sure to follow the instructions and recovery was much easier than I had anticipated. Thank you again Dr. Weening.

[cranberrymorning]

Had second hip replacement last week at Mayo Rochester. Posterior approach, spinal block rather than general anesthesia. Walking 5 hours after surgery. A week on and am walking with a cane or no assistance. Don't do too much. But do get in a walk every hour. Helpful for showering was purchasing a walker from Office On Aging which I keep in the shower to safeguard against falling. Also using walker at night to prevent falls. Eat high protein, no sugar. Drink lots of water. Give your body the fuel it needs to heal, rather than junk food. All these pointers you make are so helpful. I tried weaning off pain meds too soon and paid for it the next day. Thank God for doctors, nurses, modern technology. 🙏✝️

[flyinonout]

Went into the surgery as strong and healthy as possible. Purchased hip/knee replacemnet kit which has tools such as grabbers, sock assistance tool, shower sponge extender, etc to make things simpler . Performed prescribed ROM exercises as scheduled. Surgery is half the battle, the other half is PT/rehab

[pgbrown]

I just had my hip replacement surgery on 5/7/24. First and foremost, thank you both so much for making these videos! You don't know how invaluable the advice is coming from medical professionals like yourselves. Below are a couple of points that I've taken away from my surgery.

1. Buy a wedge pillow. For the first couple days, your pain will definitely be elevated. Having this wedge pillow under my legs while in bed reduced the pain by a significant margin. It's worth the investment.
2. Buy a grabber and sock assistant. Remember, you don't just need to put clothes and socks on. You also need to take them off. Getting clothes off and on on the surgery side can really be a chore. As can doing simple movements suck as reaching for things.
3. Have a meal plan if you live by yourself. Or put some money aside for a couple of days' worth of delivery.
4. You WILL start feeling better. Just be patient. You lived with your hip pain for a while prior to surgery. Waiting a couple more weeks is nothing!
5. Buy a portable toilet or portable urinal. Getting up takes time and you making it to the bathroom may be a race against time. It's just good to have around just in case!

[brendanflanagan]

I had a total hip replacement (right hip) in July 2022 at age 50. Did a ton of prehab, particularly bike riding and went into the op fit and strong which helped immensely with post op recovery. Biggest advice from my experience is not to try to do too much too soon post op. I got back on a bike and even back on a squash court weeks after surgery, which was fine in moderation and without pushing too hard. I played a squash tournament in November 2022 and in hindsight that was a dumb move as it actually set my recovery back. I then had a bad accident on a mountain bike in July 2023 (broken ribs and some internal injuries in upper body) and this was a bit of a blessing in disguise as it laid me up for weeks and I had to return to exercise and full activity really gradually so my hip had the rest it needed to heal more efficiently. By November 2023 it was feeling the best it has in years. In my experience it takes a good 12 to 18 months for the muscles to recover properly from the op no matter how much you want it to be quicker than that.