The first 6 weeks after Hip Surgery: Rapid Recovery Hip Replacement

Recovering from Hip Replacement surgery doesn't just happen in the first 6 weeks after the operation. This video looks at what you should expect in the weeks and months to come.

For example ...
... when you can return to work;
... when can you start to drive?
... when should you start to get involved in sport again?
... and what should you do if you are concerned that things may not be progressing as smoothly as you would have expected?

[amythomas]

I went home the next day after my TRHR. The hospital had me doing stairs the next morning after my surgery. I had 7 stairs to climb at home. They said I was doing very well. This was October 2018. I’ve had many major surgeries since December 2014, and recovering from my TRHR was by far my easiest! My hip was done posterior, and my incision was glued. I was off all prescription pain medication by 2 weeks, driving short distances by 4 weeks! Love my new right hip! ❤️

[Blanco]

Had anterior approach hip replacement on the right hip, no pain at all no pain medications, no limitations at all. Back to normal within 4 weeks, absolute miracle.

[roisinwhite]

Had hip replacement May 27th past, 2022. This is day 11, able to get in/out of bed, suoervised by my husband.
Able to sit/stand at sink and have a basin type wash.
Pain killing meds every day.
Overwhelming need to sleep.
Pain in both hip areas.
Need more energy to get on my feet, and regain strength.
In N I waiting lists are very long .
I paid for this surgery.
I have had no follow up care/call from any gp.
I have a physio appt tomorrow, as I was on their books and arranged the appt a while before operation.
It's up to me now, to battle ahead.
Had other hip done 2013 and have continuing bursitis, painful on a regular basis.
Off to walk now.

[jimmy]

I had hip replacement surgery less than three weeks ago. I was walking without a walker in four days.
The pain has subsided to an ache and mostly in the evening before bedtime. I get tired easily and I'm still working my way back, but so far it has been remarkably good.
I am also in very good shape
for a 69 year old

[Maven]

I’m on my fourth week and it’s only a little achy. Most of my hip is stronger now and the pain I went through was nothing compared to the pain of osteoarthritis. By far!

[mariacatharina]

Clare Smith did you get my answer on your question? Both operations posterior - with fast recovery and excellent result.

[mariacatharina]

Clare Schmidt - both my hip prostesis operations were posterior.
Muscles cut through.
But the wounds healed very quickly!
Both hip prostesis function perfectly!
Important to do "your homework" before operations. And after!
Follow the instructions!
And remember to get up asap! As soon as the anesthesia is gone and you are "clear in your head". The hospital should have a high rollator that you can use as support to walk when you are back in the ward.
Allready in the "wake up area" it is good to wriggle your tears and do some peristaltic pump exercises with your legs. To avoid blodclots or swelling.
Good luck!
The cruciating pain from the hips were gone right away.
The operation wounds hurt a little. But nothing compared to arthritis hip joints!
In Denmark they prefer to operate one hip at the time. In case there would occur complications.

[MrAlex]

I had anterior right hip replacement 5 days ago and the pain is relentless. Today was a better day I was able to shower and get
Out of my bed by myself but not into my bed. I am still taking all the meds prescribed. the pain now is not the same constant pain in my groin. I appreciate any help how you all got in the bed, I am not able to lift leg up for that.thank you.

[Elizabeth-rppi]

The anterior approach of total hip replacement is nothing like the other types. There’s no cutting of muscle or tendons. Recovery is very fast in comparison. I was told that very soon it will be day surgery and patients will go home a few hours afterward. If you need a total hip replacement, you must find an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the anterior approach. You won’t regret it. Also, avoid general anesthesia after age 60! Getting a spinal with sedation is far safer for your brain.

[carmenwilley]

I have read that posterior hip replacement is easier on the surgeon--they can see everything better than with anterior. Which one are we talking about in the video?

[LisaDawnn]

Am 56 --- had total hip replacement Wednesday Nov 18th and came home Thursday Nov 19th.
Had a spinal block and sleeping aid instead of general anesthesia. That was excellent. Don't remember a thing. Was up and walking 3 hours after surgery. Wanted to walk more but there weren't enough nurses to help me.
It's a totally different kind of pain now. It burns or stings. Skin feels tight. The only thing I'm concerned with is, I have (had) arthritis in both hips but the left one was the one that cripple me up. Now that that was replaced, the right one hurts like never before. Am anxious to find out why. I hope it's just temporary but I think when he put the rod in, it might have evened out my pelvis and now there's more pressure on the right side. That's only a guess. But overall, I'd do this again without hesitation.

[incognito]

Been 4 weeks since hip replacement, my impatience doesn’t help. Doc says 2 more weeks and I can leave this recovery ward. Slow but can handle. Soon.

[MrsEyes]

At 6 weeks did anyone have bad lower back pain and general soreness all in the pelvic region front and back?

[colin_a]

Which type of hip surgery are we talking about here..?, anterior where muscles are not cut..?, or other methods..?

[lesamos]

recently had second hip replaced spent 3days in ICU one week in surgical ward several weeks in other wards finaly let home it was not untill i saw my xray at the fracture clinic i saw the leg part was tottaly diferent shape no longer a thin tapering pin , new part was put in a carved out femur leaving a thin area of bone arround it i was told leg must not carry any weight for 6\8 weeks to allow bone to knit with metal, at six weeks i had three falls the third was smack down un my butt, it has been painfull from the start falls did not increase the pain, im hoping every thing is ok

[JasmineDev]

I had my hip replacement a few weeks ago. Ended up in icu. Was in hospital for a week. Hated every minute of it. Refuse to have my other hip replaced. I was driving after 3 weeks, and walking without aids 1 week after I came home.

[surayyalawal]

i had my left hip replacement the pain i went through before the surgery was terrible it's been 4 weeks now. but i want to know when can i start walking normally without crutches

[badtriad]

common sense presentation -advising lifestyle changes MUST OCCUR!!! Thx!

[catharinaholm]

I did muck in the stable - driving the muck out in a wheelbarrow only three weeks after a complete hip replacement...
But I had done my "home work" before the surgery. Training, healthy food, food supplements, sleeping properly. And of course no smoking nor alcohol three months prior to the surgery. After the surgery laser treatment every day for 14 days - so the wound healed rapidly.
After the three weeks "sick leave" I have been physically active at the stables 3- 4 hours every day. Started to ride three months after the operation. (But that is not so nice - as my other hip also needs a total replacement.)
One of the young horses got scared and I fell - landed on my oprated hip. No problems besides I got a little bit bruised. Gender: female. Age 70 years

[bantumwt]

The direct anterior method is the way to go. almost or no rehab. Recovery time 1 month. No muscles cut during operation.