My mom is having a hip replacement tomorrow at 9:45. This is her third orthopedic surgery since July - she had a spinal decompression then to relieve debilitating spinal stenosis and was doing so so amazing when she broke her hip. She had surgery to repair, but she is so small with such small bones she can feel the screws grinding into each other and her hips are wildly out of place. She's been using a walker since then and has not been herself in months, doesn't like to leave the house, is embarrassed to have a walker at her age (she is 63). She is seeing a surgeon who she's heard great things about and who told her is "the one they [the other doctors] call when they get themselves into trouble." She would never say, but she is clearly anxious. She seems so frail these days and the surgeon was saying these surgeries have taken a toll on her body. Her friend's dog knocked her down when my 17month old son was about a month old and she broke her leg and then her back issues came up after she was healed from that so she hasn't been able to hold him or get down and play with him and it's been really sad. She will be headed for a knee replacement after her hip heals It's been a tough time so any thoughts on a great surgery and speedy recovery are much appreciated.
My mom had a double knee replacement at 60 (she also has a lupus-like immune disease that complicates things) and we had to be very clear and direct with her providers that she was and wants to be an active person living independently. That apparently changes the type of physical therapy program they make for them.
Now at 69 she is still teaching and living on her own.
My brother in-law had his 2nd hip replacement done a few years ago (had to have it redone due to a very rare infection) at the age of 53 and he is doing fabulous. Back to all activities he was doing before. Sorry to hear the first dr didn't do the best job but it sounds like she is in good hands this time.
Post by penguingrrl on Dec 9, 2018 13:03:21 GMT -5
Good luck to her! My mom has a hip replacement in her early 50s and it gave her her life back! Post surgery she runs a few times a week, trained as a yoga instructor and hikes frequently!
Post by cabbagecabbage on Dec 9, 2018 13:11:18 GMT -5
Good luck to her. I had childhood hip surgeries and mine are positioned slightly off and I feel grinding and I know I'll be in her shoes one day. It's scary to have major surgery but the pain relief is also miraculous and I'll hope she feels lots of relief soon.
If your mom does not like using a walker, maybe crutches will make her more comfortable to go out. I’ve only ever had crutches after all of my hip issues, and they are easier to be mobile with. Walker usually implies old person, so it may help her feel better about needing help, but not an old person’s help. I’m only a few years younger than your mom, so get it.
I have had hip replacements, it really is no big deal these days. Many times, it is even done on an outpatient basis. It sounds like she’s got a good surgeon. That’s half the battle.