Patient Comments: Total Hip Replacement - Experience
Please describe your Total Hip Replacement experience.
Comment from: Brownie, 55-64 Female (Patient)
Published: January 12
I had a total hip replacement on Dec. 15, 2008. There was more pain than I had anticipated; however, I was sent home on the fourth day with warfarin (3 mg. per day) after having both warfarin and Lovenox in the hospital. The visiting nurses came and checked my blood levels (INT), and the first test showed 1.1, which is not therapeutic, so I understand. After several more days, a second test showed the same levels and my warfarin was increased to 5 mg. per day. Two days later, I was diagnosed with a blood clot behind the knee and the pain was indescribable. At that point, warfarin was increased to 7.5 mg. and I was sent home with Lovenox injections (70 mg.). My blood was then monitored each day, and it took seven days for the blood levels to reach 2.1. At this point, Lovenox was discontinued and now, after five days of no blood draw, I will have a stick test tomorrow to see if the level is maintaining. I was flat on the couch with an elevated leg for 12 days before I felt much relief in the leg. So ... rehab was discontinued, and I am at least two weeks behind now on any serious rehab. My experience makes me furious because I believe the "ball was dropped" on the blood levels. Also, I had huge issues connecting with the surgeon who was "out of town" and had no referral physician. How differently things would have been if I had been more educated and took more control over my own care and demanded closer attention be paid to what was going on. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Related Medications: warfarin
Comment from: Hal47, 55-64 Male (Patient)
Published: January 12
I'm 61 and had a left hip replacement surgery on Sept. 29, 2008. After a couple of weeks, I felt immediate improvement, and this continued for another four weeks. But since then, I haven't had any improvement at all. About 8 inches of my left thigh are numb all the time. I have pain (mostly in the high thigh area) when I'm lying down or if I sit for long periods of time. Worst of all, I can "feel" the prosthetic in there like a weight. It's difficult to describe, but those who have the sensation know what I mean. I have the least pain when I walk, which is just the opposite of the way things were before surgery. I'm worried that things are not going to get any better. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Poet.Jason, 55-64 Male (Patient)
Published: January 12
I had a total right hip replacement in 1982 that failed within two months. In 1983, I had another replacement that also failed by becoming very painful and loose. I had it replaced again in 1985. I have had the same hip since then, but I have always experienced pain. In the last two years, the pain has become worse. In the last five months, I cannot put any weight on my right leg, and I believe it has come loose again. I really do not want another replacement. I am very scared of a forth replacement, as I am told if it fails again I would end up with a straight bar being put in, which would mean I would not be able to bend my hip or drive. It would also make work difficult. I am also concerned about MRSA, as I have worked in nursing for the last six years. I have seen some bad results. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Granny, 75 or over Female (Patient)
Published: January 12
I had a total hip replacement Nov. 4, 2008. My recovery was surprising, which I credit to four years of working out at a gym, weight lifting, and using various lower-body machines. My quads were like rocks. I am a woman, 75 years old. I was walking without aid after two weeks, but used a cane outside as a safety precaution. I did physical therapy on my own for several weeks and followed the prescribed precautions. After six weeks, I was back on my treadmill doing about 20 to 30 minutes. Getting the sock on my right foot is still difficult. It's still stiff, and the muscle is sore at times. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Total Hip Replacement - Rehab Experience
Question: Please share your experience with the rehabilitation process following total hip replacement surgery.
Total Hip Replacement - Candidate and Causes
Question: What caused you to need a total hip replacement?
Total Hip Replacement - Prognosis
Question: What is your total hip joint replacement prognosis?
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After more than three years of being totally immobile, I had total hip replacement on my left leg. The first time I got out of bed in the hospital I was so happy to be pain free (on one side!) I asked him to do the right leg. I had to wait three months to have the right leg done and could not be happier. There are no restrictions and no pain with the new anterior approach. If I get stiff at all I grab the dog and go for a walk. It all depends on choosing the right surgeon. Both legs are the same length. I just passed my one- year post-op exam with flying colors! I am still feeling more confidence and strength daily. I have spoken to people who have had replacement before the anterior surgery was available and there seems to be so many restrictions – I'm glad I had the new surgery. You can remain independent. Go for it!