Life after a joint replacement: Share your experiences and advice!

My mother who is 94 had a hip replacement 8 weeks ago. She has gone from narcotic patches to not even a paracetamol and is down to one stick outside and no walking aids indoors. She was out of bed the next morning, walked to the chair with a zimmer and home in 3 days. I wish we hadn't had to wait so long for the op. I have OA in both knees but if it were in my hips I'd have them done in a heartbeat. This is her second hip replacement after having the other one done 13 years ago. She lives independently in her own home and just needs help with heavy shopping. A true success story. Hope this helps X 

I haven't actually had any joint replacements yet but my doctor is considering this so all comment have been of special interest to me. I been dreading the thought of hip replacement but these have been very encouraging comments and putting my mind a little at rest. 

I had a hip replacement 4 years ago, as I have severe osteoarthritis. Although I was up and about on crutches after a couple of days and out of hospital on day 4, unfortunately, the day after, I had a fall, due to being unsteady on the crutches not having been taught properly how to use them to go downstairs, broke my femur in several places and dislocated my hip implant, which had to be replaced, and a metal bar inserted to replace my femur. After such a traumatic accident, I was very nervous about getting up on crutches, so I ended up in rehab for 2 months, initially using a wheelchair, then for the final two weeks on crutches. Since then, despite multiple courses of physio etc., I still have severe pain when I walk, and my leg is twisted outwards, leading to damage to my knee joint. Needless to say, I will NOT be having any other replacements done! I think that some hopsitals discharge patients far too quickly, without proper instruction as to how to get around on crutches/a walking stick, and make light of what is, in fact, a very majot operation that needs considerable care to recuperate from.

As I mentioned in my last comment that I have had both my knee joints replaced and I am very pleased with the outcome. It appears that there is some doubt about the op, I am beginning to wonder whether I have been lucky or not? But put it this way if I had to go through the operations again I would not hesitate believe me the changes to my quality of life  since the ops is wonderful.

I have to have a knee replacement..i have a meeting with my consultant next week and am so scared and dreading this op..my sister has had her knee replaced several years ago and said that she would have it done again as it has Changed her life for the better but what if i have less movement? I am in constant pain but able to keep mobile although walk with a limp and when the bones rub together it's agony..how do I overcome this fear i have? Also dreading the *recovery* period as i am not used to sitting around and like to keep active ..have animals/pets to care for as well.

I thought that I should mention that I live in the north east and I had my right knee replaced in 2014 at Rake lane hospital, and I had my left knee replaced at the Wansbeck hospital in 2016 both done by the same surgeon Mr Carluke. The attention at both Hospitals was first class, nothing to choose between them ,excepting the bacon sandwiches at Rake lane were excellent.

had my first knee in 1999 at age 40 & my 2nd in 2006. these new knees have given me a new pain free upwardly mobile life. whould highly recommend

I had my first hip replacement, (a complex LHR), on June 3rd. (The op was delayed for a couple of years as I also had surgery for Crohn's Disease). I was up the next day and managing with zimmer and then crutches + zimmer. I've not recovered as quickly as I would like because I'm waiting to have the right hip replaced, probably in January, earlier if they have a cancellation. The second hip is now, evidently, much worse than the first one was when it was replaced. Of course the first few weeks are a drag, but mine was probably worse than most because it was so bad when I had it done.(One of the worse bits was not being able to wash my hair for weeks).  Not looking forward to the immediate post-op period of the second hip replacement! I also have problems with degenerative spinal disease, but overall I think the hip replacement/s will have been worth it. 

I feel so sorry for  'Findogask'! It sounds as though you had a dreadful time! My right knee is twisted because of the severe nature of the bad hip, and very painful. I think the hospital which did my first HR is pretty good, and I had plenty of instruction.

Thanks to all for the very helpful comments

Hi, many thanks Velocette and MrJohn, your comments are very encouraging for ladybear and myself.

I was so sorry to hear of your experience Findogast. I hope your analgesia gives you some relief from pain.