Father in law is in the hospital in Bucharest waiting to get one hip replaced. He mentioned this topic a few weeks ago, we didn't imagine they act so quickly, we thought it was gonna take tame before he decides to do it.

Supposedly it is minimal invasive surgery. Supposed to stay there 5 more days after the surgery after which they send him home. Anyone know something about this? how long and how difficult or easy is the recovery period? how long do these things last? he's 65. Apparently they have different quality level for these "replacement parts" and his insurance pays for a basic one, and he pays the difference (several thousands) and then he also pays the doctors and nurses. Even though they are theoretically paid by the hospital and insurance, the doctors and medical staff are paid way less than here in US and everyone expects to get paid something extra directly from the patient. You could say this is corruption, that is maybe one way to look at it, but I can't blame them. I know that they don't get paid according to their skills and education and their hard work, so it's OK to pay them extra. Or you could go to a private hospital where you pay and arm and a leg officially, and then you don't have to make these private payments to staff...

If anyone had this procedure done, I would appreciate some comments about how it was and how quickly you recovered.

Thanks

My 90 year old MIL had her hip replaced about 7-8 years ago. It went well for her. The recovery period for her hip replacement was less than for her knee replacement.

My husband knows several people who have had it done and some had amazingly short recovery times. I think at 65 your FIL should do quite well, if he is in pretty good health overall.

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Roswell, GA (Atlanta suburb)

Mom has an artificial hip and knee. Hips are easy - really. They make you get up and take a few steps within hours of the surgery. Rehab keeps you on the move right away - it's important to the recovery process to use the hip as much as possible as soon as possible. I don't think mom spent 5 days in the hospital after the hip. Afterward, it just works - without pain. Knee was a good deal trickier.

I know at least four people who have had hip joint replacement. Recovery does involve caution and physical therapy, but results are 100% successful.

I had mine done in December. Age 55, but the femur was broken five years back when I got hit by a car. It was repaired, but the blood flow in the bone was not enough to sustain the joint.

They had me up and walking (walker) 7 hours after surgery. I walked out of the hospital (cane) two days later.

Two weeks later, the pain level was less than before surgery.

Done properly, this is as trivial as surgery can be.

Good luck with your FIL.

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Embarassing myself on the Internet since 1978.

Thanks folks!

For what I have seen, rehab is of uttermost importance in this situation.
Hopefully the doctors will know and act in the best interest of the patient, regarding the prosthetic and technique used.
Post-op care is critical only for a day or so after; then it's assistance with the habitual, daily stuff (bathroom, etc).
I think it's great he is getting this done sooner rather than later. The complications that come with age can make it a living hell for the elder.
Best of luck to your FIL!

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• back to confinement

My vicarious experience is that hip/knee replacements often go well but that several considerations apply.
1. The replacement lasts about 10 years, some times more, sometimes less.
2. Weight loss is very important for success and rehabilitation if the patient was overweight.
3. Conditions like osteoporosis, immune status, can make a huge difference to success and full recovery, as can smoking, orthopedic shoes, saggy beds, etc.
4. Careful, skilled, ongoing physical therapy and exercise are key to a full recovery and good experience.

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fromish
My vicarious experience is that hip/knee replacements often go well but that several considerations apply.
1. The replacement lasts about 10 years, some times more, sometimes less.
2. Weight loss is very important for success and rehabilitation if the patient was overweight.
3. Conditions like osteoporosis, immune status, can make a huge difference to success and full recovery, as can smoking, orthopedic shoes, saggy beds, etc.
4. Careful, skilled, ongoing physical therapy and exercise are key to a full recovery and good experience.

My experience in taking Mom to the dr was that EVERYONE there in the joint replacement waiting room was obese. Not one exception - the best incentive I've ever had to keep my weight in check. Even with good new joints, mom has a very hard time moving because of her weight. My best friend's mom is about 2 weeks older (80) and still golfs regularly, still travels the world, etc - THAT'S the kinda old person I wanna be...

I'd say about 10-20% of the folks I see immediately after hip replacements are able to go home in a day or two. Depends a lot on what kind of shape they were in before the surgery.

Be sure he has a walker to take with him to the bathroom for a while, as getting up and down off the toilet can be difficult.

Luckily my MIL was not overweight, just old. Her hip joint had worn down and she should have had it replaced about 10 years before she did, but she waited till the pain was no longer bearable and had it done. I probably would have done the same, but it is probably better to get it done sooner. I am just afraid of all surgery.

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Roswell, GA (Atlanta suburb)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/03/2015 12:51PM by rgG.

My coworkers spouse had it done yesterday. They did the anterior (?) front incision. He just went home, 24 hours after waking up from the procedure. That amazed me.

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TLB
My coworkers spouse had it done yesterday. They did the anterior (?) front incision. He just went home, 24 hours after waking up from the procedure. That amazed me.

The traditional approach is "posterolateral." The "anterolateral" approach is becoming more popular. With the former you can dislocate by bending forward; with the latter you have to avoid kicking your leg out in back of you but no worries about reaching to your feet via forward bending.

My vicarious experience is that hip/knee replacements often go well but that several considerations apply.

Agreed.

I know someone who had both hips replaced a few years ago and has needed crutches and a walker, ever since then. He can't get up out of a chair without a struggle. He uses one of those elevating chairs that assist one in standing up.

He was somewhat overweight before the surgery, but years prior had not been because he was a walker, until he started getting hip problems. His weight has become a bigger problem since his surgery and his inability to walk easily.

I imagine that this is not the more common result. To me, hip replacement sounds like major surgery, but maybe it's not.

Here's hoping that his recovery is as swift and full as possible.

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I had my left hip done in December 2013, age 48. Not obese, but with a birth defect. Just for the record. My surgery was done from the front, which allows for faster healing, but leaves a bigger scar. Younger women frequently still use the posterior approach surgery, as that scar can be covered up by a modest swimsuit. That approach takes longer to heal, and more trauma to the muscles and tissue.

Anyway, I was out of the hospital in 2 days, some leave after 1. I expect older folks 3-5 days. I imagine it is based in how degraded their body is. If the bad hip has caused muscle atrophy from inactivity, I would guess longer time.

I had a few sessions of occupational therapy to learn ways to manage at home as I healed. Things like getting into/out of bed, using the toilet, getting into/out of the shower, steps, that sort of thing. The pain was from the incision, not from the inserts. I needed someone to keep track of my medication for the first few days home, as they cause your thinking to be fuzzy, and you don't want to double dose. I actually took/needed less pain meds than the doctor allowed, so I guess I was lucky.

Hope this helps. Any specific questions, feel free to PM me.

I wish your Father in Law well. Get well pops.