Well, tomorrow will be a month since I had my left hip replaced. To be honest, I thought I’d be healed and back to business by now… and I’m not.
This was my leg the day I got home from the hospital.
What I can tell you is that everyone’s experience with healing is different. I know this because I’ve joined a FB group called, “Hip Replacement for Horse People“. While I was prepping for surgery, a reader told me about the group. So, I joined. Figured it was a good thing – the more information, the merrier.
However, I must say, AFTER the surgery is when I’ve really turned to this group. You can ask anything (I know from experience), and someone will answer. You can scroll through all the posts and learn SO MUCH. Topics range from the fears leading up to surgery, anterior vs posterior approach, meds, mobility, tricks to get around, tricks to solve issues, rehab treatments… Am I making the right decision? How long should I wait?… anything!
What has comforted me, is that I have learned from reading through the miles of posts, that everyone heals at a different pace. Everyone heals, stops the meds/canes/bed rest at different times. It is all relative to you and your body – alone. So, whatever you wonder about, whatever issues you need help solving, this group will answer your call.
And best of all, they ALL want to get back in the saddle again. They all speak of their horses and understand what it is like to hurt when riding, to not be able to mount, to not be able to ride… to not be able to go out and stand solidly next to your horse… all that stuff. They all understand your future goals – which is sometimes more than one can get from Doctors.
I figure, since you are in bed anyway … not doing much … may as well learn up, right?!
So, here is the link, if you or a friend could use it. Hip Replacement for Horse People.
Click to go to site
For any of you out there who are facing total hip replacement, my two cents:
- Be as healthy as you can going into surgery (Don’t try to get every. single. thing. done right up to the moment you go in, like I did.)
- If you have a tall mattress, put a single step stool (with arms) next to the bed.
- Take your meds on time. Don’t forget.
- Take your ExLax as prescribed. I know, a messy topic but very important.
- Rest. Ice. Rest. Give yourself this time.
- Find a place where you put your phone and cane, every time… so you can find them when you need them in the dark.
- Pick a good Doctor with lots and lots of reviews.
- Read up on posterior vs anterior approach – before you find your DR, because some do one or the other. You need to find who does what you want – and who comes highly recommended.
- This surgery is not for sissies. Many people do it and many people are very happy with the results, but is it MAJOR SURGERY. Prepare your body and be as strong as possible. Honor the process.
- The pain I feel now, after surgery, is TOTALLY DIFFERENT, than the pain I felt before surgery. This pain, I know will go away.
