My Anterior Hip Replacement Experience

[Michael P]

53yr old male going into surgery on Dec 15th for Anterior Approach on Right Hip. Couple of Questions;
What Type of Hip is Proving to be Best? What are options?
Also the first weeks of rehab consists of what exercises, purpose of which? Strengthening? Stretching?
I work out at health club now and wonder will this mind frame prove to be good or different

[Helen]

Hi,
I have a question if anyone may be able to help
I'm two months post op and had a left THR. I've been doing fine and the only problem I've had is fluid build up that has been drained off twice.
I'm suppose to be doing deep massages and I have been.
To the left of the incision it's very hard and now I've developed mild pain on that same area that goes down almost to the knee. It's usually at night or after my masssages. The area to the left of the incision is also very hard and it's sore and I still can't lay on that side.

I think I still have some fluid build up.

Has anyone experienced this with their procedures ??

Thanks !

[ArleneFL]

happynewhip wrote:

<quoted text>
Sue,
I also have (had) back pain. Can't even play nine holes of golf any longer. Anyway, it has only been 6 days past my surgery and AS OF NOW I have no back pain. I don't know if that will continue, but I am currently happy about that.
Additioinally, my after surgery pain has been minimal. Down to two percocets/day. I truly might not need any, but I am not willing to find out now.
The key to successful anterior hip surgery is the operating table. My doc used what is called the HANA table. I think there are others, but they all do the same thing. They kind of look like your legs are on skis from the hip down. You can research this on the net. Anterior is the ONLY way to go IMHO if your doc uses the correct table. Good Luck.

In regard to the HANA table, I have a friend who is an orthopedic surgeon who does anterior approach THR. He uses the table, but says that although it is more convenient for the surgeon (particularly those who may be new to the procedure), it is definitely not a necessity. I think the key to successful surgery is the skill and experience of the surgeon, rather than what operating table he uses.

He recommended a surgeon here in Florida (Dr. Ed Stolarski, Sarasota), who has done over 1,000 ASI THR procedures and does not use the HANA table. The procedure usually takes about 45 minutes. He will be doing my surgery Thurs. Nov. 12.

[Jeannie Blumenthal]

I was told I was going to have an anterior approach hip replacement, when I woke up I had an incision about 12 inches long in the side of my thigh. I didn't think that was the correct approach. Am I correct?

[Helen]

Jeannie Blumenthal wrote:

I was told I was going to have an anterior approach hip replacement, when I woke up I had an incision about 12 inches long in the side of my thigh. I didn't think that was the correct approach. Am I correct?

Jeannie,
I'm about 30 lbs over weight but still muscular and my incision was about 5 inches long. I had a left THR and my incision is just
to the left of the middle of my upper leg (thigh). Have you contacted your surgeon and asked what procedure he did and why the
incision is so long ?

Helen

[Lisa]

Three more days until my THR (anterior approach)- I'd love any and all pearls of wisdom from folks who have already experienced the surgery. Anything I should do/shouldn't do before hand? Anything I should remember to bring the the hospital? Anything...

[gmk]

Lisa wrote:

Three more days until my THR (anterior approach)- I'd love any and all pearls of wisdom from folks who have already experienced the surgery. Anything I should do/shouldn't do before hand? Anything I should remember to bring the the hospital? Anything...

Good LUCK Lisa! I had my THR at Shadyside eight weeks ago. I'm from Erie and found it helpful to have pillows in the car for the ride home, one to sit on and one for behind the back. It will be more comfy even if you're not riding a distance. I took a ton of stuff to the hospital with me and needed nothing! They had everything I needed and wanted. If they don't offer ice, request it as it will minimize swelling. If you're able to have the nerve block for pain rather than strong oral meds, I highly recommend. They can adjust the cath as needed, you can get up and move around & you're not groggy at all! If you have any specific questions, let me know! Again, good luck & let us know how you make out! gmk

[Lisa]

Hello to all my hip friends. I am 5 days post-op and thus far very happy with the results. I was released from the hospital two days after surgery using crutches - and now I'm using a cane. I am feeling some pain in the hip area - completely different kind of pain than what Iexperienced pre-op. Nothing a little Percocet can't control. I am a little worried about the apparent swelling of my entire thigh area. Did anybody else experience that? How long does it take to go away? Is there anything I can do to alleviate it?

[gmk]

Lisa wrote:

Hello to all my hip friends. I am 5 days post-op and thus far very happy with the results. I was released from the hospital two days after surgery using crutches - and now I'm using a cane. I am feeling some pain in the hip area - completely different kind of pain than what Iexperienced pre-op. Nothing a little Percocet can't control. I am a little worried about the apparent swelling of my entire thigh area. Did anybody else experience that? How long does it take to go away? Is there anything I can do to alleviate it?

Hey Lisa! Glad to hear all went well. I did have swelling from hip to knee because the post of my implant is half way down my thigh. Bruised too. You will notice a big difference if you ice it. Those gel bags that freeze work much better than ice. Eventually it will go down; however, after two months I do notice that my pants are still slightly tighter on the surgical thigh & hip. Don't worry, it's normal! gmk

[Betty]

Thanks to all who have posted here.
I am 80 years young and will need total hip replacment. I am located near Roanoke Va. Has anyone had anterior approach surgery with Dr. Joseph T Moskal? or know information that would be benefical in my decision making process? Are their other Drs. in the area that I should consider? I have reviewed Dr. Anthony Carter.

[Loving Daughte]

Flo, do you mind if I ask how old you are? I want my 82 yr old parent to have this surgey but I am scared because of her age.

[pyro5]

I have posted several times but no one ever responds. I am having this in one hip and decompression on the other. It is being done by docter Roger Emerson. They don't want me to be able to choose my model of procesious. They do want me to be in a study where I don't ge to know what I get. This sounds like BS. I am really worried because I keep geting tons of miss information.
Has anyone ever had an operation by this doctor.

[Angela]

pyro5 wrote:

I have posted several times but no one ever responds. I am having this in one hip and decompression on the other. It is being done by docter Roger Emerson. They don't want me to be able to choose my model of procesious. They do want me to be in a study where I don't ge to know what I get. This sounds like BS. I am really worried because I keep geting tons of miss information.
Has anyone ever had an operation by this doctor.

Pyro,

I have had both hips replaced this year in Louisville, KY. My doctor recommended the type of implants for my hips, but ultimately it was my decision. I don't know anything about your doctor, but your situation sounds very sketchy and scary. If I were you, I would start looking for another doctor immediately.

Your doctor may totally be on the up and up, but if you are uncomfortable and scared, that isn't the way to go into major surgery. It is your body and it should be your decision what they are putting in to it. Good luck!

[Jeanne]

To anyone who can help,
I am having this surgery done next week in Louisville, KY with Dr. Y. They want to do ceramic on ceramic b/c I am still considering having a child (metal in my system could be bad for the baby). There is a higher risk of fracture and of a squeaking sound with this combination. Does anyone have ceramic on ceramic in their hip? If so, please advise as to your experience (squeaking and/or fracture risk).
Also, I am getting somewhat scared, but have heard of such good results, I know it's what I must do, even though I am only 42. I am bone on bone with several bone spurs. I'm in pain, and I am tired of the pressure on my knee and lower back, and the pain this has caused those areas.
Thanks for your help,:)
Jeanne~

[Lisa]

Jeanne, good luck with your surgery next week. I am 47 and had surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago. No regrets - the pain has subsided and the recovery is going smoothly.I can't speak about the ceramic on ceramic. I chose metal on metal because I am done having babies...and its supposed to last longer. I was scared too - but it all worked out well.
Let us know how it goes.

[Eddie]

Loving Daughte wrote:

Flo, do you mind if I ask how old you are? I want my 82 yr old parent to have this surgey but I am scared because of her age.

I will be facing the same with my parent who is 80. We are looking at surgery in Jan. The pain has become to much.

[Michael P]

Will be going next Tues Dec 15th. Will be getting Titanium Hip. Doctor has been using this one for quite some time with great results. Got to see the hip during Pre-Admission at Ingles Hospital Harvey, Il. I guess the main recovery concern is the bone attaching to the titanium implant. I work out 3 times a week with High Rep Weight Training on a variety of machines and I will be interested in knowing when I can resume this. Also look forward to getting started with the walking having really cut back on cardio the past year. Feeling pretty up beat about all that's about to occur and looking forward to resuming my life pleasures. Although haven't played for about 4 years I will miss being able to play full court Basketball but at age 53 not much game left anyway LOL!

[Kika]

I am 58 and had bilateral anterior THR surgery on 8/26/09. Dr. Yerasimedes in Lousiville, KY was my surgeon. Dr. Y was recommended to me by Dr. Motta in Ca., the pioneer of this procedure. He trained under Dr. Matta for a year. We live 200+ miles from Louisville in Indianapolis, so you know how important it was for me to have Dr. Y. I extensively screened surgeons in a 4 state area. You will not find a better HR surgeon in the midwest, really the country for that matter. He only does hips, no knees, hands, ect. Very modest and professional young man.

My surgery and recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. Only 2 days in the hospital. Driving a car in 2 weeks, no walking aid after 3 weeks, very little pain post op.

I had Depuy metal implants, IMO the best choice, after extensive research on implant materials and mfgs.

If anyone is afraid to have both hips replaced at the same surgery, don't be. Best decision I have ever made. But only because of this proceedure and skill of the surgeon.

[Kika]

Jeanne wrote:

To anyone who can help,
I am having this surgery done next week in Louisville, KY with Dr. Y. They want to do ceramic on ceramic b/c I am still considering having a child (metal in my system could be bad for the baby). There is a higher risk of fracture and of a squeaking sound with this combination. Does anyone have ceramic on ceramic in their hip? If so, please advise as to your experience (squeaking and/or fracture risk).
Also, I am getting somewhat scared, but have heard of such good results, I know it's what I must do, even though I am only 42. I am bone on bone with several bone spurs. I'm in pain, and I am tired of the pressure on my knee and lower back, and the pain this has caused those areas.
Thanks for your help,:)
Jeanne~

Jeanne,

I had Dr Y do my surgery on 8/26/09. I had bilateral surgery (see my post on my experience today) with Depuy metal implants. Please be reassured that you have the very best surgeon in the midwest, IMO.

As you probably know there have been recalls on ceramic implants for the reasons you have sited. Although I chose metal surfaces, there is some concern with chromium & cobalt metal ions released in your blood. My guess is Dr Y is recommending ceramic to patents that may have children in the future to avoid this problem. As I am typing this, you may have had your surgery already, so it may be a mute point. I did a lot of research on implant materials & mfgs. If you would like to talk about this, I will be happy to exchange phone # via email.

Good luck, you will be out of pain soon.

[Michael P]

Well I am home since yesterday and it's going to be baby steps. When out for longer walks you crutches and a walker around house. Dr said he got a good fit although lots of arth in joint. Will be takin to rehab no house call necessary. Constipation until this morning due to HYDROCODONE Pain reliever which doesn't really touch pain but I will be cutting back so constipation doesn't become a problem. On Blood thinner also.
Body is adjusting to shock to the system right now. Meds are making me moody, have to keep that in check.
Find sitting in chair is less painful then laying down then having a sharp pain from quick movement.
Putting Bio Freeze around hip area, not wound though. Not sure if this is working.....