Hip Replacement

[Sue (Ayt)]

Well, I will be once again venturing into the good old Hospital Jungle to be the protector of another loved one...

This time, it will be my little sister, who is having a hip replacement in two weeks.

Have any of you had experience with this?

I am wondering how best to prepare her for this, so she can come out of it unscathed, and with the best results possible.

Also wondering what to expect during her recovery period, so we can be prepared.
Thanks!

[Ravenlocke]

I had an elderly neighbor who had hip replacement surgery a few years ago, in her eighties. She did really well, but the hospital kept her a day or so after surgery to make sure of no complications because of her age.
She recouped at home (her daughter came and stayed with her), and she used a walker to walk after surgery to exercise as the doctor wanted her to walk daily to help heal up.
But I don’t remember how long she used the walker before full recovery.

I’ll keep your sister in my prayers.

[onawah]

In 1972 I got hit by a drunk hit-and-run-driver when I was attempting to walk across a street, at the bottom of a very steep hill in San Francisco.
It was nighttime and there were few street lights, the driver's headlights weren't on and he might actually have been coasting because I didn't hear him.
But there were two eyewitnesses who said they thought he was going very fast.
The car hit me on the left acetabulem (where the hip socket meets the pelvis bone) and crushed it.
I was in traction for a long time, but the bones fused, so the doctors recommended a hip replacement.
But I had seen other patients who had had that surgery and I decided to deal with it through diet and exercise.
Many patients have had to undergo that surgery more than once, since the artificial parts wear out over time.
I'm glad I made the decision I did. I was able to walk without crutches before too long, then I used a cane and then for years I could walk without either, though I had an obvious limp, and could never stand with my feet flat on the ground without being bent over, as my left leg was shorter than my right.
I exercised vigorously for years at the gym and have paid close attention to my diet, taken lots of supplements and herbs, etc.
My immune system benefited a lot from that regime as well as my hip.
At 78 years old now, I am back on 2 crutches, and not in the best of health, but a lot healthier than many people my age who didn't go through such an ordeal, and I'm sure I made the right decision for me.
There is a choice, though of course most surgeons would not recommend it!
With what we know now about stem cells, I think my choice would be an even better one these days.
More about my NDE in '72 here: https://projectavalon.net/forum4/sho...l=1#post321587

[rgray222]

Posted by Sue (Ayt) (here)
Well, I will be once again venturing into the good old Hospital Jungle to be the protector of another loved one...

This time, it will be my little sister, who is having a hip replacement in two weeks.

Have any of you had experience with this?

I am wondering how best to prepare her for this, so she can come out of it unscathed, and with the best results possible.

Also wondering what to expect during her recovery period, so we can be prepared.
Thanks!

• Mobility, Mobility, Mobility; do not sit around
• Start Physical Therapy immediately (this means 24 hours after surgery)
• Don't cut corners on the PT
• Do more than the recommended amount of PT if possible
• Do not stop PT early; do the full 8-12 weeks. If she says she does not think she is getting any more benefit and wants to stop, DO NOT LET HER. She will thank you later.
• Stay the course, stay mobile, stay in physical therapy

[Raskolnikov]

My 76 year old mother-in-law had double hip replacement surgery in February. They kept her in the hospital for a week to help her deal with the pain - it was a double, so double the pain and double the trouble of walking again afterwards. It took her about six weeks of remaining in the house and doing her physical therapy, as much as she could. She's hyper-sensitive to pain, which is odd because she never stops moving whether it's gardening, fixing the barns and chicken coops, putting in new posts for the fences, raised on a 2000 acre cattle ranch with her dad in Canada and has bigger muscles than me, but can't take pain so probably felt it more than most.

But, six weeks later and she was out and tearing the place up again. Yes, do the physical therapy, stay the course, and make sure they don't slip her a complimentary vaccine. All the best to you and your sister's speedy recovery.

[Johnnycomelately]

Hi Sue, and Ravenlocke and Natalie and R. Gray and Raskolnikov.

I had that operation near 9 years ago. Worked out fine from the get-go, was walking the hospital hallway iirc next day with crutches. Stayed ~3 days which included a function check by a Physio, climbing steps and manouvering etc. All good.

First problem was the painkillers. My main nurse urged me to take more than I thought I needed. I lost a comfortable feeling of being taken seriously for a couple days. When afterward I bought my whole set of prescriptions (3 or 4 drugs), I decided no to that painkiller and brought it back to the pharmacy, no refund but it was counted and I got a reciept.

Second problem was inflammation of that leg. On my appointment maybe a week after, the head surgeon got concerned/excited, pulled a big hypodermic of what looked like dirty blood from it. Put me on an antibiotic. Said to take it with yogurt, and I’ve been waking up to yogurt ever since.

Third problem might have been due to that antibiotic. Some time after starting that, probs 1 month+, I had a partial failure of that side Achilles tendon (skating to the bar one night, heard it pop, kept going but didn’t use that muscle group). Family doc said he saw a worse antibiotic related Achilles break.

Last PSA is, like others here have said, do physio.. I never did, chose not to. Did activity on my own, like skateboarding, but never any stretching like bending my joints. Now, the fixed hip has less movement than the other pre-disastered one. Seems bonkers to me now, but I’ve had some dark years since then.

Be and stay well, Susie’s li’l sis. ♥️👻


Edit: for immune system fortification, against any challenge to the physical trauma of that surgery, I recommend vitamins D3 + K2. Calcifediol, if you can get it, is a quicker-acting D3 substitute. It is what plain D3 turns into after 2-3 weeks, but takes only days for effectiveness. I didn’t know this back then, but it has helped me with more recent trauma. Good luck, and love, to you.

[Sue (Ayt)]

Thanks for all the hints and tips, everyone. And the good wishes.

Onawah - You have quite a life story, there! Your will and stamina is pretty amazing, and you did well with your wise choices. Especially back then, when the procedures were not as far along.
Unfortunately, my sister really has no choice besides replacement, as her hip was affected by something called AVN. (a worrisome conditioned caused, in her case, by prednisone use.)

So right now, I will strongly advise her to do and continue doing the PT exercises that they will give her after. That sounds like VERY good advice. Thanks all!

As Johnny mentions above, I will have to rather strongly warn her about the pain pill problems, as the doc has already had her on pain pills for a month now, due to her pain. Ugh. I'd imagine she is already dependent to some extent. I worry that will be the start of a downhill slope, and maybe her biggest challenge...

Any advice on prepping her to be in the best shape she can for the upcoming surgery itself? Like, nutrients, vitamins to take, diet, etc? I will be taking her in later today for all her pre-testings.
Thanks again

[onawah]

Fresh aloe vera gel is anti-viral, anti-biotic, anti-bacterial, so it's great for prevention, but also for relieving problems with pain and inflammation, healing topical wounds as well as keeping the colon clean and elimination regular.
Commercial leaves can be found in Mexican markets, but I order mine online from Aloe Labs in Harlingen Texas. They are more pricey, but are grown organically.
Spirulina has lots of chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. Just a teaspoon a day can do wonders. I recommend New Phoenix Rising Biolumina brand. Both are "miracle foods" for the many overall benefits.
For getting lots of nutrients and energy without having to eat a lot, juicing raw fruits and vegetables is a great way to heal and stay healthy.
I recommend Omega juicers which use pressure, not metal teeth to extract juice, like this one: https://omegajuicers.com/collections...trition-system
Yogurt or kefir with live probiotic cultures, to help ward off infections. (If you buy them already made, make sure they have LIVE cultures. (Some brands heat-treat the product after adding the live cultures, which of course, destroys the live cultures.
Acupuncture can help a lot with pain, if a good practicioner is available.
Update: There are small aloe vera leaves which are specifically for topical use, but there are much larger leaves which are for consumption, though they can also be used topically. There are videos on youtube that demonstrate how to prepare them.

Posted by Sue (Ayt) (here)
Any advice on prepping her to be in the best shape she can for the upcoming surgery itself? Like, nutrients, vitamins to take, diet, etc? I will be taking her in later today for all her pre-testings.
Thanks again

[RunningDeer]

Preventive steps:

No Weights | Rebuild Strength With 5 Isometric Holds

Most people over 50 think losing strength is inevitable. But staying strong doesn’t always mean lifting heavier weights or putting extra stress on your joints.

In this video, we break down 5 powerful Shaolin isometric holds designed to build core stability, improve hip mobility, strengthen your body, and restore better balance — all without a gym or equipment.

These simple holds use controlled tension to challenge your muscles while keeping your movements slow and joint-friendly.

Stop accepting weakness as a normal part of aging. Start building real, pain-free strength today.

0:00 5 Shaolin Isometric Holds to Rebuild Strength
0:18 Exercise #1: Horse Stance (The Shaolin Foundation)
1:09 Exercise #2: Bear Plank (Build Total-Body Stability)
1:55 Exercise #3: Warrior 2 Pose (Restore Mobility & Balance)
2:41 Exercise #4: Shaolin Wall Push (Rebuild Insane Strength)
3:25 Exercise #5: Hollow Body Hold (Build Deep Core Strength)
4:17 Your 5-Minute Daily Routine

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=0Lh4Ak-qeMc

[ThePythonicCow]

Posted by onawah (here)
In 1972 I got hit by a drunk hit-and-run-driver when I was attempting to walk across a street, at the bottom of a very steep hill in San Francisco.

Ouch - glad you made it.

Posted by onawah (here)
I exercised vigorously for years at the gym and have paid close attention to my diet, taken lots of supplements and herbs, etc. My immune system benefited a lot from that regime as well as my hip.

It's an ill wind that blows no good.

[mountain_jim]

Had my second hip replaced last summer (anterior entry, 4-5" scar)

First was 4 years ago or so - no problems since.

Once my BP was up enough after waking up from surgery, they let me be taken home.

As I live so remote, I did the PT myself from a document I downloaded. Very religiously, though some exercises were not doable for me due to back strain.

I took the serious pain pills for 48 hours, then the lesser ones for a few days.
Was using walker doing circles around the deck on day 3 or so, walking on my own with cane handy if needed within a week.

One problem with the PT - I have a long-term knee joint problem that the Doc says will need replacement in a few years, but the PT caused the knee to get very sore for awhile.

Once I stopped doing most of the PT - 6 weeks or so, the knee has gotten much better again with soreness gone. Some of the PT I found good for loosening spine tightness so added those exercises to my daily routine.

Have a brother getting his second replaced next week - this is 20 years after his first was done, procedures and parts have come a long way since then, and should last all of our remaining lives, but injectables rather than surgery still not ready for prime time I understand.

[Denise/Dizi]

My cousin hadd a hip replacement one that went wrong.. They used the wrong one forcing another replacement. She did very well, but the one thing she couldn't do without, was a lift seat for her toilet. I know it sounds strange, but she struggled to extend her new hip to the lower level and be able to get up to her feet after using the toilet. The seat was really just a seat that sat atop the original one, that didn't slide, or force her to overextend her hip for awhile.

I am not sure, aside from a cane, whether she used any other devices. She was doing quite well a month later...

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to your sis! And much love to all here who care enough to share. WOW, that's a lot of replacements!

[Sue (Ayt)]

My sister's surgery is scheduled for Monday. She will be staying with me during her recovery.

Thanks for the potty-lift hint, Denise! I have one up in my shed, where I stored the medical devises used by lots of other loved ones over the years, but had forgotten about that one. Will definitely fetch that one. I had to use it myself for a while when I injured my knee.

[onawah]

A chair to sit on in the shower might be a good idea if there is no built-in seat. There are shower chairs special made you can get from medical supply stores.

[Johnnycomelately]

I recall a few devices that were recommended in the training/preparation package, that I didn’t see upthread. Got them all, some bought and a few were free on loan from some (?) medical org.

Bed was the big one, specified to be firm and of a height that let my feet on the floor when sitting on it. I packed away my big (cheap) airbed and got a proper foam mattress. 3/4 inch plywood to support the mattress, cut in-store (Home Depot) to fit the mattress (then I rounded the corners and sanded/beveled the edges). Found plastic rectangular utility tubs of the right height, 4 of them, used with no lids on. To this day, they are easily accessible storage spaces, just have to lift the ply a little and slide them partially out (one at a time).

Bought a device to assist putting on socks without having to reach right down to my feet. Cheap and simple.

Bought a couple picker extenders (~26-28 inch), that have a handle with actuating lever/trigger that works a gripper on the other end. Have used those lots, in the years since.

One excellent purchase was a flexible hose shower-head replacement, with 57 inch hose to the hand grip. The grip/head has a magnet that hangs the nozzle up at original position, and hanging straight down the nozzle is ~4 inches above the tub bottom. Super handy, including for spraying/rinsing the whole tub and enclosure area.

One recommended thing, that I bought but only used oonce, was a reaching sponge with an enamelled metal handle.


Got on loan, as mentioned by Diz, a toilet heightener, and as mentioned by Nat, a seat for sit-down showers. The latter had non slip rubber feet, and useful handles. Iirc, it had height adjustment too.


One thing I already had, were crutches, well used through the previous decade or so when injured and after femur repair surgery. Have had to use those on multiple occasions since the hip replacement too.


Again, Sue, best wishes for your sister and for all her care givers following surgery.

Something I have done for a bit, is pray for the surgeons and all the other medical folks involved, that they have their best of God’s power available to and through them.

[RunningDeer]

Posted by Johnnycomelately (here)
One excellent purchase was a flexible hose shower-head replacement, with 57 inch hose to the hand grip. The grip/head has a magnet that hangs the nozzle up at original position, and hanging straight down the nozzle is ~4 inches above the tub bottom. Super handy, including for spraying/rinsing the whole tub and enclosure area.

I attach the Rinseroo to my shower head. It just slips over it - no ziplock tie needed.

Rinseroo Slip-On Handheld Shower Attachment Hose w/Spray Head
Seated Bathing, Converts Fixed Shower Head, Portable No-Install, For Seniors & RV, Gravity Fed

Rinseroo: Slip-On Shower or Tub Hose

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=M7PLrFe8ByI

[Bill Ryan]

Adding this brief report on behalf of Avalon member Rosemarie, who'd had her hip replacement surgery in Miami on 13 June and who emailed this to me.

~~~

My operation was a success. Everything went perfectly. Did not take anything stronger than 500mg Tylenol after I left the hospital the next day.

[RunningDeer]

This was the question I asked AI and part of what was covered:

I know four women that have had the surgery and three of them are only in their late 50’s to early 60’s. Has there been a rise in hip replacements in the last 5-10 years?

Yes — your impression is consistent with the data. Hip replacements have become substantially more common, and people in their 50s and early 60s are a much more visible part of the hip-replacement population than they used to be.

A few things stand out:

The CDC found that from 2000–2010, hip-replacement rates increased in every age group over 45, with the biggest proportional increases among younger adults. For ages 55–64, the rate rose 85% during that period.

More recent research shows that total hip arthroplasty utilization has continued to grow. One large study of Medicare patients found primary hip replacements increased from about 305,000 in 2013 to 595,000 in 2022 — nearly doubling in nine years.

There is particularly strong evidence of increasing demand among people in their 40s–60s. A population-based study of patients aged 40–60 found the annual rate of hip replacement increased 60.7% over the study period. Women were also well represented in this group.

Interestingly, patients aren't necessarily getting younger overall. A 2024 study of more than 16,000 hip replacements found the average age actually rose from 62.1 to 65.1 between 2013 and 2022. That means the overall increase is occurring across a broad age range, rather than simply because surgeons are replacing hips in younger and younger people.

Why are you seeing so many women around 60?

There are several likely reasons.

• 1. Osteoarthritis is a major driver.
The hip can deteriorate enough to cause severe pain and loss of function well before someone reaches their 70s or 80s. Women also have a high burden of osteoarthritis, particularly as they move through and beyond menopause.

• 2. The surgery itself has become much more acceptable at younger ages.
Modern implants can last a long time, and surgical techniques, anesthesia, pain control and rehabilitation have improved. Surgeons don't necessarily tell someone in their early 60s to "just live with it" until they're 75 anymore.
  

• 3. People are staying active longer.
Someone who's 60 today may want to hike, travel, exercise, garden, play tennis, etc. Severe hip arthritis can be enormously limiting. A replacement can restore that quality of life, so the threshold for choosing surgery may be lower.
  

• 4. Hip replacements are increasingly being done as outpatient procedures.
That makes the whole process considerably less intimidating than it was years ago. One national study found outpatient hip-replacement volume increased dramatically between 2010 and 2021.

One thing I would not blame: ordinary exercise.

The evidence doesn't support telling women to stop walking, running or exercising to preserve their hips. In fact, maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active are generally much better strategies for long-term joint health than becoming sedentary out of fear of arthritis.

The menopause connection is real, but not proven to be the whole story


Osteoarthritis (OA) starts becoming noticeably more common in women around age 50, which happens to be around the menopausal transition. Researchers have noticed this for decades. The timing is much less dramatic in men, which is one reason estrogen has been investigated as a possible protective factor.

[RunningDeer]

What are the possible causes for needing hip replacement surgery? And what are the preventive measures? (AI Q&A)

Osteoarthritis: This is the most common reason. The cartilage and other tissues in the hip gradually deteriorate, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.

• Rheumatoid or other inflammatory arthritis: Persistent inflammation can damage the cartilage and bone of the hip.

• Previous hip injury or fracture: A significant injury can damage the joint directly or lead to arthritis years later.

• Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis): The blood supply to the head of the thigh bone is reduced, causing the bone to deteriorate and potentially collapse.

• Hip dysplasia or abnormal hip development: If the hip joint didn't develop normally, abnormal forces can be placed on the joint and increase the risk of arthritis later in life.

• Hip fracture: Particularly in older adults, a serious fracture may make replacement necessary.

• Severe joint damage from other diseases or, less commonly, infection.

Some risk factors—such as aging, genetics, or developmental abnormalities—cannot be controlled. However, several factors can be addressed to reduce the likelihood of severe hip disease or potentially delay the need for replacement.

How can you protect your hips?

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Excess weight increases the mechanical load on weight-bearing joints, including the hips. If you're overweight, even a modest amount of weight loss can reduce joint stress and improve mobility and arthritis-related symptoms.

2. Stay physically active

Regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your joints.
Good lower-impact options include:

• Walking
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Water aerobics
• Elliptical exercise
• Tai chi
• Strength training

For generally healthy adults, a useful target is at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week plus muscle-strengthening exercise at least twice a week.

Importantly, normal exercise does not simply "wear out" your hips. Maintaining activity and muscle strength is generally beneficial for joint function.

3. Strengthen the muscles around the hip

Strong glutes, thighs, and core muscles help stabilize the hip and make everyday movements easier.
Useful exercises can include:

• Squats or sit-to-stands
• Step-ups
• Glute bridges
• Hip abduction exercises
• Resistance-band exercises
• Core strengthening

If you already have hip pain, a physical therapist can help select exercises that strengthen the joint without aggravating it.

4. Avoid major joint injuries

Previous joint injuries can increase the risk of osteoarthritis later.
You can reduce your risk by:

• Using appropriate technique during sports and exercise
• Increasing exercise intensity gradually
• Using appropriate protective equipment
• Addressing persistent pain rather than repeatedly exercising through it
• Improving strength and balance to reduce falls

5. Protect your bones and prevent falls

As we get older, preventing a hip fracture becomes particularly important. A combination of strong bones, good balance, adequate muscle strength, and a safer home environment can substantially reduce fall-related injuries.
Helpful measures include:

• Strength and balance exercises
• Getting your vision checked
• Reviewing medications that might cause dizziness or drowsiness
• Screening for osteoporosis when appropriate
• Removing loose rugs and other tripping hazards
• Installing adequate lighting and stair railings
• Using grab bars in bathrooms when needed

6. Don't smoke

Smoking is associated with poorer musculoskeletal health and can make it harder to remain physically active. Quitting is beneficial for your bones, joints, cardiovascular system, and overall health.

7. Treat joint problems early

Don't simply accept persistent hip pain as a normal part of aging.
Early evaluation can be particularly useful if you develop:

• Persistent groin or hip pain
• Increasing stiffness
• Pain after sitting for a long time
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty getting out of a chair
• Difficulty putting on socks or shoes
• Pain that interferes with sleep
• A progressively decreasing range of motion

Early treatment may include exercise/physical therapy, weight management, activity modification, and medications when appropriate. These approaches can often help maintain function and manage symptoms for years.

The important distinction

Having hip arthritis doesn't automatically mean you will eventually need a hip replacement.

Hip replacement is generally considered when there is significant joint damage and the resulting pain and disability substantially affect quality of life despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment.
The best long-term strategy is essentially:

Maintain a healthy weight + stay active + build hip and leg strength + prevent injuries and falls + maintain bone health + address persistent hip problems early.

And some causes simply aren't preventable—particularly genetic factors, aging, certain developmental hip abnormalities, and some diseases. So needing a hip replacement isn't necessarily a sign that someone did something wrong.

[ThePythonicCow]

Posted by RunningDeer (here)
How can you protect your hips?

Nutrition. What benefits our bodies is not what most people, outside of still "primitive" tribes and villages, eat.

I do not worry about falling, even though I will turn 80 next year. I do fall more often, thanks in part to the considerable damage done to my ears (hearing and balance) by g*d d*mn "silver" (aka half mercury) fillings a half century ago, to repair teeth destroyed by a "Western" diet. The first ten years of my life, on my father's old fashioned dairy farm, in a family and community that had changed its ways and diet little in 200 years, I had perfect teeth, and didn't even own a toothbrush. Weston Price saw the same thing, in many places he visited, a century ago. Then we moved into town and went to store bought food. I became a profit center for dentists, for a half century.

A few years ago, I was actually hit from behind by a car traveling down the road I was walking on, and knocked to the curb. I got up to give the driver a "piece of my mind". He had stopped, not sure what had happened. But when I realized he had an IQ in the modest double digits, I just shrugged and walked off ... he would not have understand. The next day, I had no way of knowing which side of me had been hit, nor which of my two feet a tire had run over a little, other than my memory. I had zero physical damage.

Food is my medicine, and I am my doctor. I have invested zero dollars and zero seconds of my time in conventional medicine for about 20 years now. I probably could have gotten official medical diagnoses for diabetes, cancer, hyper-tension, obesity, Alzheimer's, foot ulcers that could have led to amputations, and various organ failures sometime over the last 20 years ... all cured by continuing to fiddle with my diet.

Life is good. Learn to live it, at various levels, including the complex biology of our bodies - our mitochondria, and our gut bacteria, as well as our dynamic electrical structure, our mind, body and soul. Our "DNA" is not our destiny; it just codes the construction of the (wide) variety of proteins that form our cells (tissue, bone, fluids, hormones, eyes to toenails, ...). We have three pools of DNA, in our cell's nuclei, our mitochondria, and our gut bacteria. They are but the concrete, steel and other templates for the many materials that form parts of our body. There is far, far more than even the genetically defined raw materials of these three layers that goes into our being, other layers of wonderful structured, dynamic, activity.

Thus is the fundamental limitation of AI ... a couple of these layers, about the level of our conscious language, memory, and analysis are becoming hyper-developed. But no AI robot will ever respond to the touch of a dog's paw, a cup of fresh cow's milk, the smile of a friend, the subtle insights of awareness, the trust and caring of long standing friends, family and community, as do living creatures such as ourselves. Have fun using AI as one would a power tool or a diesel locomotive ... neat and useful tools ... for particular tasks. AI lacks those other layers.