Hello, I am having bilateral, anterior THR in September. Do you have any words of wisdom to share re: pre-op prep and post-op details? I have a couple of questions…how long were you in the hospital post op, and how long did it take until you were walking without aids? Many thanks for anything you can share! Alison.
Hi Alison! I think the thing that comes to mind first is try to stay as fit and slim as possible before the surgery. I could hardly walk and pretty much ate whatever I wanted and gained a bit of weight and was very stiff after my surgery. Then had to try to battle the weight off and still not able to really work out for a while. The first week to 10 days after kind of suck. The anesthesia takes a lot out of you and there will be swelling - so make sure you have plenty of ice packs ready. I ended up sleeping upright in a recliner for about a month - it was too uncomfortable to sleep on my sides because of the swelling/postop discomfort. Also, I moved to the first floor and avoided going up and down stairs unless someone was around just in case. I was in the hospital 2 days I think, maybe 3? They had me walking and doing stairs and getting in and out of a fake car before they would let me go. I used a walker for a little while, then a cane. I really can’t remember how long it took to be without those but I do remember taking the cane with me for a little while just in case. I had to remind myself that just because I could walk somewhere didn’t mean I could get back so enjoy being more mobile but remember all of a sudden you’ll be tired and sore. I also remember all of a sudden feeling great and not looking back. This website helped me a lot, too. Pre and postop forums - people talk about everything, some good, some bad, but I wanted to know and it was very supportive and understanding of what people go through with this stuff: https://bonesmart.org/forum/categories/hip-area.3/?source=main-nav I will be happy to answer any questions or just chat with you as you go through this - it really will be worth it in the end. I had mine done @ 46, was the first one on my hot young 4 y/o and have been riding her ever since. I’ve come off twice, both times landed on a hip and was fine. They don’t recommend that, but thing happen 
I’m riding so much better and my quality of life in general is so improved - I really didn’t realize how bad my hips were until they were replaced! -Kris
