Further Hip Replacement Advice requested

[judyvin]

I have finally found my surgeon and am having the operation at the Apollonion Hospital in the South on 4 February.
However I am going to need both hips doing before too long so I am considering having both done at the same time. My inclination is to go for it because there will only be one hospital stay, one period of recovery etc. although the operation will be twice as long and has a slighter greater risk of DVT but minimal. The surgeon has done bilateral surgery before but will not guide me either way because it has to be my choice. Has anyone else had both replaced at the same time or knows of anyone who has who may be able to tell me their experience and offer some advice?
Thank you.
Judy
judyvincent@live.co.uk

[kaiserphil]

Not had hips done, but have had both knees replaced, separately.

I don't think I would have liked to have both done at the same time.

[lapta6]

I was going to have both my hips replaced at the same time. But when I had the operation the surgeon did the worse hip first and made the decision to only do the one as the bones were not very good. I am pleased he made that decision as it was 5 years ago and after recovery I could walk fine without pain in both legs. I could not do much for myself after the op and my husband had to help me dress and get into bed. I was not allowed to walk on the leg for a few weeks than after than only putting a little weight on it for another few weeks. Not sure how I would have managed getting about with having both done at the same time.

[judyvin]

Thank you for your replies. Just to clarify Lapta6, are you saying that had your bones not been so bad your surgeon would have replaced both in the same operation?

[Dalartokat]

Eamonn Holmes a TV presenter on Sky TV and This Morning programme is going for a double hip replacement and his last show is about him and the information from a Doctor and Nurse.

If Judy gets to see this before she goes into hospital it might help regarding the info for the aftercare of a double hip op. Whatever you choose best wishes to you.


http://www.itv.com/thismorning

[lapta6]

Hi Judyvin, yes the surgeon was going to do both hips together in the same operation had my bones been in better condition. Until they open you up they cannot tell what they are like. I am in the process of arranging to have the other one done in the uk at the minute.

[MoonageDaydream]

When I had one hip replaced there was another patient on the ward who had to have both hips done. He was in hospital for a considerable time, and the re-hap afterwards was more difficult too. My Consultant (also a Professor at a University Medical school) said he would only ever recommend doing both hips if both were non-functional, he said it was usually better for someone to have one hip done at a time, as recovery was much easier.