I dunno how long one HAS to wait but it was almost a year between mine and I
did have total replacements and that is what I meant but the replaced one
was almost pain free within 3 months and then the 'good' hip (ha) started
hurting so bad that I gladly opted to have it replaced too. I have no 'hip'
pain now.

I am getting the left done in 2 weeks, but

Escept for weakness from lack of use...my laziness... I can do almost
anything within reason and guidelines...no running or other high impact
stuff as that wears the plastic down too much, can't ride my motorcycle ;-).
I was using oxycodone and/or acetaminophen with naproxen and/or ibuprofen
between surgeries as the 'good' hip got gradually worse. I now use onycodone
and/or acetaminophen only once or twice a day, often with benadryl generic
at night as that's when I seem to get muscle pain in the thighs and calfs,
not in the hips. I lay that to the other arthritic changes in my lower back
which aren't too amenable to surgery and not that severe. I also have
arthritic knees and keeping my fingers crossed there. I was only required to
use the pillow for about a month during rehab but I still use a regular
small pillow between my legs because I found it very comfortable.

It seems to potentiate the pain medications to some extent too. I use the
generic acetaminophen (Tylenol) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) because of
the price differential. Good luck in your surgery. If you're like most I've
met with total replacement you will be glad you had it done. I discarded the
walker after a month's rehab and just went to a cane when I got home. I
still use a cane but more for balance and out of habit and do occasionally
get around without it. Best to you, Kiki.

Bud

Kiki wrote:

Someone - at least one - in this group had both hips replaced at the same
time.  But you have to have a great network of family and possibly church
members to help you once you return home.

I had THR for my left hip in 2000, and we (I, the rheumy and the surgeion)
are planning for the right hip this summer.

You could have the right replacement within 2 to 3 months.

I could sleep on the left (replaced) hips and my back - I wasn't limited to
one position.

I was out and about, riding the buses and trolley and light grocery shopping
within 4 weeks.  I had stocked up on canned goods and meat/fish/poultry that
I could freeze, but I needed fresh produce once in awhile.

I stopped using the walker at the end of 8 weeks - relied on a cane after
that.

... Below average pilot - unequal number of takeoffs and landings.