What to expect and what supplies will I need.... (pain, pregnancy, blood)

[cremebrulee]

Hi, just found out, I need to have a hip replacement, to what extent I do know know, as I'm getting a 2nd opinion....however, and please people, if you would be so kind, please do not tell me all the horrid stories....etc...
What I'm wondering, is...

and I know everyone is different....

1. But to what extent was your hip done?
2. How long was your stay in the hospital
3. Did you have to go to a rehab facility?
4. What items will I need, i.e. "Walker", etc.
5. How long was it before you returned to normal activities...I have a dog, and I have to walk her and pick up her you know what....so, I'll need to bend over.

Thanks so very much for your help....
and would appreciate any advice.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

My daughter had it done some years ago so things are probably better now. It was around 1999-2001. She was in the hospital about 4-5 days then she went home with help from her father. I went the 2nd week she was home. She lives in a 2-story house and was not able to go up and down all day. She had exercises to do where I had to hold her feet. The first week she was home, her step-mother had to help her in/out of the tub/shower combo for showering; had it been only a shower, she could have done it alone. She did not need a walker at home. I drove her to a doctor's appt and bought her a grab stick, the kind with the suction cups on the bottom (I used one myself and it is a god-send, you an pick up a dime or a dropped pill). She started pool exercises at about the time I left but someone had to drive her at first. I think she went back to work at either one month or 6 weeks, can't remember.

[Bakeneko]

My husband didn't have hip surgery exactly - he had bone drilled out of his hip to transplant. We made sure he had some bigger warm-up type pants (for going "out" and to dr's appts, etc) and bought boxers in a larger size. Slip on shoes. Heating pad. Lap desk for his laptop

Edited to have - I've had several abdominal surgeries , I also recommend treating yourself to some nice pj's ( or nightgowns) and a new robe if you can. I had visitors after my surgeries and felt better bein covered up and somewhat presentable. And I also recommend nice thick slipper socks...not as dangerous on slick hospital floors or carpeted stairs...

I can't take many medication because they upset my stomach but it helps to make a grocery list of things you might like during recovery that "agree" with your stomach and pain meds - toast bread, soups, rice pudding etc...''.

Overnight bag - even if you are having "day surgery" - several times I ended up at the hospital longer than I thought I'd be (five months during pregnancy, LOL). Anyway - NOW is the time to pack a overnight bag - the hospital supplied soap, toothpaste, etc is pretty low quality. Entertainment - I love "adult" coloring books by dover and colored pencils, laptop/cell phone and CHARGERS, knitting or other hobby, load up Ne Flix Q, etc, pad of paper and pen to write down additional instructions and appts ...

I also bring my own "big" cup with screw on lid and straw with some water flavorings (like TrueLemon) - you want to drink ALOT of water after any surgery. Makes IV's and blood draws go easier and some meds can really bind things up