I am two weeks post anterior hip replacement. I went off my Orencia 3 weeks before and will start injecting next week. The procedure is remarkable. After the surgery, I was up later that day and walking with a walker. After an overnight stay, I was discharged with a cane. Once home, it took me about a week to really "get back on my feet". I had days where I had pain and little energy. I was prescribed narcotics and used quite a bit of ice (which really helps). My leg swelled all the way down to my ankle. However, this was all temporary. By day 8, the swelling was gone and I was driving. I returned to work part time at day 11. Yesterday my staples were removed. I still have pain and fatigue, but it "feels" different from the unrelenting hip pain I had before the surgery. This is healing pain and easily relieved with Tramadol (which I take for my RA). I'm so glad I did this ... I spent two years being told my hip pain was bursitis when it was actually the degeneration had left me bone on bone. I'm excited to be moving easily now with my cane and able to walk without my cane for short distances. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

lots and lots of ice. if you don't have room in freezer, use gallon size bags with ice, in cooler next to where you will be. have a container or bucker you can dump the melted ice (water into) and have them refill your bags with ice.

Thanks for the info. I'm doing a right hip and doc says 4-6 weeks no driving. The swelling info is great so i know what to expect. I can't wait to get back to normal....walking without pain. I think the added stress of the hip has caused my RA to be more active as well.

I had a new knee with a total replacement in May. I am doing amazing. Don't forget when you go to your dentist, you will need to take a dose of antibiotics before your visit. My dr said for life, the dentist said some only have to for 2 yrs.

Thanks Sherrie. I hear often "I wish I would have done this sooner." I am already doing exercises. I'm at Community North and went to "Hip School" on Tues. Took my hubby as well. Best part, other than loosing the chronic pain, is having my sisters come in to "help" me. It was a great excuse. We are partying the weekend before surgery and I'm sure the party will continue in the hospital and during recovery. My doc is saying two days in but we'll see. Told me no driving for 6 weeks as it's my right hip. I'm hoping he's being conservative.