Has anyone had same-day bilateral? How did you manage it?

[Desert Tortoise]

I’m having bilateral resurfacing done in Belgium, by Dr. De Smet, in early July.  I’m trying to figure out what I should take with me to make life a little easier for the first few weeks before I fly home.

Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Kim

[Hipchallengedone]

I just had Bilateral done  - two days apart by Dr Gross in South Carolina at his outpatient facility May 9tn, & 11th, 2022.  I would imagine if you are doing two on the same day, you will be in a hospital.  My surgery went like this, after my first surgery, I went back to the hotel that was set up by the Dr's staff.   The second surgery, I was held overnight at the outpatient facility and then went back to the Hotel for another night, before driving home.  I am not sure what kind of room you are going to have, but you will need to have a handicap accessible toilet (raised seat) with some type of grab bar situation on BOTH SIDES.  I am also thinking you should ask about a care giver (if you are going to need one) and what if any instructions they may have for that individual.  I do not believe moving around after surgery will be an issue, except for using the toilet.  I would have some sanitary flushable wipes available for any traveling after that.  Also, depending upon your care giver situation, there are items which will help you dress  (sock puller), a grabber (for things that may fall) and a leg lifter (because you may need additional help getting in and out of a car/van.  I had crutches and a cane already, but wound up purchasing a walker (I only used it for four days) just in case you need additional stability initially.    I am still a bit sore a few days afterwards, but I am way way happy with my outcome thus far.  I can now easily walk with a cane without any limp and no pain.  Life is great! I wish you great success and to be pain free!

[Desert Tortoise]

Thank you so much!  I hadn’t thought about requesting a handicap accessible room.  🤞. We’ll see if I can get one!  I’ll try to get my hands on the other things soon, so I can practice with them.  I have a walker, but am hoping to be managing on crutches by the time I fly home.  We’ll see!

Glad you’re doing so well!  Keep it going.   :)

[imgetinold]

I had  mine done 9 years apart, so I can't say for sure about bilateral.  BUT (or should I say BUTT), by far the hardest part for me was using the toilet.  Personally I can't imagine getting onto the toilet with BOTH of them done at the same time.  So, the raised toilet seat, for you, is an absolute must have. 

Best of luck to you.  The good part is that you only have one long recovery.  3 weeks in you'll be doing great!

[Desert Tortoise]

Thanks.  Yep, the “butt” is the one thing I’m concerned about!🤣. I just want to get on with this!

[dsmcamelot]

Hi KIm. I had Both hips done at once 5 years ago by Dr Su in NY. Agree with the others, getting up and down from sitting is challenge for the first week.
Make sure you get the raised toilet seat with the arms so you can push up. I used a walker for a few days, then one or two crutches.
Found sleeping on my back was a challenge also, as I am usually a side sleeper. Pain meds and cold packs are very beneficial in the early going. After the first week things improve with regards to the incisional pain and it becomes mostly stiffness. I hope you are traveling with someone who will be helping you!!
Down the road you will love you new hips. The choice to have this procedure truly changed my life and let me get back to all my fitness, sports and hobbies without limitations!!
Best of luck to you...

[Hipchallengedone]

Kim, one other item I should have mentioned and I am still using. I borrowed a Breg Polar Bear cube ice therapy unit from my wife's sister in law who had just finished using it having a THR.  I also borrowed an aircast cryo cuff unit from a good friend who has one so I could ice both hips at the same time.  As an FYI, The Breg has an attachment to ice both hips at the same time.  Not cheap if you were to buy, but I can say work outstandingly well to help with swelling and discomfort.  If the price scares you you can go on line and get a few hip Ice sleeves off of Amazon, way cheaper, but they do take time to refreeze after use.  In any instance, icing really has been great for me, I don't like taking narcotics or pain meds for that matter and the ice cryo devices have really helped.  I am now thinking I am going to buy an ice therapy machine for afterwards.  Both are equally impressive. 

[Desert Tortoise]

Thanks, dsmcamelot!  I’ve been getting used to sleeping on my back! 

Thanks for your kind wishes.  I’ll post some updates once I’m on the other side.

Hipchallengedone, thanks to you too.  I’ve used a Breg before, and between me and a friend, we actually ran it into the ground.  😬. I figured I’d do a new one for this.  I didn’t know about the 2-hip attachment, and I will definitely track that down.

Hope things are going well for you!