nurses with hip replacements still working acute care/LTC?

[doobiedo, RN]

Hi ...

I am probably going to have to have bilateral hip replacement done soon due to osteoarthritis. I am just wondering if any other nurses have had 1 or both hips done and are you still working in the clinical setting acute care/LTC...? and if so how are you doing walking the floors ...?

The reason I ask is while I work a full time job that is somewhat sedentary (I am not in the hospital) I do work in LTC very part time (1 day every other week)...but I never know what the future may bring and may have to go back into the hospital.....I am just trying to get my thoughts wrapped around the surgery itself but also can't help but wonder about what the future may bring and what if I need to go back to the hospital....

I left acute care for many reasons but not the least of which is because I could barely walk by the end of 8 hrs due to the pain let alone mandated OT which sometimes involved 12-16 hrs. I had hoped to delay the surgery if I left and I did for about 5 years now...

I have heard all good about the post operative course and how much pain will be relieved and what I will be able to do after the replacement ....but even though the doctors tell you what you can and can't do I like to hear it from the people who have been there :)

I appreciate any replies..

Thank you.....