One month from my total hip replacement

Thought of some questions I didn’t get a chance to ask my new surgeon when I met with him back in October. His office manager said I could email her the questions, and she would get them answered. In just a couple days, I had my answers:

1) I would prefer general to regional anesthesia, is this an option?
Not recommended, but you can discuss this with the anesthesiologist the morning of surgery.

2) If I’m going to need blood, I’d like it to be my own, should I do an autologous blood donation?
An autologous blood donation is not required.

3) How many days do you think I will be in the hospital?
Plan on being in the hospital for 3 days.

4) How soon after a THR am I allowed to do stairs?
Probably about 2-3 days.

5) With an optimal recovery, when do you think I’ll be cleared to work as an RN?
You will probably return to work in 4-6 weeks for regular duty, or 3 weeks for desk duty.

6) How long before I can travel by airplane?
About 4-6 weeks before you can travel by plane.

7) What replacement materials do you plan to use for my new hip?
We will be using uncemented titanium for your total hip replacement.

8) You will be able to correct the 1″ different in leg lengths, right?
We will try to correct the leg length discrepancy.

I was pretty happy with the answers. The plan is now to stay at my parent’s house in NJ for a few days after I’m discharged, since I live on the third floor of a NYC walk-up. Waiting 4-6 weeks to work is fine, since I have to wait that long to take the licensing exam anyway.

I should have expected that they couldn’t promise they’d fix my 1″ leg length discrepancy. I’m certainly keeping my fingers crossed about it though. I don’t want to have a limp the rest of my life!