Hip fracture

[Voulez-vous]

My 81yr old diabetic father has just sustained a hip fracture. He had no fall, it just "went". He has a history of bowel cancer(successfully cured), so the docs are looking at that in case the cancer has spread to his bones.

They plan a replacement hip tomorrow and say a minimum of 2 weeks in hospital + rehabilitation afterwards.

I realise how serious this is in a man of his age and probably just needed to talk!

Has anyone got any positive stories, or should I prepare for the worst. I know his life is now changed forever and despite his diabetes and other health problems he has always kept himself active.

Thanks for reading x

[slaney]

You seem to be well aware of the possible complications of a hip fracture at this age, and with his history Voulez-vous, but it's important to keep in mind that the majority of people his age will get through it.
Early surgery helps, and it's good that he is having the operation soon. Also the fact that he has kept active until now will be a point in his favour.
I do hope all goes well for him.

[ethandron]

an old chap (85) down the road had both of his replaced three years ago, albeit not under the same circumstances as your dad. his recovery was pretty good and he gets around now much better than he did before the ops. the queen mum had hers done at a ripe old age and she carried on for years afterwards.
you're already preparing yourself for the worst, so anything else will be really good news.

[Voulez-vous]

Thanks slaney and ethandron.

It's hard to hope for the best when you read things on wiki!

I'm prepared that it could be bad, and for me that is easier than hoping for the best.

Thank you both for taking the time to reply. I just felt a bit hopeless and needed to talk, the internet is wonderful for that! x

[bednobs]

in my experience (of having been in a ward where i had both hips replaced) it's often the oldies who get over it quicker. I have no idea why, perhaps they just built them tougher and more stoic back then!

[Voulez-vous]

That's fantastic Bednobs! Thanks for posting! I know my dad is a toughy......he will fight and fight! It's just the worry that this was not a fall, nor a routine wait for a hip replacement. It seems to be pathological which is more worrying?

[bednobs]

yes, it is more concerning. However, his cancer treatment could well have increased his chances of osteoporosis for example, which could also have caused it. Look at it this way. No amount of worrying you do will be able to change the outcome :)