Cruising after Hip Replacement

My 72 yr old Mom and I were planning an Alaskan cruise in May. Mom has just been told she needs a hip replacement. We do not know how long the waiting list is (we live in Canada). We will probably have to postpone the cruise until next year.

Can anyone advise us on things we should be careful of or aware of after the operation. Does a hip replacement make cruising a bad idea?

We would appreciate your expert advise.

TIA

My 72 yr old Mom and I were planning an Alaskan cruise in May. Mom has just been told she needs a hip replacement. We do not know how long the waiting list is (we live in Canada). We will probably have to postpone the cruise until next year.

 

Can anyone advise us on things we should be careful of or aware of after the operation. Does a hip replacement make cruising a bad idea?

 

We would appreciate your expert advise.

TIA

You can still cruise after a hip replacement, however, this really depends on how your mother heals and when the operation is scheduled. Some people heal slower or quicker than others. Make sure and contact your mother's doctor/surgeon and get his recommendations.

If your mom is still not walking well after the operation cruising is still doable but just not as easy. Pain management may be an issue. She may also need to take a wheelchair or walker as cruises require a lot of walking all over the ship not to mention on land.

Depending on when the surgery is you may be able to transfer your booking to go later in the season. Arent waiting lists a pain!

You can still cruise after a hip replacement, however, this really depends on how your mother heals and when the operation is scheduled. Some people heal slower or quicker than others. Make sure and contact your mother's doctor/surgeon and get his recommendations.

 

If your mom is still not walking well after the operation cruising is still doable but just not as easy. Pain management may be an issue. She may also need to take a wheelchair or walker as cruises require a lot of walking all over the ship not to mention on land.

 

Depending on when the surgery is you may be able to transfer your booking to go later in the season. Arent waiting lists a pain!

Yes, waiting lists are a pain!!!

I have cruised Alaska before but this will be Mom's first cruise EVER. I want this to be as perfect and enjoyable as possible for her. I had discussed with Mom how much walking this is. She already uses a walker. We had planned to go in May this year, but the pain is just getting too much. She has started prescription pain killers, while she waits to see the specialist. I don't want her to rush her recovery and mess up her healing.

Are there any barriers or dangers that you can think of? Maybe I am worrying too much. I would rather be prepared, and nothing happen, than have something unexpected go wrong. Yes I am an A type personality. :)

Well, if your mom is in so much pain I am glad she is getting this taken care of. How much of the cruise could she enjoy being in so much pain?

Depending on your dreaded waiting list, your May cruise may not be possible. Ask her surgeon as soon as she sees him. See what he thinks.

You most certainly don't want to take the cruise too soon after surgery. I don't see any dangers or barriers except that she may be disabled after her surgery for a while. That is why I suggested a wheelchair or walker.

Everything is really up in the air until her appointment.

By the way, you are being a very good daughter. :D

We took our mom on a British Isles cruise after she had hip replacement. She was 80 at the time. No problem whatsoever, but we did have a wheelchair for her when she got tired, and if the seas got rough.

Thank you both for your feedback.

I guess we just have to wait until Mom sees the specialist. I think it is best to postpone the cruise for now. I will let you know how things progress.

Thank you,

SamoaMum

I've had hip replacement on both hips and had 6 weeks of hip restrictions where I had to always sit on a high chair, back up into bed, use a high toilet, and go for PT several times a week. A friend of mine recently had hip replacement surgery and had a different kind of surgery where the incision was in a different place and they approached the hip differently and she had no hip restrictions and was on a cruise 6 weeks later. You need to ask the specialist what type of restrictions she will have and for how long and when he thinks she will be ready for a cruise. If she has to wait a period of time for the surgery after first seeing the specialist, I think a May cruise is unrealistic.

Mum and I decided today to postpone our trip. Mum's health and comfort comes first. Hopefully, we will be able to go to Alaska in the later part of 2012.

Thank you all for your input and concern, it helped us make a decision.

Have a great weekend,

SamoaMum

I agree with your decision to postpone your trip. Get your mom all fixed up first so she can enjoy her vacation more. It will also give her something to look forward to during her recovery. :D