My father has fallen and broken his hip....

[Kenroy]

he's 77 years old and 2,500 miles away.

Can anybody tell me a happy story that begins with "He fell and broke his hip..."?

[NMMNG]

1. I'm sorry, I don't know that there is such a thing as a happy story

that begins that way.

I'd like to offer you a hug though :hug:

[Kenroy]

2. Thank you...

I'm just terrified. I know all the horror stories of a parent's death begin with "s/he fell and broke a hip..." and then it goes horribly wrong.

Does anybody have a parent who had a hip repair that recovered?

[Spinzonner]

6. Not a parent, but an elderly friend

He's gone through a lot in his life.

First heart attack at 45. Two more before finally having bypass surgery in his 60's. Has prostate cancer (slow acting).

Lost his wife to cancer several years ago.

About a year ago, fell and broke his hip. There were complications and a lot of pain.

But through all his illnesses, he followed doctors and rehab specialists instructions and followed dietary recommendations. Took his medications. Has had depressions but took medications to deal with them.

It's important to fight for mobility because getting bedridden can bring all kinds of complications that are potentially deadly.

Depression, though natural, should be dealt with - pharmcologically if necessary - because it can lead to loss of motivation, loss of appetite, and other health-threatening consequences.

[Kenroy]

8. My father

has woken at up at 5:30 every morning, gotten dressed, and left the house for 50 years.

I worry this incapacity will really hurt his psyche.

[SoCalDem]

11. If they do surgery, he will be out of bed and on his feet

the next day.. Blood clots from inactivity are a bigger threat than the injury itself..


Make sure your Mom can bring out her inner 'drill sergeant"..she will need to be tough on him to make him rehab..but it sounds like he'll manage well.

[ahem]

3. My husband's grandmother broke her hip when she was 80. She recovered

and went on to live another 10 years.

A broken hip doesn't always mean the end. Best of luck to your dad and your whole family.

:hug:

[Kenroy]

5. Thank you

I appreciate it.

[SoCalDem]

4. As a matter of fact, I know an older gent

who had hip AND knee replacement at 78, and still bowls on two leagues:)

The secret is to find a GOOD orthopedist ASAP..and to arrange for stern after-care rehab.. Lots of older folks who fail, do so because they resist the painful rehab aftrewards

Good luck to you and your dad:hug:

[Kenroy]

7. Thank you

it means a lot to me.

My dad had a knee replacement in '89, and did really well with it. He also had a cardiac bypass in 94 and aced that, too. He's strong, recovers well, and follows doctors orders.

I'm just scared shitless right now. The broken hip has always seemed like the precursor to the end. And I know my Mom is terrified.

[Spinzonner]

9. It sounds like he has what it takes

Keep in touch with him and show interest and encouragement in his progress - which I'm sure you feel.

[Kenroy]

10. thank you...

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the concern.