I can only speak from a perspective of knowing someone who had hip replacement about 20 months ago.
My friend is in his early 70's, and was a jogger and marathon runner in his younger years. I would guess that contributed to his condition quite a bit. He was a business professional in his career life, even doing investigative work for a large law firm.
Having known him prior and post surgery, this what I've seen.
Before surgery, he did not look his age and seemed energetic and extremely sharp minded.
For months after surgery, his mind and memory were mush. He would speak of the same thing 2-3 times in a visit, or forget what he wanted to tell me. He was giving things away to others. I know it was the medication.
Post surgery exercise and mobility is VERY important. I can't stress that enough. He used to tell me he was required to walk X distance per day, but would never do it. He wasn't motivated enough and suffers for it today, always seeking a chair.
He stopped caring about personal hygiene and appearance, again I blame it on medication dependence. His wife got fed up and finally threw his medicines away. That was his turning point, from what I could tell.
Today he is closer to his old self and wiser for the experience. He has more mobility and less pain, and has a clear mind again.
If there is anything I can offer from what I witnessed, it's this.
1. Follow Drs. orders and push yourself through the rehab period. It WILL hurt.
2. Don't become dependent on the prescriptions. You WILL survive.
3. Stay in touch with friends. Push yourself. Get out.
Good luck to you!
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