Hip replacement surgery - Open to All Other Health Topics Message Board

edselone · 07-29-2009, 07:36 AM

My mother, who is 89, fell Saturday and broke her hip. Surgery was Monday. Although she went through surgery just fine, she has been somewhat disoriented since. Prior to surgery, she was as sharp as a tack. I have been told that the drugs used for surgery and pain can cause this and will gradually pass. Has anyone else had this experience?

auntjudyg · 07-29-2009, 03:17 PM

Post-anesthesia psychosis is relatively common in the elderly. I know of people who have been disoriented for several days and then snapped out of it. What can also happen, is that if someone has been tending towards disorientation, anesthesia can push that tendency along. Since your Mom was sharp as a tack prior to this, it ought to clear up.

Soibhan · 07-29-2009, 09:37 PM

I was only 48 when I had my total hip replacement and I didn't know which end was up for several days afterwards! So, knowing that the elderly are much more likely to be affected by any type of narcotic/anesthetic, I would imagine it would take several days to work out of your mom's system. And it will be gradual. I feel certain your mom will recover from her confusion as soon as she's completely off the pain meds. Let us know!
Soibhan

Titchou · 07-30-2009, 06:28 AM

Yes, it is very common! My grandmother kept telling everyone she was pregnant after her surgery...probably not at age 85!