hip replacement after 40 years of arthrodesis
Posted , 7 users are following.
I have just had my arthrodesis taken down and a new hip ,after 40 years of problems related to the blockage. It was rather painful and my leg muscles are very weak, my docteur says it may take up to 2 years to get them active, in the meantime I am on crutches. Its great to be able to sit normaly, almost difficult to imagine! It was difficult to find a doctor that new how and was willing to do this operation and he said that due to muscle loss it was fairly risky. Any how I am 7 weeks post op with little pain and optimistic! I would like to know if anyone has ideas about getting the muscles to work?
2 likes, 6 replies
Happyhopper geoff91391
Posted
Generally, walking is considered the best exercise to gradually improve the muscles. However, you are on crutches, are you partial weight bearing or none weight bearing. My suggestion is to take your time and gradually give the muscles chance to recover themselves. Who was your surgeon. Are your legs equal after surgery?
geoff91391 Happyhopper
Posted
Happyhopper geoff91391
Posted
Sounds as though you are living in France, my favourite country!!
Best wishes.
dot60135 geoff91391
Posted
My LTHR was performed following a serious accident in which I sustained multiple (17) fractures, muscle tears etc. I had been very fit and active before my accident but had complications following my operation.
Eventually I was refered for hydrotherapy and was found to have a problem with the muscles that although they were "firing", they were not comunicating with each other, this can be seen when standing on one leg (operated leg). I would deffinatly say get referred for hydrotherapy as the exercises I was taught have made a significant difference and being in the water means you can push yourself harder without the worry of falling over or damage.
Best wishes for your recovery.
Dot.
AnnieK geoff91391
Posted
Have you been referred for physical therapy? That might be a good way to start. Whatever you do, go slowly and don't overdo things so that your create new problems. If it is comfortable for you to walk with crutches, then walk as much as feels good. That will work muscles. I used a rolling walker with a seat when inside my house. I could put things on the seat when needing to move things around, and it allowed me to get a really fluid walk going instead of having to lurch along with crutches.
DawnDedee geoff91391
Posted
There is something here in the States called Stem that is used for many purposes. It has been also called Tens Unit. It is electrical stimulation that is safe and portable. Very small units you can carry around with you that has patches placed purposefully on your body and you can set it the way you want, the way your doctor or physio wants. You might check into it. I have used one of these in the past, but am unfamiliar with studies about how it might help to stimulate muscles to work.
Glad to hear you are doing so well and that you found a talented surgeon to help you!
Dawn, USA