3 months post total hip replacement

Hello, Jen! Lots of us on the forum are past 3 months post-op. Many people who have THR are feeling very good at 3 months, with no pain, walking fine. Others still have mobility issues or some pain at that stage for many different reasons. Has your doctor recommended any physical therapy or any other therapy to help with the tight feeling?  Has he done any testing to try to figure out what is causing the tightness?

My surgeon and his staff kept telling me that I'd be feeling great at the next appointment, and then the next and next. And I still have problems 7 months post-op, I'm sorry to say. At 6 months I went to a different orthopedic practice for a second opinion, and I think we are finally on track to a diagnosis and treatment, which will involve more surgery. Most people do not have complications so bad that they need surgery, but man need extra physical therapy, stretching, massage or other treatments to get them back to 100%.

 

On March 6th it'll be 7 months....it is good, real good, I still feel little twinges, not the tightening I was feeling. Still has soreness and numbness, but NOTHING like it was at all...I went back to a very physical job (lots of standing and heavy lifting) after 3 months. It was tough at first, but ok now. I just turned 61 last week..I've read that it's about a year before the soreness and pain stops...we'll see!

Hi Jen, 

Warm welcome to our friendly forum where we share our personal stories and experiences -

My 1st L THR is almost 12 months and 2nd R THR 6 months and I still have tightness, stiffness etc. - Not to put you off though, as we all heal differently - I don't think it is unusual - after having been walking badly, poor posture etc. for years, my body is now more or less forced in to putting a lot of effort in balancing and correcting - Walking and sitting is no problem, although I tire easily - it is the gettin up from sitting to standing - 

In all honesty, I do feel great, better than before surgeries - I guess at times I am a wee bit disappointed that I am not further along - oh, those expectations ...

you are doing great darling - 

big warm hug

renee

I was told to expect improvement from the start, but full recovery will take between 9 and 12 months - and that is if everything has gone according to plan.

I am 8 months still get tightm

ness and very achy. Walking big distance a no no.

keep hoping I will loose it.

lorna

I had booked a 5 day break in Bath 2 1/2 months after my first hip. I was worried because I was still achey and the journey from Cornwall would be about 3 hours in the car. 

I was amazed how I coped. The hip felt tight at the end of the day but I did loads of walking and really turned a corner in confidence and fitness.

Six months on I have just had number two done. My first hip is holding me up and is strong.

I found swimming to be the best exercise and I am looking forward to getting back in the water.

I do believe that recovery has so many differences in all of us. I am 53, reasonably stubborn and independent but that doesn't mean that my recovery is any quicker or slower than anyone else's. I think you have to find a way of mobilising the joint without putting loads of strain on it.