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4 months post hip op , am I on the mend ?

Posted , 7 users are following.

Suziemo
Suziemo

Hi everyone long time since I last posted on here. Well it's been 4 calendar months since my hip op (well in 4 days time. ) 

Feel like I am getting there I think but not 100 percent sure. 

I can now walk around the house without my sticks although I do have a slight trendelenburgh gait walk still ,starts off less at the beginning of the day but is more apparent later as the day goes on .

Although still having problems when I go out without using them , any walking more than 10 minutes leaves me with groin pain for several hours . 

I am hoping it's just weak muscles that are getting used and stretched and it will improve and eventually stop. But I can't help worrying ,could it mean my hip inplant just hasn't taken . 

I read so many peoples positive blogs doing so well at as early as 6 weeks ,I know we all have different experiences .

Would love to hear from anyone who has any similar experiences either way. 

With best wishes to you all 

suzie X 

0 likes, 16 replies

16 Replies

  • herse
    herse Suziemo

    Posted

    Hi Suzie. I am in a very similar state to you in that my hip op was 7 th Nov and I am still having to walk with crutches outside because of my trendelenburgh gait. I have been having intensive physio to build up my glutes and hydrotherapy is really helping. I think I am feeling frustrated that I still limp but my physio reassures me that it will take time to really strengthen the muscles. So you are not alone - we are all different but you will get there as long as you keep doing exercises . Presume you are seeing a physiotherapist ? Good luck and stay positive

    Hilary

    X

    • Suziemo
      Suziemo herse

      Posted

      Hi Hilary 

      Many thanks for your reply ,no I haven't been sent for any physio  think I will definately push for it if by my next check up I have not progressed any further. 

      I live in Lincolnshire in the uk ,definately think some areas get more after support than others,depending on the NHS budget . 

      Are you in the uk? There are so many of us out and about walking with this Trendelenburgh gait walk ,never noticed it till I had it. 

      Keep progresssing well Hilary ,and many thanks X 

    • herse
      herse Suziemo

      Posted

      Hi Susie. Yep I'm in north Yorkshire. When I saw the consultant in December he said I needed intensive physio because of trendenburgh gait but nhs physio referral only arrived last week which is why I paid for physio. You are entitled ti NHS physio so they can show you what exercises you need to di to build up your glutes so do ask your gp. Good luck 😊! Let us know how you get on

      Hilary

  • amanda1827h
    amanda1827h Suziemo

    Posted

    Hi Suze, We are all at different levels.It can take 6 weeks to get back to normal.Some people it can take a lot longer.It really depends on the person,& operation. But it's best not to rush things.regards Amanda

    • Suziemo
      Suziemo amanda1827h

      Posted

      Hi Amanda 

      Yes your right. Some really seem to be back to normal by 6 weeks and some of us take a bit longer. 

      Just think I am a bit impatient  I have a 5 week old grandchild and I want to be more active now. 

      Many thanks X 

  • linda81469
    linda81469 Suziemo

    Posted

    Hi Suziemo! I'm 6 months out and still having to use a cane. As im still limping. My hip muscles are so very weak. Much of it is was prior to surgery. Dr says it's gonna take at least a year or so. I had been short for so long, muscles, tendons and those muscles were never used properly during that time. Now I have almost my full length back! But I'm dealing with various tendonitis, weakness, stretched muscles and nerve pain. No more joint pain but joint stiffness. I'm improving but it's very slow to my dismay. 😞 Didn't help that I dislocated my first hip after 3 weeks and had to have a total hip revision and be non weight bearing for 6 weeks after. Put my recovery way back. But don't be discouraged, it will get better. Like you said we all heal at different levels and time. It's not easy. Some days are better than others. Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery and healing. Hugs 🤗. LD

    • Suziemo
      Suziemo linda81469

      Posted

      Hi Linda 

      Oh no poor you dislocating your hip, I was totally paranoid for the first 3 months that I might do that. Feel it's a little less likely to happen now though  but still being careful .

      How do you know if you have tendinitis ?  I am always stiff when I first get up then seem to warm up a bit . 

      I am sleeping soooo much at night at the moment ,I keep myself propped up and in a very dark cool room ,clocked up 10 hours again last night ,really  feel like my body is trying to make me sleep and heal more. 

      Must admit it really does feel like 3 steps forward 2 back again ,I am sure I will eventually get there. 

      Like you my muscles were very weak before the op . At the pre op class about 10 people walked it ,sat down  some even quite happily crossed their legs ( something I haven't been able to do for at least 6 prior to this appointment. Then I hobbled in on my crutches which I had been relying on for the last 4 months ,hence my trendelenburgh gait I suppose where I hadn't hadn't walked properly for months,so definately started off disadvantaged. 

      Many thanks for your kind reply,do take care X 

    • linda81469
      linda81469 Suziemo

      Posted

      Hello! Well the dr would probably know more about whether or not you have tendonitis. My dr told me that about 4 months ago. Mainly due because of the over stretched muscles. Yes being out of commission for so long leaves us weak. I expected too much. Was hoping all was going to be great right out of surgery. But that wasn't going to be the case for me. Only thing to do now is go forward. If I keep looking back I get depressed. I'm realizing that it's going to take time and a lot of effort, patience and healing. We will get there!! LD

  • judith12644
    judith12644 Suziemo

    Posted

    Hi Suzie, I think definitely push for some physio. In the UK I think most of us get a sheet of exercises, and then a physio appointment at about 6 weeks. As you say, depends where you live. Good luck.
    • Suziemo
      Suziemo judith12644

      Posted

      Thanks Judith .no physio appointment offered her Judith ,think Lincolnshire is a bit tight on Nhs budget notice that with dr appointments you have to go 3 times with a problem before they give you a specialist . 😩 

      Best wishes x

    • hazel14263
      hazel14263 Suziemo

      Posted

      I have just booked a private physio at £29 per half hour I am so desperate ...

  • hazel14263
    hazel14263 Suziemo

    Posted

    Hi suzi

    Well here is non positive ... 16 weeks in and still riddled with pain , from groin to scar to upper thigh , one leg longer, she inserts don't work, pain killers three times a day . There .. not all jolly and going well but your not alone !!!

    • Suziemo
      Suziemo hazel14263

      Posted

      Oh no Hazel so sorry to hear,I do hope you feel better soon x 
  • kimberley38758
    kimberley38758 Suziemo

    Posted

    Hi Suzie,

    I'm 7 months post op.  I've found that I've had to do a few strengthening exercises each day (10-15 minutes) to help eleviate pain around the hip and groin.  I use resistance bands that I purchased online.  Give it a trysmile

    • Suziemo
      Suziemo kimberley38758

      Posted

      hi kimberley 

      yes think that's what I need , resting my hip today but going out tomorrow . Maybe 2 days walking without stick was pushing it , maybe every other day would be sensible. 

      Its just as soon as you feel a bit better you think oh I am back to normal ,but oh no your not, when am I going to learn that's me  ha ha) X 

    • kimberley38758
      kimberley38758 Suziemo

      Posted

      Whenever possible, put an ice pack on the area that is hurting.  Especially after walking or exercise.  This will reduce inflamation and ease discomfort. 

      Best of luck with your recovery!

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