6 weeks post op

Dear Carol

Sounds as if you have build the right foundation for a really good recovery.

Going on my own experiences concentrate on building up your muscles and degree of movement and when walking make sure that you are walking well without limping.

If you are limping in any way (look at yourself in shop windows) pick up those sticks or crutches until your gait is really good. It is not an admission of failure in any way. I've done it for as long as needed and it made a considerable difference to my recovery which has been really excellent.

Cheers Richard

woohoot, you made it ... when is your follow up appointment?  usually it is scheduled around the 6 weeks post-op mark ... I would not change anything different until I check up - In my case, an x-ray was taken on day of appointment - doctor also checked range of movement and other physical checks (leg length, pressure)- I was told that everything was healing great and could ease up on the restrictions with keeping an additional 6 weeks for 90 degree one --- 

it is normal that your muscles feel weak - there is still so much healing taking place while you also are building up strength ... listen to your body and be gentle with your self ... you are getting there, darling !!!

\congratulations

big wam hug

renee

Hello Carol, I am just over 4 months Post THP. My Hospital, and the Surgeons at St. Michael's in Toronto, Canada have taken away almost all of the Post Surgery movement restrictions as they say there is no evidence to support it. The problem I have had is that the hostital has been doing this as a trial and has not been officially recognized by the profession. My surgeon gave my Physio Therapist specific instructions and I have been doing great. Good luck to you. Mark

Congratulations!  Keep up the good work!  At my six week check-up, my surgeon said he wanted me to do more walking!  I asked about certain  exercise machines at the gym and he said, "while you-re doing that, you could be doing more walking!"  So, as long at the weather is warm, walk, walk, walk!  I'm 74 and can do about 1 mile for now.  I also try to keep up with the PT exercises.  Good Luck!

Jean

Take it easy as you start to ease the restrictions.   Full recovery takes a long time, but you have laid excellent foundations.

Hi Carol.  Sounds as if your recovery is going well as is mine. I've got my post operation check on Saturday and am going to check then what I can/can't do from now on.  I see a physio each week and she is making sure I build up the muscles as much as possible. Even though the muscles aren't cut with the anterior approach they are still weakened from the surgery.    The physio focus is on improving muscle strength, range of motion and to get both legs to the same level to avoid any imbalance issues going forward.  At the moment I walk at least an hour a day on a treadmill at 3 mph and do the following exercises twice daily

standing knee lift x 20

standing front, side and back lift x 20 for each

lying down on back knee slide to bent then lift bent leg x20

lying down on back  leg lift x20

lying down on back  leg side extension (like an angel in the snow!) x20

bridge x20

bridge and unoperated leg lift (hold leg lift for 10) x10. Then reverse and do same with other leg

lying on unoperated side. Clam.  Hold lift for 10 x10

lying on unoperated side. Lift leg. Hold lift for 10x10

Hope this helps.  X