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9.5 weeks post op

Posted , 6 users are following.

Dave_H
Dave_H

Having run, climbed, played rugby (why did I need a new hip) for a lot of my life  at the age of 63 I was intent on getting back on my feet as.a.p. No painkillers after 4 weeks. No stick after 7 weeks. Saw my physio at 8 weeks she was happy........and then I just started walking too much, particularly up hill and in poor shoes!!!!!

Operated thigh is tight, back of knee swollen, ankle swollen and sore shins.

it's difficult to know what doing too much is. Today shopping in Laura Ashley, then next, then a shop in aldi, then a walk around central Kettering and of course I'm driving the 20 miles each way. Operated leg feels v heavy. Hip is fine it's all the other muscles that have been atrophying for almost 3 yrs.

Drove a 200 mile round trip at the w/end. Just writing it down makes me realise I'm trying to be too 'normal' too soon. 

Anybody else in the same boat?.

.......but I am taking the camper van away in 2 weeks time ......

3 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • isabelle40781
    isabelle40781 Dave_H

    Posted

    I think you should be the judge of that.  Listen to your body and try not to overdo. Easy to say but hard to do as I have been in the same boat.  Trying to do to much too soon.  Went on a hike Monday and suffered the rest of the week and I am at 12 weeks.  Guess I am a bad listener lol.  Also going camping soon.  Trying not to put life on hold but finding it difficult to slow down when I know I should.
  • mic71403
    mic71403 Dave_H

    Posted

    Hi Dave

    Good luck -tis a tricky balance but its good you're not sitting in an armchair waiting the hip to heal itself when cut muscles need this exercise to heal.

    If too much one day, REST

    then

    only when you are ready....

    go forand live out  this wondorous life opportunity your new hip has given you

    lotsa luck and warm wishes

    Mich

    • Dave_H
      Dave_H mic71403

      Posted

      Cheers mich, I play drums in a folk rock band and I was hoping to be ok for a couple of fests 2 weeks ago but sense prevailed....... I practised for an hour and felt like a house had fallen on me! I had walked for a couple of miles that day before deciding to practice and my wife, an ex nurse, with a hip replacement called me things I can't post here!!!

      but we have some great fests in August which I will be ready for.

    • mic71403
      mic71403 Dave_H

      Posted

      Enjoy....

      Guess your lady like mine put your sox on for you post op! She sounds feisty and fun!

  • renee01952
    renee01952 Dave_H

    Posted

    good morning Dave ... wow ... what a great post - honest, down to earth and giving a clear message to still be mindful .... and you are a MAN !!! very much appreciated and giving you a warm hug ... 

     

  • annedi
    annedi Dave_H

    Posted

    I'm 8 weeks and walked too far the other day - 4 miles when I'd only been doing just over a mile. both my thighs even the unoperated side are really sore now -so a couple of days cutting back are in order. I think you just have to build up slowly and do the physio exercises.

    Like you say the muscles in the legs have just not had the use. (I'm 62).

  • Dave_H
    Dave_H

    Posted

     Starting to look as if I've damaged My Achilles' tendon.

    my advice, make sure you use decent trainers after your hip op.

  • Dave_H
    Dave_H

    Posted

    Actually, after a morning in hosp, they think it's a DVT. Had an injection, scans tomorrow. ........and I wore compression sox for 6 weeks and took aspirin , 2 a day for 6 weeks. Least I may know what I'm dealing with..

    leg wasn't hot , which I was looking for but apparently it doesn't have to be.

     

    • debbie04463
      debbie04463 Dave_H

      Posted

      What a setback for you Dave but glad you realised something else was going on. It is difficult to know what is normal pain after such a major op. Hope you get to do the things you want to do as soon as they have sorted you out. Though this site is excellent none of us can diagnose these pains that we all suffer. So it is good that we can share our thoughts but always wise to get in touch with the Dr. If it doesn't feel right. Best wishes on a full recovery. Debbie.
  • Dave_H
    Dave_H

    Posted

    Thanks Debbie. Blood work said a clot but a scan didn't.

    I was in a private hospital but on the NHS and physio follow up has been minimal. 2 apps in 8 weeks, really just to say you're doing ok.

    So I went to see my osteo who said I had simply walked too much before my hip muscles were strong enough. I haven't done any damage but my back and calves have been carrying my hip........bit like before the op!!!!!!

    best piece of advice she gave me..... Ensure you can balance on the operated leg before walking longer distances. It's all I'm practising now and it's working a treat. I'm doing it as I type this!! 

    • debbie04463
      debbie04463 Dave_H

      Posted

      That's a relief Dave,I also had a suspected clot a week after my op. I had unusual pains in my chest had tests including scan. NHS were excellent, luckily the pain went after a few days. Must have been operation related as never had it before or since. I had op in private hospital paid by NHS. Unfortunately I have femoral nerve damage, done during op. Because of that I had about 6 sessions in private hospital. Then no more until 8 months later paid by NHS in my Dr surgery with private company, when I still had no strength in muscle and had to wear a brace to prevent falling.

      You sounded as though you were too ambitious and couldn't wait to get back to a normal life. I can't believe how active you have been. Good luck for the coming months and that you get back to full health.

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