1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Hip Replacement

At what stage can I pick something up ?

Posted , 10 users are following.

sandra_84282
sandra_84282

Hi I am 4 weeks post op and recovering well. Not seeing consultant until nearly 8 weeks post op. He does not want me to drive before 8 weeks.

I am hoping at this appointment he will allow me to drive and return to work. My work involves driving and sitting in people's homes.

I have and will continue to be very careful about picking up dropped items. How long before this restriction is lifted. Anybody know ???

0 likes, 26 replies

26 Replies

  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK sandra_84282

    Posted

    I think picking up dropped items can be started after 6 weeks - use the 'golfers reach' method - put the 'new hip' leg out behind you, and take it VERY easy.  You really do not want to dislocate.  Do make sure you are allowed by your surgeon/physio - when you are allowed does vary between surgeons and patients.

    Graham

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK sandra_84282

      Posted

      It could well be psychological - this operation and recovery really do affect us in many ways both physically and mentally.  I am no stranger to these problems cry which can strike you at any time.  

      I have always had a positive attitude, and never suffered depression before this recovery. Righ now I am concerned what my new surgeon will tell me next month, which is affecting my memory and ability at work.

      Just take things slowly - the recovery can be long and difficult.

      Best wishes

      Graham

  • judith12644
    judith12644 sandra_84282

    Posted

    Hi Sarah,

    I agree with Graham, stick your leg out behind you, and probably 6 weeks. Use your grabber when you can.

  • ann66359
    ann66359 sandra_84282

    Posted

    Hi, afraid you will have to use your grabber stick for a while longer, although if you place your operated leg backwards you can bend down a bit to try pick up objects but be careful. I am also eight weeks am driving already been doing this for two weeks, have already had my post op check and had to drive myself to the hospital and that was twenty five miles.  Good luck
  • maureen44782
    maureen44782 sandra_84282

    Posted

    Really not sure...i still use a grab stick, op 8th August.  I'm able to go lower, using squats.  Better check with medics, you don't want to damage all the good work.  Good luck!

  • rich1960
    rich1960 sandra_84282

    Posted

    My precautions (posterior technique) is 12 weeks for bending down to pick stuff up.  I started driving at 2 weeks automatic type car (right hip).

    My precautions end one week from today !!!

    Many surgeons, as you have probably figured out, have different lengths of time for precautions etc...

    Good Luck biggrin

    • sandra_84282
      sandra_84282 rich1960

      Posted

      Thanks guys. Your advice is invaluable. Maybe that's why surgeon told me you have to be very careful for 12 weeks which makes sense. However I remember physio saying all restrictions lifted after 6 weeks. Think I feel more comfortable with 12 weeks.

      Sandra.

  • susan05157
    susan05157 sandra_84282

    Posted

    I am 6 weeks out just driving to PT and back.  My Dr said no bending over till he see's me in December . Take it slow  good luck 

  • renee01952
    renee01952 sandra_84282

    Posted

    hi sandra, 

    I agree with previous posts - use grabber and golfer's method to pick up stuff -- 

    you sound really great ... 

    I was advised by surgeon to adhere to 90 degree for about 12 weeks - not as strict but just to be mindful -

    how are getting on otherwise?

    big warm hug

    renee

     

    • sandra_84282
      sandra_84282 renee01952

      Posted

      Thanks Renee

      That seems to be the general consensus. I'm doing ok apart from that. I had started sleeping better but the last two nights have been awful and I have a bit of groin pain. I will be 4 weeks post op on Friday.

    • renee01952
      renee01952 sandra_84282

      Posted

      aww... sorry to hear that --- do you think you are over extending yourself a bit ?  easy to do, you know - you are feeling better, stronger, especially around 3-6 weeks post-op ... just remember that your body is still healing and repairing the damage and trauma - everything is so fragile -walking requires som much energy - just to keep your body in balance is taxing - 

      Sandra still needs tender loving care ... 

      angel blessings 

       

    • sandra_84282
      sandra_84282 renee01952

      Posted

      Thanks Renee. Your right. Probably expecting too much too soon.

      I asked Pysiotherapist about recoverytime before I had op. He said 6 weeks and more or less back to normal. Well that was a gross exaggeration ! Consultant isn't seeing me until nearly 8 weeks. Won't allow me to drive before 8 weeks and not back to work before 10 weeks.

      I have to agree once you overdo things I know I pay the price for a couple of days afterwards. So I will slow down.

      Thank you again

      Sandra xxx

    • jann_-jan
      jann_-jan sandra_84282

      Posted

      Sorry had finger trouble and then it threw me out as put in

      wrong pssword! 

      Anyway I  have been reading the forum for past few weeks, very informative and great to know so many are also going thorugh this! 

      I am also almost 6 weeks in THR on left hip . I had a simple fall in March this year and fracturesd neck of femur which I had a DHS ( Dynamic 

      Hip Screw ) with plates and screws inserted . Followed instructions as per surgeon  6 weeks on crutches , was limping badly although I returned to work , was driving and just tried my best to get back to normal . The pain in groin then started and also acute pain where the hip screw was , after an X ray was confirmed that I had AVN ( avacular necrosis) and I would then need a full hip replacement .  Was placed on waitig list at local hospital  and then the pain kicked in big time , as the screws were moving and pressing on the bone

      the pain was horrendous . Repeatedly called Surgeon and managed to get done within 3 weeks . this was on the 9th Sept .  All went well I had a spinal block and was up the next day on zimmerr , on crtches the day after and home day after that . The awful pain was gone what a releif so  now just to recuperate . I Read the posts on here and then panic that Im not at same stage as some people ! was told to use crutches for 6 weeks but am partial weght bearing and stepping fuly on feet . Am using one crutch around the house and actually feel that I could walk unaided but am scared to . ! I too like Sandra wont see surgeon for 8 weeks after op s he is on holiday . Yesterday I got brave and decided to drive ffor a short distance to see how  it was , was so fed up sitting at home . . Felt ok but last night felt / imagined pain in leg /hip so am now scared to do again . Hve been doing the exercises as told but am scared of doing too  much ? Read about people walking 2 miles etc ? !  is there a hapy medium ? sorry for long post lol 

    • maureen44782
      maureen44782 jann_-jan

      Posted

      Gosh - you are so hard on yourself!  I think gaining confidence to walk again will take time.  Think of all the bad habits we've formed trying to avoid pain.  We all recover at different rates.  As long as recovery

      is happening, we are doing fine.  Plus we will have off days...we did before anything was wrong with our hips!  Upwards and onwards!

    • jann_-jan
      jann_-jan maureen44782

      Posted

      Hi yes you are probably right ! thnk Im just worrying unduly ! scared of dislocation but think I need to be more positive . Its been a long 7 months and feel like im repeating the recovery process again . ill get there in the end!Thank you! 
    • sandra_84282
      sandra_84282 jann_-jan

      Posted

      Tried 3 times to reply to you last night. Problem on this site every time. What I would say is that recovery for me is a roller coaster. 3 steps forward 1 back lol. Different pains in different places. Sleeping either ok or a nightmare.

      Everybody on the same journey but all different Jan. Don't measure by what anyone else says.

      Love and best wishes

      Sandra.

    • jann_-jan
      jann_-jan sandra_84282

      Posted

      Hi Sandra 

      Yes I had problems too ! anyway goot there in the end !

      I had noticed that your job is similar to mine , I work in an Older Peoples team in Social Work dept and drive around and go in peoples houses to do assessments . I am still off  sick althogh feeling a lot better now . Like you not seeng surgeon until 3rd Nov as he is on holiday so Im just going to stay on one crutch till then . Think Im just  worried that something else will be wrong as Ive had set backs in last 7 months and felt that I did everything I could to aid recovery but what happened was out of my hands just bad luck ! Feel like Im going i the right direction now but am also sceptical and scared of pushing myself too hard re exercises etc . Sleeping was a nightmare , slightly better now althouugh I waken up a lot most I sleep is 4 hrs now which is a lot better than when I first came home was lucky to sleep for an hour or two . getting little twinges in thigh and groin , them im like oh mustve done too much need to rest lol Thanks for replying this site is great gret loads info and people seem very supportive 

      Thanks! 

    • sandra_84282
      sandra_84282 jann_-jan

      Posted

      Hi Jan

      Yes I'm a fostering SW. I retired 3 years ago and lasted 3 months. Now working on zero hours for a LA but could be working 24/7 lol. Love my job. Dying to get back.

      It's the in and out of the car that can cause dislocation so we best wait and do as we are told. !

      I have groin pain off and on. Thought I might have dislocated then it went away and comes back again. Then I get an occasional clunck !

      Have heard others get the same. I'm good with the exercises as everyone says they are the key to strengthening and recovery. Now starting to build up the walking outside as I seem to sleep better with less restless legs.

      So my friend keep us posted on your progress. Must admit didn't think it would take this long or be this hard. Sleeping is the pits. Dying to curl up on my side !!!!

      Love and hugs xxx

    • renee01952
      renee01952 jann_-jan

      Posted

      hi jann-jan 

      I noticed that you are sort of new to this hippies forum ... warm welcome -

      would love to know more about you - so, only if you feel like sharing, okay?

      big warm hug

      renee

       

    • jann_-jan
      jann_-jan sandra_84282

      Posted

      Fostering is great x my friend in that dept and loves it 

      Yes I really enjoy job too and just want to get back to normal 

      I am 6 weeks today and when i look back at how sore i was and could hardly lift my leg i suppose i have improved a lot although it doesnt seem like it at the time 

      Like you I too am desperate to lie on my side ! I have tri ed it a couple of times with a pillow between legs then afye a few mintes i worry  and move bback oto back! 

    • jann_-jan
      jann_-jan renee01952

      Posted

      Hi Renee

      Thanks for the lovely welcome everyone is so friendly and welcoming on here 

      Yes I am new but have been readin the posts for a while, tried to register a ffew times and always had problems for some reason ! 

      If yo scroll up a few posts you will see a potted version of how I became to have a THR and its been a long haul ! Im 55 and was very active in my job and generally always rushing around so am finding the sitting about very difficult . Need to learn some patience ! I think I will be off work for another 4 or 5 weeks im going to take it easy and make sure I am healed properly! Thanks again !!  Jan xxx

       

    • sandra_84282
      sandra_84282 jann_-jan

      Posted

      Hi Jan. Your 6 weeks I'm 4 today. Had a 50/50 week. Two good days with coastal walks and a meal out. Tried the pillow between legs last night and found it really uncomfortable. You can sleep on operated side safely but that didn't work either so not a good night.

      Had an easy day today. It's all up and down. Hope your good. Keep us posted when you see your consultant. Mine is brilliant. Operates on premier footballers so I know I've had the best. However nobody's recovery is problem free. Get quite a bit of groin pain off and on

      Big hugs. X

    • jann_-jan
      jann_-jan sandra_84282

      Posted

      Hi Sandra 

      It ws after 4 weeks that I felt I had trned a corner and started being able to do things easier . Thik I was being a bit hard on myself and hoping for miracles!! This week has been pretty good Have been out a couple times meeting friends for coffee etc and last weekend had a weekend away up at Inveraray which was lovely , very flat no stairs at all so managed great . Felt like I had cabin fever and needed a change of scene , Felt like I was back in the land of the living when when I got away !  was a good feeling ! 

      wow your consultant sonds fab! Think mine ok I liked him annyway ! he looked a bit like David Tennant lol  will let you know how I go x have a good weekend ! 

    • sandra_84282
      sandra_84282 jann_-jan

      Posted

      My consultant is a guy called Ajay Malviya. I was recommended to him after 18 months of a useless consultant who I later found out was a below the knee specialist. 2 years ago I had a torn cartilage and through total neglect needed this hip replacement.

      I too am able to do far more for myself. Can potter in the house without sticks now but still use them for outside. It all just takes time and like you I'm a bit impatient. I am always busy and this sitting around drives me mad. Totally unlike my husband who loves his retirement.

      Have a great weekend too. Onwards and upwards xx

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.