Bending normally

Posted , 12 users are following.

I'm 12+who now and am still nervous about exceeding the 90 degree rule. Can any of you longtime post ops let me know when you did full bending and if you did it very carefully and how do you know if you should go no further bending. Presumably it's a dislocation that could result but do you get a warning b4 this would happen??

1 like, 16 replies

16 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Colin! I am 9 months out and according to my doc had no restrictions. I had the anterior-lateral approach.

    Most of the time though I still stretch my op leg behind me when I bend over. I still sleep with a pillow between my legs (mostly because it helps spinal OA).

    I still have limping if I walk for a long distance. I still have achey feeling that I atribute to the surgery.

    Just call your doc and ask for sure if you have any restrictions at this point.

    Good luck to you!

     

  • Posted

    How was your surgery done anterior approach, lateral, or posterior? Depending on your approach will determine when you can cross that plane.
    • Posted

      It was lateral metal/xlink hdpe. Does it make any difference?
  • Posted

    Hi Colin

    I'm 13 weeks post op. When I saw my consultant at about 7 weeks ago he said I could do more or less everything except bending and stretching to the left/right at the same time.

    I bend down to pick things up I have dropped, sometimes still using the golfer technique but now mostly just bending down. I think I go with what my body feels is right but what may be right for me may not be right for you.

    Have you seen your consultant for the follow up meeting and what did he tell you?

    Linnet x

    • Posted

      Yes I saw my surgeon 6wpo but I didn't ask the question then cos I didn't think I was anywhere near bending normally at that stage. He didn't want to see me for a year but I think I better get another appointment.

      My problem with golf bend is that I have very tight hamstring on the non op leg. It's the fear of dislocating that stops me bending normally.

       

    • Posted

      I think it would be a good idea Colin to see your consultant (mine gave me an open appointment for anything that comes up 6 months post op) and/or see your physio as a pulled hamstring wouldn't be too good either.

      Take care, better safe than sorry

      Linnet x

  • Posted

    I am 6 months out and have been bending fully since restrictions were lifted at 6 weeks. I regularly bend over and tie my boots, for example, with my knees only bent a little bit and feet almost together. I probably go into a bend a little bit more slowly than pre-surgery, but then I do everything more slowly these days. No problems so far.
  • Posted

    Hi Colin. I had the posterior approach- so the most restrictive I think- and I'm almost 11 months now. I bend normally, squat and get down to the floor in the normal  way. BUT I took it slowly only moving as far as was comfortable each time but pushing it a tiny bit the next - if that makes sense. I took it at my own pace and ignored everyone else's recovery (in a nice way). My arthroplasty nurse and physio both said I could do these movements from about 10 weeks and indee my physio was " encouraging " me from week 6. I think if you feel able and ready then just do it but slowly and if you can't today you might be able to tomorrow. 

    Catrin

  • Posted

    Hi Colin

    I had posterior r hip and am almost 12 weeks post op saw my surgeon at 6 weeks and he lifted all restrictions have been bending normally ever since.

    I still cant lie on either side in bed for too long and have a pillow between my knees but am walking without sticks now and only a slight limp when getting up from sitting down for a while.

    Regards Julie

  • Posted

    Hey Colin

    I am 6 weeks tommorow from fhr and to be honest l have been bending for the past couple of weeks and my body feels able to do it. I was at my physio last week and told her and she seemed fine about it. Although everyone's recovery is diffrent l think you should be ok if you feel comfortable doing it. I tie shoe laces and out socks on while sitting down to. I try not to twist as l would feel more at risk with this.

    Its just habit if you drop something you automatically pick it up and l think thats how l started and its not done any harm as my physio said the movement in my leg was really good.

    I am sure your body would feel it if you are not ready to do it.

  • Posted

    Hi Colin, 

    Are you comfortable bending beyond the 90 degree? I am still a bit apprehensive at 18 weeks post-op from 2nd THR - doing the golfer's thing or just sticking my leg straight back - it is getting better with time and confidence !

    SO I agree, if you feel comfortable, do it - if not, just be cautious - 

    I can still not put on my socks without an aid or cut my toe nails - 

    My PT has been encouraging me to bend over and touch my toes eek - scary and I did it in front of him only - Maybe I am too careful ...

    Go at your own pace and all will be well !!!

    big warm hug

    renee

     

    • Posted

      Thanks Renee. The fear is that if I push myself to get down to my feet then I could dislocate. Is that a possibility. My back is too stiff to be able to bend from the waist so would have to bend at my hips exceeding the 90 by some degree hence my dilemma
  • Posted

    I re-stretched the muscles by degrees after six weeks. My joint let me know each time I got to 'that's enough' point. I gradually kept at it until I could bend although it remains a little stiff even after 6 months.

    Consultant warning to me was bending over is fine but DO NOT EVER turn leg out to the side and lift leg up - that is lifelong and due to the cup used.

    Go with your own flow, Colin, we are all different

  • Posted

    I was told no rotating leg/foot out to side and then lifting the leg up - I was never quite sure when I would actually do this normally unless I was a ballet dancer!

    With my cup and stem combo I also cannot squat or crouch. I have to be ladylike and keep me knees together!

    We are all different, Colin, I am 53 and was very fit but had worn away an awful lot of hip and the cup is a shallower 'trinity' cup

    • Posted

      Thanks Kate. Can't see me doing that either unless the wife gets some funny ideas when I'm recovered. I was playing football a couple of times a week until I was 50 and playing golf up to a couple of weeks b4 op so you can imagine how frustrating this whole predicament is 4 me and am sure with you . Not being able to even put socks on is grrrrrr!

      Love your poem btw

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