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Bored!!!!!!!!

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susan52056
susan52056

i'm nearly 6 weeks post op THR and I am so bored and fed up. Went to physio yesterday and she told me that the 90 degree limitation applies for 12 weeks! Couldn't believe it, I thought it would end at 6 weeks. So still can't bend down and do routine tasks eg. the washing, hoovering. Seeing surgeon tomorrow and even if he says I can drive I don't think I'll be able to as I'm very tall and would have to break the 90 degree rule to drive the car.

Help, I'm fed up !!!!!!!

 

0 likes, 45 replies

45 Replies

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  • nancypirate
    nancypirate susan52056

    Posted

    Susan:  I think the 12 week rule may be overly conservative. I am also very tall (6 ft) and was able to drive, with the doctor's easy approval, as of around 7 weeks. That's not to say it was easy getting in and out of the car, but I just made sure I could move the seat back as far as possible and I could open the driver's side door as wide as I could. Also helped to have the seat back reclined quite a bit. But the psychological benefit of being back to driving was priceless. At almost 3 months out now, I do still deal with some pain and a slight limp, so I'm not one of the cases where everything is perfect in terms of recovery, but getting there. Go for it if you're at all comfortable with it.
    • susan52056
      susan52056 nancypirate

      Posted

      Thanks Nancy, totally agree with you. It'll be great to get out and about again xx
    • deborah33754
      deborah33754 susan52056

      Posted

      Susan, I agree ... My dad is a great caretaker and if it is not snowing he takes me with him to do errands.. An opportunity to get some fresh air and walk some... 
  • ginny35168
    ginny35168 susan52056

    Posted

    Dear Susan,

    I am 43 years old 7 weeks post op THR .  I can relate to being bored.  Sometimes it drives me insane.  I have things to do, but don't do them.  I was feeling sorry for myself in the beginning too.  However, that changed for me. One week prior to my surgery, my sister was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  She has been going thru chemo treatments.  When she called one day to see how my recovery was and I started to cry about my pain, she politely told me to "suck it up and stick it out, that I was going to get better eventually and she was not".  My whole attidtude changed.  She was right.  I still struggle with with being bored and am anxious to get back to work but I stopped feeling sorry for myself over it.  Im not saying that we shouldnt have our moments, but hearing her say that to me put my life back into perspective.  I just started to drive the car on short distance trips, and i make sure my sister comes with me.  She is the most up-lifting person I know.  Hoping this story helps you just a bit.  I too want spring to come and I need sunshine to help me smile more......  So, good luck to you and keep your chin up, we are all in this together even though we never met!!!!  Ginny USA

    • mark26805
      mark26805 ginny35168

      Posted

      WOW, nothing like a story like that to put it all into perspective. We are the lucky ones, living in a society where having our joints repaired as we get older is seen as normal and expected.

      Things could be so much different if we had been born in a different country.

      Stiff Upper Lip; keep on smiling and think of the better times ahead.

      Also a big thank you to all the people that post, good and the bad times help the rest of us make decisions....

  • Paulus1949
    Paulus1949 susan52056

    Posted

    Hi Susan.

    I certainly wouldn't go against professional advice you've been given, but can say that after 2.5 weeks I can pick things up,walk a few hundred yards outside using 2crutches,and being on my own this week have had to do washing,cooking etc without much trouble.

    I also managed to sleep on my side for a few hours,,good side down,last night with no issues..

    I have even heard of some folks driving after 4wks,which I won't be doing..the point is everybody heals at different rates..I would definately try walking very day.

    I got myself really fit pre op by stationary cycling and walking every few days about 2months before the op,and I think it has made a significant difference to my what I can now do a few weeks post op.

    Good luck,you should improve fast from now on.

  • Paulus1949
    Paulus1949 susan52056

    Posted

    Forgot to say walking to the shops and just meeting and chatting to people makes a massive difference to your mental state,the power of fresh air and a bit of exercise shouldn't be underestimated.cheesygrin
  • lindabowles
    lindabowles susan52056

    Posted

    Hi Susan. I am 64 and two and half weeks post THR and already I get frustrated and a bit stir crazy. My husband has been brilliant but I find it frustrating not to be able to pick things up,jump in the car etc. i go for walk every day, going a bit further each time and am down to one stick. I know its a long journey and will be worth it but it is frustrating. This forum is great and makes you realise you are not alone. We can all support each other. My consultant is pretty relaxed about the 'rules' so will be interesting to see what he says about 90 degree rule when I see him end of March. Keep positive and know you are not alone.

    Hugs. Linda

    • lee47625
      lee47625 lindabowles

      Posted

      Hi! I am 66 yrs old and this THR is my first hip but fifth total joint replacement. I live in the US and am 4 wks post THR .I've found that there is quite a bit of difference in post op recovery programs, depending on your surgeon, the type joint  used, how the artificial hip is set , your general health history and such. So while I am interested in how various post op,programs work I know that my situation may be very different

      from others and try very hard to stick with the schedule I've been put on by my surgeon. 

      Talk about bored, sulky, frustrated& aggravated😳. The first three weeks was no weight bearing on surgical side. Then a week of 20% like toe touching for balance , then 50% for two weeks then finally 100% weight bearing. So aprox 7 wks for full weight bearing as tolerated and it is not easy to be patient & sweet natured waiting for the healing. Wish I could say I've been so but that would not be truthful!! But for a new 20 yr knee I have resigned myself to doing exactly as ordered, as that has worked well for all my previous joint replacements.

      And as you said this  is the best place in the world to get good advice, encouragement and know how & support. Thank God I found it a month pre-op and got myself prepared beforehand with THR kits and info on best way to do just about everything .

      so thank you so much  everyone for being here then, now and hopefully for a long time to come. I know I'll be back very soon yelping for help.☺️

    • Sparky_57Female
      Sparky_57Female lee47625

      Posted

      Hi Lee, I a m amazed at that. My Physios in hospital told me from day one (1st day after op) that I could weight bear on THR . It's only the pain that tells you that you can't. I know med treatment Iis different in the states and covered by insurance I think? Could this be a way of getting more appts with you to charge for? 

      Incidentally I was fortunate enough to have my treatment done privately under husbands  med insurance policy, provided by HP  (his employers).

      treatments were 4 days hosp stay, inc physio. 3 follow up physio sessions, follow up review with surgeon. Plus one more end March. 

      Seems very long winded?

      in conclusion, body's arnt like the medical books. Everyone is different and have age and health plus previous treatments to consider so the healing process is going to be different no matter what.

      i just hope when I have my left hip done it goes as well as this one has. I am very pleased with my progress of nine weeks.

      goodnight all, 2.30am here 💤💤💤💤💤💤💤💤

       

    • lee47625
      lee47625 Sparky_57Female

      Posted

      My surgeon is using a method that involves putting a triangular metal pin  in the femur  that has a cheese grater appearance. The idea is that you own bone will fill in the spaces and the insert will become part of it. No glues or cements that could come loose. He said it should last  2o+ yrs., which is longer than most. The catch is that you have to be patient and give your bone a chance to meld with insert. I probably am messing up explaining it, but being my 5th replacement I really want it to last as long as I do!!!!! 

      I don't see surgeon until 7 wks post op which is when I start the full weight bearing. The physical therapist makes home visits twice a week unit then.

      with government program picking up the bill doubt it is a money issue.

      bedtime now😊

    • deborah33754
      deborah33754 lee47625

      Posted

      Lee, that is similar to what I have, no cement ....but also had both at the same time 

      How are you feeling?

      I am 4 weeks out, muscles feel great, sleeping on both sides AND sleeping is close to normal for me.... in about 3 hour chunks as opposed to 1 hour. 

      I can can get dressed without having to sit down! Has been about 8 months since I could say that!

      BUT like you said, need to give time for the bone to meld around the insert so am still on two canes (sticks)

    • lee47625
      lee47625 deborah33754

      Posted

      Wow Deborah, you are incredible.. Both at the same time; how did you manage?!!!!.   I also am four weeks out but nowhere near where you are my recovery process. I want so badly to sleep on my side I can hardly stand it. My PT says no because of wanting to prevent my surgical leg crossing over the othe leg; apparently a big strain on op hip.

      it is encouraging to be reminded this is temporary! 

      Bless you

  • lynnsfave
    lynnsfave susan52056

    Posted

    I live in the U.S., and I was told 6 weeks for the 90 degree rule.  I had my surgery 2/4, and I'm driving (I'm 5'8" and have a Prius), doing routine tasks (running the clothes washer and dryier; I have front loaders).  When I have to bend over, like to get in the washer, I put my op leg straight out back (like a golfer when he tees a ball).  I'm not doing anything stupid, but I have to get things done around the house.  I do have a cleaning lady who does the majority of cleaning and changing my bed, so I'm grateful for that.
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