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Breaking 90 degree rule

Posted , 16 users are following.

CelsB
CelsB

After Abbi's thread about her dislocations, it has got me wondering if anyone  inadvertently broke the 90 degree rule and got away with it.  I'm not planning to try it of course, even pre-op I'm practising moving without bending my bad hip more than 90 degrees, but there are times when I forget.  I'm sure after hip replacement I will be more aware, but do you hippies ever bend without thinking and if so, how has it affected you?

Cels x

5 likes, 49 replies

49 Replies

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  • DawnHU5-UK
    DawnHU5-UK CelsB

    Posted

    Hi Cels,

    I'm not saying that this is right, but I find myself quite often breaking it. Not deliberately by any means but because I forget. Every time I do it, I freak a little bit but there is no pain. I can now put my socks on and that is definitely breaking it although I reach down in between my knees as opposed to stretching over them, if that makes sense.

    Even last night I had to stop myself from sitting on the sofa with my legs curled up to the side. It felt right, but I didn't want to push it.

    As each day passes I am feeling more comfortable with what I can do but I'm still trying to be mindful of pushing it too far.

    Dawn x

    • MichaelTN1UK
      MichaelTN1UK DawnHU5-UK

      Posted

      Morning Dawn,

      May I ask how long post op you are? Only that I long for the day when I can start to get anywhere near my feet :-)

      Michael x

    • DawnHU5-UK
      DawnHU5-UK MichaelTN1UK

      Posted

      Hi Michael, I'll be 6 weeks on Thursday. My appt with the surgeon is on Wednesday.

      Dawn x

  • MichaelTN1UK
    MichaelTN1UK CelsB

    Posted

    Yes is the simple answer. I got up off a chair (about 5 days post op) and without thinking, broke the 90 degree rule. The hip region gave me quite a sharp pain and soon brought me to my senses.

    I was quite frightened as I wondered if I had dislocated - that was the extent of the pain. But after a few minutes the pain subsided. I was still quite shaken and felt incredibly stupid.  

    Others will tell you that if you do dislocate, you will know and will need ambulance help immedtiately - such is the pain levels. 

    Whilst on the same note, I tried to go up the stairs with my operated leg first (3.5 weeks post op). Once again, my body let me know I was no where near ready.

    Your body is incredible - and you should listen to it.

    Michael x

    • CelsB
      CelsB MichaelTN1UK

      Posted

      Thanks Michael,

      It's quite reassuring to know that it doesn't immediately mean the hip will dislocate.  That was worrying me.  Not that I intend to do it if I can help it!  I also worry about turning over in my sleep frown

    • MichaelTN1UK
      MichaelTN1UK CelsB

      Posted

      Sleeping can be an issue. Some people put pillows on either side to stop them rolling over. For me, I prop myself up with pillows so sleep sort of sitting up. That way, there is no chance of turning. It also help with back ache as I can not lie flat for long. And the extra bonus is that I do not snore in this position :-)
    • CelsB
      CelsB MichaelTN1UK

      Posted

      I bet Mrs Michael is glad about that biggrin

      I have a rug which I will have to take up after my op.  I am planning to roll it up and put it under the top end of my mattress to raise it.  I also have one of thise long 'v' shaped pillow to hopefully 'secure' me on my back.

      I love this forum.  Everyone is wonderful!

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK CelsB

      Posted

      Hi,

      Nikki reported on a special Cushion you can buy so you can sleep on your good side without worrying about rolling over.  

      I put a link to it on my website page "06►Home preparation"

      I'm not sure it's for me, but it just goes between your legs, and keeps you safely in one position.

      Graham

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK CelsB

      Posted

      I need a new spacebar on mylaptop I think ......

      Any full stop with a character after it is interpreted as a website address link. I think I have fallen foul of that rule yet again!

    • CelsB
      CelsB Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      I know!  I posted something a few weeks ago that was 'waiting to be moderated'  It didn't contain a link or unsuitable content (eek).  I really think this forum could do with a spellcheck or at least an 'edit' feature.  It never shows up typos and I forget to read my posts before pressing 'reply'.
    • abbiw
      abbiw CelsB

      Posted

      I too am sleeping sitting up with a v pillow so I cannot be tempted to try to rollover and I have had to move my sleeping arrangements downstairs too as going upstairs is impossible x
    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK CelsB

      Posted

      yes, or something that would warn you it was going for moderation toallow you to modify any problems.  see - spacebar not working again !
  • nikki52902
    nikki52902 CelsB

    Posted

    I have forgotten several times and am now 3 weeks on . It's easily done and hasn't done any damage . Of course it's important to try your hardest not to break it, but don't panic if you forget . Also practise lunging on good leg with operated leg out straight behind you . It's then possible to bend forward . Good luck with your op, I found the first 2 weeks quite hard but 3,weeks on have definitely turned a corner . X
    • CelsB
      CelsB nikki52902

      Posted

      I already do that Nikki as I do find bending difficult.  My friends laughingly call it my 'ballet dancers' pose'.  cheesygrin
  • abbiw
    abbiw CelsB

    Posted

    One big thing I'm struggling with CelsB is going to the toilet. How have people avoided the 90° rule then?
    • CelsB
      CelsB abbiw

      Posted

      I already have a raised toilet seat and stretch my bad leg out in front of me Abbi.  I have a tiny bathroom so with a radiator on one side and the sink on the other I find it okay.  Not sure if it will be as easy post op of course, but I found I was falling the last few inches down to the loo seat and decided to get one in advance.  It has certainly made things easier for me.
    • abbiw
      abbiw CelsB

      Posted

      Definitely one to try CelsB thank you x
    • rose0000
      rose0000 abbiw

      Posted

      Leg stretched out, and sit slowly in a controlled fashion. If you do not have something solid and sturdy to hold onto you need a frame for the first six weeks.
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