Height of train seat after hip replacement

Hi Damaris,

Thanks for your comments. Yes I have been told to keep to the "no more than 90 degree angle for knees" - so long as knees are lower than hips. Hence no sitting on low chairs/ sofas etc. for at least the first 3 months. Weird that you were told that you could touch your toes at 6 weeks. I'm in the UK. Where do you live?

Hi

I am also in the UK . It is so dependent on the person/ the surgeon/ the physio I guess. That is why I asked you if they had told you to do that. The general advice is no more acute than 90 degrees. My surgeon is quite matter of fact and tough. Possibly he has a very low dislocation rate?

I was very anxious about that aspect last time but less so this time.

It is great that you are doing so well. I wish i had found this forum last time!

My PT should me how to bend down, it kind of freaks me out, but did it this morning after cooking. Isn't it how it goes when you are told not to pick stuff up you drop everything?

I think all this applies mainly to those who have the traditional posterior approach. My guy who favours the anterior ( front ) approach rejected any idea of limitations on my movements and has had no dislocations in nine years.

Thats a thought Ellen. Ill take a cushion. Thanks.

Hi Julie

Thanks for your reply. I hope you're right , that the seats are not too low. I have been told to still keep to the rule about no low chairs or anything where my knees would be higher than my hip for at least the first 3 months.

I'm going to visit my son at Christmas , who will be on his own. He lives in London and I'm up north. So an errand of mercy really. If I take a cushion just to be sure I'm sure it will be okay.

hi. yes I was similar but found abt that time anyway I felt ok sitting on lower seats /sofas than the higher seat at home . but even now at almost 7 months I still prefer firmer seats and wouldn't dream if sitting on anything too low. it may be a confidence thing but I'm ok with that atm .

yes my trip was from the midlands to liverpool and it was a family do I coulnt miss so I know how you're feeling. I've since done the trip again and first feel tired after so I know I've improved.

best wishes for your Christmas in London

Thanks Joan

I'm not as bothered about comfort as I am about not chancing dislocating my new hip. I've been told not to sit on low chairs for first 3 months. If the knee is higher than the hip there is the chance of dislocation. I will take a cushion and hope that makes it high enough.

Thanks Ellen! I started driving this week - it feels like I've rejoined the human race haha.

I'm a bit nervous of going down to London to see my son at Christmas. Mainly because of seating/ toilets etc.. and the amount of walking I usually do there. Looking forward to seeing him of course and fun in the capital.

Hi Maureen, I live in north London and I was ok on trains, buses and the underground by about 5 weeks post op. I stuck my operated leg out in front when I sat down, and didn't break the 90 degree rule. I was still using crutches and people were brilliant at offering their seats.

I hope you have a lovely time, London is looking very festive!

Hi Judith, Thats very encouraging that you managed okay on buses, trains and underground at only 5 weeks. I'm probably being a bit overcautious but its my first THR and I'd hate to dislocate it just by sitting too low. My physio stresses a lot about the 90 degree rule. I will be almost 10 weeks when I travel so you've made me feel a lot better about it. Thanks so much.

My son is in North London too - Barnet

Looking forward to a festive London.

Hope you have a lovely Christmas too.

I am not driving yet Maureen to soon. Going in the car and having someone else drives is insane, they want to throw me out of the car. Talk about a back seat driver.

I to am afraid to have cross over with my new hip. I sleep like a mummy on my back surrounded with pillows. Someone should make a 30 minute sit-com of me getting ready for bed and getting in bed.

This is hard even though it is my second go around.

Hi Ellen. before I'd had my RTHR in may if this year if anyone had asked me id have sd the 2nd op is the same as the first but now listening to most stories on here I realise it probably rarely is . I think the first offers you a timeline you can judge the 2nd one by but even then that can be disheartening if it takes longer or your recovery isn't as good as the first so I'm learning if I ever need my other hip doing ( which in all probability I will ) is to try to see it as an isolated surgery. suppose they're like my children - both girls / look similar but very different lol.

I do think having the 2nd one done shows an element if bravery on anyones part. with the first you go into it almost blind not really knowing what will happen but with the 2nd you've more than a good idea lol.

I dont regret my surgery at all and am extremely grateful for being given a 2nd chance as it were.

Hi Julie

You are right the first does give you a timeline against which to judge the second. my two ( 9 months apart) have been different ( I kept a journal) and I guess I am fortunate that the second is better than the first. That being said they have both followed a very similar path. Having the same surgeon is quite important, I think. He/ She will know you and your particular gait etc

This forum is great for helping with confidence and it clearly highlights the differences and similarities with people's experiences

Hi Maureen, you're wise to be cautious. I think I had minimally invasive surgery, which makes the initial recovery a bit easier. But I was still v careful about the 90 degree rule.

I'm not sure how long your initial train journey is, but as someone already commented, probably worth getting up and stretching your legs if you can.

I used to live in Barnet, now I'm v close by in Crouch End. I hope you have a lovely time!