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sandra67350
sandra67350

I am so glad I found this discussion forum.  I am 2 weeks post op from RTHR with cementless ceramic on ceramic.  I am doing ok.  Day after op I was got out of bed and used frame to get to toilet etc.  Next morning Doc and nurse came to my bed and said medically I was signed off and just needed physio to do the same.  Physio arrived soon after and introduced me to my crutches and watched me to go bathroom and get on and off toilet, walk down corridor and up and down 4 steps, sit in chair and get on and off bed.  She then said all OK and I was discharged there and then.  My only follow up is at 14 weeks post op with consultant.  Consultant was brilliant and scar is disolving stitches and very tidy.  Swelling now gone down.  A couple of days ago I discovered that I was walking fairly normally and not putting my wieght on crutches.  I tried without and can amanage around the house for a short time.  Still use them outside.  Have reduced to one crutch inside house just for security and balance.  Athough in pain I never used any aid before my op, just persevered.  My pain level is now very low and just have a minor ache in thigh after doing things.  Sleeping on back is problematic and have slept on un-operated side with pillow between legs last few nights for a short while although leg does ache from this.  I am not wanting to rush this recovery but my body seems to be ok with what I am doing.  I am just wondering if I am doing too much too soon though.  It is difficult having had no excercises given or instructions except for the 90 degree, no twisting and no turning foot of operated leg inwards restrictions.   

1 like, 17 replies

17 Replies

  • paul45653
    paul45653 sandra67350

    Posted

    I have been following the recovery discussions as they are posted while contimplating a THR at the age of 86. My cardiologist says I will have no problem with the general anesthetic etc dispite having heart disease and a triple bypass 7 years ago and several minor incidents since. My other problem, kidney disease she also says is well within the limits for safety. I am now asking anyone interested or who is posting their recovery details, to include their age and other medical problems. I really need to aquire as much info as possible in coming to a decision on this surgery.
    • sandra67350
      sandra67350 paul45653

      Posted

      Hi Paul. I am 61yrs old and just have high blood pressure which I take meds for. I opted for spinal injection and general anaesthetic and happy with this decision. For about a year before op having retired early I did very little as each step was so painful. I was very unfit and often short of breath. 2 weeks on I feel so much better already. Yes there were different sorts of pain, sleep problems, swelling and numbness to deal with initially but I rested 1st mostly just walking to loo and back to rest my body. On day 3 I did say to my other half 'why did you let me do this ' 2 days later I was saying I'd do it all againn any day to feel better and know all pain will soon be gone. If you're in pain it's a no brained. ...start enjoying life again

    • paul45653
      paul45653 sandra67350

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply Sandra. I also have high blood pressure under control. I thought one either had spinal or general anaesthetic. I will have to have general as there is a lot of arthritic buildup for them to find their way through. Its the general anaesthetic that is more punishing to the body if one has other problems.
    • sandra67350
      sandra67350 paul45653

      Posted

      Where I had mine done they recommend spinal saying it helps with pain level post surgery. As I wanted to just sleep and wake up done they suggested both. I hope you manage to come to a decision about going ahead that feels right for you.
    • paul45653
      paul45653 sandra67350

      Posted

      Its not an easy decision. Wife no longer drives. But I have some very good kids and grandkids. Its the guilt of using up so much of their time and energy.
    • sandra67350
      sandra67350 paul45653

      Posted

      if you were to ask the family if they minded helping out for mainly around 6 weeks to get rid of your pain I'm sure you would know the answer. Besides you will feel so good you will be able to help them more and enjoy it. I am surprised how quickly I am able to do normal things again and am not such a burden as I thought I would be

    • claudia95892
      claudia95892 paul45653

      Posted

      Hi Paul, I am 52 years old with very low blood pressure and my body does nto take general  very well. My operation was done under an epidural and they had me walkin, not bering weight the same day. I was also eating 4 hrs post operation and discharged 2 days later. No vomitting, no diarrhea, no need for a lot of morphine, which can also affet blood pressure.  I go to a therapeutic rehab pool class and many of my bodies are 80+.  We support each other and stay active and pain free.  Hope this helps.
  • erin1956
    erin1956 sandra67350

    Posted

    sandra67350

    It sounds like you did the direct anterior approach (top of thigh near groin area). I had a LTHR last November via anterior approach and I had similar results. The advice that was given to me was less is more for the first 6 weeks. Although I was given some very basic exercises to do through the 6 week period. I had follow-up at 6 weeks and startred PT at 8 weeks. But basically ice a lot to keep swelling down.

    The pillow between the legs is a very comfortable position when on my side.

    When in doubt call your doctor and/or his/her asst.

    I have scheduled my RTHR for Oct 2 and can hardly wait. If the outcome is as good as the left was, I will be estatic with results.

    Take care,

    • sandra67350
      sandra67350 erin1956

      Posted

      Hi Erin. I had posterior op. I just hope this isn't a honeymoon period and does keep improving all the time. Good luck with your op on Oct 2. I was nervous about op but if I had to have another I wouldn't hesitate

  • RichardKen
    RichardKen sandra67350

    Posted

    Dear Sandra

    You are doing very well indeed. Let you body tell you how fast to go and I'm sure you will not go far wrong.

    Cheers Richard

    • sandra67350
      sandra67350 RichardKen

      Posted

      Thank you Richard. Feeling like a million dollars compared to before op which can only be a good thing
  • claudia95892
    claudia95892 sandra67350

    Posted

    Hi Sandra:  I go to a  hip rehab class and some of the participants start as soon as the incision is healed.  They have different levels and they always recommend that you listen to your body. The classes are usually bout45 min long and they have an instructor who will make sure that you are doing them right. My personnal experience is that after the class, I am tired and have muscle fatigue and the good days I try to do a little bit more and the days where the muscles ache I tend to do a little bit less and massage with rub 535..  With my first hip replacement I was back and running in a month, taking care of 2 young children and running a restaurant.  21 years later they had to resect it and it took a billtle bit longer, ie 3 months till I could go back to work but I was not bearing weight for 8 weeks.  I just had my right hip done 5 weeks ago and I am still nto allowed to bear weight till I see my doctor in a week.  I did start the rehab pool today.  I find that any exercise in the pool is so much easier on the hip, the muscles, etc.  Just wear antislippery shoes.  There are quite a few good youtube videos on what exercises to do to strengthen the leg muscles-quads, abductors, glutes. As I got stronger I added resistance using bean bags and attaching them with a velcro or old pantyhose around the ankles.  Best of luck and my advice is to push forward but to loisten to your  hip.
    • sandra67350
      sandra67350 claudia95892

      Posted

      As I live in Mid Wales UK not sure I'm going to find rehab classes but good idea to look on Internet. You are right in that I need to listen to my hip. I think I will do what my body allows me to but take time out to rest regularly too to recover. With such conflicting advice there is no option than to listen to your surgeon or in my case listen to your body

    • claudia95892
      claudia95892 sandra67350

      Posted

      Mos t community pools  have therapy pools in Canada.  Everyone is different since all depends on how bad was the hip. Listen to your doctor and your body.  I also have an exercise bike and I bike 15 min while watching my favoourite show.  As I can manage those 15 min, then I start increasing the time and resistance. I am also walking about 3 houses every dayand back and increase by a meter every day. Always be careful and go slowly.  I am the go go personality so this is really hard to not push forward fast.   Best of luck.
  • cathrine50028
    cathrine50028 sandra67350

    Posted

    Hi there: Great to hear you are doing so well!!! I have right HR scheduled for August 17th and I am getting nervous...I had 3 compartment TKR (right) done 3 years ago and that was HELL to recoup from...not a fund 7 or 8 months but SO worth it now! I need my left knee done after the right hip...falling apart...LOL!! Where did you have your surgery done? I am going to Lions Gate hospital in Vancouver, BC. I have FIVE dogs and I don't know what I will do with the hubby working 8.5 hours a day and 2 dogs that are near blind/have medical issues/walking them when they are rescues and this will not be easy to get done by anyone except me...Just finished raising my bed/chair/toilet...got the walker, scooter....everything I think I will need. Did you get a general or spinal? I am 61/female. Thank you! >CAT<

    • sandra67350
      sandra67350 cathrine50028

      Posted

      Hi Cat. Same age and with all those dogs you are likely to be fairly fit despite the pain so recover is apparently quicker. I had both spinal and general as both were offered and having had a bad experience last year being awake for cataract op I needed to be asleep. I had mine done in UK specialist orthopaedic hosp which was good just bothered that don't seem to have aftercare advice. Perhaps it is that simple, follow the restrictions to stop dislocation and then listen to your body. Couple of things I noticed....when walking with crutches I concentrate on walking with correct form (like I used to many years ago lol) heal then toe etc and balance between both legs, upright. This was when I noticed I was not putting weight onto crutches and that it was actually less painful too. With regard the dogs that is a problem but won't be for long hopefully. Good luck for 17th

    • claudia95892
      claudia95892 cathrine50028

      Posted

      Hi Catherine. I had mine at Mount Sinai .  Left hip on Dec 5 2016, back to work on March 1 2016.  That one was done under general since it was a resection and it took over 4.5 hr of operating time.  They did my right  hip on July 5th and I start pool rehab today. This one was done with an epidural and they had me walking 4 hr post op.  I was discharged 2 days later. I am doing myexercises  as directed. Hopping one one leg as I go outside and walk up and down the street.   I love plastic plates since they do not break.  I have the coffee mugs that do not spill and a little bar fridge with all the food for the day right besides the microwave on the kitchen table. Made small meals and froze them so that it will  be easier.  Good luck with the dogs.  Is there a neighbour that could help you out?  Iwas nervous and put mine off for  a long time but I wish that I had done it sooner becasue it is wonderful to be pain free. Wishing you a quick recovery. Claudia
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