Hip, Hip, Hooray - 1 year old today

HI there Hippies

I'd just like to announce that my new hip is 1 year old today and share a few observations for those about to welcome a new hip or already sporting a young prosthesis.

My right posterior THR was performed here in the UK on 17th November 2017. Operation was conducted with a spinal block under sedation. I experienced some discomfort post op but this was well managed with medication. I also need to have a catheter inserted for 24hrs as my bladder would not function naturally due to the residual effects of the spinal block. That however resolved quite quickly and I was discharged on the 3rd day with pain meds, laxatives to counter the effects of the codeine and heparin self-injection kits to counteract potential blood clots (DVT). This was a welcome alternative to the torture of surgical stockings.

I had previously attended a "Hippies Tutorial" sponsored by the Physiotherapy department so I had the exercise regime to hand and all the necessary physical aids such as crutches, a perching stool, toilet frame, grabber, leg lifting strap etc to make coping at home more easy.

The first couple of weeks was quite challenging. I did experience a fair bit of swelling to my operated leg - particularly around my ankle. However that subsided eventually and progress was good thereafter.

I was able to drive again after 3 weeks due to my car being an automatic and my new hip being on the left (no clutch pedal to worry about). Only real problem was finding parking spaces where I could get the car door open fully to allow me easy access while my hip was less flexible and the 90 degree rule was in effect. As an aside I wish the UK authorities would allow new hippies to have a temporary blue (disabled) badge so that we could use those wider parking spots for a few weeks until our flexibility improves.

I managed to ditch my crutches after about 5 weeks and then relied on a walking stick when outdoors. I did experience a quantum leap in fitness and flexibility after I returned to cycling regularly in April - maybe 3 - 4 times a week with distances between 6 and 15 miles. I would seriously urge others out there to at least try some regular low impact exercise like that as a means to speeding up their recovery.

12 months on I am now back to normal in terms of flexibility and mobility. I still occasionally get slight pins and needles in my operated leg and the odd ache in my hip area if I sit too long in one position ( a 6hr drive from Scotland in September being a case in point)

For all of you about to enter the Hippy club or for those recently signed up - keep an optimistic outlook. In general things will resolve themselves in time and remember keep doing those exercises

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