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hip replacement and pelvis reconstruction

Posted , 6 users are following.

fiona71669
fiona71669

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could advise me. I am due to have a hip replacement and reconstruction of my pelvis done in 3 weeks and was wondering if anyone else on here had the same and if so, could advise on recovery times etc. Does the 6 week 90 degrees still stand or is it longer? How long do you use crutches for? Will I be able to wear heels again? How long are you normally off work for?

1 like, 23 replies

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  • Mary8610
    Mary8610 fiona71669

    Posted

    Hi Fiona , welcome to the mad house .

    you don't have to be mad to be on this forum but it helps . 

    I have lots of tips about a THR but not reconstruction . Am sure someone will reply about that . Keep in touch

    Mary 

    South Wales

    • Globe410
      Globe410 Mary8610

      Posted

      Hello mary, I'm 29 years old and was in a serious car accident which requires me to have a THR, I'm scared out of my mind What can I expect with the recovery process from this, and post surgery.

    • carolSte
      carolSte Globe410

      Posted

      Hello Mary, Im 56 so obviously a lot older. However,, just under 7 weeks ago I had a THR with donor bone grafts, my 17th operation after problems since i was a child. I dont mind telling you I was very frightened and cried most days in my car so I didnt worry my family. I can honestly tell you, hand on heart, it was nothing like i thought it would be. If you stick to all the instructions re pain relief and exercises you will be fine. The didnt get me up straight away because of the grafts. Once I was up they gave me a frame and i took some slow steps with that, i then transferred to crutches. i stayed on crutches partial weight bearing for 6 weeks and now use a stick. I am getting some aches (not pain) now as the hip has effectively been resting for 6 weeks and I now need to build up my muscles. I find it hard to get used to sleeping on my back and the support stockings! I have been very happy with my progress, much better than expected so pleased not to worry too much. Im back to driving in a week or so. graduall, day by day, things improve. Listen to your body and, whilst its important to be active, its vital to rest too.

      Good luck. Let me know how you get on and ask any questions you want to, im happy to support you as I had support on here before my op. xxx

  • fiona71669
    fiona71669

    Posted

    Thanks Mary. I have seen some great advice on here and hopefully someone can help. Love that everyone is upbeat and supportive of one another.

  • Paganalley
    Paganalley fiona71669

    Posted

    Hi, had a total hip replacement and reconstruction done January 2014. 

    The team, especially the surgeon were VERY specific about the 90* degree rule - and longer than 6 weeks!!!! High heels were another BIG no-no. It also depends on which hip you get and why and the size of the repair/re-build. 

    I returned to physio last summer to help with more mobility in the hip. Am over 90* - but I think this happens slowly and naturally any way - getting in and out of cars, shoe laces, shaving your legs(?!) etc. Have started wearing higher heels but sticking to quite chunky ones (thank goodness for the 70's revival) and not wearing all day/evening. Hip aches a LOT after a while but getting better. Work on muscle strengthening exercises and glute's which definitately helps a lot. Also hadn't realised how great crutches were for the arms! No bingo wings after a couple of weeks. Was almost sad to see them go Lolz! 

    Good luck x

    Be kind to yourself and careful with that hip - get healing first. 

    • Mary8610
      Mary8610 Paganalley

      Posted

      Glald to hear you are doing well . Can you remember when you were allowed to sleep without a pillow between your legs? Mary
    • fiona71669
      fiona71669 Paganalley

      Posted

      Thanks, it sounds as if you are doing really well. Looking forward to the bingo wing work out, I could be doing with that! How long till driving again? I wasn't sure about the heels as I feel a bit unbalanced at the moment but don't like totally flatties. It may sound a bit petty but it is good to hear from someone that has gone through the same and benefit from first hand experiences.

      Still a bit apprehensive but hearing about the positive experiences on here helps.

    • Mary8610
      Mary8610 fiona71669

      Posted

      I wasn't allowed to drive until 6 week check up . Told to inform ins or it would be invalid if involved in an accident .

      they made a note , it didn't cost anything .

    • fiona71669
      fiona71669 Mary8610

      Posted

      Thanks, it looks like 6 weeks is the magic number when I will get my freedom back again then hopefully.
    • Mary8610
      Mary8610 fiona71669

      Posted

      It makes such a difference when you can be mobile again .

      i have an automatic and had left hip done sidriving was no prob , bit uncomfortable getting in and out of the car though

  • sue18692
    sue18692 fiona71669

    Posted

    Hi Fiona, I had a pelvic reconstruction and total right hip replacement on 17th April 2014 lmost a year ago. I am back to walking which I could not do this time last year and wearing heels although not for too long at a time,  I wont say that it has not been a struggle some of the time and I still get pain if I do too much but it is worth it because I have got my life back.  Good luck with the op and believe me in a years time you will look back and not believe how far you have come.  Sue
    • fiona71669
      fiona71669 sue18692

      Posted

      Thanks for sharing that sue, did you get crutches to start with? How long before moving off them?

  • carolSte
    carolSte fiona71669

    Posted

    Hi Fiona,

    Click here to view image

    • fiona71669
      fiona71669 carolSte

      Posted

      Hi Carol,

      I am getting on really well thank you, this operation was really worthwhile and I am glad I got it done.  I was apprehensive about getting it done as well, especially the bone graft and reconstruction, but it was not nearly as bad as I thought.  I was cleared to drive after my 6 week check up but was still using one of my crutches out and about until I was confident enough.  My physio advised me to use a crutch even though I felt fine as it alerted other people or motorists that I may not be so quick to react or move out of the way for them.  If it is any consolation, I am now back doing fitness classes, pilates and zumba (and wearing heels again!).  Good luck with the op and let us know how you get on.  x

  • carolSte
    carolSte fiona71669

    Posted

    thankyou Fiona, thats very encouraging. Do you mind me asking your age? Im 56
    • fiona71669
      fiona71669 carolSte

      Posted

      Not at all, I am 53. Where are you getting your operation done? I had mine in Edinburgh.

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