Hip replacement - chronic limp
Posted , 13 users are following.
Hi - I've just found this amazing forum and wondered if anyone else can relate to my situation.
i had a total hip replacement and am 8 weeks in recovery. I was using a stick in the 8 months up to my op and was in terrible pain before i finally broke it.
Anyway, I can get around on one crutch mostly but need 2 to go out with. Groin is so tight and painful and limp is like a comedy one. I have no muscle tone but am doing my physio at home. Access to support isnt there anymore of course so i am frustrated, depressed and desperate to know if i am likely to improve? Anyone else had same experiences? I am only 46 with 2 young boys and i feel my life is pointless.
2 likes, 21 replies
KeithMcC kirsty74239
Edited
Kirsty
I am 10 months now and know on this site some will have great experiences while others struggle before and after with fitness and muscle strength. I would say a lot of your issue stems from the mobility before the op and it will take time to build up . Be patient and religiously do your exercises. All the muscles are important to make you walk properly ie the backside the thighs etc . Trust me it will get better but does take effort . keep chin up .
samantha29999 kirsty74239
Edited
if you are limping that much your hip needs a break. go back to crutches for 3 or 4 days rest don't do any exercise but just walk and light stretching
get early nights
sleep
drink water
8 weeks is nothing it takes about 3 months to recover
don't be so hard on yourself......
and don't as much as you want to....don't pick up the kids xxx cuddle cuddle cuddle xxx
vickie1976 kirsty74239
Edited
yes I agree with Keith .
good luck
andrea99864 kirsty74239
Edited
Hi Kristy
Im 8 wks post op THR and i haven't been using crutches since week 6 . I haven't been able to go to physio so found some exercises online which have been good . Im 49 . I can send link for excercise if you like. Keep your chin up things will improve with time 🙂.
kirsty74239 andrea99864
Posted
Hi Andrea - yes please to your offer of sending me the link to the exercises you have done. I havent been able to access physio and the exercises given at hosp were ok but i would like to see what else is working for you.
Many thanks Andrea xx
andrea99864 kirsty74239
Posted
Hi Kristy I'll see how my computer skill go and send them through asap ♥️
andrea99864 kirsty74239
Edited
Hi Kristy
Here is the link it's a booklet you download let me know if it doesn't work 🙂.
https://sunnybrook.ca/uploads/1/programs/holland-centre/hip-replacement/pr-99507-x-weightbearing-as-tolerated-2-.pdf
andrea99864
Posted
Or type in Total hip replacement exercise booklet. Sunnybrook Hospital . 😘
kirsty74239 andrea99864
Edited
Andrea - thank you, it has come through perfectly. That is really helpful and i appreciate it hugely.
Many many thanks
Kirsty xxx
andrea99864 kirsty74239
Posted
Hi Krisy
Your welcome hope they help 😘
linda08893 kirsty74239
Edited
Hi. Although I didnt have a hip replacement I had a fall and broke the neck of my femur. I was using a walking frame for at least 3 months before I used a walking stick. Its now been 13 months since my op, but until about 11 mths I still had a limp. If I walk around for too long, my leg gets tired but I have no swelling or any obvious pain. I did Physio for the first 3 months,but just kept up my walking, even if it was just to go window shopping. It would be challenging to have to cope with children , but as I live on my own I had other issues to deal with. Just try not to rush your recovery. Take care.
mandy4711 linda08893
Posted
hi Linda,
i also broke neck of femur 14 weeks ago but im struggling as im disabled already with mobility problems. Im getting groin pain and knee pain but do manage to walk around with my rollator. I was due to have xrays last week but it was cancelled and i just keep worrying if somethings wrong as pain can be bad at times and my bottom leg and foot still swells a lot during the day. Did your recovery go well or did you experience these problems. I think i worry about the hip not healing as i read to much on Google.
linda08893 mandy4711
Edited
Hi Mandy. I remember reading your earliar posts. The first couple of months were a struggle, not being strong enough to catch public transport with my walker. A few months later, I made sure I got out and about as much as possible more so for my mental well being than anything else. The actual wound site is as good as gold, never had problems with that. Although, my inner thigh muscle had some tightness and yes my ankle did swell up if I walked around too much. Going window shopping for me was like a four/ five hr outing counting travel time and stopping for a pot of tea!!! Anyway, yes Im feeling good now, just the occasional twinge of a thigh muscle. Had my last xray in February and specialist was very impressed with the way it was healing and knitting together, as their was a chance that if the blood supply was inadequate to the head of the femur I would of been looking at a hip replacement!!! So, the moral is keep moving as much as possible. Take care.
Teresa1108 kirsty74239
Edited
So sorry to hear you're having this problem. Have you had your follow up appt with your consultant, even if it's a phone consultation? Contact your GP too. You can contact your consultant via their secretary or directly as I did for advice.
Hope things better for you.
judith12644 kirsty74239
Edited
Hi Kirsty,
8 weeks is still early days. As the others gave said, keep on doing your exercises, and walk as much as you can with your crutches, your muscles should get stronger and stronger.
I was lucky, I had a relatively easy recovery. I just had 1 physio appointment at 6 weeks, and they kept my crutches. Initially after that, I was limping a lot, but it gradually got better. I remember feeling fed up, wondering whether I would ever walk normally again. It just takes time. Walk as much as you can. Concentrate on walking heel to toe. Good luck!