How do you get in and out of bed after THR?

I do not have a date set yet. I will get one hip done at a time. but both hips need replacement. This morning I went for my steroid shots and the doctor asked me how long the previous shots helped with the pain. I told him that it was only two months. He said that he had looked at my most recent x-rays and he noted that the arthritic changes were pretty severe at this point. I think he is trying to tell me that surgery will be needed sooner rather than later!

Steve, I am really dreading this stage in my life! I'm not good with pain, so I imagine I'll be crying a lot. My daughter is encouraging me to find a surgeon who does the anterior method because she said the pain will be less than with the posterior. But the doctor I have been seeing all this time, and who has a very good reputation, does not do the anterior method. I am doing all the research I can, including the in and out of bed issue!

 

Richard,

I certainly appreciate your suggestion that I practice. That is an excellent idea.  

Thank you, Vickie. I'm already starting to worry about everything. Is three days the normal length of stay in the hospital?

The plastic bag idea is great! I'll certainly give that a try when the time comes.

Kirsty, thank you for this explanation. At eight weeks, are you pretty much pain free now? Obviously I need to continue to build up strength in my arms.

Hi, I was pretty much pain free from start. Came home after 2 days and only took the occasional ibuprofen at night more to relax muscles than kill pain due to being stuck on my back. No other pain killers really. I'm pretty good with pain and actually found this more of a discomfort. I was lucky, back to normal in about 4 weeks. Went back to work at 6, back to gym for classes on Monday (now that's pain 😂 can't bloody move!!). I exercised leading up to op as much as could and think that's made a massive difference. I'm still careful about certain movements and some are more difficult than others but it's not a problem. I do think though that I'm not the norm when comes to recovery and we all heal in our own time. Good luck xx

Kirsty, which type of procedure did you have? And how long ago was your surgery? Do you think you will always have to be careful about certain movements?

I had posterior 8 weeks ago yesterday. I don't really know as I forget and find myself running up and down the stairs quite often. Im guessing I'll gradually just forget about it (hopefully), though I'm reminded when I can't do certain movements. I'very still got 90° and leg crossing restrictions in place for another 4 weeks but forget them too. What I've learnt through being on here is that we are all given such different advice for what's essentially the same procedure so I've just kind of tried different things whilst keeping myself safe. I can sleep anyway now propping knees up on pillows - op side feels no different but I did start testing rolling onto that side quite early on as struggled with sleeping on back. I forget it's only been 8 weeks, plus I'm the world's worst patient.

Also saw consultant last week who said everything was fine and signed me off for a year. He didn't seem concerned re my sleeping position and stated that it's hard anyway not to turn in sleep. Also can do anything at gym now as long as it doesn't go past the 90• point or Cross over my body so all good there!!

Wow, Kirsty! You must be superwoman? So eventually all resctrictions are removed? I keep wondering how anyone can remember all the things not to do!

Ha ha not really. I'm a rubbish patient, I hate being told I won't be able to do stuff. Plus I'm a single parent and although the kids aren't babies they're not the best at being carers bless them. I went to gym 4 times a week leading up to strengthen everything and I really think that helped. I'm only 46 as well so I think that's made a difference. I've always been active and pretty healthy.

I also hired a cleaner for first 6 weeks however they came first week and never showed up again so just did it myself really slowly. I'm guessing all restrictions lifted as he said it would take 12 weeks for ligaments to heal so had to adhere to them for that but took that to mean after that all was Ok after. I think it's really about you and how you feel. I was crutches free after 4 days though took one out if I walked anywhere just in case for a couple of weeks. It's really hard to plan your recovery as you just don't know how you'll be. Sending best wishes xx

Dear Kirsty

It is so good to hear that you had a quick recovery because it shows what is possible for some of us and is so encouraging. I was fortunate too!

Cheers Richard

I asked my surgeon about how long I had the restrictions. He said mostly they are lifted after 8 weeks, to just not do anything stupid and to always reach down in the center of my legs when picking something off floor, never to the side. That one is forever but easy to adhere to.

Peggy

When you pick something up from the floor you should put your operated leg behind you. Then you can bend over on one leg plus crutches and the other leg is well within the restriction.

Mike

I do not use crutches, have gone to a cane. I know about putting my leg up if I must bend before restrictions are lifted, I was talking about later, my surgeon said it would always be better to reach down between my legs (after restrictions are lifted) then to one side.