How much is too much?

Hi. Everyone is different. If you ache then don't go beyond starting to feel uncomfy. It is quality not just quantity. Short spells repeated better than one big overdo. Eventually you will find can do longer further more etc.if you are tired rest so body can recover. You will find you can repeat !lengthen time next time you try. 9days is still very early....

You are doing very well, I was on double the cocodamol at your stage. Just listen to your body. Increase the walking and exercises slowly. If you've tired then rest. If you push too fast you will suffer for it and your recovery will take longer. Grab a nap every day, you have a sleep debt to pay.

I did light housework today...9 wks post op and tried moving piece of furniture with good hip....felt back muscle go at that side and my good hip really sore now....saved using operated hip...has anyone else done similar...feel draft but really sore...hurts at good side when sit or stand ...ooh heck and when in bed

I am 12 weeks post op. Have been doing exercises but only what I can cope with.I have femoral nerve damage unfortunately damaged in op. Because of this I have not progressed as I should be at this point. However I am a determined person and have been cooking meals again for the last 6 week. I still use crutches indoors but put them aside while standing. It is challenging to get back to an independent life again after a major op but its not a race and all our bodies progress at different rates. I went t a shop on my own for the first time yesterday using one crutch and leaning on the trolley to support my new hip side. I have had my leg give way several times so this was quite a confidence builder. I managed to do it but needed a lot of rest after. I also manage to hoover with one hand and a crutch. I am being fitted with a leg brace next week to support my leg so it won't give way while my nerve repairs. This is a boost for me as it is ddifficult having to use crutches all the time. Susan I have pushed my sofa with my good leg to clean underneath so we all seem to want to get back to normal. I think you must have pushed yourselfto have strained your muscles. Good job your new hip is ok. I have read it ttakes up to a year to fully heal so really we seemt be expecting too much of ourselves.

Hi Eagle,

My regime is hot bean bags, acupuncture, gym reps and acupuncture as too able and muscles groaning.

My op went very well but had the Anterior Approach, you didn't say what procedure you had as would make a differenece. I was walking un aided within the week shopping cleaning etc. Found that I was most comfortable when moving which meant that I think I was overdoing it. My surgeon said do whatever feels OK ? What I found was sitting and lying the most uncomfortable some evenings my leg was really twitchy and sore so maybe over did it? What I have done to help me slow down is lots of hot packs (I'm using my daughters polar bear hot beanie bag!) Grab a microwaveable bean bag or toy bean bag and apply to areas that are sore, really soothes after over doing it.

I have also gone to my acupuncturist- this has really helped and my physio agreed this would help, treatment can be a bit demanding- ooh- but no pain no gain and much better after on muscles around thigh and knee. This treatment has really helped.

Also doing 3 kilo leg extensions to build up knee muscle, as I was told the prosthesis would impact on my knee due to difference in bone position, also doing ham string weight machine as my lower back groaning, gym advisor said that this would strengthen back muscles, also helps.

Lastly I have been taking Rus Tox 30 c homeopathic remedy due to desire to move rather than sit and told this would help it has.

I have also been taking since before and after the op Arnica 30 c and Bryonia (nick named knit bone remedy as for when you break a bone) and Hypericum 30c for nerve damage to muscles from surgery.

I think this weird and wonderful combo is helping see if any of these help.

Good luck.

Hi Eagle & Debbie

Best advice I had from a Physio was to do my exercises but to monitor it. I.e. if you do your rehab but feel as if you have overdone it then leave it for 24 hours and if you feel your body has recovered and feeling OK then you have probably found your current limit. If you are in pain and it continues then this is a sure way the body is telling you to slow down.

It is also very early days and your body is recovering from major surgery so be patient. You really don't want to end up back in hospital with a dislocation or your internal muscle stitches failing.

Sleep is difficult in the early weeks but this is equally important in your recovery as exercise.

Tip! I'm in week 7, each Friday since coming home I get someone to take short videos on my phone of me walking up and down the garden. It shows your progress from walking with crutches, then one crutch, then no crutches and limping and gradually walking better. I'm nowhere near the finished article but when you look back you will see progress.

Keep going everybody!

Hi Gary, thanks for the post. I am about 16 weeks post op. I have improved in terms of not as tired and now doing normal household chores. Unfortunately because of the nerve damage it has held back full recovery. I have managed to walk very vey slowly about eighth of a mile. But I have to use two crutches and a leg brace. Nerve damage means most of my leg is numb down to ankle can't lift lower leg unless I pick it up and put on bed etc. Nerve pain and leg gives way as one of my muscles is not working, thats why I need a brace. It enables me to walk indoors without crutches. I have fallen twice so it makes me nervous. On the plus side my hip replacement is fine and had no problem with my wound. I use a heat pad brought from boots for extra pain relief. Very helpful in the first few weeks when I had terrible muscle spasms. Did anyone else get them? Great idea taking video as sometimes we dont notice the small improvems. I was devastated to have suffered nerve damage as it is rare. Optimistically my nerve may grow back by xmas and feeling and muscle should start to improve. I am being realistic at this point from information I have read I may not get anything back or a small amount of feeling and movement depending on how damaged my nerve is.It can take up to a year to feel back to normal as the body recovers fully from such a major op. Swimming and exercise in the pool is good therapy once wound has healed.

Hi Folks,what a great forum...I am 1 week into a total hip replacement and seem to be progressing fairly quickly,I am on one stick and controlling my speed and gait but every day feel a bit stronger,taking paracetamol when required...trying to sleep is the worst for me,my natural side to sleep on is the operated

Side so trying to compensate on the left just doesn't work,so I have a post exercise nap which seems to get me thought the day..

One strange thing seems to have happened to me ,when going to the loo to have a wee I seem to always have a large quantity to pass,this happens even if I only drink one cup of tea,has any else experienced this, is it

the effects of anaesthetic or medication,I'm not worried it just seems strange?

Ok time for a nap!

Hi Parps sleep is difficult. Don't know if you have been given the information but you should sleep on back for 6 weeks. It is because while healing your hip can dislocate when you turn over. To make it more comfortable put pillows under your operated lleg while on your back. When you do lay on your side a pillow between you legs helps keep you comfortable. I could not believe how much sleep I needed than before, I slept several times in the day and woke quite late in the morning. Although I am not sleeping in the day now I can sleep qujite late in the morning. I think its my body still recovering. Four months later. Funny you should say about the Loo my bladder seemed weaker. Must be anaesthetic or operation side effect. Good wishes on you recovery.

Thanks for your reply Debbie,sleeplessness appears to be the M.O of any major operation or hospital stay so I accept it in the knowledge that one day all will be back to normal.....Already though I notice the arthritic pain has gone,I am looking forward to the day when I can manicure my right foot and slip a sock on it unaided...by way of interest a nurse was telling me that it wasn't long ago THR patients had to stay in hospital for 3 weeks....I am looking forward to tomorrow...

Hi Parps,

I am nearly 3 weeks into left THR I too p*ss like a horse. I think I read somewhere about the femur not

being completely sealed after op results in more water produced as bone tries to grow and fill gaps.

I too have poor sleep at night, but take the view that as I am not working or doing to many strenuous things

that it is not essential, and I grab naps through the day.

My appetite is reduced too, but not concerned as I don't need so much fuel if I am not doing much.

Also mindful that if I eat too much and put on excess weight, it will be difficult to lose again whilst returning

to full strength.

Good Luck in your recovery.

Tom.

Hi Tom,that's an interesting theory on the quantity issue but I have to say last couple of days I have

noticed an improvement in that area,only up twice in the night and daytime seems to be back to normal

ie no more horse impressions...

I had my second physio appointment today and my mobility is improving quickly,I am able to walk without

sticks for short distances and my ability to go up and down stairs has become more natural with added

confidence and I have very little pain I would probably describe the feeling as a dull ache which soon

subsides as soon as I get my feet up...I have been put on a 1hr a week physio workout for the next

6 weeks by the local hospital so by the time I have finished I should notice a vast improvement

My appetite has not been what is was but now seems to be picking up along with length of time I am

sleeping,I still have the odd nap but I wake more refreshed...

I am looking forward to getting back in the pool as this makes physio so much more comfortable...

Well take care and wishing you a trouble free recovery...