How much is too much
Posted , 9 users are following.
I had anterior left hip replacement 4 and a half weeks ago. I am self employed in a desk job, so I returned to the office at week 1.5. I also started driving at that point. I am now looking at my house and seeing crumbs, dust bunnies, weeds, and general grime. I would like to get down on my hands and knees to do the floors and weed the flower beds. But I also have been totally exhausted by 3 or 4 pm. I started iron supplements a few days ago and feel much better. But there is very little medical guidance after this procedure. The advice is to stay active, walk, no PT needed, I couldn't take narcotic pain meds, so I have been getting through on celebrex, but stopped that two days ago with no ill effects. I want to make sure I heal well and would really appreciate feedback on how much is too much after the anterior approach.
0 likes, 12 replies
julie1717 johanna32547
Posted
hi I had RTHR via posterior approach 8 weeks ago all I've read is that the new hip is at greatest risk of dislocation up to 8 weeks and very gradually decreases over the next 12 months if not longer. I've also read you need to keep your toes pointing upwards / pointing forwards-never inwards or outwards to keep the new hip in the right position to prevent it dislocating. and I'm sure kneeling instead good idea.
what I've done is buy long handled brushes etc and using grabbers with damp cloths etc to clean anything too low where I cant bend in the correct way ( hospital showed us how to do it )
even if you didn't become anaemic post OP compared to pre OP your red blood count will be lower and itll take time to right it even with iron supplements. you need to rest or listen to your body it's the best hint you'll get you're doing too much . atm ive organised a gardener to sort my garden out so at least I can sit outside .
remember theres no quick fix after this OP it takes time - ok itll vary from person to person but it doesn't take much to over do it.
best wishes
ChrissieBooker johanna32547
Posted
how much is too much? what you are doing is too much, by far. you should not drive until after your 6 week check up! today i came home from hospital after a revision surgery of the replacement done 8 months ago !!!!!! very unpleasant... dont risk it give yourself time to heal... AT LEAST 6 weeks
julie1717 ChrissieBooker
Posted
hi. I think if you drive an automatic u can drive earlier than 6 weeks but I waited till 6 weeks and even now am only in the car for a short period. you need to make sure your knees are lower than your hips as well so some advice sitting on a cushion or something to drive.
anyway hope you recover well from your recent OP and agree I think you have to be so careful for such a long time for a lot of people. when I think I waited abt 6 months for the OP- which by uk standards is fairly short I dont want to risk it going wrong.
ptolemy julie1717
Posted
The important thing is that you can do an emergency stop. I did tell my insurance I had had a new hip so that they could not come back on me for not letting them know. I waited six weeks although I am sure I could have driven earlier. My sister came with me the first time.
julie1717 ptolemy
Posted
yes I rang my insurance company as well. my first drive was only round the roads at the back of my house. I wanted to check I felt ok before I went any further. I was surprised tho it didn't hurt which pre OP it had. but I'd stopped driving since Jan this year anyway - had my OP late may.
AlexandriaGizmo johanna32547
Posted
Listen to ChrissyBo your running before you can walk and at this rate I can see you regrettably suffering for it.
The route you took isn't at no risk and you surely weren't told you could drive ect in such a short space of time, I'm not even sure you are insured
julie1717 AlexandriaGizmo
Posted
hi I rang my insurance company to check if they needed to know I'd had the OP. they said you cant drive a none automatic car for 6 weeks but once you can do an emergency stop whilst driving after then it's ok to drive. my insurance company don't make a note of the OP but some could. so agree if you drive before 6 weeks for a non automatic you're not covered.
ptolemy johanna32547
Posted
Did your insurance and doctor say one and a half weeks was OK?
ChrissieBooker ptolemy
Posted
i doubt that VERY much
viny72201 johanna32547
Posted
hi there, its great that you've been feeling so well and able! I had my right hip replacement three months ago and am waiting for my left hip to be done in September. I had the operation done in China as I was there at the time and there was a very long waiting list back home. While in hospital I was constantly been reminded of the things i should and shouldn't do with regard to the new hip. Not recommended: sex, driving, swimming, crossing legs before six weeks. Body has just gone through quite a major operation. It needs time to heal. Be kind to it and let it heal and I'm sure you'll feel the many benefits for long years to come. Take care and happy days!
aetl johanna32547
Posted
Johanna32,
I have had both hips replaced at different times. The recovery for the 2nd time took longer.
I started doing house chores after 4 weeks. I avoided bending but when I did bend I did it very carefully. I don't live alone so the things I did were done when my husband was home. I started driving after 6 weeks. Are you working with a physiotherapist?Walking is super effective during the healing process. There is a lot of training info on the net. If you feel that the weeds, dust bunnies and crumbs can't wait ask a friend or family member for help. Hip replacement is a major intrusion on your body and it needs time to heal and recover. Be good to yourself and take it slow. Your body will thank you later. Everyone is different. Good luck.
carol94318 johanna32547
Posted
I checked on line since I had posterior approach and would not be able to give experienced advice. According to the web sites recovery is much faster for anterior as opposed to posterior. ANTERIOR 2-8 weeks and posterior which is much more invasive and involves cutting of muscle etc takes about 3 months or more. My rule of thumb has been exercise when you can, rest when you are tired. I started gardening and major housework at 6 weeks post op. I'm not back to work though until the 3 months is up. We will see how much gardening and housework I will be able to do after a days work??