If you're afraid of having hip replacement surgery

I was very afraid of having my surgery because I was afraid of losing my flexibility. I was a college gymnast and a performing arts major in dance. I danced in New York before going on get my Masters and PhD. After retiring from professional dancing (unfortunately i had to retire in my late 20s because I was just too burnt out). I remained an athlete and have competed in many "masters" events. Before having my surgery I asked my physician if I would still be able to do backhand springs and the splits. He said he wasn't for sure and that I might still be able to do those things. He said that I should be able to do most the things I did before the surgery. He said that most people after the surgery felt more flexible because they didn't have pain anymore limiting the range of motion. However studies had indicated that people that were extremely flexible before the surgery felt they had lost some of their flexibility because of the hip implants. That the implants limited the range of motion. So I was very worried before the surgery. Fortunately it all worked out. I'm not able to do the straddle/chinese splits anymore which is understandable I think that my hip implants would pop out and that scares me. The other thing that I am unable to do is an "Ariel cartwheel " which is a "no handed cartwheel" (Ariel means in the air) because when you land you have one leg (usually your dominant leg) that takes the force of whipping your body around. So the one leg that you land on is jarred by that force way too much! There are also a couple of yoga moves I have some difficulty with sense my hip replacements one is called "Eagle". Other than those few things I'm pretty much the same. Although I did morn the loss of not being able to do the straddle or Chinese splits anymore.

I was wondering why did you wait so long between the left hip replacement and the right hip replacement?

I am so happy for you that you feel more flexible now than before! It sounds like you're doing well in your recovery so far.

I just wanted to add a post with positive feedback for people that are nervous about  getting a hip replacement. I wish I would've had a place to go to to see positive feedback before my surgery. I was so nervous and scared. I appreciate your positive feedback and I bet you will get stronger and stronger as you finish healing. [cheesygrin]

In response to your question, my right hip was done about 7 months after the left hip because my surgeon likes to wait until the first is completely healed before doing the second (I actually had to push to get it that close (because I was in pain) and got a cancellation - he usually does them about 1 yr apart).

You have to remember that you're only four weeks out from having the hip replacement surgery!!! I did not do the splits until six months after my surgery, and I was able to do them before I had the surgery that is how I was able to do them six months after the surgery. No, I did not go to physical therapy in the beginning. However, about two months after my surgery I had a few back issues. I think my body was adjusting to going back to normal. I had needed my hip replacement surgery for almost 8 years by the time they replaced hips my back was so out of whack from having bad hips. Before my surgery my scoliosis in my back was getting so bad you could visibly see a dramatic curve when you looked at my back. After the surgery (about four months) you could barely tell I had scoliosis my back. After four months I was back to just having a minor minor case of scoliosis. So anyway about two months out to four months out I did PT therapy once a week. I also got a weekly massage during this time period. I totally lied to my husband and told him that the physical therapist required it (haha).

I had my right leg done first and did not have much discomfort. I had my left leg done two weeks after the first one and I had of discomfort for about six weeks and it took longer than that before it really felt normal.

Make sure that you do your six exercises whenever you can. I think that's very important.

Please let me know how you're progressing in your recovery, stay optimistic. The first few weeks it was difficult for me and I was very depressed because I was so fearful I would never be myself again. I hope this makes sense I'm tired and my grammar and spelling are probably a bit off.  I live in Denver /Vail Colorado and it's way past my bedtime. Keep in touch and I look forward to hearing back from you on your road to recovery.

Thank you for your reply! Congratulations on your wonderful recovery! Such a positive outcome! Now I know that maybe soon with work I will also be able to do what I was able to do before. Nothing like you lol but to continue with my house cleaning business as that is my livelihood.

Thanks much

Lorrena

Hey it wouldn't do for us all to be incredible sportswomen! We can't all be amazingly fit and supple -

Your job is different, your job in the world is to give out love and light, which you do often and with incredible kindness, so maybe the splits is not happening for you any time soon - or me for that matter, but if we could take a picture of kindness then your face is the one we would see. 

awww Rose,

don't know what to say

just a big warm hug

Renee

Hi Mark, it took me till about six months before I could do up shoes/cut toe nails. I could do my good leg but not the operated one. I just carried on with my exercise till I got my flexibility back to pre op standard. I used to be able to do the splits too but not tried since my new hip and probably won't. Lol. One way I found of cutting toe nails was to sit on the raised toilet and kind of bring my knee up and then I could cut the nails. Sorry it's hard to explain. Trial and error to be honest.

Thanks! That's helpful... and encouraging!

I would say if you are motivated and are lucky enough not to have been left with any complications and were fit pre op that you should be "back to normal" within 12 months of your surgery. It was certainly my experience.

Deep tissue massage to help release the tightness, and the stretching every day and as much as possible.

Four months is still early days to be honest, and you will find it will just happen. I couldn't believe it when I could finally touch my toes, the swelling eases, the muscles are repaired, this takes time, but eventually the old flexible movements come back. Keep exercising but not too much, keep massaging the leg when you can and be comforted that it will happen soon.

Thanks Rose! Encouraging words... much appreciated. More patience needed on my part :-)

I'll try to be patient!!! :-)

Sad but true I am afraid! 

I spent my entire recovery in a state of disbelief at how long it all took!!