Leg / body angle

was about 6 months for me but still feel. I have to be careful!

Hi Barhi

I'm 15 weeks post op.  If I need to pick something up from the floor, I swing my operated leg backwards as I lean forward.  Physio told me to do this at my 7 week check.  She also said it was OK to use my garden kneeler to tend to the borders and I initially also used that in the house if I needed to do anything on the floor.  Now I  can get down into a kneeling position, without support, provided there is a low table or chair nearby to help me back up.  I then get up using the non-operated leg first for support.

Pat

Bend at the knees, it's easier and better for you if you can do it. Or you can bend over like a golfer does. They stick their leg out behind them to pick up the ball. However this puts a lot of stress on the good leg. I am 9wks post THR and every day things get easier.  My doctor released my at 5 wks post surgery.

I read that after 12 wks the hip is encapsulated and the chances of the hip popping out is reduced by 95%. Every surgery and every patient is different so you may want to ask the doctor at your next follow up to be sure. My surgeon was more than happy to show me how to function normally and how to do things like cutting toenails and putting socks on without assistance.

Good luck,

Kathee

I have only been 14 days since the operation. As long as there is something to lean on I can reach down to pick things up by swinging my operated leg out back. I use a reacher/ grabber stick mostly just to be careful. I am fit and upper body strenght is good. The 90 degree or less must be maintained for 6 weeks I thought.

Yep, I use those tricks too - but sadly there are a few things that don't work with those tricks - like putting our dogs' food bowls on the ground.  They are too heavy for the grabber, so the dogs have to eat early before my husband goes out . 

This is my second THR, so I remember the golfer's trick, but wondered when I might be able to use it.  Tried tonight, but I'm not quite stable enough just yet.  Hopefully it won't be long.

I was told to go slow. I practice a little each day with the use of my walker for support. My nurse comes tomorrow so I am going to have my questions all ready!

Hi, i just had my 6 week check up with consultant and i asked the same question.  He said when your body feels up to it and today i could actually bend down to tie shoe laces on my trainers so i could go for a walk.  I am so sick of wearing the same slip on shoes so it was a huge thing for me.  He also gave me the go ahead to drive, exercise in our local pool and ride an exercise cycle.  The physio did say though that it might be 6 months before i feel I can do all the things i did before though!  I did my first long walk (about 30 min one way, coffee and rest at a friends and 15 min walk back, all without crutches and no limp, so be patient and it will all come back eventually.  Jennifernz