1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Hip Replacement

Limitations

Posted , 12 users are following.

maureen24786
maureen24786

Have just had LHTR - anterior approach in the hope of faster recovery. Been a bit patchyso far due to bad reactions to pain medicine & antibiotics. Progressing well now though & at week 4 on Thursday. However either the physio is super cautious because he says no bending - not for 4 months in any direction - & even after that with great care. No pedicures - no skin infections - so now I am wondering if I can ever tie my shoes again! And with an elderly blind dog who is sometimes incontinent - what to do?! I live in Thailand & have help. But She is leaving in 3 months so what to do? I have 6 rescue dogs & 2 rescue cats & now feeling very stressed about how to manage. I will still have help but not live in. Sorry to sound pretentious but it's not expensive & I need help. Also today my physio said no driving for 4 months. Any advice &/or experience much appreciated. Maureen

0 likes, 30 replies

30 Replies

Next
  • steve86482
    steve86482 maureen24786

    Posted

    I would see your surgeon and get a new therapist. I know each case is different but .....Unless you have something seriously wrong you should be walking and bending 
    • RichardKen
      RichardKen steve86482

      Posted

      Dear Steve

      I agree with you. Seems total nonsense to me!

      Cheers Richard

  • KarmaMama
    KarmaMama maureen24786

    Posted

    I agree as well. One of the advantages of the anterior approach is having no restrictions - here in the States, they tell you you don't even have to observe the 90 degree rule if you have anterior. But regardless, at 4 weeks you should be moving more, bending and driving should both be okay at this point. And you need to work on strengthening muscles, so you need to be using them.

  • gary45745
    gary45745 maureen24786

    Posted

    Hi maureen

    i had a super path approach which is minimally invasive 4 weeks ago this Friday. I don't have any restrictions but haven't pushed the 90 degree rule as I'm cautious. 

    However what you have been told seems excessive unless you are very frail. 90 degree rule I think even for posterior patients applies only for three months and driving everyone is told 4-6 weeks not months. They say a snog long has you can do an emergency stop ok then you are ok to drive. It certainly isn't 6 months to drive unless you have other issues? 

  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK maureen24786

    Posted

    I can tie my shoelaces OK, I started at around 6 months post-op.  Sounds like he is being cautious, but maybe he has good reasons, so I wouldn't want to contradict him.

    Four months before driving seems extreme too, unless driving in Thailand is so much different to elsewhere in the world.

    See the 'dislocation risk graph' from my website

    Graham

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Dear Graham

      Thank you for putting that interesting graph together. I'm sure you have explained where the data was cleaned from but in any event it does emphasise how critical the early weeks are.

      Looks as if the danger is behind me but I'm going to be playing it safe for a bit longer.

      All the best, Richard

    • maureen24786
      maureen24786 RichardKen

      Posted

      Hi Richard - I think this chart explains my physio 's caution. He also explained to me that regardless of approach the fact is that the hip is new. The longer we can keep the hip in "neutral " position the better the healing of the muscles around the new hip. He emphasizes the difference between short, medium & long term healing. And Thailand's roads are notorious ly dangerous

      So I think I shall be very careful. Don't want to risk a revision. And I have a horrible time with pain meds. Best. Maureen

    • maureen24786
      maureen24786 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Thanks Graham - this chart explains my physio's caution. And yes, Thailand"s roads are notoriously dangerous. Best Maureen

  • linda81469
    linda81469 maureen24786

    Posted

    Morning Maureen.  The advice my dr gave me in regards to bending was kick the operated leg behind you then bend to pick things off the floor.   I’m a little over a year out now and I’m still doing that.  I’m just a little more cautious than others because after my first anterior hip replacement I  dislocated it within 3 weeks.  Had to have a total hip revision.    And I’ve known people on this forum to dislocate their hip 16 months in.  Not trying to scare you but we just never know.   But a good conversation with your dr to discuss this is a wise decision.  If anything to give you peace of mind.   Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery and healing.   Hugs 🤗Linda 

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen linda81469

      Posted

      Dear Linda

      Good move. Although I've basically put the hip revision behind me I'm still doing the golfers pick up and trying to remember to do my exercises.

      I feel the need to continue with the exercises simply because I'm taking it steady and not doing any long walks as I'm hoping my ankle will last until the revision on it. Never a dull moment as they say!

      Cheers Richard

    • linda81469
      linda81469 RichardKen

      Posted

      Well my revision is still pretty fresh on my mind.  The whys the anger, the sadness.....I’m getting there but the nerve pain and sensitivity sometimes puts a damper on my life.  But I can honestly say it’s gett a LITTLE better but I’ve got a ways to go!  I do the exercises too and gym 5x a week.    And yeah you’re right, NEVER A DULL MOMENT!! 🤗🤓🤠

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen linda81469

      Posted

      Dear Linda

      You have had a tough time so I do hope the improvement continues but speeds up!

      Al the best. Richard

    • linda81469
      linda81469 RichardKen

      Posted

      Thank you Richard!  Hoping all goes well for you regarding your ankle.  I never imagined that they do replacements for that!!  God’s blessings to you.   Hugs 🤗 Linda 

    • maureen24786
      maureen24786 linda81469

      Posted

      Hi Linda: Glad you are making some progress at least. It seems here that the doctors are more cautious & the physio definitely is. 4 weeks in now still some nerve pain although on Saturday the acupuncturist will come & that helps greatly. To be honest, these limitations were never really elaborated on before surgery. And now my knee has become a real problem which is also hindering progress. As I do so badly with pain meds just sticking to Tylenol & Naproxen . I am really hoping I can go from the walker to a cane but not sure yet. I am marooned in my house at the moment - such a bore! But whilst my house is easy - single level no steps inside, the physio says my steps at the front of the house are too steep. There are no standards for steps in Thailand  - some can be up to a foot high! And even though I have a ramp at my back door to the side path it's also too steep.! However, once I know where I am after the walker, I can use the wheelchair loaned to me by a kind neighbour to get down the ramp & then take a tiny walk in my street. Can't wait. I  still not pain free though it's tolerable, just the knee. I also have a limp which I was insistent before surgery I did not want. There is still some swelling in the upper thigh & buttock though so not making a judgement yet.  I had hoped for a smoother recovery - but don't we all! And my issues pale in comparison to yours. Your journey has been a rough one indeed. Wishing you well. Hugs, Maureen

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen linda81469

      Posted

      Dear Linda

      Many thanks. Yes it is unusual surgery and requires a surgeon who is really experienced in doing total ankle replacements.

      Many who do these procedures do so few each year that they do not have a chance to gain the necessary experience. This is the reason why I'm having to have a very difficult and complicated revision after only five years.

      All the best, Richard

    • maureen24786
      maureen24786 RichardKen

      Posted

      Good luck with the ankle replaced. Must be hard to face yet another recovery - however you don't have much choice. Hope it all goes well! Maureen

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen maureen24786

      Posted

      Dear Maureen

      Many thanks for your good wishes.   I do not think I really have a choice but to give it a go as to do nothing will be likely to result in the prosthesis breaking out from my bones with worse consequences sooner or later.   I wish I could swap this for a simple hip replacement<G>

      All the best, Richard

Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.