Posted , 16 users are following.
I'm 6 weeks post a right hip revision, the right hip THR lasted 12 years. I'm 53 years old, but when walking without a crutch I'm limping badly and have pain in the hip. With a single crutch I'm walking very well, with no pain.
Am I expecting too much at the moment?
1 like, 20 replies
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hazel14263 john05732
Posted
john05732 hazel14263
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hazel14263 john05732
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Seriously john just had THR right hip uncemented and still in pain at 3 months . Don't use a stick but surgeon said can still use one at 3 months . At 3 weeks I could only stagger about in pain off my head on pain killers !!! X
margaret45049 john05732
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Hi John. Well done it sounds like you're doing great so soon after. Im 9 weeks post LTHR, my first and all has gone brilliantly. Like you i am keen to lose the one crutch asap. Never use it at home or short trips, just on long walks of about an hour.
I dont get pain or limp without it, just a bit of discomfort at the end of the walk & tiredness.
Guess we've just got to be patient & use the support as long as we need it!
pS you're only a youngster! At 62 even i consider myself too proud to rely on a crutch for too long!
john05732 margaret45049
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t3chiman john05732
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"...Am I expecting too much at the moment?"
Having gone down the revision THR route, I can offer a bit of wisdom. The surgery to remove the bad stuff and install the good stuff is lengthy and bloody. Your body has gone through a tremendous ordeal. It's a credit to the ortho docs that you are able to move comfortably at all at this point.
Probably the crutch allows you to avoid stretching and straining your body tissues against the newly installed hardware. Take the crutch away == some raw contact and associated discomfort. In your shoes, I would get a physical therapist's opinion on what strengthening exercises would help my walking. It's early yet, not to worry. But the PTs can spot incipient issues that, if not addressed, can delay or limit your eventual recovery.
If you enjoy gory detail, there are a few THR revision surgery videos available on the web. There is one that goes on for three hours. Fascinating for an engineer like myself. But even I got a bit queasy during the acetabular reaming portion.
Hope this helps.
Txcheesehead t3chiman
Posted
I am also interested in the recovery for a THR revision. I have a consult on Friday to find out if this is what I need to do. I had bilateral MoM (2008, 2009) and now I have pain, elevated metals, and pseudotumors related to the wear of the implant. No bone or muscle loss. I am 53. My THR recovery was quick, but I am more worried about the recovery this time. Mine are not cemented, but they aren't loose, either
t3chiman Txcheesehead
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"...am more worried about the recovery this time..."
Txcheesehead-
Your situation is more complex than that of the typical worn/loose implant patient. Nobody on a public forum can offer much wisdom, I'm afraid. Talk to the experts. Follow their advice. Most likely course of action: remove the MoM's, replace with metal/poly or metal/ceramic.
Good luck.
margaret45049 john05732
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Some good advice on revision there- fascinating but terrifying!
Was your original hip cemented in?
Mine is & i dread to think how that will ever get removed if/when i need revision further down the line!
Anyone got experience of a revision of cemented hip?
john05732 margaret45049
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No, my first was uncommented, as a revision was always going to be needed. As first replacement was at 42years. Revision wasn't that bad, no bone grafts, probably due to uncommented. Hope yours will go well, when needed!
john05732
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Chloeparrot john05732
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Yes - is the simple answer!
Use either a single crutch or walking stick - whichever you feel most comfortable with.
Also, try this exercise as you walk (with your crutch/walking stick), so that you don't walk like a duck:
1. Stand up straight
2. Suck in your stomach
3. Clench your buttocks
4. Walk smoothly - it is only too easy to lurch and hobble
If nothing else, you'll end up with a nice, firm bum!!
john05732 Chloeparrot
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judith12644 john05732
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candice57475 john05732
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I had a cemented hip revision just a week and a half ago and I can't even think of walking with one crutch. Amazing! My surgeon said that the recovery is just going to take longer. I agree, talk with a physical therapist. I am seriously amazed that you are doing so well. I'm doing an inner happy dance when I lift my leg into bed!