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

My brain....,

Posted , 8 users are following.

erika61265
erika61265

Here is one topic I haven't seen on here much but I am dealing with. I am four weeks post op and doing really well. When I am out and about, however, my brain automatically goes back to when I couldn't walk long distances. It says oh that is really far and a painful walk. I then have to regroup my thoughts and say to myself... You are fixed you can do it now!!! Happens to me all the time, my first thought is you can't and then I literally have to say yes you can Now. Even the brain has to be retrained.... Does that his happen to you?

2 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • mishelle46654
    mishelle46654 erika61265

    Posted

    My brain plays similar tricks on me. I havent had my thr yet, been unable to walk or stand without crutches for almost 8 months, I catch myself being shocked to see other people on tv and outside who are able to just jump up out of their seats and stroll across the room or road. I have to plan my technique for putting my socks on or lowering myself onto a seat without too much pain and have been like this for so long that I find it fascinating watching other people who can move so freely without a single hesitation.

    I do wonder if I will still be in this state of mind once I have the surgery or if my brain will limit my recovery out of habit. A bit of brain training is needed I think!

    • gwen81475
      gwen81475 mishelle46654

      Posted

      I get that as well mishelle, seeing people older than me just getting up from a seat and walking off, hurrying through supermarket car parks, climbing stairs and I remember the times when I was like that.

      I've had one hip replaced and after two cancellations this year because of my dodgy ticker, am booked in for the other one in August (fingers well and truly crossed!).

      My new hip is absolutely magic and when I walk, still with one crutch to support my old leg, I can just about imagine being pain free and normal.

      I'm not kidding myself, it's all going to take time to heal and for my muscles to gain some strength, but I'm really excited about the future.

      Your brain will retrain itself and you will feel like new again.

      Gwen x

    • erika61265
      erika61265 mishelle46654

      Posted

      It doesn't really limit it because you are guided by doctors and PT but when alone your brain will go back to protective way. It seems to do it out of habit.... I just keep reminding myself that I can do it now. Good luck to you and keto us posted!!!
  • Malloo
    Malloo erika61265

    Posted

    Isn't it interesting how your brain works. I am 10 days post op and I keep having to remind myself about my posture because I guess I am leaning on one side on my good leg after months of not putting any weight on my bad leg - I guess the fact that we think it, means we are educating our bodies, but also goes to show what our bodies have been telling us. Is that what the saying means? 'Mind over matter' - go for it and tell your brain your joints are on the mend! X
    • erika61265
      erika61265 Malloo

      Posted

      Exactly.... Just like we are retraining muscles we are retraining the brain!!!

      Thank you

  • renee01952
    renee01952 erika61265

    Posted

    Hi Erika, 

    now that you mention it .... I am negotiating all the time and I think that it is time for me to change that - little by little of course - even now I still take my rollator with me when I am going to a big store - just some fear in the back of my mind that I won't be able to make it without and then what???? there is no reason for me to sit in the car to get out - I still do that sometimes since it used to be so painful getting out of the car seat .... 

    okay, cannot carry heavy bags yet and that I do without thinking !eek

    thank you for reminding me 

    big warm hug

    renee

    • erika61265
      erika61265 renee01952

      Posted

      We have to listen to our bodies when recovering and if something hurts listen and not push. The mind thing is a tricky one Renee. I do love it though when my old thoughts creep in that it will be a long painful walk and then I remember that it won't be.....just do it!! Then I walk it and no pain.... I am soooo happy. I carry my cane too for long days in case I get tired just to give it some support. I am only 4 weeks out not 4 months.

      Best in your recovery

      Erika

  • rose0000
    rose0000 erika61265

    Posted

    I found retraining happened very slowly, at four weeks you are still limited and are still being very careful, and rightly so. You are still in early recovery. You will find as time passes you stop thinking about your hip and start to do more challenging things. 

    It comes as a lovely surprise when you can do things you never thought you would or could. Watching matches, walking up massive hills, walking for miles, all of these things will come....but for now you are simply adjusting to the fact you are recovered, you no longer need to work out if you can 'manage' simple walks, or visits to the shop or look on every walk as 'pain' ....what liberation!!!! smile

    That is the joy of this journey...the world opens up again slowly...like a small flowers unfolding in the sunshine.

    • erika61265
      erika61265 rose0000

      Posted

      I love how you explained that!!! I am amazed at what I can already do and can't wait until I can do more. Right now my goal is to get into the pool so I can exercise. I love swimming.

      Thanks again Rose!!

    • Malloo
      Malloo rose0000

      Posted

      I don't think this is about hip recovery at all, but worldly wisdom, international support, respect and friendship. Who cares about swollen legs, bruises, sticks, injections into ample bellies and everything else! I feel supported every time I open this up and see another pearl of wisdom. It's ace !!!!

      love Malloo x

  • andy90315
    andy90315 erika61265

    Posted

    Totally agree. It's been nearly 12 months since my RTHR and I still am careful tp pick stuff up even though I am completely healed. Also when my girlfriend wants me to take a long or difficult walk my brain naturally baulks but when I push through I am completely fine. Sigh I guess it's all part of the journey.
    • erika61265
      erika61265 andy90315

      Posted

      Yes, that is exactly what I am talking about!! I am glad you are well smile

      Erika

  • marilyn_92910
    marilyn_92910 erika61265

    Posted

    I find that I still get tired very easily if I have done a lot of walking, yes you are right you do have to retrain your brain, the first few steps with out using anything is hard, try just doing it indoors to start off with , that's how I did it.
Back to top

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.