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One week THR some basic questions

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steven82024
steven82024

Im 48, my work is outdoors in nature and I had symptomless Hip dysplasia leading to osteoarthritis in both hips. One was operated 27th June, exactly a week ago. Pain almost gone and i walk fast with crouches and can do small steps without. I asked doctors and physio some questions but I want to hear from the patients side now.

  1. When is expected to have basic motion like walking, stairs, driving and long walks
  2. What still u can't you do after say 6 or 12 months ?
  3. My work/hobby involved lot of bending to take photos of low plants. I am informed this is out of question for the moment (as is crossing my legs) - but is this a lifetime sentence 😦 ?
  4. What are the main do nots for the coming 2 months?

Remember in quite young so I would love replies from patients +/- 10-15 years of my age.

Thank you

(my mental stat really went down the drain when I got to know this but I am better now)

1 like, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest steven82024

    Edited

    i had THR left hip 11.5 weeks ago and am walking around with no crutches or stick, nearly normally. i did exercises for 6 weeks before my op and virtually every day since. i thought i was nearly out if the woods until last week when something went as i was walking down a street in Paris. But it seems to have got better and i hit some golf balls on the driving range today with no problems. Take the pain meds while you need them and be observant of your body, if it hurts you are doing too much. Don't try to come off the crutches or stick too early, it takes time for the little muscles to strengthen again as well as the big ones. i am still mindful of the 90 degree rule on hip & knee but can do up my shoelaces again.

  • barbara66703
    barbara66703 steven82024

    Edited

    take the healing journey one day at a time. just walking is all that is needed for hips to heal. thr is major surgery it takes time for all the bone to grow and secure the implant components. and not to mention the brain has to set up new signals to the new components to relay signals . there is a lot going on for all the healing going thru various stages and degrees of healing .

    there is short term healing 3-6 months when driving walking stairs sitting movements walking heel to toe no limping . the surgeon has released you to carry on with normal activities taking care that you remember you have new hip components that take time to adjust to different movements. and long term healing takes from 8 months to 16 months thats when you forget you had hip surgery and complete healing has taken place. there are a few hiccups along the way...even after total healing. we need to accept we cannot always move the same way we did before THR surgery its a bit different.

    remember to take care of the new shinng hips . lifting is a issue over 25 pounds use leverage as much as possible or dont lift it at all until assistance is a necessary part .

    i am a gardener for 35 years and have a huge 3 acre garden also take gobs of pics for various web sites. it all eventually comes together . time wise we all heal at different rates depending on pre surgical conditions and other factors. your age is a big factor and shape your body is in activities etc. i have never been able to run again , lift over 25 pounds or do weight bearing exercises; every other thing i have done fine like climbing ladders, normal household and garden chores . once you accept THR has new limits. as we adjust it all is amazing and i am grateful for new hips. we have suffered enough and movin on to better life and less pain .

    the good news is i have had 3 hip joint replacements and one hip is over 24 years old and still ticking..i had osteo younger in life too.

    we go thru THR surgery for a multiple of reasons ... The result's is a better quality of life and improved mobility. who could ask for anything more...its not perfect but close...

    i hope this has put your expectations of THR surgery in perspective.

    sending healing vibes your way.

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