Post-operative mobility
Posted , 14 users are following.
I had a THR of my right hip 11 weeks ago and everything is going well although I haven't been offered any physiotherapy. However when I saw my surgeon at six weeks although he seemed very pleased with my progress he told me that I will never be able to bend much beyond 90 degrees and will never be able to reach my feet to be able to put on my socks, tie shoelaces or cut my toenails! Having asked around I find that without exception friends and friends of friends who have had hip replacements are all able to do this even though it may take some time. The physiotherapy department at the hospital said they had never heard of anybody being told this before and the nurse at my GP's surgery (who had a hip replacement six years ago) said that was rubbish! I have tried, without success, to contact my surgeon and all I could get was an appointment with him, but not until the end of June. I feel I am wasting time when I could be getting more mobile. I can't believe that my THR can be different from anybody else's - I don't want to spend the rest of my life having to depend on other people or mobility aids to do simple tasks like washing and dressing. Has anybody else been told this by their surgeon?
0 likes, 38 replies
lisa31002 gay81225
Posted
I've been able to cut my toe nails myself for the first this weekend - I'm 8 months post op. Take it slow and steady and you'll get there eventually 👣
annone70291 gay81225
Posted
I think what your surgeon has told you is absolute rubbish unless there are any special factors pertaining to your case. I also find it shocking that many hospitals don't offer post operative physiotherapy. I was given a dozen exercises to do when I was discharged in addition to a daily walking target. I also had (and paid for) additional physiotherapy once I left hospital. I can do everything that I did before my hip was replaced including bending far more than 90 degrees etc. In fact I went back to my Tai Chi Chuan class 3 months after the op & that is quite strenuous as it involves quite a few high kicks. You will find some post op exercises online which would be worth looking at. And you could consult a physiotherapist yourself or get your GP to refer you. Given that your surgeon is clearly not good at follow up I would be proactive and start to seek answers yourself.
gay81225 annone70291
Posted
Thank you. I have already approached my GP for physio and am waiting for an appointment. So many people have said what you've said that I'm confident of getting back to where I was before with the help of the physio.