Really tired walking post hip replacement

Im still using to crutches but cant walk for more than 10 minutes without being in agony. If i go out i have to use a wheelchair or i wouldnt be able to get anywhere.

The walk to my local shops and bus stop used to take me 3 minutes. I cant even get there now unless in the chair.

We wil get there eventually. It doesnt help with the pressure it puts on my wrists and bad shoulder either x

Hi Karen, 

I think fatigue and low endurance are common amongst us (I certainly experienced them and often indulged in afternoon naps, esp in teh first two months).

It takes quite a while to recover from major surgery, few of us are sleeping well and quite a few of us also feel quite queasy so that diet is also an issue. And recommendations regarding diet seem most often to refer back to national guidelines which don't really address the needs for higher protein intake and supplements that aid recovery from this type of operation. 

This all contributes to frustrations about progress. I think our expectations about the nature of recovery time are 'sometimes' quite high. We don't really take into consideration how major and traumatic this operation is - not unreasonable as this is glossed over in many orientations or discussions with our surgeons.

Hang in there - take the occasional nap and look after your diet. It makes a difference. Has anyone seen any recommendations for a good post THR diet - beyond respecting national dietary recommendations?  

Easily tiring is very common, we aren't sleeping well and physical activity takes it toll, I think that you just need to take things easy and not worry about how quick your recovery is.  I had to use 2 crutches (surgeons orders) until my 6 week check when he said to use a walking stick, and to try and not use it indoors, he also said that the restrictions were in place for another 6 weeks.  I am just over 13 weeks and started back at work on Monday, I only work 3 hours a day, but am finding that I still need to use my walking stick outdoors sometimes.  My walk home from work used to take me 10 mins pre-op, but now takes me at least 5 mins longer, even with a stick I had to stop a couple of times for a rest.

4 weeks is still very early in the recovery of this traumatic operation.

Sounds pretty normal to me. Major surgery, trauma and blood loss. You will feel much better at the 6 week mark

Im 5wk now. Use two crutches outdoors one in.

10/15min walks.

Tired and yawn my head off after doing the walks or getting dressed/shower.

Last day of antibiotic today for wound infection so hoping to improve. But as yet twice week dressing to end of scar.

Just think to rest when tired and do more as and when.

Determined that once recovery is sustained it will mean a better return to work but im not rushing things.

This op was for my benefit 😊

Hi Karen,

be patient if you can.

the nurses at the hospital indicated that patients usually start to feel much better/stronger etc by 3 months.

i didn't want to believe them and was fixed on the 6 week goal", and then hugely disappointed when I wan't easily walking a couple of miles a day lol!

lo and behold the closer it got to 3 months the better I felt. I wish that I hadn't worried and fretted so much.

i am lots better and have finally understood the journey that this is. (Am 14 weeks now). I now KNOW that I am going to be in a fabulous place in another 3 months, and by the 1 year mark I will be better than ever. It was never going to be a fast paced recovery, but it is proving to be a perfect recovery for me.

i would have put my mortgage on never writing an email like this (ie positive and confident) when I was at 4 weeks and worrying about everything, convinced I would be forever disabled, and needing things to go faster.

hope that helps x

Like Angela, I am doing well using one crutch indoors (makes it easier to carry stuff from room to room and get my own coffee) but as soon as I head out the front door, I'm using both of them. I like the feeling of balance and stability I get with both crutches. Inside, I use the countertops, walls, sofas, etc. to help move myself around. So maybe try two outside for walking, or two canes, and let us know how that works for you!

4 weeks is so early - believe me.  Your body is busy repairing the damage, and needs a lot of calories to do that - someone else posted this ...

It is recommended that surgery is NOT the time for weight loss! When people are immobilized, they worry about gaining weight. However, you should NOT decrease your calorie intake because you will be inactive. In fact, your calorie needs are now greater than usual because your body requires energy from nutritious foods to fuel the healing process. You will need to consume about 15-20 calories per pound (using your current body weight). If your overall energy and protein needs are not met, body tissues such as muscles and ligaments will begin to break down. This will compromise healing and may prolong your recovery period. While in the hospital protein drinks were included with each meal. 

Graham - 🚀💃

Hi i am 4 weeks post thr and i find my level of tiredness fluctuates from day to day. My local shop is 10 mins walk away pre op and i don't think i could make it to the shop and definitely not with 1 crutch.

I have been doing 250 yards total each day with 1 crutch. Halfway i sit on a bench and rest. My family think that i should be going a lot further. One problem is my good hip has started hurting a lot. So maybe I'm not walking properly. I think your doing well walking as far as you do.

Maybe i might put my rucksack on tomorrow and take both crutches to the shop. Physio appt. Is next week to check on my gait

Hi Karen , I think what you are experiencing is absolutely normal at this stage , and can last a while . They do check your blood post op to check you are not anaemic. Try not to worry , its a slow process and everyones different - sounds like you are doing really well to me 😀 Big hug xxxx