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Taking the plunge

Posted , 18 users are following.

josh55
josh55

Ok here is the deal. I am really having difficulty deciding about having a thr .

It is scheduled for next week. BUT I am most concerned about bering able to tech and train judo with my grandson

I am in pain when I stand up but really , so what. A little pain is no big deal. I do babe difficulty walking up strains though and I don't walk loon distances.

Anything more than a few hundred yards really sucks. It's just that tracking my grandson is a real priority. For me. Any suggestions. Really should I have this done if I'm OK with the pain?

1 like, 86 replies

86 Replies

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  • lors23
    lors23 josh55

    Posted

    Of course you should get it done your pain won't get better it will steadily get worse until you are in agony. I am 43 and had 2 hip reolacements from dec to feb. I suffered the pain for almost a year until it got unbearable but l had no idea l needed new hips l though l had pulled a muscle had been to docs a lot and they kept telling me it was musclerelated until l got to the stage it had took over my life and painkillers were the only thing that got me through the day. I eventually got sent for an xray a week later the docs told me l had OA in both hips severe too. And that if l had kept going l would have ended up in a wheelchair. You can't just ignore it. It wont go away. And if you already have a date to get it done you are lucky as there is a lot of people on this forum desperate to get it done but waiting on appointments is a nightmare.

    Its the best thing l have done as l have no more pain. Ok you will be out of action for a few months healing but whats the alternative ignore it and hope it will go away. Im aftaid not you will end up regretting it if you don't go to get it done when there is a lot of poor souls desperate for appointments.

    Thats my advice please don't waste the hospitals time if you are scheduled and don't turn up.

    Seroiusly josh thenpain gets worse andccan happen very quickly but if you want to end up worse then thats your choice.

    Good Luck

  • lyn1951
    lyn1951 josh55

    Posted

    Josh - Once you have OA it doens't get better I'm afraid, at best it will get worse very slowly, at worst it can get worse even quicker than you would think.

    I had that exact thing happen to me, even specalist said to me you also have OA in left hip, it should last a couple of years, it lasted 12 weeks after my right hip replacement, tore out the cartledge walking, and down I went, in pain.

    Then had to wait some months before they could do the second THR.

    • lyn1951
      lyn1951

      Posted

      Distracted I'm afraid - having the surgery will limit you for a while, even months, but slowly you will get your life back.

      I can 12 months after THR do a rag doll stance, always was able to do it right up to a week before surgery, showed surgeon before surgery, and scared him silly.

      Months before I could do it after surgery, but it has come back, physio impressed, surgeon still horrified, felt I was going to dislocate hip joint, that is the only danger and it is possible, but with time and chances of dislocation lessens.

      I do stretching exercises to keep myself strong, and find that folding my knees up to my chest a nice back stretch, but would not recommend as an exercise for others, I have an unusual presentation of where my hips fit my pelvis for a woman, so maybe I would never dislocate but not willing to push to hard to find out either.

      I have been told that you think the pain was bad before your hip replacment, try a dis-location for pain levels, not recommended.

    • morriewynn
      morriewynn lyn1951

      Posted

      Hi Lynn,

      Just out of curiosity "what is a rag doll" move? I only know a rag doll as being a large cat

      Thanks

      Morrie

    • josh55
      josh55 lyn1951

      Posted

      Rag doll Stance??  Do you mean Sanchin Dach?     I can use this stance now well and it actuals feels good?  I cannot however, step out in zenkutsu dachi on my right side.  Hurts like hell!    Im pretty concerned about the dislocation thing too!    I guess grappling may simply be out the door but Im hoping I can at least achieve the ability to roll through some of the basics.  
    • lyn1951
      lyn1951 morriewynn

      Posted

      type in rag doll/ragdoll and yoga and then select image. Its a fold up bend from the hips, basically head on knees, and legs straight, most people don't have the flexibity I do, physio tells me I am a freak, even she can't do the stance and she is half my weight and size.

      Like I said be very careful if you are a hippie not recommended for most patients.

      Wonderful for me, always has been, taught it by a physio years ago when I had a back problem, and have been using since. I find it wonderfully relaxing, and a nice tight pull doesn't hurt, of hamstrings. Took me months before i do do it again after THR.

  • Scarylibrarian
    Scarylibrarian josh55

    Posted

    Hi Josh

    I was really torn too about getting it done as I was coping with the little pain I had pre-op and run the Duke of Edinburgh expeditions at my school. Having the op would mean cancelling 2 final expeditions and not being able to train my groups for 10 weeks (and being away from my job at school - which I love ) However when I spoke to my headteacher and other friends they were all very supportive and urged me to do the best thing for me. As my hip would have gotten progressively worse, I took my surgeon's advice and had it done. Absolutely no regrets as I realised I must have been walking to one side and am now walking straight (people had told me that they had noticed me limping but I never thought it was that bad. Nearly 4 weeks post op and I am out walking, doing some housework and have been into school for a couple of hours. No painkillers needed and feeling great. Have rearranged both final expeditions for August and will be back in school mid May to continue training and get back to work. So I would advise you to have it. Your grandson's training is obviously very important to you but is there no one who could take over for a while? Your grandson will appreciate a fitter, healthier you after the HR and you should feel better too! Whatever you decide to do the best of luck to you. Janx 

  • morriewynn
    morriewynn josh55

    Posted

    Hi Josh

    The advice Cels gave you is sound advice .

    When I saw my consultant last October I was walking with a crutch; every move I made was agonising; no sleep. I could not lift my leg; it just dragged and I used to cry with the pain of just getting in and of a car . Absolutely awful .

    Sooner rather than later . I promise that you won't regret it .

    Read Cels post again and go to Graham's web site.

    Good luck

    Morrie

  • lynn66084
    lynn66084 josh55

    Posted

    Hi John, I have no experience with martial arts, but I had doubts before and after my op.  I told my doc I didn't want it, I was worried about losing my job, because it's heavy work and we only had 4yr left on our mortgage.  I said I would wait but I was really struggling with the pain and mobility, it really does get worse, I was very slow at my job. Asked for the refferal, the first day home after the op, asked myself what the heck have I done.  I know now what I have done, I have got myself fixed, so I can get back to normality, I'm 5 weeks today and feel great, passed some more milestones today and don't regret it.

    I'm not in a position to tell you what to do, but if you get it done, there will be time needed for healing. I'm sure you would feel much better and in a better position to help your grandson.

    Lynn xx

    • lynn66084
      lynn66084

      Posted

      I do apologise, Josh not John.
  • josh55
    josh55

    Posted

    Wow   thank you guys for your responses  I want to get to each one.  I just wanted to say I really really apreciate the kind words.   I know it maybe sounds stupid to be asking about training with my grandson but this has become a bit of what I see as my legacy.    
    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK josh55

      Posted

      Josh,

      One thing you are guaranteed here is kind words and good heartfelt advice.  

      We all have different priorities in life, and your grandson is as good a priority as I could imagine - and some martial arts training is a great legacy to give him, you never know when it will come in handy.

      Graham - 🚀💃

  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK josh55

    Posted

    Josh,

    If you want to know what's involved, read my blogs on my website - I had two operations as it didn't go smoothly.

    Website address is in my personal info.

    Graham - 🚀💃

  • Lallydye1
    Lallydye1 josh55

    Posted

    Hi Josh and welcome.

    You are certainly not being petty at all about your concerns about training with your grandson.  we all have things that we prioritise in life and this is very admirable.  Feeling guilty about getting what some may say is a non-essential op is common, but ask yourself why you should put yourself through more and increasing pain when there is a good remedy available.  I had all your doubts too as I was fairly able to do most things but I felt my quality of life had deteriorated so that the things I enjoyed, gym, cylcing, skiing I could no longer do, even though I could walk and work etc.

    Remember it will take a while on the NHS to get an appointment with a consultant (8-12 weeks approx ) and then a long wait on a list to get done (another 12 weeks ish unless you can go privately) so if I were you I would get the ball rolling and look forward to many more years training.

    Best of luck and take care.

    Alison x

    • fergal18345
      fergal18345 Lallydye1

      Posted

      hi i have read your message to josh, was wondering if you are now able to do the same things and how your daily life is. im 37 and need to do some kind of trainning as it hurts if i do so now. im due to go in 10 days.
    • lyn1951
      lyn1951 fergal18345

      Posted

      Fergal - I know I am jumping in here, do you have heated swimming pool anywhere near you. I was and am doing an hour treading water, with water log, and or noodle under my arms to help stretch me out.

      Dr recommended orginally, absolutely the best, right up until the day before surgery, and back in the water at 4 weeks after GP approved that my cut had all healed up.

      Am still doing the swimming in reality treading water, and some rowing with my arms, too exercise upper body, also upper body only breaststroke.

      Non-weight bearing is the trick, gives you a chance to stretch out without hurting yourself.

      Have since been assessed by a physio 12 months after last THR, and she said she is going to recommend more treading water for more of her patients, she was amazed that overweight 65 lady, me, can do situps without using arms.

      I have full range of movement through my hips, even more than i have had since accident in my 20's, plank that I can hold for considerable time, and also lying on back, feet planted and lift pelvis off table, and hold, again can hold without discomfort for considerbale length of time.

      I put it all down to my swimming/treading water for 3 days a week for 12 months.

    • Lallydye1
      Lallydye1 fergal18345

      Posted

      Hi Fergal thanks for your message. I am 7 weeks post THR and am now walking well without any aids but still have some aches  but am much better than pre op.  I need to build up my fitness again and am using a stationary bike and have been swimming today and am planning getting back to the gym next week. I am back at work now but I am still taking things easy.  Good luck with your op I am sure with a positive attitude you will get back to normal soon enough but do allow time to heal and try not to push it too much especially in the early weeks. 

      Good luck.

      Alison x

    • fergal18345
      fergal18345 lyn1951

      Posted

      Thanks. Sounds like the water is good for it so il aiming for that. Dreading these limitations for do long depending on people to help with dhoes and socks. Im 37 an do a lot if lifting in work. this might all become a problem im thinking.
    • fergal18345
      fergal18345 Lallydye1

      Posted

      Sounds like a quick recovery for u so far. Well done. What type of phsyio are u doing and how regularly if u don't mind me askin how old are u sounds like u are flying along.

    • Lallydye1
      Lallydye1 fergal18345

      Posted

      Hi Fergal I am 53.  I got the basic physio when I was in hospital and went home with a very limited set of excercises.  After 3 1/2 weeks I went to see a private physio as there was no routine  follow up physio scheduled.  My private physio said I was doing great and gave me a couple more excercises to do but told me just to generally try to do lots of walking and also to practise standing and balancing on my operated leg.  I think this was the best advice as balancing fires up and coordinates all the hip muscles.  It was not easy to do at first though.  I also use some resistance bands when doing lateral leg raises. and when i stretch my leg out behind to work the gluts. I occaisionally do some shallow squats.  So for day to day activites I am fine and am getting my flexibility back.  I still get fatigue and some general aches around the  op site but I know this will ease with time.  I have no plans for any more physio but I will see how I am at 12 weeks.  If I am not completely  pain free by then I may go back.  Good luck.  Do you have an op date?
    • fergal18345
      fergal18345 lyn1951

      Posted

      omg. how on earth can you do that stance after THR. id be frightened to even try that after mine in 2 weeks time i go in. were you bad before the op movement wise and pain. dont mind me asking but have you got age on your side. im hoping to get back to full fitness after mine aged 37.
    • fergal18345
      fergal18345 Lallydye1

      Posted

      great thanks lally. im going in 8th april. really dreading it dont know why. been only 37 its hard call. with revision ops been so hard to do and dislocating it.
    • Lallydye1
      Lallydye1 fergal18345

      Posted

      Hi Fergal

      I understand 37 is very young and you will be looking ahead to revisions in the future. Discuss it with your surgeon. Do you know what approach they will do?  I think this can impact on how quickly you recover.  Also do you know if it will be cemented or not?  I asked my surgeon about revisions and he said it should not be any more difficult than a first time THR so I am not too worried about that.  He also said mine should last 25 years maybe longer.  I am sure your surgeon will have taken your age and activity level into account when he/she decides on type of prosthetic and approach. Try not to worry, I know thats easy to say.  

      BW

      Alison

    • fergal18345
      fergal18345 lyn1951

      Posted

      i dont have the heated swimming  as in hydro. just the normal standard pool,. would that not work. i could find a heated pool if it works better im sure there if i looked into it. sounds like it did you good. keep doing what your doing.  would you have any problems with movements like putting on socks and 90 degree bends and other limits you might have.
    • fergal18345
      fergal18345 Lallydye1

      Posted

      you say balancing, is that on the operated leg alone. i would have thought this was a no go. thats great it would only strenghten all the supporting musles if its aloud. any limits at all for you.
    • Lallydye1
      Lallydye1 fergal18345

      Posted

      Hi yes balancing on operated leg alone. You can't do it straight away but you can fully weight bear on that leg. I initially did this whilst holding on to stick for support but soon worked up to not holding on. Regarding limits I am still not able to bend right down to put socks on or tie shoelaces - I hope to be able to do this quite soon though - and there are a few things that are not recomended until 12 weeks such as breaststroke kick whilst swimming, and golfing (I dont play golf anyway). I asked about skiing next year and my surgeon said that although he wouldn't exactly recomend it he acknowledged that his colleagues in Switzerland and Austria tell their patients to go for it so I should just live my life but be sensible so I will.

      BW

      Alison

    • lyn1951
      lyn1951 fergal18345

      Posted

      Fegal - Took a long time before I could do a ragdoll, about 6 months or more, but I had it before my surgery, consultant was horrified, and it eventually came back, surgeon still horrified, doesn't hurt at all and doesn't feel uncomfortable, he still said I am at risk of dislocation. Seems I have loose hamstrings. I also have a very unusual way my hips fit into my pelvis for a woman.

      As you will only be too aware most women have saddlebags, bulge at top of thigh, I don't have that, never have had, yes I have a waist and flare from there, as do most women, but after that more like a male shape, straight down into upper legs. Even surgeon commented that I fit into about 5% of the female population. Commerically made trousers look wrong on me, looks like I am wearing jodphurs. I either make my own, or have them made for me by a tailor, most of the time I make my own. mother was tailor, so taught me well.

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