THR and Fracture Repair

Posted , 7 users are following.

Hello Everyone: Hope this finds you all doing well on your path to recovery! I am 8 weeks post op from lthr and fracture repair. Feeling strong. Able to put 100% weight on leg with the aid of a walker. My question is this: how long were others off of the walker and able to do more around the house, longer driving and grocery shopping after having a similar experience? I have been told that the fracture requires 3 months to heal? Shared experiences are greatly appreciated. Cindy

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20 Replies

  • Posted

    I'm 4 weeks post THR and can put full weight on my leg, but just feel wary about other movements. I can walk 3 or 4 miles with my stick as back up if necessary, but need a long rest after that x

    good luck with your continued recovery x

    • Posted

      Just out of curiousity do you walk 3 or 4 miles all at once??? Considering that you are doing 3 or 4 miles at just 4 weeks post op, that sounds phenomenal. So of course you need a good rest. Sounds like you are doing great...!!!
    • Posted

      When I did 3 miles it was 1.5 to the vets, then a sit down and 1.5 back then a long rest. When I did 4 miles, I did half in the morning and half in the afternoon, with long sit downs afterwards. I can feel my muscles in my thigh and calf really protesting, but it is definitely muscle and nit hip! I am 52. X
  • Posted

    Hi Cindy, We all vary so hard to compare ourselves with someone else. Not everyone's case is the same and with you have fracture repair that makes it a lot worse as far as being able to function and when you have weight bearing restrictions your not able to do as much as someone who hasn't had this. That being said, as someone also had to remind me because I was getting frustrated reading how some people were able to walk with only one cane etc.....For myself I quit using the walker about 3 weeks ago. I am currently 5 and 1/2 weeks post op. I had a rthr and also had a fractured pelvis that had to be repaired. You didn't say what kind of fracture repair you had but I am assuming it was femur? That takes a while to heal...I was only on restricted weight bearing for a few weeks so a lot of our being able to walk or do more things depends on this also...Hope I have helped some...Wishing you well....Barb

    • Posted

      Oops....sorry Cindy and I also forgot to mention that yes, I did quit using the walker but went to crutches from that. Some days I am able to get around pretty good with one crutch and others I have to use both. My operated side actually doesn't feel too bad, but I have severe OA in my left hip also and have to get it replaced soon also. I think if it were not for that I would be able to walk with one crutch or a cane pretty well....Hope this helps.....Barb

    • Posted

      Thanks Barbie.  That helps. and yes, we are all different with different circumstances. My fracture was tronchoteric or upper femur. Never knew until surgery that I had one. My surgeon is very conservative and only wants what's best for his patients. He's erring on the side of caution as he wont be able to fix this if it fails! He said the bone was in such bad shape. I know I've got at least another month on the walker. It's just so frustrating. There's so much neglect to my house and property; it's hard to live with dust bunnies all over the floor etc. I want so badly to get things cleaned and straightened up here! I'm just not accustomed to living this way. I'm certain many on the forum feel the same way. Guess there will be time for that eventually! Thanks Cindy

    • Posted

      Your welcome Cindy and I didn't know I had a fracture either until after surgery when the surgeon told me. Oh boy do I know what you mean about dust bunnies. I have been trying to do some things around the house but dusting isn't one of them. I suppose if only I wanted to dust just the tops of things I might be able to, but not being able to bend very far makes it very difficult. It gets depressing for me seeing things in a mess as I am not use to living that way either, but keep telling myself it is only temporary. I am glad that I have been able to do the things that I have been able to accomplish, I am able to do more than before my surgery, but I also need to refrain from trying to overdo it, which I have a tendency to do. Right now most important is that you listen to your doctor. I know it is hard but wouldn't want to do anything to hender your healing or progress....Hope you feel better soon....wishing you the best.....Barb

    • Posted

      Do you have children Cindy.I remember after my third one was born I had returned back to work.I had a day off and I had all kinds of plans for cleaning the house and that morning the kids just needed Mommy time.I had to refocus my attention to the need at hand..Had to redefine success.I used an egg timer and told the kids I will go into the kitchen and when the timer goes off I will return to play with you.I got that refrigerator done literally 1 shelf at a time.Sucess that day was defined as giving time to nurturing my children by giving them my time.Today I helped clean out the frig by having my husband pull out the containers so I could get rid of old food and wash everything out.Im right back where I was as a young mother but now I'm having to give myself the time and nurture me.Do you have a grabber or a sponge on a stick to help you clean.I also did the kitchen floor today using the grabber and a big soapy cleaning cloth.Looks tons better.One shelf at a time my dear,because right now that's all we can do??

  • Posted

    Hi Cindy, 

    Wow, you are doing great ... great responses and feedback too - 

    Unfortunately it takes time to heal and getting impatient, frustrated, sometimes angry and feeling down is part of this roller coaster - 

    Your surgeon has his best interest for you and I know that you will heed his advice - 150 feet doesn't seem that much, but for your body it is a lot - a couple of times a day will help the healing and getting stronger as long as you rest in between - 

    It is frustrating to schlep the walker with you, but without it, you'd probably wobble and limp which will put a bigger strain on the parts  that have just began to heal - it is still so fragile, Cindy - 

    Is there anybody you could ask to come and help you tidy up in the house? 

    I had  someone come in to clean and it does make a difference when your surroundings are tidy - especially the bathroom was a big concern for me - I paid for it and it was worth every euro ... 

    Are you driving ?  it is the getting in and out of the car that makes it challenging - for a while I just could do one stop (supermarket) at a time - 

    allow healing to take place, okay ?

    big warm hug

    renee

    • Posted

      Thank you Renee ( and all the other wonderful friends on this forum)!

      Sometimes a little encouragement can go a long way! I am so grateful to my surgeon for restoring my life and giving me my mobility back; one day at a time! I absolutely know that the day will come when I am able to walk, sit and lay down without limping and without pain. At 2 months post op, I am just beginning to join the living again; so to speak. It's easy to become impatient and start noticing that there is dust around the house and things are not as you would normally have them! I have been given permission to drive but find that although I am quite able to get in and out of the car; long distances are literally a pain in the ass! Lol So, short walks and short trips in the car for now. It sure beats not being allowed to go out at all! Sometimes when I re-read my posts, I feel like the most ungrateful person in the world! 

      My primary care physician told me when I went to see him last week that a fracture must be given 3 months at least to heal. Of course, I wanted him to tell me that I was already healed and could go home and jump in my pool! He said I must "baby" my leg for another month. I can do that.......but I don't want to! 

      I guess what I really want everyone to know is that I am grateful for everyone on the forum who has sent encouragement my way.... Through some of my darkest moments. It has helped more than you know. Namaste.  Cindy

  • Posted

    Hi Cindy.Going to OS tomorrow,will see what he has to say about the 3 month deal.Wish me luck.It is starting to feel better.This is so slow, my other hip is bad too.Is your non operative hip in good shape?
    • Posted

      Good Morning Msky! Please let me know what happens at your appointment! My primary care physician told me last week that the fracture does take a full 12 weeks to heal. So, I have you in my prayers! I am at 9 weeks now; a little behind you. Almost full weight bearing but still using a walker. This is a slow process! I can't wait to hear your good news! Cindy

    • Posted

      Hi Msky: Just realized I didn't answer your question. My other hip is ok. All of the knee and leg pain disappeared after the surgery. That horrible OA pain is gone too! Thankfully. Cindy

    • Posted

      Hi Cindy so went to the OS Thursday.He repeated the X-Ray and said the comparison showed a definite fracture.He showed us the X-rays side by side and the fracture was much more obvious yesterday.The good news was that the bone is still close together and appears to have little white streaks which he said was the beginning of the bone healing.He was relieved.He said the operation to go in surgically is not arthroscopic and though it's not as bad as a replacement surgery it is still a big surgery.Yeah Ha on that.Told him what you had said about the 12 weeks to heal the fracture and the need for the walker and he said it really is true.He just looked me in the eyes am said ,this is hard but worth it so please just be patient.He was very sincere so The walker it is for now.Do you have a 4 wheeler or a 2 wheeler.I have both but prefer the 4 wheeler as it is just easier to use,helps me walk faster and sit down to do the dishes when I need to.I bought a pretty quilted bag that goes over the front of it to put my stuff in, very practice and washable.Makes life easier.Good night,God Bless??

    • Posted

      great decision Msky - our patience is tested, isn't it - 

      I have a 4 wheel walker and it has served me very well - I still take it with me sometimes if I go out for a longer walk - (an attempt to get my stamina back) - People can look at me all they want, but hey, who cares - 

      I love the idea of putting a pretty quilted bag - 

      You are doing good, darling, by having such a positive attitude

      angel blessing

    • Posted

      Hi Msky! Glad to hear you're on the mend! Are you 12 weeks post op at this time? How long do you expect to use your walker? I drive and go out with my 2 wheeler. People hold the door for me but to tell you the truth, it makes me feel very vulnerable if I am out alone! Of course like everyone else, I cannot wait for the day that I am able to walk without AIDS and get back to my life. I am tired of relying on others. They're probably tired also! Lol I will be at the 10 week point next week and see my surgeon on the 7th. Not sure what if anything will change at that juncture. I am giving myself the full 3 months to continue all caution due to the fracture. Even though I had mine wired with titanium, I do not want it to fail. Thank you for the update! Stay strong. Cindy

    • Posted

      Hi Cindy.I am at 7 weeks ,the fracture occurred at 3 weeks.Im honestly still having a lot of pain.Just looked at Graham's site and he had that suggestion of the flamingo leg exercise that sounds good to help strenghten the leg.The Doc still does not want me doing the P T exercises but I be got to go back to work so I've got to strengthen myself to get ready..Let me know what your Doc says.I use my grabber a lot to do stuff,and I got my rollater for 92 dollars shipping and tax included.The insurance company said they will cover a 4 wheeler with a Docs prescription for 1.I can move faster and it has a seat built in in case Im in a situation where I need to sit like when I do the dishes.Keep strong,onward and forward

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