Three weeks post full hip replacement
Posted , 11 users are following.
I am just over three weeks post op and had the super path full hip replacement. I felt like I was progressing wonderfully well as managed to ditch the crutches around the house after two weeks but the last few days I can’t weight bare any more on my operated leg and limp, rocking the pelvis, very badly. I have seen the physio who has given me sticks and said to keep up the pain killers....which I was trying to come off.
Any of this normal or should I be worried?
0 likes, 16 replies
Pippyj carol21327
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carol21327 Pippyj
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RichardKen carol21327
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Dear Carol
That's very disappointing. Are you aware of having done anything that could have caused the set-back?
I would use two crutches rather than sticks for the moment rather than sticks as crutches will give you better support. Ice packs may provide some relief. Hopefully things will settle down soon.
Did you have your surgery in the UK!
All the best, Richard
carol21327 RichardKen
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penny08987 carol21327
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Hi carol
6 weeks is the recommended time on crutches depending on recovery, I feel like you've run before you can walk. Go back to basics otherwise you may not heal the way you should.
Your muscles were cut and need time to heal and get strong. Take your time and do your strengthening exercises, you will need to get a good night's sleep in.
Good luck penny
carol21327 penny08987
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carol21327
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I saw the physio on Friday and she swapped the crutches for sticks so maybe I’m not doing too badly its just I think I did too much to begin with
My GP has said the same to be a bit kinder to the healing process
AlexandriaGizmo carol21327
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Hi yes the procedure you have had doesn't cut the muscles but it is still pushing them apart and placing a metal prosthetic into the marrow of your body, this has to heal first before you hip is stable, it has to completely settle into the femur, hence the time they advised you stay on two crutches, when you have Physio they will let you know when to go to one and so on, if you are struggling to weight bear then maybe you should get it checked out incase you have loosened it always best to be safe than sorry
Rocketman_SG6UK carol21327
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I first ditched my sticks at 6 weeks, sounds like you have done that a bit early. Could it be the pain killers have led you to think you can do without them?
Your physio sounds to have given good advice, take pain killers and use the sticks.
Remember that dislocation risk is high in the early weeks.
carol21327 Rocketman_SG6UK
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I’m being very good now and sound advice for sure. It’s frustrsting though just thought I was on such a great road to recovery and would be back walking into town (a mile) by now but I can’t walk far at all 😩
carol21327
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Yes your right about the super path but I think I just thought that because I was doing so well I could do anything!
Mike Cronin did my op and I feel very privileged now because like you say I think they are the way forward. Using ceramic not metal means it will last longer
m05 carol21327
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carol21327 m05
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Yes I did 😊
Yes he’s very talented for sure and like you say a really down to earth nice person
m05 carol21327
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Hi I had my second Superpath just over 5 weeks ago recovery so far has been very smooth apart from insect bites but thats another story ! It was about 3 to 4 weeks when I stopped using sticks and can now walk quite normally with no aids first few steps can ache . I do believe that recovery is a lot quicker with this method BUT it is still big surgery and you have to be careful not to overdo it even if you feel good small and often for first few months I think is best plan be kind to yourself and don't rush recovery Superpath is great and my first after 4 months feels good can still get some mild ache but overall I feel like I have a life back . Out of intrest who did your op there aren't many doing SP in the UK yet although I see this increasing in the near future . Sure you will do great .
Marilyn1212 carol21327
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Hi Carol I too am 3 weeks thr and there is no way I could ditch my crutches yet. I am reasonably mobile and can manage a few steps unaided but that's all.
Take your time it's a brutal operation and from what I've read it takes up to 6 months to fully recover. Good luck
carol21327 Marilyn1212
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