TOO SOON?

Hi there,

I was advised to keep using a stick if u limped. Luckily I never had a limp and returned to work after 9 weeks on Monday! That's a wake up call too.

Maybe use the stick again if your muscles still aren't strong enough. 

I think it depends on the level of activity within your job. I returned on a phased return at 12 weeks. I work in a microbiology lab at the hospital where I had the op. At that stage I still limped, badly when tired. I was able to use tha Occ Health services to get some extra physio particularly aqua therapy which helped a lot. I also kept a collapsible walking stick with me just in case.

 the muscles need a bit of help to be strengthened and re-educated 

discuss  your return with your GP and your manager. I do not know if it is the same for everyone but it is often part of the function of Occ Health to ensure that any changes to seating etc are made to accommodate people returning to work after fairly long absences. Obviously depends on company size

If you're limping, you still need to use a stick.   That was the message from my hospital physios.

It's good that you don't have the groin pain, I never had it after any of my operations, but I can imagine it

It takes ages for all the muscles and nerves to settle down into the correct place, and they will continue to move for months afterwards, and that causes some pains and aches.

Best wishes

Graham

I had both hips replaced on the same day 2 1/2 years ago. Like you, my recovery went very well.  I did go back to work after 7 weeks, I wish I had done a phase in... as I was exhausted a the end of each day until the end of the school year. I never had a limp after surgery (probably because both were replaced at the same time). I kept a collapsable cane in my school bag just in case.    I wish you continued progress in your recovery.

 

Hi Marilyn

I am now on week 5 seen my local GP

Last week I am now driving and walking no sticks.

Like you my groin pain is gone

I do have pain down my thigh on standing after sitting for a while. Also after walking for about an hour some lower back pain and hip pain. I have my check up at the hospital 15th August but on the whole I feel like a new person having waited 2 years for the operation.

Hi there. I just had my PT appt yesterday. Im 3 1/2 months post op and still have a bit of a limp. He said it was because I discarded my stick to soon. It actually KEEPS the muscles weak by NOT using a stick because your UNdamaged muscles compensate for them. When you use a stick it teaches the the muscles what they are supposed to do and fire in the right sequence while walking.

Using the stick is a pain in the butt...but I don't want to limp.

So pleased you are doing well. Unfortunately I wasn't so lucky having emergency surgery in another country was my downfall and being cleanliness was another issue I don't know what the future holds right now and I just live every day now. BBeen a long road as the fungus infection was very bad in the wound. Takecare and keep thinking positive.