TRH Replacement, 6 Weeks - wondering when I can start to go out?

Posted , 9 users are following.

Hello all,

I'm twenty-two years old and underwent total right hip replacement surgery six weeks ago. The recovery process has been fairly smooth sailing so far despite significant discomfort and pain in the first two weeks. I am walking mostly without a crutch within the house, and only use one when I'm outside. I've been trying to complete my physiotherapy exercises three times a day, but sometimes stick to twice a day if I'm feeling sore.

I've had my six week follow up today and the surgeon seems satisfied that I am recovering well, although there is a slight discrepancy in leg length due to an underdeveloped pelvis from a congenital health condition. Despite this he maintained that I was doing well, and told me not to come back until November for my next check up.

In addition to this I have my first physiotherapy appointment at the hospital tomorrow, so I'm hoping she will shed some light on what I can and cannot do. When did everyone else feel comfortable going out alone? Or using public transport? Walking in large crowds? I don't drive and I worry that I may injure myself attempting to get off and on a bus or tram. I also worry I will be banged into if I walk down a busy street, as some people can be oblivious to others. Of course I plan to use my crutch until I am told otherwise. I am just sick of being cooped up in the house! It's starting to really get me down.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi

    Having been through the process 6 months on Saturday past it never ceases to amaze me how many people are not advised what they can do . The variances will be vast . I was told to walk and exercise as much as possible and from day one i was out and about with very much the bit between my teeth. I was out with wife having coffee in Neros on day 2 and never looked back . I personally try to not let the hip rule my life and don't think about it too much .

  • Posted

    Although not alone I went out to lunch, after my hip op, with my sister the day after I came out of hospital. I was quite tired after though.

  • Posted

    I fell and broke my hip at 64 years old two years ago. Easter Sunday was exactly two weeks after my surgery.I went to which required going up 20 or 30 steps to the entrance. I quit using a walker after 4 days and never used a cane at all. I didn't take any pain medication after 4 days. Even though my range of motion was very limited for awhile and there was some discomfort and soreness, I started doing normal everyday things after four weeks. I'm a wallpaper hanger and did my first job 3 months after my surgery. I think the main thing is to just use common sense and don't overdo it. Just listen to your body and don't try to bend too far or strain the muscle that takes time to heal. Everyone recovers differently, so just do what you can when you can without overdoing it. Overdoing it causes brief setbacks and more pain and discomfort. Good luck getting back to your normal life. It does take about a year to feel healed. I now can hardly believe I have had a hip replacement, other than still some limited movement while doing certain things occasionally.

    • Posted

      Keep going! The more we move the better it gets.

  • Posted

    Get out and start walking. No walking on ICE. Where are you? Excercise , excercise keep moving. Once we stop, were done. Do your stretches that they told you to do. They kept me in house for 1 week. That was enough of that. Outside second week. Back on farm tractor in second week and taking care of our horses again. But carefully! Go for it! Life is but too short to waste time.

  • Posted

    Hi. I was using a walking frame for 4 mths then a walking stick for another 4 mths. It was walking along uneven footpaths that freaked me out the most and crazy people walking around with their heads buried in their mobiles that you have to be wary off. Buses and trains were the least of my worries as the bus drivers usually lowered the bus and you can use the wheelchair ramps to get on/ off the trains. Its usually the gap between the carriage and the platform that you have to leap across that scared me the most as I couldnt step out far enough and keep my balance. All simple things we take for granted until we cant do it!!!! Finding a decent chair to sit on in the pub is another challenge again. Dont sit in those low slung lounges / chairs and forget about the high stools as they really pull on your inside thigh muscle. Your young and far more fitter than me. Take care and before too long you will see how far you have progressed.

  • Posted

    It's awful being stuck in alright and great for the body and soul to get out. As you've been cleared by your surgeon, walking inside and doing your exercises (and know when to ease back a little if sore), it is likely you are ready for the outside world. It is natural to feel nervous about getting on and off buses and sensitive about bumping into people or other obstructions. I had one THR in Autumn and wet fallen leaves on footpaths were my enemy! Initially, I'd suggest starting with smaller walks and use both crutches until you are confident. Crutches also act as a 'warning' to others - including bus drivers - and I must say I found people very helpful e.g. offering up seat in bus if none available. Best of luck.

  • Posted

    Hi, I'm 7wks post op this week and have walking outside a few times a week since week 4, with a crutch. Dropped the crutches about wk 5-6, I just waited until I felt comfortable on the operated leg to go without crutches/stick support.

    I think I did a walk without them, was a little nervous then progressed to going solo and not looked back. Able to walk the dog twice a day now.

    I have physio a couple times a week at the hospital, thats really helping me to strengthen my legs. Good luck and keep moving! 😃

  • Posted

    I went for short walks from day 3, but I used my crutches. I went on public transport from about week 4, and had some nice days out using bus, tube and train. People were very good at offering their seats. It's worth using your crutches, then people don't bump into you. I was lucky though, because it was summer, so much easier to be out and about.

    Good luck, enjoy yourself and take care!

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