When can I?

Posted , 10 users are following.

I am so confused about when the need to continue the 90 degree rule to, when I can have a bath and how the heck I get down in it. 

When can I sit in a normal dining room chair or on my couch where my knee will be higher than my hip. 

When can I dispense with the loo raiser ? And finally when can I sleep on my operated side? 

1 like, 20 replies

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  • Posted

    Catt1

    So sorry you are uncomfortable...this is my 4th day after trhr. 2nd hip replacement. My patience has ran thin already. In time you will even feel comfortable enough to do these things. Especially the toilet riser trust me you dont want to sit that low....just have a little more patience for healing. You may feel better. But keep in mind they cut out a major part of your body. Hope you feel better!!!

  • Posted

    Catt1

    So sorry you are uncomfortable...this is my 4th day after trhr. 2nd hip replacement. My patience has ran thin already. In time you will even feel comfortable enough to do these things. Especially the toilet riser trust me you dont want to sit that low....just have a little more patience for healing. You may feel better. But keep in mind they cut out a major part of your body. Hope you feel better!!!

  • Posted

    Hi Catt1,

    I am seeing the physio Wednesday and the consultant on Thursday for 6 week check up and will be asking these questions. I think we all need to know when we can/should be moving on and what to expect. I am worried to do too much because of it popping out. So I will get it from the horses mouth so to speak and will post back then.

    • Posted

      Thank you Jen. I am at 12 weeks and scared to death about dislocation. I asked about lying on my good side which is ok and about walking normally upstairs - which was a no no x
    • Posted

      Like you catt1 I am fed up of lying on my back, I lie there during the night with an urge to turn over, thank goodness I am surrounded by pillows, every morning my back aches. You surprised me that walking up stairs is a no no but, it has been so many years since I did that anyway a few more weeks won't matter.

    • Posted

      I went to the physio today and it was really a waste of time, all she did was sign me off. Basically keep up with the exercises, walking and precautions for another six weeks even sleeping on my back. As you are 12 weeks you should be good to get back to normal, with special care when you bend, as she said you are never going to be safe from dislocation (great). At least you can sleep on your side 😊😃. Good luck with everything.

    • Posted

      Hi catt1,

      Saw one of the consultants team today, all he said was keep up with precautions until 3 months, then be careful for six months. They think after six months you should be fairly safe from dislocation and you can try and cut your toe nails. So I did not really find out a lot as it is always, maybe, be careful or go slowly. I will not be seen for a year now.

    • Posted

      Thanks I am so anxious about dislocation I am being over cautious . I have been passed for to drive but have no confidence I am sure it will come 
    • Posted

      That is my fear as well, I am also being over cautious.
  • Posted

    I am just over 1 year out from my right THR, and I remember well the confusion and lack of solid answers. I was fortunate to have a home PT who cleared up a bunch of things, so I'll give you her answers. The 3 month mark is your benchmark for a lot of things, like sitting in low chairs and sofas that put your knees above your hips for an extended period. I bought a 3 inch gel cushion so o could sit at my kitchen table as soon as it was comfortable. The raised loo seat is pretty much when you feel comfortable after 6 weeks. Sleeping on the operated side for me was when it felt comfortable after the 6 week mark, but with a pillow between my knees until after 3 months. I was sleeping on my non operated side three days after surgery with the pillow between my knees because I had complete insomnia on my back. The hospital nurses approved the side sleeping. Seems a lot of people can't sleep on their back.

    Hope this helps, and best of luck to you!

  • Posted

    Hi Cat

    The 90 degree rule is based in your first 6 weeks after this you can move forward slowly but if you feel it hurts then stop and don't go so far forward a little bit every day. Also you can bath when you think you are able to get out safely with or without help, I think going down in it will be easier than getting out. I'm 13 weeks but have not done it yet as my knee is weak. You can sit normal after the 6 weeks restrictions if you feel like you can do it try with someone else around. Yes you can sit with your knee higher than your hip all after 6 weeks. The loo seta can go if you feel you don't need it. Take it off and give it a go as long as your after 6 weeks try it.

    • Posted

      Thanks Penny. I tried the loo seat two weeks ago but it made my leg hurt. Maybe time to try again 
  • Posted

    Depends on whether you had anterior or posterior. I had anterior and had no restrictions from day one whatsoever except no running for 3 months. I admit I cheated on that a bit and ran at 5 weeks. It’s been 7+ months no and no repercussions at all. 
    • Posted

      Posterior sadly. I don’t know why they don’t all do anterior as the recovery seems so much better . 
    • Posted

      Depends on the surgeons method of expertise. More risk of nerve damage with anterior. Virtually no difference in outcome at one year for over 90 % of people. 
    • Posted

      There has actually been no real research as to what is better posterior or anterior. After three months or so it does not really make any difference which approach you had. I had lateral posterior and it went brilliantly, it is really how good is your surgeon at that approach. 

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