Wish I had never done it!
Posted , 19 users are following.
4 weeks out from posterior RTHR. In the hospital one day and then home four days before having to go back to work. Stopped all pain meds at the 2 week mark and started driving day 5. Hurts so bad that I am in tears every day. Will it ever get better? Dr. professed to break femur upon insertion. PT every day since day 12 and have yet to sleep. Feel as if I'm losing my mind. In a very tough spot as GM for a property management company with many guest/staff/ owner issues and I am having a hard time dealing. Never ever thought I would be so out of it. When will it ever get better?
0 likes, 29 replies
jan06056 david62624
Posted
Sounds like you're going through hell., you poor man.
I'm surprised you were allowed to progress so quickly as rest is such a critical part of the healing process. Also, you need to lie down for 1-2 hours per day in order to stretch the leg muscles to avoid contracture (muscle shortening).
I am 7.5 weeks post lthr op and run my own biz too. Did nothing x 2 weeks made it look like I was on hols!) and then did emails and calls which I built up. First outing was 6 weeks post op as scared of overdoing it.
Get some meds ASAP so you can control the pain, and as much rest as your days allow.
You don't want to get so run down you risk am infection.
Best wishes and good luck!
Janx
david62624 jan06056
Posted
Thanks. 7 weeks better? Can you sleep? Up to 30 minutes on bike and the PT takes 1.5 hours total daily. I only have one speed and see the doc for 5 week post op next week. Walking hurts and standing kills. First post anywhere which surprisingly feels good. Good to know I am not alone (if also not all there).
jan06056
Posted
Yes pain stopped after 2 weeks but I did have the luxury of those first two weeks when I rested 10-14 hours per day (up every hour to do exercises and walk).
You are where you are. Of you can get a stick, do as it really helps - even though it's not a very cool look!
If you can lay off the bike for a bit that will help your energy levels. It is a major op we've had so I try to err on the side of caution - when I can!
Jan (the x was a kiss!)
amanda1827h david62624
Posted
christine69594 david62624
Posted
You do need to rest and if your body Hurts, then rest and gentle exercise.
Your body will heal quicker if you rest than if you try to do everything quickly.
To drive at 5 days is very very early and I don't think I've heard of anyone driving that early on cos you are using the muscles in your thigh all the time so they will ache until you rest them. It takes 3 months for the muscles which have been cut through attach themselves to the new prosthesis.
You need to keep taking your pain meds until your body doesn't hurt to enable you to exercise.
For 2 weeks I just rested and did exercises as most of us on this site have said.
Then you feel you can start to do more and most people reallyvturn a corner at 5-6 weeks.
Your body will tell you when you can do more.
You really should be off work for 6 weeks at least, that is the recommended amount of time.
Your employer has a duty of care to you.
The op also affects your mind, so you can become down and tearful.
Give yourself a break David, you only have 1 body you need to take good care of it.
If you do this you will soon feel better.
I could drive at 6 weeks when my consultant told me I could.
I didn't sleep properly for 3-4 weeks.
I went back to work at 8 weeks a bit at a time so every other day for 4 hrs then gradually increase the hours.
Take care of yourself and I hope you soon feel better.
valerie48782 christine69594
Posted
val14381 david62624
Posted
give yourself time to recover. If you need painkillers, take them & rest whenever you need to. Don't try to rush things or you may take longer to recover.
david62624
Posted
Unfortunately in a situation where narcotics are worse than pain. Just never thought the effects of surgery would be so far reaching with regard to both mind and body. Research I had done/patients I spoke with indicated mild and quick recovery......
ginny35168 david62624
Posted
Reading your post made me cringe. I am so sorry you feel this way about your new hip. Didn't the surgeon tell you that this was a major surgery and would take time to heal? I am almost 43 years old 12 weeks post op THR. I wouldn't have ever thought of getting up after 5 days getting in a car to drive and go back to work so quickly. Wasn't your employer the least bit aware that you should be home resting? Were you afraid of losing your job? You are doing too much!!! Your body needs to rest, it has no idea what is going on no wonder you are in so much pain. And, your going to physical therapy every day.... May i ask where you live David? Please, I mean no disrespect, but take your Superman Cape off and rest. This is a time to heal and get better. Ginny USA NJ
david62624 ginny35168
Posted
I live in the mountains of Colorado. No offense taken. Yes, my job requires Monday-Saturday, 9a-7por 8p daily with many stairs/physicality. I don't want to be superman, would happily settle for former man. Son starts Cal Poly next year-someone has to foot the $40K/year that requires. 😢
kevin85498 ginny35168
Posted
debbie04463 david62624
Posted
ginny35168 david62624
Posted
You won't be able to foot the bill if you don't get well!!! PT and all the physical work at work is probably too much. May want to reconsider how much PT you are doing. My physical therapist told me that your muscles need time to rest. You are not allowing that to happen. Please take care ..... Ginny
Paulus1949 david62624
Posted
Im was self employed after my 1st THR last feb,and like you I started back working too soon,(after 4wks though).
I paid the price and ended up having to have complete rest for the next 3wks.
As every one has said THR is major surgery,and if you don't rest up you could end up messing things up,and needing even more time of work.
Id listen to us fellow hippies on here and take just a few weeks off,you'll feel the benefit in the long run.
As for excercises and bike riding my surgeon advised to wait til 8 wks post op, but walking is good.
Excercise early on isn't as crucial for hip replacement as it is for knee replacement,he said.
Take it a bit easier and things will definately improve.
good luck Paul UK.
deborah33754 david62624
Posted
something to think about... what if you push too much and end up disabled?
maybe try doing part time? Do you have sick leave?
I am lucky to have a great boss (and I am a teacher so it was stressful being out) .... my boss also has had major surgery and she reminds me the stress my body has been through.... I do not FEEL like I have had majory surgery, and it is hard to "pace myself" but I quickly feel it when I push too much
I want everything to heal properly and truly be past this
we are all here to SUPPORT you get as much rest as you can --- sending prayers your way for a healthy recoery