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?

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  • Posted

    Aw David

    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

    • Posted

      Janx,

      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).

    • Posted

      Hi David (from a dreary UK!)

      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!)

  • Posted

    Hi David, Poor you!! Are you doing your excerises ? I am just over 3 weeks post op.Its still early days . Many people thought I would bottle . You must continue to take to meds. Please dont be clever, if you nned them take them Listen to your body. My Hubby is disabled and I have had to have carers in.It will take time to settle. My leg is till swollen. But have to give it time. Pleas slow yourself down. Otherwise you will be back to square one. regards amanda 
  • Posted

    Hi David this is a major operation that has major affect on your body.

    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.

    • Posted

      i totally agree with Christine, David, you have had major surgery all internal, one scar on the outside but many on the inside. i am returning to work in 2 weeks which will be 7 weeks post op and driving for the first time today and i have an automatic car. when i mentioned using a static bike to my PT he looked at me as if i was mad and said not till after at leat 6 weeks - slow down or you will go down!
  • Posted

    Hi David. It really sounds like you are doing far too much. Recovery is slow & everyone's recovery is different. I have never heard of anyone being able to drive so soon, I only started yesterday after 7 1/2 weeks & it was quite painful. Also only just started back at work part time.

    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.

     

  • Posted

    What a Great forum. Thanks all-overriding message is to slow down. Wish I could. Looking forward to Drs. Visit next week for confirmation.

    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......

  • Posted

    Dear David,

    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

    • Posted

      Hi Ginny,

      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. 😢

    • Posted

      David unbelievable how you are punishing yourself. I don't mean to sound harsh but I am sure your son would rather you be fully recovered then dead; through putting your body through so much stress. It can't be good for your heart. Your body needs all its strength to heal which takes up to a year. First you need to speak to your boss and see if he has compassion to look after his employees. You will be no use to him either. He should let you have a few more weeks off with full pay then let you return part time until you feel physically better. Those hours you are doing are ridiculous for someone who is recovering from THR plus a complication of a fracture. You are literally torturing yourself and causing yourself more pain. You will be prolonging your recovery. I am sure your surgeon will be horrified. For someone fit, your job would be tiring I'm sure. Could your son take some pressure off you and get a part time job and save until you are ready? You could show your boss this forum he might then see that you are notsuperman.
    • Posted

      Hi David,

      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 rolleyes

       

    • Posted

      Hi David.

      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.

       

    • Posted

      oh my gosh David.... I want to echo what everyone else has said.... I hear your concerns about work LOUD and CLEAR .... BUT, you have one chance to heal properly.... I am 8 weeks out (bilateral anterior) .... went to back last week -- 2 half days and 2 full days and then full time.... I am so tired by the end of the day.... last week I pushed too much (PT gave me a good talking to) and am resting today....

      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 smile  get as much rest as you can --- sending prayers your way for a healthy recoery smile

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