THR 1-8-19 hip surgery recovery

Nice to have 3 friends to chat to while we recover together.

You have more than 3 friends here! What are the rest of us...chopped liver? :rotfl:
Only kidding you....couldn't resist after I read that.
I hope you're doing well at 11 days post op. Hopefully you are enjoying the weekend! @goblue61

Some interesting exchanges going on above.

@Wayfarer I'm sorry to read about your brother. Heartbreaking :console2:
 
Thanks Layla, it's been a while, 14 years now (can't believe it's been that long). After it happened I cried for a week and drank for a month. I will tell you about one anecdote as it relates to China. My brother came with me on one trip and we were sitting around for a meal with some of my Chinese colleagues/friends, it was a largish round table, the beer was starting to flow. My Chinese friend leans over and says, "Your brother more smart, more handsome than you..." I looked across the table, there was my smiling brother, entertaining those next to him. I had to shrug and think, "You know what, you're right!"

Blue, I get that China may not be everyone's cup of tea and I wouldn't blame them. I have been very Asia-centric for the past 25 years. Been trying to switch that up with travels to other parts of the world; still a host of places I would like to see. I still will probably be going to China twice a year for a while yet, and I have been trying to incorporate some other travels in the region (went to Cambodia BEFORE a China arrival a few years ago) where Japan is on that short list (been there, but just for an overnight). Haha, even went to North Korea three years ago.

Regarding your time/places in China. China of course is big, like the US. If it was just a bucketlist thing, you could probably do well just being in Beijing for a week with daytrips to say the Great Wall, Summer Palace, Hutong Tour in the city, and then city tours, much of which you could do on your own.

About a half dozen times or more, I've kinda got a route that I have taken when I've had family, friends, colleagues in tow. Will land in Beijing (usually do this in late summer, September--it can start to cool down a bit, sometimes not though) where I have a work show to attend for a couple half days. Usually I send those in my fold on a day tour booked through the hotel. We will then do a few other things (Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, etc.) in town--you can really fill days before you know it with things to do.

Then an overnight train to Xi'an for the terracotta warriors. The train trip is an experience, you will have a sleeper, and it can get real "festive" depending on who else happens to be on board. A night in Xi'an (old Muslim town gets fun at night) then fly to Shanghai for another couple nights. All the latter would encompass 7 - 10 days. If you have the time, there are additional day trips (like Suzhou, Nanjing, Hangzhou) you could take.

You could also shop around for tours. One time coming back from China for my thing, there was a father/daughter team from the Carolinas; we were on the flight to SFO together. I was comparing prices of their trip where they were on a tour which included their flights, hotels (Chinese three-star), most meals, and most importantly, facilitating travel and tours within China. The price for the whole thing was remarkably modest. I tallied up my expenses and was paying about the same and they had everything taken care of for them! It's much, much easier to get around nowadays there than 25 years ago when I met my mom (as a young girl my mom was always fascinated about the Yangtze River--we took a boat down the river for a couple nights) in Chengdu (flying in from Tibet) and traveled around together for a couple weeks and she went home; I went on to Vietnam for the second time.

I love California, but like leaving too! Looks like you have scratched the surface well. I often direct people down to the Central Coast (Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, et al) for wine country. Most of the wineries in Napa area have facilities in the Central Coast, and of course there are heaps of other modest wineries all on their own there. I think one might avoid some of the crowds and commercialism in the Napa area. And the drive from say Morro Bay to Monterey (or visa versa) is spectacular; given of course that you aren't sacked with fog which can happen often during the summer. I lived in Paso Robles in late 80's and never got tired of that coastline.
 
Layla, oh yes I do know there are many new friends on these threads who all have something in common.
Very cool all these people interested in helping one another.

The conversation did go off topic a bit wandering off in many directions. I guess we all have a little extra time on our hands these days.

Would never think of you as chopped liver:snork:

Jaycey, unless my surgeon really objects, I think your thoughts on future PT seems the best to me. I kind of like the easy stuff PT has me doing right now to keep the muscles active and I could see adding a few other exercises that are in the manual the hospital gave me for ROM.
Are you saying resistancebands and strengthening exercises be introduced after the hip has time to heal on itself? Possibly not at all unless the surgical leg Is much weeker than the other?

I have been walking about 80 yards twice a day ( with walker) the past few days without any issues. Will increase that slowly as you recommend as long as there is no pain caused.
So hard to not do to much when your feeling good
 
You sound as if you are doing the right things for early days.
So hard to not do to much when your feeling good
This certainly is true...but just temporary.
This patience will be paid in a big way.
 
Hi Goblue,
That’s fantastic that you’re weaning yourself from the oxy—a very good sign that you’re over the hump. That stuff is necessary, but it made me very sick after a week or so.

To answer your question, I am indeed back to most everything. I was a university professor (adjunct) and a studio musician before, but now I have a one year old (and attempt to do freelance work from home, though we will soon be sending the little guy to part-time daycare). Because I have a baby, I don’t get to put my feet up and rest much!! My parents were here to help out for the first four or so weeks, and then I went back to full time baby care. The first few days after they left were quite exhausting, but my endurance improved steadily. I am still going to PT a few times a week, and then I do roughly 25 mins of PT exercises at home on the other days. (Big fan of PT). Generally speaking, I take the baby and dog for a long walk everyday—yesterday was over an hour. With the stroller and hills, it’s pretty good exercise! Then I do at least one hour on the stationary bike, walking uphill in the treadmill or strength training while the baby naps. The rest of the day is spent chasing after the baby, playing the piano and trying to work! Though my new hip is not perfect yet, it’s pretty dang good! Just a little wonky when I stand up after sitting awhile, and then it’s fine. The range of motion has gradually increased, to the point where I can move or sit almost any way (still not allowed to really stretch, so I haven’t tested every movement yet). Still some numbness and minor soreness on my operative side, but it doesn’t bother me. In a week and a half, I’ll be cleared for all exercise...especially TENNIS!! So excited, though I am going to be very careful. Since my left hip is apparently dysplasic too (never had any pain there), I don’t want to trash my hips with excessive running and jumping.
 
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And my PT has been having me use resistance bands a lot on both legs. No problems. Mind you, my in-home PT did not have me do anything like this. I was close to four weeks out when I started outpatient PT, so I was ready for it.
 
Are you saying resistancebands and strengthening exercises be introduced after the hip has time to heal on itself? Possibly not at all unless the surgical leg is much weaker than the other?
Definitely after you are all healed if at all. Too early and you just introduce aches and pains. Too many PT treat new hippies like athletes. You aren't training for anything. Strength comes over time.
 
Jaycey’s comments remind me that you shouldn’t necessarily do what I’m doing. Resistance bands are working well for me, but Jaycee has seen four gazillion people go through this recovery. I’m a sample size of one, and I’m used to working out pretty intensively. Who knows whether I am actually helping myself with all this PT or just getting lucky... But no matter what, don’t let the PT make you do any exercises that hurt. I have followed this policy quite rigidly.
 
@goblue61 ---Once again, it sounds as if our journeys have been similar. When I had my back issues I had an option of a fusion, as several disks were bulging/herniated, or simply dealing with the one area L4-L5 that was causing the most pain/severe sciatica. He recommended a laminectomy to open the space where the nerve was compressed, and to clean up the disk there. It was a great decision. It alleviated my sciatica, which had made my teaching job so hard, and was life changing.

While I still have some discomfort from the other areas that were not repaired, I don't have anything I can't manage. When I began having the hip pain, they did an MRI of my back to see if it really was a hip issue. The MRI showed nothing had worsened in my back---things were very similar to what they had been after my surgery, and they couldn't say 100% but thought it unlikely the back issues were the cause. Thankfully, they were correct. I imagine at some point back issues will surface again, but I am hopeful I can stave them off by working on my core again, once this hip has recovered.

This past summer I was able to visit Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece. I am always in awe of the history in these places, and also the impacts that man, as a result of war, has had on them in so many of the places. But Italy remains one of my favorites. Maybe because it was the first country I was able to plan my own trip to, complete with week long airbnb stays in places so I felt like I could be more settled, and really get into the area/culture. Do you plan your own trips, or take tours?

I have only visited the Northern Coast of the Dominican Republic, mainly in the area around Puerto Plata, Sosua, and Cabarete, as well as a jaunt down to Samana to do whale watching. I like it a lot, because it is quite authentic----tourist mixed in with mostly people who live there year round---unlike an all-inclusive area like Punta Cana. I think it depends on what you like to do. I'm sure the more touristy areas of Punta Cana also would be beautiful, in that you can take many excursions from there. Definitely check out the DR if you ever have a chance!

Isn't it fun to be able to be thinking ahead to our future travels?!?! I only wish I could retake that trip to Europe, with a good hip this time, instead of dragging my bad one around. I'm sure my son and his wife wish the same;) However, even with all the pain, it was an incredible opportunity!
 
And the resistance band thing.....IF you do any at all, you need to do the lowest resistance. I personally think there are so many other things to help one get back in shape---truly. And it is hard to regulate the force when using fitness bands sometimes.

I live alone and when I get up and down off the floor, fold and carry laundry up and down the steps, reach up into the cupboards to put dishes away, sweep, mop, and vacuum.....all of the things I slowly integrated pretty early on---those activities are great exercise without taxing any one muscle group. And since they incorporate so many different muscle groups, you do get a good workout, just through daily life, and a ton of walking as well.

I know many people who are used to organized exercise/fitness must find this recovery thing frustrating, but if, as an active person and athlete, you analyze what is going on you might find less risky things to do in the early stages.
 
I'm curious what you were referring to when you said you were hesitant to sign off on outpatient PT after hearing what others were saying on this site?
 
I was privy to some great advice by another staff member as I struggled with the PT question and it helped me tremendously so I will paraphrase..

Many members think PT is needed to alleviate tightness. Tightness is a normal occurrence after this kind of major surgery. Your surgeon did major carpentry work and disturbed every millimeter of soft tissue in this area. You aren't tight because your muscle is underused and needs to be stretched and rehabbed. You're tight because your tissue is healing...and full healing takes a full year OR MORE. If a long full step right now is causing pain and limping, don't take long full steps. Take smaller steps. Take a short walk several times a day, instead of longer walks. Use your cane. Use ice. Rest a lot.
At six weeks or so, we are past the initial surgical incision healing, and generally are starting to feel reasonable again. People are itching to get back to their lives....to get on with their lives. To be active. And a lot of us are so driven to be active again, that we promptly overdo it as soon as we start to resume some activities. Once we can walk a quarter of a mile without pain, we figure we're good for a mile or 2. And a week later, why not 3 or 4? We get on a cycle...stationary or otherwise....and instead of ten minutes, we do an hour. Or 2. We go out to run an errand, and end up shopping for 3 hours. We return to work and then go to PT and then stop at the grocery store and then go home and work in the garden.

I'm getting tight hip muscles just thinking about it.

So really, this isn't the time to do anything to excess. Baby steps now, and lots of patience, pays off big time later. Recovering from self-induced tendinitis can end up taking weeks or months. Or you can consider yourself as still recovering from surgery and structure your return to your life as a slow, gradual process where you introduce very small increments in activity, and then give yourself time to see how your body reacts to it. Your body is in charge of healing, not your mind. You can't will yourself to heal faster. But you can stay out of your own way to let the healing happen.
 
Mojo,

Your above post makes sense to me. I have an appointment today on my 2 week anniversary to meet with my surgeon and get staples taken out. I have quite a few questions to ask and have decided to work at home on PT exercises after this week following the book given by the in home therapist. After 6 weeks I will re-evaluate and consider outside PT at that time. I need to make it a priority to get outside and walk a few times a day increasing the amount of time when I feel it is ok to do so. One of the questions I have for my doctor will be the amount of walking he would recommend for weeks 3-6. Although winter in Texas is quite mild with no snow; it is still hard to get motivated to walk in crappy weather with a cane. Hopefully that will be ditched in the next few weeks though.

I feel fortunate that I did not wait a long time to have this surgery since my muscles still feel strong and I am healing fast. This past weekend I have transitioned to using a cane daily and have drove to my office on Monday for the first time without any issues for the 60 min round trip drive. Even made a short trip to Home Depot leaning on the shopping cart with the wife.

If there is any slight discomfort I know to stop and get home right away assuming the position on the couch or recliner with my friend the ice pack. So far so good not being in the ODIC.
 
I feel fortunate that I did not wait a long time to have this surgery since my muscles still feel strong and I am healing fast.
Not waiting too long can be very beneficial. If you limp around for any length of time your body tries to compensate. Other areas see the impact.

In my experience not waiting for my second THR resulted in a faster and much less complicated recovery.
 
Happy Tuesday and Happy Two Week Anniversary!
Staples out today, yay :happydance: you're not going to miss them.
I hope you have a good visit with your OS and get all your questions answered.
Your recovery seems to be going well. You're lucky.

In addition to your surgeons recommendations as to how much you should be walking, check out the
Activity Progression for THR as a rough guideline also.
http://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/activity-progression-for-thrs.13187/

Let us know how your appt goes. We'd love to hear.
A great day to you :)
@goblue61
 
Although winter in Texas is quite mild with no snow; it is still hard to get motivated to walk in crappy weather with a cane. Hopefully that will be ditched in the next few weeks though.

Good Blue, that's what I'm trying to do starting this week; a little tough last week with the rain and all, AND motivation not all there, but I'm trying to get in a routine.

Plan is to walk the dogs (did it today and yesterday) for a shortish walk up the hill (a couple hundred yards maybe) and end of road on our street in the mornings without the cane; mid-mornings for me. About a 15-20 min RT if I wait for the dogs to sniff around. Then, if I can, a walk midday if I'm at the house for a bite and meds. Then in the evenings (yeh for longer days approaching!), same walk without the dogs more than likely--at least that was the case last night. Daughter remarked last night, wow, that was quick, like 10 minutes. I guess it was kind of quick, I did kind of pump it out pretty quick--had the cane with me too. Then icing down in the evenings.

Plan is next week to do a "loop" around the hills and neighborhood, probably twice a day/night. That will probably take 20 or more minutes. Will see how that goes. Already the uphill is no real problem, slight discomfort walking down the hill.

Good luck with the staples!
 
Already the uphill is no real problem, slight discomfort walking down the hill.

Much like hiking in the Rocky Mts.---the uphill climb doesn't hurt as much (although it often wears me out), but the downhill trip really pounds the joints. Of course, this refers to my presurgery outings---I haven't ventured into the mountains since my hip replacement. I have walked several miles at a time in my somewhat hilly neighborhood and on some local trails but will be curious how my hip responds to the steeper trails---not going to lie.....I am a bit nervous about it.

Both you and @goblue61 are wise to put the walking first in your recovery. Just walking on different terrain automatically exercises different muscles, and the weight bearing is far safer than lifting actual weights and formal exercises.
 
Two week follow up went great today. The 14 staples were removed and my surgeon ok'd me to drive if I felt comfortable doing so and was not impaired by medication.

My main restriction is not to cross my surgical leg over the other and of course not bend at the waist beyond 90 degrees.

We talked about follow up out patient PT and he strongly recommended me to go at least 1-2 days a week and follow the exercise and walking schedule that the therapist would recommend. I called my insurance company and 20 visits are covered including the home therapy sessions.

Doc also told me to keep the walks short and not over do it! He said that by walking too much in the early stages of recovery before the abductor/adductor muscles are healed/ stronger you could over work the bursa causing bursitis.

Also ok'd to take Ibuprofen. Yea!
 
This past summer I was able to visit Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece. I am always in awe of the history in these places, and also the impacts that man, as a result of war, has had on them in so many of the places. But Italy remains one of my favorites. Maybe because it was the first country I was able to plan my own trip to, complete with week long airbnb stays in places so I felt like I could be more settled, and really get into the area/culture. Do you plan your own trips, or take tours?

Debru, Did you visit all 6 countries on the same vacation with a bad hip? How many weeks did it take? That was a heck of a "last hurrah" before your August surgery. Where to this summer? I bet your looking forward to a trip soon without pain. I sure am.

Layla, I read the Activity progression guidelines you sent and it is a pretty conservative walking schedule. I think its perfect to start out with that routine and adjust a little if needed.
 

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