12 week post-THR report!

[prairienut]

Hello Bonesmarties, I have reached my 12 week milestone where my surgeon said I would have achieved 90% recovery (the remaining 10% taking up to a year post surgery). Thought I would report my current situation. I am walking up to 3 miles a day with no pain, planning to increase to 5 miles 3 times a week. Back to all day-to-day activities with no limping. Even played a little lawn volleyball with my sons! I stood for a couple of hours at an outdoor concert with no pain. Most of the time I don't even think about my new hip. It feels completely natural. Still would like to increase flexibility in operated hip until it equals the other hip but would be OK if I leveled off at current flexibility which is well past 90 degrees.

The only negative remaining is the slight ache I feel when first getting up after sitting for an extended time. This dissipates after a few steps and has been gradually getting less noticeable as the weeks go by. I was told by surgeon's office that this is normal and will go away eventually. I have no restrictions and am allowed to run and jump although I don't plan to take up long-distance running or competitive volleyball!

I am very pleased with my outcome. So much better than the dull ache that plagued me when I would take our yellow Lab for her measly 1/2 mile walk. Can't wait for our August vacation when we will be hiking the national parks of southern Utah!

Thanks again to all the people on this forum who helped me through the pre-surgery jitters and post-surgery questions. It has been a great help!

Gail
age 58, right THR, April 2, 2009 - Dr. Tigges, Northern Dutchess Hospital, Rhinebeck, NY, Depuy Orthotics, ceramic-on-metal implants, 36 mm femoral head, posterior approach

 

[Judles]

Yay, Gail!!! Isn't that what its all about? Are you still walking barefoot on your wood floors? Be careful!!!

 

[Josephine]

Excellent! Just what we like to hear .....

 

[PRGal]

Terrific report, Gail! :thmb: It really is awesome to be back to "normal"-- but even BETTER--isn't it? (Can't believe that lab isn't pestering you to go along on those 3-milers!) :p

 

[Texas]

Wow Gail that really is terrifc. Im glad you are doin' your thing. Congradulations. Keep up the good work. Have Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!Very happy for you...

 

[prairienut]

(Can't believe that lab isn't pestering you to go along on those 3-milers!) :p

PRGal, The first 1-1/2 miles is through the woods, so the Maggie joins me on that part; the second part is along a paved road with very narrow shoulders so that I do alone or with one of my sons. In the woods, Maggie loves to chase the squirrels, deer, turkeys, chipmunks, porcupines... well, with the porcupines, it's mostly a staredown. A few days ago, I saw a yearling black bear cub heading across our meadow after getting his fill of mulberries. Can't wait to see what Maggie does when she meets up with him!

Anyway, Maggie is better off now because I can take her on much longer walks. Ironically enough, she has dysplastic hips but shows no signs of limping even at 10 years old. She is well-muscled, very lean, and takes glucosamine every day. Is there a lesson in there for us?

Gail

 

[PRGal]

What a sweetie! (Labs are SO lovable--yes, I'm partial; we have a chocolate.) Wow, she's lucky to have such great terrain to roam--we're in a city & have to abide by leash laws.

At any rate, to keep it to hips, whether canine or human--there's a lot of disparity of opinion about the effectiveness of glucosamine (& chondroitin). A friend's husband swore by it; didn't do a thing for me. It's terrific that it's apparently working for Maggie, but our other pup has been running with the angels for over a year now, after more than 3 years of what proved to be futile treatment for his severely dysplastic hips (he was only 5 .)

As for being lean and well-muscled--I'm sure that's a great thing to be for any of us! Just wish I was naturally so . . .

 

[Judles]

Awwwww!!! Maggie's a sweetie! Pretty soon you'll be able to keep upwith HER, Gail!!!

 

[TBONE]

Gail--That is just wonderful wonderful news!

 

[prairienut]

PRGal, Sorry to hear about your pup that suffered with bad hips. It must have been hard to let him go.... I know how attached I get to my pets.

It has helped my THR recovery to have a dog that requires two long walks every day. Even on days when I don't feel like going out, I HAVE to make sure Maggie gets her exercise.

Studies have shown that glucosamine/chondroitin eases arthritic pain in dogs but studies on humans have been slow in coming. I believe there was finally a study that showed glucosamine to help knee pain in a certain percentage of people, but I have not heard of any studies showing a benefit for hips.

 

[mdakota]

gail that's fantastic. i love seeing those numbers. the miles instead of feet. its all your hard work showing up in a great end result. that is what pushes me is remembering what my end result can be.
monique

 

[kangaroo]

Oh Gail,
I am jealous.....the best I seem to be able to do with walking is boring old housework and traipsing around shops etc.....very dull and not a "good enough " walk....Once tomorrow (Gabbys first communion with 40 guests!) is over I'm going to try to get to the beach for a walk each week, and get a bit more swimming in.... I have got an exercis bike which I ride as I watch the latest issue of NCIS!!
I am still stretching...under OS orders....
Keep up the good work
Rachel
Rachel

 

[DianeC]

Gail,

Congratulations on your great recovery.

Diane