THR 19 months later and still struggling

[1955goingstrong]

I had my right THR beginning of May and the muscles are still very weak. I have exercised and walked, and it is improving, but very slowly. I have to walk with a cane if going any distance. I can only just hold myself upright when standing on that leg alone, it just won't hold my weight. I'm 55, so not that old and average weight. My muscles weren't particularly weak before surgery, as I was still able to stand on it okay. My physio said it might be nerve damage.

My sister just told me about her friend who had both hers done in June and she's walking normally.

Anyone else had this problem?

I had a hip 12 years ago—doing fine but of course “ overdid” it, back slid, but eventually I learned to pamper, yet gently push, under the advice of PT, which is a God-send.
Don’t get discouraged
Talk to PT about “ extra credit “ points ie little exercises to “ wake up that slow moving leg that you can do throughout the day. Also stretches.
Hope this helps

 

[Ktululady]

Thank you for all your replies, it's helpful to hear other people's experiences.

I went to see my doctor today and she is contacting my consultant again to request an MRI. But she said most of the time her requests for MRIs are rejected these days, so I'll see what happens.

I'm also worried that he will just say the same thing as last time, that there's nothing he can do. I feel like he didn't even want to try and find out what the problem was. At least my doctor agreed we should look into it more.

She tested my reflexes and said they were fine so she doesn't think it's a nerve problem either.

 

[spaniel]

I was one of the very slow recovery persons . A big part of my issue was the “injury” done to my well leg. There was and still us numbness of the foot in the well leg side. There was and still is leg length discrepancy, With all this said I am doing amazingly well and can walk three miles and more at a quick pace relatively easily. I am actually in pretty good shape and have perfectly made orthotics and a knee brace on the well leg site. The leg length discrepancy put a lot of pressure on the knee. May I make some string suggestions;
1. Make sure there is no nerve damage. Go to a good neurologist if ortho dismisses you. (Alas a very good friend was diagnosed with hip issues when in fact it was ALS/ not a good thing and thank goodness he did not proceed with “surgery” with scant evidence.
2. Insist on imaging and head out to docs who will order. I find that neurologists generally get their orders approved,
Again, don’t lose hope. I had a long recovery with most of my ortho follow up done by a secretary, The gal meant well but was clearly under pressure to minimize follow ups that are not paid all that well Ny Medicare. And thank God I had a great Pt that did not give up