pdx-hiker,
Factors that I have noted, assuming no significant physical problems like obesity and no surgical issues, include age, physical condition and need/determination to get back to normal.
My first as a 46 year old went very well and I was back to being active (Jetski and using chainsaw) and work at about a 4-5 weeks, but I started slower because I followed the painkiller recommendations which made me very groggy and detached - it was also a bit earlier in the replacement era - my sense is that surgical techniques have improved.
Second time (see link, below), I decided to only take pain meds when it felt like they were needed (after the one night in hospital, only Tylenol was needed) - yeah, I know this is counter to some of the great advice on this site from really smart and experienced people, but it worked for me - I wanted to know where the edge was - and, it turned out the edge was buffed down by a lot of Tylenol.
Yeah - I still joined the ODIC - not from simply walking, but from walking aggressively and too far too early and being overconfident
And, based on my experience of simply doing some basic exercises, and lots of walking - in my circumstance, no PT was required.
If I can do this - anyone can!
Left THR/A on 14 May Posterior Approach Far different from first THR/A (2000) on right hip. (early life injuries from horses, motorcycles, falls in cold-weather inclement remote military sites and circumstances) Some pain establishing nerve block - finding right spot. 0720 start, and 0815...
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