A new RTHR Soon

[phbock]

Well, I can't thank this webiste enough, as each of you have inspired me to get going and GET MY LIFE BACK. I am 46(female) and have hip dysplasia and am only a THR candidate. I just rescheduled my surgery from Jan 6th. 09 , to Nov. 25th '08 and am so excited. It's amazing how I feel knowing there is an end to this pain. I intend to get a LTHR on Jan. 13th, but the OS says I might change my mind & wait, so we'll see. I have always been very athletic, but the last 4 years have been tough. youall know: muscles tighten up and its hard to walk right, limping, sciatica, pyriformus issues. I work full time & find it difficult to work out ( unless I go at 5 am), but I get so tired. It's like all my energy has been going to try & repair my body BUT it can't repair itself! So, here I go in 4 weeks. I'm doidn the post PT routine now so I know how to do them and then I'll attempt to swim or bike daily until the surgery.

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for sharing experiences on this site. I'll e mail on this again closer to the time, as I want everyone's prayers during the process.

I don't know what device the OS will use PLUS how his incision will be. I was told he always tries to have as MIS as posible, but he did tell me he'll decide on the device (1 of 2) once he gets a good look. I trust him.

Again, thanks!

 

[JudyS]

phbock
Welcome to Bone Smart. I had a right posterior replacement on June 6th. You will be so happy. I was telling someone on my mountain trail this am what a wonderful surgery it is. I can't even tell I have a prosthetic hip. It works so great, I forget it all happened.
good Luck
Judy

 

[Laurie]

Hi phbock, I am a little behind Judy, had RTHR on August 26. I agree with her, the positive results are almost immediate. After the first couple of days, it is all up hill. This week I just returned to work (was a former workaholic who now misses the recuperation time) . Good luck with your surgery and look forward to chatting more.

Laurie

Laurie

 

[Josephine]

So - you've been one of our 'lurkers', have you? Glad you decided to stop lurking and join us! And even more glad that we've encouraged you so. Now don't go and be a stranger again!

 

[mvo]

Hi Phbock

My situation was very much like yours - I am 45 years old with hip displasia. I had a left THR on Sept 9 and it really is a life changing experience to be free of pain. I should have done the surgery at least 5 years ago. My sister also had her left hip done on the same day and she cant wait for her right THR, she is scheduled for December 4th and literally counting down the days.

I am sure that relative youth and fitness helps towards a good recovery, so do try to get that swimming etc into your schedule.

Regards
Monica

 

[phbock]

QUESTION for those that swim

Well, to refreshh all, I am getting my RTHR on Nov. 25th. I'm already thrilled, but wondering how long before you can swim. I'm usually swim quite a bit (until end of this summer) and wondered of restrictions getting in & out of a pool. My local indoor pool does have a chair that lowers you down n water...I just figured I could take the stairs. The Post -Op info I got makes starting activities a little scary. I'm 46 /female & in pretty good shape but I don't want to stress anything until my joint heals. Just curiosu i anyone has insight.

 

[JudyS]

About swimming. My doc gave me permission to swim at 3 weeks. Although in good shape I had not been a swimmer. I used my cane up to the edge of the pool and went down the stairs one at a time and always use the rail.
The waiting was for the incision to heal.
Judy

 

[jaz]

I was told to wait until one week after the staples were removed so the incision had healed. I don't swim but did start back at aqua aerobics last Sunday (three weeks after surgery).

Be warned, you feel awkward getting out of the pool after being weightless for an hour or so.

 

[szarak2000]

Not to be the bearer of bad news.. but just be prepared for worst and hope for best. I am at no swim at least till my 6 weeks appt, then he will decide :( that really stinks because I love to swim and I think it's the best therapy and would make everything (including my sore back) feel so much better.

I'm jealous of everyone who could swim at 3 or 4 weeks. But today is 1 week out (TLHR) so only 5 weeks to go.

Lidia

 

[Josephine]

Will soon be here, Lidia!

 

[mvo]

I can sympathise, Lidia. A whole heap of things is on my "when the surgeon says you can" list. I was 7 weeks out yesterday and I see him for the first time (since surgery) tomorrow. If he gives the all clear I am off to the gym to reacquaint myself with the exercise eqipment and the pool!

 

[Bob A.]

Hi PHBOCK (First names are nice, I'm Bob). Good luck on your surgery. If you Dr. does a true mini hip, the biggest difference with be the speed of the recovery. You will probably half the time it takes to be back on your feet and active again. Ultimately there should not be any difference in the final outcome. Since you have hip dysplasia I don't really know how that affects which type of procedure you have. Has you Dr. elaborated on why he won't know which type of procedure to use or which brand of prosthesis? He has to have his reasons and I would think he would want to share them with you. Did he say how many of the minimal type procedures he does compared to conventional surgery?

My first surgeon who has a very good reputation in the community said that he could do a minimal approach, but my wife who is a PT with quite a few years experience had never seen any of his patients with that type of surgery, only conventional. His post surgical precautions were also pretty ridgid. As an example I would not be allowed to drive for at least 6 weeks. On the flip side, my current surgeon does almost exclusive minimal invasive procedures as do the rest of the doctors in the group. My wife had worked with a few of his patients and was impresessed by the results. When we spoke to him he was very clear about what he would do and why he felt it was necessary. He had a specific brand and type of device that he would use and had specific reasons why that he was very clear on.

I don't know about swimming, that may not come till you are out of the restrictions phase depending on the type of surgery and how he closes the inscision. Really, any sort of exercise and PT will be dependent on how much is disturbed in replacing the joint. Ultimately you will get to the same place, but its just the amount of time and physical limitiations that will vary.

It is important that you trust your Dr. but by all means ask the hard questions and do the research up front. You have to live with the results. Good Luck.