THR All done wooop wooop !!

[Jaycey]

I seem to be higher up on my operated side than my non operated side...... Normal ??

Most new hippies feel like they have a leg length difference just post op. Give it 3-4 months. In most cases this feeling just fades away. If not, see a good podiatrist for measurement and heel raise in one shoe. Here's a link - but I doubt you will need it: Leg length differential - LLD

but still lacking movement - I guess this is normal at this stage?

Totally normal. Physio should help with that ROM. But walking is the best exercise for new hips.

an appointment from the hospital which I think is usually around 7 weeks after the surgery ?

It's usually between 6-8 weeks but do call and make sure the surgeon's medical secretary has you on her list.

I'm still struggling to sleep at night which is bizarre as I can now sleep on my side (not for very long)

Unfortunately sleep problems are a big part of this recovery. Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it? Don't fight it, just nap during the day when you can. This is a big reason not to rush back to full time work. Energy drain for THRs can be significant.

Sounds like you are doing well @sandyharman !

 

[sandyharman]

Thanks Jacey !!


Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum

 

[Saturn69]

As part of my early investigation into my hip pain the physio noticed I had a leg length issue , short on the left side which will need replacing probably done to cartilage loss
I went to see a recommended private podiatrist who sorted me with some insoles took a couple of weeks to get use too them but now feel levelled up
Had my bupa appointment before Christmas basically confirmed the first , that I need THR
Basically it's a time thing at the moment it's not too bad I can manage the pain but at the point were my life / life style starts to suffer I'll know its time to go under the knife
He would do a ceramic on ceramic joint he was a little concerned about resurfacing with the metal on metal blood contamination when we chatted about it
Chatted for about a hour , took about 20 questions in which I had picked up from the advice on bone smart
Enjoy the updates mate just waiting for the one when you're knocked 3 at the five aside

-smart

 

[sandyharman]

Thanks Saturn69 - nice to hear from you mate - still determined to get back to 5aside but been strict on my recovery time and won't rush into it !

Sounds like you are on your way mate it all sounds so familiar - keep me posted !


Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum

 

[sandyharman]

Just over 3 weeks in now and I'm walking without crutches, still walking funny but no pain - feels like a dead leg. Still using no crutch if I go out
Off to see physio at work on Monday who will hopefully give new exercises to try !!




Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum

 

[sandyharman]

Week 4

4 weeks today !!!

Had my first physio check today at work and she was amazed at my recovery which was really reassuring.

We did some new exercises today as she found that I'm still pointing my knees and feet to the right. She said this is normal as this is what my body is used to, just needs re-training.

She also monitored my walking and said that my arms didn't move and I was dragging my feet across the floor but again she said this is how I walked when I saw her pre-op.

So now I'm practicing to walk like a soldier lifting my feet and swinging my arms !

All good, I've been given another 2/3 weeks off work.

It amazes me that my body has changed so much just to accommodate my bad hip without me even knowing.

So all good, I'm hurting a bit today after physio but nothing major

I'm a little disappointed that I still haven't heard from the Nuffield about my post op appointment after chasing twice !!!

Still my sleeping is an issue - is this normal 4 weeks in ?

Really please though and nice to get some reassurance that I'm well on track

Will keep you posted !




Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum

 

[Jaycey]

It amazes me that my body has changed so much just to accommodate my bad hip without me even knowing.

Me too! This is why I recommend getting a bad hip replaced as soon as possible after diagnosis. It's just do darn easy to get into bad habits trying to stay off your sore hip.

I'm a little disappointed that I still haven't heard from the Nuffield about my post op appointment after chasing twice !!!

Have you tried the surgeon's medical secretary? Call directly if you have a number. If not, try the contact number for reception and general inquiries on their website. Failing that there is a form on their website (in the find a hospital area) that sends a message to their contact centre.

 

[sandyharman]

5 weeks tomorrow, where does the time go ?

My follow-up appointment has finally come through for next monday which is good news

Now completely off my crutches and able to walk short distances outside the the house.
Still walking funny but I think this is more down to bad habits rather than any pain. Im working on this daily with the exercises my work physio has given me.

Also following advise from the physio I am using Bio Oil on my scar and she said my rubbing this in daily it will help the scar tissue repair and prevent future tightness. This is good stuff !!!

As far as pain factor is concerened this is zero, all my previous pains have gone and I am now able to sleep on my belly again ! Although my sleeping isnt great I think this is more down to mixed sleeping patterns so my body clock is all over the place

Yesterday I overdid the walking and my new hip soon let me know with little sharp pains - This was my warning to rest. I need to remember that its still early days.....

Still off work and they are happy with me working from home as long as im not sat down for more than 2 hours.

Once I can drive again then they want me doing short jouneys before I return to work full time.

Feeling really posistive and so far it was the right decision even though Im only 37. It is becoming annoying that so many people inclusing the hospital physios question why I needed it so early. I honestly have no idea, football and sport clearly hasnt helped but its not the actual reason for the Arthritis.

Looking forward now to the next stages of recovery and eventually getting back to full fitness

Happy Days

 

[Saturn69]

Sounds like your progressing well , you will be back up and running come the summer.
Strange they think my arthritis is down to a motor bike accident I had in my 20's but also said it could have always been going to be that way , no family history....

 

[sandyharman]

Saturn69 - yeah its a strange one and I think no one really knows the real cause...

I will be well pleased if I am running again come the summer - its paining me that I cant do anything at the moment. Will stick at it and remember marathon......

I did manage to walk the dog this week and it felt great !!! so progressing really well !

 

[copsham]

Hi SandyHarman, Good to read your posts. You are a month ahead of me so it is good to know how my future weeks might pan out. I was horrified when you mentioned "work" but it sounds like your work physio and work place are very helpful. All the best for the next few weeks!
Karen

 

[sandyharman]

7 weeks in and now had the all clear to drive and return to work !!
Since last writing on here I am now using an exercise bike and running machine.
My biggest achievement is I can run up and down the stairs again !!

I've been so impressed with healing process it's difficult not to do too much !!

Doing lots of work now with physio to build up my glutes. She is also still training me to walk properly again, so many bad habits - I'm not moving my right leg further enough forward.

Will keep you posted !




Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum

 

[Jaycey]

Some challenges ahead. Retraining on walking properly is a major challenge. Well done on all your milestones met! You are doing great!

 

[Saturn69]

Hi Just wondering how you progressing I guess your getting back to normal life again now just looking at your last post it sounds like your getting mobile again
Thanks
Andrew

 

[sandyharman]

Hi there Saturn69 - thanks for asking !!
Sorry for lack of posts...

Now nearly 3 months in and I can't believe how well the recovery process has been. I'm now at the gym everyday on the running machine and exercise bike doing a mile on each one. The rest of the time has been spent exercising and building the glutes which my physio has said were non existent a few weeks ago.

My walking is getting better by the day and I get a lot of people at work asking why I no longer walk funny !!! I still struggle a bit with my shoe laces but ZERO pain....

Today I've been on my first downer following a chat with the physio. She told how well I'm progressing and has been impressed on my improvement. She then asked what my plans were moving forward and I was honest and said I'm looking forward to running again. She said she strongly advised against too much running and if I did then stick to grass only.... She said if I wear it out too quickly then a revision comes with more complications and a lot harder to rehab. I didn't even mention football (soccer)

So all of a sudden I've been on a bit of a downer after that and wondering if I'm been to ambitious with my goals?

The weirdest thing about this is you forget you've got a ceramic hip as there is absolutely zero pain !! I would never have dreamed it could be this good!






Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum

 

[Saturn69]

No problem mate I thought by your silence you were getting on with your recovery
You get conflicting information depending which physio/ surgeon you talk to about sports that are ok to do.
It's probably more if you get a bad tackle as you play on 3G these days anyway which are well cushioned
I wouldn't worry about revision surgery you might be 70 by that point best to live now and who knows the ceramic or ceramic might out live you
I really enjoy my cycling maybe swapping running with cycling might fill that void.
Keep up the hard work and you'll be able to sneak a game of footy in soon enough

 

[sandyharman]

Hi there!
Ive not been on here for a while but as this site was such a blessing for me I thought I would provide an update of my progress...not sure who is still tracking me but here goes!!

So it has been 8 months since a new ceramic right hip and although all the advise on here was "you will get your life back" I never thought it would be this successful!!

The main worry for me was how active could I get after the operation? Would I ever kick a ball again? would I ever run again? Would I really ever be pain free again?

Well Im pleased to tell you that over the last few weeks I have slowly started kicking a ball again and playing some indoor football (soccer) At first I was very aware and nervous but now I am back to where I should be and it feels great, Im turning quicker, Im sharper, my knee & back pain has completely gone - It really is unbelievable....
I wont ever return to 11 aside full on football but I am out running twice a week with indoor footy once a week.

Im still working hard at the gym building my glutes up around the hip, Ive recently purchased a wobble board which is great for building muscles up around the hip, they are also great fun as well!!!

It really is all to good to be true..... zero pain and my life is back with a bang!!! I do get many comments rom people asking I ive really had a hip replacement? I sometimes question this myself

There is of course a slight concern at the back of my mind that Im wearing my new hip down with the increased amount of exercise....should I slow it down? would love some advise on this please!!!

I also still after 8 months trying to get out of bad habbits...one of the these is hanging my leg out to the right rather then straight and parallel...physio is helping with this

I also have my left hip which is knackered however since my operation on the right hip the pain has decreased in the left

Thanks again to all at bonesmart and looking forward to hearing from you again

 

[Jaycey]

Great update @sandyharman ! So glad you are getting on with life!

wearing my new hip down with the increased amount of exercise.

Please don't worry about wearing out that hip. Technology is on our side! In any case, you had your THR to be able to do all this. These hips last a very, very long time!

I also have my left hip which is knackered however since my operation on the right hip the pain has decreased in the left

Great that this hip is cooperating (for now). A tip from someone who has been there - at the first sign of a complaint from that hip get with the surgeon and get it done. It is a MUCH easier recovery if you get it done before there is major damage.

 

[Saturn69]

Pleased for you mate happy your getting on with your life