THR Catheriam in recovery

[Catheriam]

I am Day 14 post-right hip (posterior) replacement, 77 years (young!) and aiming for a fourth Camino de Santiago across Spain either this Auturm, or, perhaps more sensibly , Spring 2023. Surgery at Missouri Orthopedic Institute in Columbia MO. I needed it for three years but COVID obviously reduced surgical appointments so I was delighted to get my surgery June 2022.

By all accounts from surgical staff, no problems, went greatr and fingers crossed to obtain the precious car driving clearance from surgeon August 5th. Post surgery, I was "3" pain (Norcon), good appette and walker proficient, home by early afternoon the following day.

I live alone but have Medicare-paid nurses 2x a week for three weeks. Yippee I get my 14 day dressing changed today! Only odd Tylenol Night 500 mg/Calms Forte to sleep. Cane up 14 steps to second floor and observe I am 80% strength in right leg ("Garfield"). Realize my lifelong pattern of walking fast (race walking for years) is simply going to have to change. Slow down, heel first, feel and be one with the trail.

In the garage are my Bungy Pumps 8.8 which bone on bone pain in right hip prevented usage; any insight when to begin to use again? I am thinking three months ...

Now to get off those nagging 40 lbs with intermittent fasting/keto!

Downloaded OneStep on IPhone. Once six week clearance received from surgeon, will take the next step.

 

[Jaycey]

@Catheriam Welcome to BoneSmart and the other side of surgery. What was the date of your surgery? We will make a signature for you.

Realize my lifelong pattern of walking fast (race walking for years) is simply going to have to change.

Maybe initially - but you will get back to race walking once that hip has healed. Just give it time!

In the garage are my Bungy Pumps 8.8 which bone on bone pain in right hip prevented usage; any insight when to begin to use again? I am thinking three months ...

Can't predict this right now. See how that hip feels. Three months sounds pretty aggressive. But walking is the best therapy for a new hip. Pushing through will just set you back. The slow and steady approach works every time.

Here are some guidelines for you:
Hip Recovery: The Guidelines
We are all different, as are the approaches to this recovery and rehab. The key is, “Find what works for YOU.“ Your doctor(s), physiotherapist(s) and BoneSmart are here to help. But you have the final decision as to what approach you use.

1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now, they are almost certainly temporary
2. Control discomfort:

rest​

elevate​

ice​

take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)​

3. Do what you want to do BUT

a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you​

b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.​

4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of this BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy
5. Here is a week-by-week guide for Activity progression for THRs
6. Access these pages on the website

Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications​

Wound Closure​

Pain management and the pain chart
Healing: how long does it take?
Chart representation of THR recovery

Dislocation risk and 90 degree rule
Energy drain for THRs
Pain and swelling control: elevation is the key
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

BIG TIP: Hips actually don't need any exercise to get better. They do a pretty good job of it all on their own if given half a chance. Trouble is, people don't give them a chance and end up with all sorts of aches and pains and sore spots. All they need is the best therapy which is walking and even then not to excess.

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery.

While members may create as many threads as they like in a majority of BoneSmart's forums, we ask that each member have only one recovery thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review history before providing advice.

 

[skigirl]

Oh I have always wanted to do that walk! Best of luck in your recovery