Mtngirl
new member
Well it's been four weeks since my RTHR and I can definitely say that I waited much too long before having this surgery!* The change in my comfort/pain level has been unbelievable! I should have had this done two years ago.
I went back to the OS yesterday and he was extremely pleased with my progress. I'd had 6 home physical therapy sessions, and far exceeded all their expectations. Doctor was so pleased that he's not recommending any followup PT at this time. In fact, my Physical Therapist told me that if my OS asked me to speak with other potential patients of THR to please say no. Because I was NOT the typical hip patient and she didn't want them to get false hopes and expectations
My OS stated that he wanted me to continue my exercises on my own, simply increasing them gradually, and to slowly start walking more. He was adamant that I use a cane for a least the next month. (I can and have been walking around without one, but admit that I do have a significant limp). He said the cane would help stabilize my gait and strengthen the correct muscles to eleminate the limp. I've been of the opinion that he'd gotten the right leg longer than the other. He still maintains, that it will all sort itself out and will be even, but that it will take another 4-8 weeks for that to happen.
So the big thing for me has been the fact that I went back to work yesterday. I'm a police dispatcher for a small town and work 12 hour rotating shifts. It's the type of job where there are times when you might not be able to get up and move around for hours at a time (single person in the office type job). My crew was really good about checking on me and coming in and relieving me for awhile so I could get up and walk around.
I have to admit, the 12hr shift took its toll. I was extremely tired...stiff and sore. I'd gotten used to lying down and resting when I needed it, and not being able to really pushed me to the limits. I know a large part of the "tiredness" and lack of energy also comes from the fact that I'm very anemic. I lost quite a bit of blood during the surgery (hemoglobin down to a 9), but rather than doing a transfusion, they elected to let it build back up thru diet and supplements. I have problems with anemia anyhow (this from gastic bypass surgery 20+ years ago), so it has been a real effort and challenge to get the iron levels built back up. So far I'm not doing too good with that - but then I know that typically takes several months for me see improvement. I'm just impatient to get to feeling better again.
The really good news for me, is that I started back driving at 3 weeks, and have had no problems with it at all. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only am I now more comfortable driving than I was before, but that it's also easier for me to get in and out of my truck. Wow. That was an unexpected bonus. Sunday I went to see the White Lippizzaner Stallion show (I have a friend who is one of their riders) and had to go up and down a long series of steps to get to our seats. I was so pleased that it didn't bother me in the least. (though I did make sure to use the handrails)
So...one month out. I'm still have some pain...but really its more soreness and muscle aches from exercising than anything else. While I do still take some pain meds occasionally, it's definitely not a daily thing. I do find that after sitting for any length of time (a couple of hours or so), that when I first get up I'm stiff...and it takes me several steps to really get my balance and start moving more normally. I still get tired very easily. But I'm walking better now than I have in almost a year, and have far, far less pain and discomfort than before.
All my friends are amazed at my progress. They keep telling me I "look different"...and I guess I do. My closest friend described it as follows: "You no longer have that look of constant pain and discomfort about you. You look fresh and relieved." No argument there.
It's hard for me to believe that it's already been a month. I'm looking forward to continued progress, and in being able to resume horseback riding in about 8 weeks. While I'll admit that this was no picnic, I have faired far, far better than I ever anticipated I would. It was definitely worth having the surgery done. I just wished that instead of trying to "tough it out" and accomodate everyone else by not being out of work etc, that I'd had enough sense to have done it sooner.
I want to thank Josephine and the others who have posted on this site. You've given me valuable information, support and insight. Thank you!
I went back to the OS yesterday and he was extremely pleased with my progress. I'd had 6 home physical therapy sessions, and far exceeded all their expectations. Doctor was so pleased that he's not recommending any followup PT at this time. In fact, my Physical Therapist told me that if my OS asked me to speak with other potential patients of THR to please say no. Because I was NOT the typical hip patient and she didn't want them to get false hopes and expectations

My OS stated that he wanted me to continue my exercises on my own, simply increasing them gradually, and to slowly start walking more. He was adamant that I use a cane for a least the next month. (I can and have been walking around without one, but admit that I do have a significant limp). He said the cane would help stabilize my gait and strengthen the correct muscles to eleminate the limp. I've been of the opinion that he'd gotten the right leg longer than the other. He still maintains, that it will all sort itself out and will be even, but that it will take another 4-8 weeks for that to happen.
So the big thing for me has been the fact that I went back to work yesterday. I'm a police dispatcher for a small town and work 12 hour rotating shifts. It's the type of job where there are times when you might not be able to get up and move around for hours at a time (single person in the office type job). My crew was really good about checking on me and coming in and relieving me for awhile so I could get up and walk around.
I have to admit, the 12hr shift took its toll. I was extremely tired...stiff and sore. I'd gotten used to lying down and resting when I needed it, and not being able to really pushed me to the limits. I know a large part of the "tiredness" and lack of energy also comes from the fact that I'm very anemic. I lost quite a bit of blood during the surgery (hemoglobin down to a 9), but rather than doing a transfusion, they elected to let it build back up thru diet and supplements. I have problems with anemia anyhow (this from gastic bypass surgery 20+ years ago), so it has been a real effort and challenge to get the iron levels built back up. So far I'm not doing too good with that - but then I know that typically takes several months for me see improvement. I'm just impatient to get to feeling better again.
The really good news for me, is that I started back driving at 3 weeks, and have had no problems with it at all. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only am I now more comfortable driving than I was before, but that it's also easier for me to get in and out of my truck. Wow. That was an unexpected bonus. Sunday I went to see the White Lippizzaner Stallion show (I have a friend who is one of their riders) and had to go up and down a long series of steps to get to our seats. I was so pleased that it didn't bother me in the least. (though I did make sure to use the handrails)
So...one month out. I'm still have some pain...but really its more soreness and muscle aches from exercising than anything else. While I do still take some pain meds occasionally, it's definitely not a daily thing. I do find that after sitting for any length of time (a couple of hours or so), that when I first get up I'm stiff...and it takes me several steps to really get my balance and start moving more normally. I still get tired very easily. But I'm walking better now than I have in almost a year, and have far, far less pain and discomfort than before.
All my friends are amazed at my progress. They keep telling me I "look different"...and I guess I do. My closest friend described it as follows: "You no longer have that look of constant pain and discomfort about you. You look fresh and relieved." No argument there.
It's hard for me to believe that it's already been a month. I'm looking forward to continued progress, and in being able to resume horseback riding in about 8 weeks. While I'll admit that this was no picnic, I have faired far, far better than I ever anticipated I would. It was definitely worth having the surgery done. I just wished that instead of trying to "tough it out" and accomodate everyone else by not being out of work etc, that I'd had enough sense to have done it sooner.
I want to thank Josephine and the others who have posted on this site. You've given me valuable information, support and insight. Thank you!