THR Just want to feel normal

[Elosarabrab]

clarabo, I was told to progress to walking sticks from crutch then ease off to one when ready. It is still early days for you so don't rush things. You will know when you are ready. I still use sticks outside but don't need anything indoors.
Barbara

 

[clifford149]

Hi......Iam now on one stick outside I could. Use none but if I limp I go back to using a stick....I am currently doining my exercises + walking twice a day for 20 minutes each time......I can climb stairs leading with op leg fairly well.....your hospital in particular the is team appear rather poor at supporting you ?

 

[clarabo]

The hospital give you no help. Obviously if you have a major problem that's a different story but otherwise you really are left to get on with it. They never even gave me a contact number for physio if I felt I needed extra help. I will just go with what my body is telling me each day that's the best way forward I think.

 

[clifford149]

Hi..its surprising the amount of variation of os protocols....you would have thought the NHS would have a best practice protocol...my os has a pre and post op protocol for physio !

 

[Josephine]

The hospital give you no help. Obviously if you have a major problem that's a different story but otherwise you really are left to get on with it. They never even gave me a contact number for physio if I felt I needed extra help.

Ah, but that's where BoneSmart comes in! Fact is, hips really don't need much intervention in terms of physio and such. They generally have a way of sorting themselves out. But what was on the leaflets they gave you? Advice, exercises?

I can fairly safely say your surgeon is not one who subscribes to 'restrictions' of the 90 degree kind, lots don't, so just get yourself active as gently as you can. I would advise not being in too much of a hurry to go from two to one crutch - stick with what feels comfortable and how you feel most confident. From the sounds of it, you need to stick with two for a little longer, perhaps one in the house and be ready to make use of nearby furniture for additional support!

Otherwise, you need to read through these to see what you should and shouldn't be doing!

Pain management and the pain chart
Healing: how long does it take?
Chart representation of THR recovery
Energy drain for THRs
Pain and swelling control: elevation is the key
Activity progression for THRs
Home physio (PT)
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds

 

[clifford149]

Hi Josephine.....I must ask....as hip ops are well established.....why the great variation in restrictions....
I appreciate there is a difference between posterior and anterior.....surely surgeons make decisions on evidence not habit ?

Thanks in advanced

 

[Josephine]

Yes, they do, but their own evidence! It's more a case of "what works best in my hands" than what works in everybody else's hands. In that sense they could be said to be creatures of habit but in a weird kind of way, it's informed habit. Does that makes sense?

 

[clarabo]

I honestly cant criticize my surgeon he has done his part which was the most important..I know after care can be less, more or non existent in different hospitals..I had good advice from the occupational therapists and physio team about the general precautions of for the first 6 weeks..during this time theres a lot of things you physically couldnt do even if you felt like it. Its later when you do feel better and have more energy and strength that you worry if its ok or are you pushing yourself too much.

 

[Elosarabrab]

clarabo, Hi thats why this forum is so good. We can ask questions and if something is worrying its a comfort to get others input on the subject. It does seem in the UK that we are sort of left to our own devices whereas in USA they have physio and more contact with professionals.

 

[chisels1]

clarabo, I have been doing what I was told as far as PT and I feel real good so I walk my driveway, I go upstairs once a day to work in my shop and I have been extremely tired, so much so I have been taking long afternoon naps 2-3 hours on top of going to sleep at night. I don't understand the fatigue all of a sudden.

 

[Elosarabrab]

chisels1, The energy drain is very common. You just have to go with the flow and nap when you need it. It is still early days for you.
Barbara

 

[Josephine]

Did you ever read this? Energy drain for THRs.

 

[onlinebubba]

Yes, they do, but their own evidence! It's more a case of "what works best in my hands" than what works in everybody else's hands. In that sense they could be said to be creatures of habit but in a weird kind of way, it's informed habit. Does that makes sense?

Well said! It's called the practice of medicine for this very reason. The best docs keep current on new developments while always keeping their own patient outcomes (good, bad and otherwise) in mind, sprinkling in a good dose of common sense.

 

[chisels1]

Did you ever read this? Energy drain for THRs.

Yes, I've read everything I can on the subject. I'm thinking its a combination of things. The energy drain is part of it but so is the Dilaudid which I'm not taking because of the hip surgery but for the pain of the left hip do to the PT I'm doing for the operated leg. This narcotic makes you sleepy. So I'm going to reduce the PT that involves my left hip only, I'm going to stop using Dilaudid and will take extra strength tylenol as needed. I will continue to walk as long as I can manage the pain of the left hip. My operated hip is virtually pain free with only an occasional soreness due to stairs or extra PT.

 

[bottomshollow]

clarabo, I have merged your multiple recovery threads. We prefer that you keep everything about your recovery in one thread as we have all your information in one area. This makes it much easier to answer questions or discuss concerns about your situation. Thank you so much for your cooperation.​

 

[clarabo]

chisels1. I was really tired a lot in the first few weeks naturally. If I go into town or out anywhere for the day guaranteed I am exhausted when I get home. We are having to put more energy and effort into everything we do so its bound to have that effect.

 

[zauberflöte]

clarabo found you again! LOL. You are getting good advice from experienced people, so i will just atand on the sidelines and cheer you on!

 

[clarabo]

Yeeeeeeee! Haaaaaaaa! 6 weeks is here at last .... its goodbye and good riddance to the 2 Teds. Have the matches ready and waiting.

 

[Liveringer]

Yippee Claire good for you. Ebay here she comes with game used Teds....lol

 

[Poppet]

Another milestone.... No more TEDS... now patience Grasshopper