Bilateral THR Made it!!

[stellaluna]

Hi Gang. It's been a while and I thought I would check in. Went back to work last week-20 hrs. This week I was pretty much back to my old schedule. It takes some getting used to.

I am still in PT-they say they will most likely release me next visit (11/13) ; I have been faithful in doing the exercises.

Things have developed during recovery; again it's seeming to be "10 steps forward/5 steps back". Now my SI joint R side is having issues. PT diagnosed it as hypomobile-it gets "stuck". So my Dr ok'd me to see a chiro for a slight adjustment/no manipulation. PT seems to think-and I think she's correct- the hip stabilizer muscles (aka Glute Medius) are still very weak. She did a couple of manual tests on me- I didnt do well lol. Frustrated cuz I have been doing the exercises, but at the same time hopeful because she was able to pinpoint the issue. Its causing me to "lean " to the right when walking. The right side, which seemed STRONGER pre surgery, is actually the weaker side now! Go figure. I am comparing it to guy wires on a tree. One thing is out of whack then look what happens.
So going back to using my poles out walking to lend support; I am also going to get fitted for solid walking shoes.

One more aha moment- I had been making the mistake of wearing my old orthotics post op-big nono!! My Dr pretty much said my gait has changed since surgery and to stop wearing them!! Shame on me for not thinking about this. For all I know it could have contributed to the issue.

One thing I am continuing to TRY to exercise is the Patience Muscle! lol. My 3 mo hip-aversary is Monday 11/5, but I need to keep in mind it's only about 1/4 a way thru a total recovery-that it can take up to a year to be completely recovered.

Hope you guys are all well!!! xo

 

[Jaycey]

Sounds like you are doing all the right things @stellaluna ! Yes, patience is still needed. Three months is early in this process.

Please let us know how your SI adjustment goes.

 

[Mojo333]

Hey my double hippy pal.
Yes, please let us know if adjustment helps.
I also am considering a chiropractor for the same issues albeit not as prominent as you describe.
Been nervous to let anyone near my new hips...those are good!

Lots of healing still happening so please know ice is still your friend!
Have a great Sunday!

 

[Layla]

I think you made the right decision too. It's not worth taking a chance on it if there's a possibility it will cause a set back, or put you in misery. You're doing great, why botch it up now...
I hope you have a nice week and wish you the best as you go back to work part time on Monday.
@stellaluna

 

[stellaluna]

Went to the chiro today. First thing he did was look at my pelvis. He was quite pleased, said the surgeon did a nice job the pelvis was nice and even. So that's a good thing! He then examined my SI. Turns out, according to him, the LEFT side was the culprit-this is the side that was sticking presurgery ; he said it was causing the Right side to overwork. He did some adjustments it felt better. He's confident with a couple visits over the next couple weeks he can improve it. I am very lucky to have found such a wonderful chiro. I've been seeing him now at least 2 years.
I still cant believe how weak my hip muscles are. The abductors and stabilizers are so weak. I do side planks as a pt exercise. I tried to lift the top leg (abduct) while in side plank- ya NO. So weak!!! Frustrated cuz I could do this at one time; but I also know it's cuz these muscles are still recovering from major trauma. The operative notes from surgery support that- "he retracted the abductor muscles posteriorly".I can imagine it was quite forceful; of course I was under anesthesia so I am sure my muscles were relaxed; still tho....
The other thing? My quads still tender! Is this normal after 12 weeks? Just certain spots. Kinda near the incisions, radiating down a bit. I had anterolateral so my incisions are "off center". I know @Mojo333 said lots of healing still going on. My chiro said I should expect a solid 6 mos of healing. Do you guys agree with this? Thoughts?

 

[Mojo333]

My quads still tender! Is this normal after 12 weeks?

Yes ma'am..was for me!
They were the tenderest for the longest. Sensitive too.
Trying to remember when no longer noticed but I'm guessing after 6 months.
Of course they were more sore after lots of going and doing (work days) so I would still come home and ice!
You're doing well.
You will get your strength back.
Just work on things slowly - and surely things will strengthen!
Keep the faith my bilateral buddy

 

[stellaluna]

@Mojo333 thanks for this info!! It makes me feel better

 

[Mojo333]

Your welcome.
You've done beautifully...you should be proud!

 

[luvsibes]

Hello @stellaluna - I am just checking in today at my 5 month mark and checking in on some hippy friends. I see you've had some challenges since I last was on Bsmart.

I understand the tender quads concern. I still have tenderness and nerve pain at the scar area. The muscles in the quad can tighten up along with the IT band. I massage it a lot and am happy when my massage therapist comes 1x/month. I'd have her everyday if I had $$$! I am finding that my core abdominal muscles are weak now and I have strained my low back a couple of times with too much sitting, standing, lifting, or bending! If I'm mindful of the core and alignment, it is better but without the continual hip pain (which is basically gone except for the scar tissue area), I forget!

Are you still teaching your yoga classes? I have two sessions of my chair yoga and always feel good after. I have a group that is pretty limited in English language so realize that my instructions are all visual for them. It's like "Simon Says" so I have been learning to model and have them mirror me more and yap less. It's a joy to see them improve. I have to say "I will stop and observe you now so stay with your pose"! Otherwise, they stop too!

I hope your challenges improve with the chiro care and pacing yourself. My doctor, Dr. Klapper of the "Heal Your Hips" resource book on Bsmart, says it will take a full year for everything to settle. I'm impatient about getting on the floor. He says it will come and to be gentle about accomplishing my goals. One year! I'm almost half way there!

I'll look forward to hearing more about your recovery as the bilateral challenge is amazing to me. You are an inspiration!!

 

[Hip Hip Hooray!]

I've had healing from my bilateral surgery for three years. I waited a year to do Pilates, because I found it aggravating. I didn't do any straight leg lifts. It's so worth it to take your time and to be patient. I am now pain free. The only time I have trouble is if I lift something heavy, then i pay for it. Six months is in my opinion, still very early. My thighs were also tender, but now they are fine.

 

[BionicMary]

StellaLuna,
What an inspiration! And, I'm so JEALOUS you got to do both at same time. Issues aside, you'll be 'done' in half the recovery time.

 

[luvsibes]

I've had healing from my bilateral surgery for three years. I waited a year to do Pilates, because I found it aggravating. I didn't do any straight leg lifts. It's so worth it to take your time and to be patient. I am now pain free. The only time I have trouble is if I lift something heavy, then i pay for it. Six months is in my opinion, still very early. My thighs were also tender, but now they are fine.

Thank you @Hip Hip Hooray! - It's interesting to hear that lifting - even after 3 years - is aggravating. I'm finding that at 5 months so will continue to be careful!

 

[stellaluna]

hey gals! sorry just checking in and seeing these. I totally agree it's still early in the healing process. @luvsibes yes I am teaching-one class a week which isnt much. I dont do the class with them but rather walk around/observe. Just the way I was trained. I am back to practicing BUT not at the frequency I was presurgery. Just maybe 3x a week now; with the PT exercises I had to rebalance everything.
Thighs are way better; seeing my chiro for my pelvis which is greatly improved-yay!! The SI joint -fingers crossed-is improving. I found some very effective mobility and stabilization exercises for the SI joint online and I feel they are really helping. Those, plus the strengthening exercises from PT a couple x a week and the stretching and of course the core work are all , I feel, really assisting getting this thing better. Oh, and I have given my self at least one solid day of doing NOTHING.
My chiro said at least 6 mos before I start to really feel good. Everything has to learn to refire properly, musces continue to heal from the trauma of surgery, etc. I truly agree with that. 3 mos is just the beginning of the full healing!

 

[Mojo333]

3 mos is just the beginning of the full healing!

This is true, but so happy things are getting better!
I found four month mark really was a turnaround for me...just keep it all slow and do give yourself permission to take it extra easy after work.
Just being out and about can be exhausting as that energy drain can still be in effect.

Working you all the best as you continue your journey , my bilateral friend!

 

[luvsibes]

It's good to hear that healing is improving stellaluna - I agree with Mojo333- that 4 months is a turning point. I also learned that even at 5 months you can be part of the ODIC group with lifting or bending too much! Luckily, a week of very mindful moves and the heat, ice, rest, stretch approach, the back is better!

I had an Iyengar teacher who walked among us in class. I liked her approach. I may integrate that into my chair based teaching especially with my group that's been with me longest. Do you physically adjust them as you observe? My newest group are primarily ESL elders. I've quickly learned that my verbal cues are not well understood and they will mirror anything I do, even my talking with my hands or scratching my head! LOL!

I'm so impressed that you are bilateral and doing so well. Keep up the good work and pacing of your rehab. My doc says to give it a year and I'll be back to the level of flexibility I desire but don't push it! (Hmmm.... we don't have a yoga emoji in the Bsmart collection!)

 

[Layla]

Happy Three Month Anniversary!
Sounds like you're doing well, can't believe it's been three months already.
Wishing you a great rest of the week!
@stellaluna

 

[Mojo333]

I also learned that even at 5 months you can be part of the ODIC group with lifting or bending too much!

Yes and I can attest to that too.
Unfortunately.
But I'm a pretty quick learner, just a quick forgetter sometimes!

 

[Lea61]

Hi @stellaluna .... I was just browsing and came across your recent update. Glad to hear that you are doing well and returning to so many of your regular activities (even if you need to make some accommodations). It's so helpful to hear about recoveries that are a little further down the road to give the rest of us hope and encouragement that we will be there too !
Take care .....

 

[stellaluna]

Hi All. Happy Thanksgiving!! Well I'm in week 14; still having some challenges, still stupidly flirting with the ODIC . Gotta tweak what I am doing again. I graduated PT last week ; she wanted me doing the exercises 3x a week but honestly? I think it's too much, esp where I am doing yoga a couple days a week and cycling twice a week. Just too much, and not enough rest days. So I told my self just to do the exercises twice a week. With the yoga and the "cardio" it's plenty!!! I am STILL learning!! OH plus being back to work full time.

My biggest challenge STILL is walking with proper form. My SIL commented today "you are limping!" She has not seen me at all since pre surgery. Of course this was after being on my feet for a couple hours prepping Thanksgiving dinner -she commented. My immediate reaction is to panic and get my self all upset. But I need to remind my self -as usual-that 14 weeks is still early. But as far as the walking , sore legs and back make walking challenging. And I am talking just walking around the house. As far as outside, I have gone back to using my walking poles. But I cant even get out much and walk, due to the cold and daylight savings time. Ugh. But I find myself getting very frustrated with my walking form and lack of progress. I still feel like I am leaning or shifting to the right side when I walk and cant seem to shake that. ugh.

Did anyone here find the walking-getting "good " form back-took a while? Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? If I could get better with my form I know I'd be alot happier with my recovery.

 

[cherterr]

After hobbeling for 10 tears prior to tkr I am finding to walk in proper form takes a LOT of concentration... You just have to be mindful with every step. (Even if it IS slow.like me!)