THR Orchid Mom's recovery thread<

[Orchid Mom]

I have had a very busy spring. Two trips across the country and back for my daughter's senior day (she played college softball) and for her graduation. All in all it went well.

I'm getting around now without my cane. I still go upstairs one foot at a time though. I'm sure it will get better in time. I have a concern though about my leg. My surgical leg is longer than my other leg. I have spoken to the surgeon and to physical therapists and they tell me it may improve over time or I may need to have a shoe lift.

Has anyone else had this experience?

It doesn't bother me when I am walking. However, when I stand still it is odd because I tend to lean to one side, my nonsurgical leg. I'm trying to use both legs to bear my weight. I'm a little disappointed but the hip replacement has really been a blessing overall.

Thank you for any information you can give.

 

[Bfam85]

Hi @Orchid Mom, I too have had to deal with LLD .... my surgeon said it will correct itself with time...has it gotten any better since your surgery? Did they measure your true leg lengths? Mine has gotten better slowly and I attribute some of that to the fact of using my stairs quite a bit everyday...just letting everything in there sort itself out...If you can find a manual PT that can work on you rather than the standard "do these exercises" PT directions, I think you would be pleased...it is worth a try before getting a lift in your shoe...I can truly empathize with you... please let us know how things go....PS. Congratulations on your daughter's graduation!

 

[Jaycey]

I had LLD post LTHR. After about 4 months I had a lift made from my shoe. Bfam is right - wait for a bit. Some of this can be tight or atrophied muscles. In many cases the feeling just eases with time.

 

[Layla]

Hi Happy Tuesday @Orchid Mom
Keep in mind that full recovery can take up to a year. Even longer for some.
So, at not even three months post op, you have lots of room for improvement.
May it only get better...and it will. Hang in there and enjoy the Summer

 

[Orchid Mom]

Thank you all for you responses. I have spoken with my surgeon and she actually showed me the x-ray and how she measured it. It looked like to me she did it properly. I will give it more time and keep up with my exercises. Biked for 10 minutes on a stationary bike yesterday. Woohoo!!

 

[Sandy55]

Hi Orchid Mom, I am 3 months post op and I am finding that I get exhausted easy after housework etc, just wondering how you go with that as you are a week later than me?? I still have pain in my hip joint some days are worse than others and still cant get comfortable in bed.
Sandy

 

[Orchid Mom]

I find that I have to organize my day to make sure I don't overdo it. I am still working up to cleaning the house. I do a little bit every day rather than a lot in one day. I can sleep on my side (non operated) with a pillow between my legs, but not the whole night. I find I have to rotate from my back and then to my side. I still have some pain when I do too much. It's hard to know how much to do, but when I am sore later I know I did too much. When I walk a lot I wonder if I should still use my cane? It's really touch and go. I hope you feel better in bed. You need a good nights rest!

 

[Bfam85]

Good morning @Orchid Mom … I still use a cane in public, just because I feel safer with it and because I am walking more outside than in the house. People on this forum say if you start to limp, use the cane. It sounds like you are doing better, especially with sleep. Last night was the first time I was able to lay on my operated side without any aches or pains (for a short time)...I am still taking it very slowly with the housework (what housework? ) I really miss gardening this year, but it will have to wait....

 

[Layla]

Happy Three Month Anniversary!
I hope you're having a good week and enjoying some beautiful weather in sunny Cali.
Wishing you all the best as you continue the journey
Have a great Wednesday!
@Orchid Mom