Recovery time

[Trix67]

Hi all, 'Another hip bites the dust'. I am 42 and an ex semi-pro footballer. I was diagnosed in 2001 with osteoarthritis of the left hip.Over the years i have still managed to stay quite active , i.e going to the gym & taking part in the odd kick about.Over the last two years the pain has increased and i have recently been recommended for a THR.My real concern is how long i will be out of work.I work as an IT engineer which requires a lot of lifting & moving of servers/Switches etc and manage quite well at the moment(and suffer later on or next day).But as i am self employed the thought of being off work for months makes me want to cancel the operation(which is scheduled for Nov 10th 09).The two main questions i have are:- 1.what is the average recovery time after such an op?2. can i help this by going to the gym and building up the muscles around the joint?.Even though i am in constant pain i do not take any painkillers , only anti-inflammatory(diclofenac sodium),so my pain threshold is quite high and i will put myself through it to benefit post op(if it does indeed benefit me).I will be very grateful for any advise on the matter.Thanks.

 

[TurboHip]

Welcome Trix!

I can't help you with the answers as my THR is this Friday. Just wanted to say someone will be along soon with the info you want though. Welcome again!

 

[Josephine]

1. What is the average recovery time after such an op?

'Average' is the old 'how long is a piece of string' thing! But I think you could safely say you could be back at that kind of job in 3 months. If it was an office job, 2 months or even 6 weeks but I wouldn't recommend that for a heavy job. Plus you're going to have 6 weeks of 'restrictions' where you cannot bend past 90 degrees so that will add to it.

2. can I help this by going to the gym and building up the muscles around the joint?
Even though I am in constant pain I do not take any painkillers , only anti-inflammatory (diclofenac sodium), so my pain threshold is quite high and I will put myself through it to benefit post op (if it does indeed benefit me). I will be very grateful for any advise on the matter.Thanks.

Yes, I would always recommend building up muscles and core strength prior to surgery. Helps in a lot of ways. But you don't have to be masochistic about it. Just routine exercises, leg stuff, upper body stuff and cycle time. Elliptical trainer is also good if you can manage it.

But once you've had the surgery, do NOT punish yourself there either. Going at PT and exercises like a dervish will not make you heal more quickly. Healing heals when it heals and nothing you can do will speed it up. It can, however, slow you down and quite a bit, so be sensible and take pain meds even if you think you have got a high pain threshold.

Anything else you want to ask?

 

[TBONE]

Hi Trix--I agree with Jo 100%. I was back to work very early --13 days--but I have an easy desk job and I was lucky.
For me the best thing I did was to hit the gym before my surgery for at least 6 weeks. I even took a pain killer for the workouts--Celebrex--it made a world of difference on my recovery.
Also, don't be too much of a masochist. I found out that I, too, have a high pain threshold, but I didn't push it too much. I never took a Vicodin, but I took Tramadol as-needed for about 6-8 weeks and I still take occasional Tylenol.

 

[Debbs1027]

I think the recovery depends on the person. It's great to build up the muscles before the surgery, do not over do it and remember also that when the surgeon does the procedure, he/she will be cutting through some of your muscles and that is part of the recovery process, dont push yourself. I had no patience with my recovery and i think that part of my problems with dislocations, was because i did not listen to the doctors. put weight on it way before i was suppose to, i broke every one of my precautions. Do as the doc's say, don't rush it and by all means have the surgery, it might be tough at first, but you will see its going to be well worth it!

 

[Jamie]

Hi, Trix67. Welcome to BoneSmart! So glad you joined our caring and supportive family. We'll be here for you to address whatever questions or concerns you have as you move toward surgery and go through recovery.

I think you are on the right path to get maximum muscle strength prior to surgery. Unfortunately it is pretty difficult to say how long before you can get back to work...each person heals differently. But...do plan on phasing yourself in at whatever point feels right. It's much easier to do it that way than to go at it full steam from day one.

 

[Texas]

Welcome Trix welcome im a TKR but i wish you the best........Im also 42 so hang in there at least you know the pain from surgery will go away the pain you have no wont......and take your time you get one shot at this make it work.......) dont get better then go backwards......i will you the best of luck you will moving around having fun soon................good lock post anytime........)

 

[ronhall51]

Hi all, 'Another hip bites the dust'. I am 42 and an ex semi-pro footballer. I was diagnosed in 2001 with osteoarthritis of the left hip.Over the years i have still managed to stay quite active , i.e going to the gym & taking part in the odd kick about.Over the last two years the pain has increased and i have recently been recommended for a THR.My real concern is how long i will be out of work.I work as an IT engineer which requires a lot of lifting & moving of servers/Switches etc and manage quite well at the moment(and suffer later on or next day).But as i am self employed the thought of being off work for months makes me want to cancel the operation(which is scheduled for Nov 10th 09).The two main questions i have are:- 1.what is the average recovery time after such an op?2. can i help this by going to the gym and building up the muscles around the joint?.Even though i am in constant pain i do not take any painkillers , only anti-inflammatory(diclofenac sodium),so my pain threshold is quite high and i will put myself through it to benefit post op(if it does indeed benefit me).I will be very grateful for any advise on the matter.Thanks.

from my experience im at about 3 months and i was back playing golf and going to the gym at 5 weeks.I think the time spent in the gym pre op was a huge part of my sucessful recovery.Good luck to you get it done you wont regret it!!

 

[Trix67]

Thanks everyone for the excellent advice.The overall concensus seems to be "patience is the key".I have started doing Pilates, which is helping with my core muscle strentgh and also daily stretches at home.
I am so encouraged by the feedback i recieved and feel much more positive about about the operation now.Once again thank you one and all and i will post my experiences and progress throughout to hopefully aid others.Great site with great people:thmb:

 

[Josephine]

Glad we were able to help.