THR Right THR 12th June. Mobility question

[Eman85]

On another note. I asked my surgeon about a physio referral but he said it isn't required. Is that everyone's experience? Essentially this means that other than being shown mobility exercises in hospital immediately after my op I have had no physio input at all

It looks like OS are finally tired of their patients calling over and over again in pain from what the physios have done to them.
As far as swimming or any other activity and the "no restrictions". You can do anything you feel you can do but you are the one that ultimately will pay the price if it doesn't work out. Using common sense about the risk of dislocation or injury is the best "restriction".

 

[Lumpyloo2]

Using common sense about the risk of dislocation or injury is the best "restriction".

I totally agree. I had a sports massage recently and my therapist mentioned that their other hip replacement clients were off their crutches by 2 weeks and they suggested that maybe I was being a bit 'over-protective' of my hip. I chose to disregard the comment as I know my own body and while I am determined, I am not foolish. I intend to look after my new hip as I hope to have it for a long time yet x

 

[Elf1]

@Lumpyloo2 good for you! You know your body better than anyone else. A lot of these therapists tend to treat us as we are athletes in training instead of patients recovering from a controlled trauma, big difference.

The best thing I did after surgery was walk when I had the chance and I did water walking before the gym I went to shut down their pools. I swim like a rock but I float really well with pool noodles! I would float on the noodle and do bicycle kicks. I would hold the side of the pool and do side leg raises, use the steps to put my foot on to do light stretches. I had been to a physical therapy class years earlier that was aqua therapy for the first few weeks. Used a lot of the exercises I learned there.

We use assistive devices for as long as we feel we need them. I used a walker for almost three months. I was seeing a therapist and she just felt it was better to err on the side of caution since I was just a tad unsteady and still had a definite limp. Plus it gave clear notice to others when I was in public to give me space. I switched to a cane eventually and continued to work on my gait as I had been limping for quite a while prior to surgery. Better to use the devices to be safe and get your gait right than to keep setting yourself back.

 

[Lumpyloo2]

The best thing I did after surgery was walk

Me too! I have consistently walked a couple of times a day once I was a few weeks post-op. I really appreciate the time to listen to a good book and concentrate on my posture, while watching my dog lollop about the fields. I also met lots of people on these walks which was great company once my family returned to work.

I start my phased return to work next week. I am a deputy principle in an SEBD school and I am a little concerned that I will get sucked right back in to 10hr days etc negatively impacting my available energy and motivation for walking. I am going to need to be super strict with myself, especially as the days are getting shorter and it will be so tempting to cosy up indoors once I get home from work.

 

[Hippie Chick]

Enjoy your weekend before starting back to work. I am a teacher so I understand how the school day stretches and stretches. Trying to develop a balance.

 

[benne68]

I start my phased return to work next week.

Good luck with returning to work!

Please do check in when you have a chance to let us know how it goes!

 

[SurreyGirl]

Hi Lumpyloo!

Another water baby here who is impatient to get back in the water.

Thanks so much for blogging your recovery. I am finding it very helpful.

Hope your return to school goes smoothly.

Best wishes

SG

 

[Layla]

Good luck with your phased return beginning next week. I hope it goes well for you.
Keep us posted.
@Lumpyloo2

 

[Lumpyloo2]

Return to work update
I have enjoyed being back in work this week and apart from Monday which was a long day (I knew it was going to be), I was really strict with my time and only worked for 3-4 hrs per day. I was more tired than I expected by mid-week but rallied again by Friday. I probably worked about 60% of my contracted hours but less than half the hours I would actually normally work. I found walking along the corridors in school quite easy as it was lovely and level, and I made sure I completed a work-station assessment with a colleague. Like at home, I was a bit stiff going from sitting to standing but otherwise I found pottering round my class/office quite helpful. I went into work a little later than normal which allowed my body (and mind) to 'wake-up' without being rushed, which was really helpful. We're only talking an hour or so but it made all the difference. Thankfully I have a really supportive boss and team who are happy for me to take the lead with my phased return.
Fingers crossed next week goes as well. Happy Saturday everyone

 

[Jaycey]

@Lumpyloo2 Well done on your first phased week! Being strict about hours and time at work can be difficult. So glad you have a supportive boss and team.

 

[Esmeralda]

Really pleased to hear that your first week back at work went well. Over how long a period will your phased return to work be ?

 

[Lumpyloo2]

Hi @Esmeralda, phased return is usually over 4 weeks but the schools in my area come off for the October break in 2 weeks time which means I will have been phasing back for 3 weeks by the time we come off. As I was signed off over the 6 weeks of the summer holidays I've also got some leave to take so I may extend the October break to 3 weeks instead of the usual 2. I am a bit concerned this is a little stop/start, but I plan to visit my family down in England during the 3rd week as that is their half-term time.

 

[Lumpyloo2]

Okay, so return to work wk 1 went well (as above), but I am really struggling this week. My Monday was about the same as last week but yesterday was quite a bit longer (4hrs last week, 7 hrs yesterday) and I spent the evening in bed almost from the moment I got home. I did get up for my evening meal but was straight back to bed afterwards. It's not that I was sore, just exhausted. Today, after speaking to my boss, I am resting and working from home. TBH, I will probably do more resting than working, but he is absolutely OK with this. I am feeling a bit emotional about it all though, but I think this is borne of feelings of frustration and guilt. I recognise I have high expectations for myself but I do feel like I am letting my colleagues down when I am not physically present in work. Thank goodness for understanding bosses x

 

[Jaycey]

@Lumpyloo2 It is very challenging returning to work. Please don't feel guilty about needing a slower pace right now. All temporary - but unfortunately you can't fight the fatigue. It's great that your boss is supportive. Rest and recover.

 

[Lumpyloo2]

Back in the water for the first time today. Just out of sight is the most amazing tidal pool which was perfect for a rehab swim. Happy place
@SurreyGirl as another water baby I thought you might like this

 

[SurreyGirl]

Hello! I am green with envy… where is that? Looks gorgeous.

I’m due to return to work next week which I think is my 8th week. I’m dreading it as I still get v tired.

Consultants follow up postponed for 2 weeks which doesnt help . I was hoping to be cleared for swimming .

Anyway sounds like you are doing well and glad you have such a great boss.

 

[Lumpyloo2]

where is that?

Hi @SurreyGirl it's in the East Neuk of Fife on the east coast of Scotland. I am very lucky to live so close to 4 amazing tidal pools.

I’m due to return to work next week which I think is my 8th week

Not sure I could have returned at 8 weeks but I appreciate we all have our own recovery paths and our employment and personal circumstances differ. I am now about 3.5 months post op but can still get very tired, as can be seen from my post above. Take it as easy as you can. I did ok wk 1 but crashed and burned wk 2. In my experience, energy levels wax and wane and there doesn't need to be any particular reason as to why.
Good luck this week and I hope you get cleared for swimming soon

 

[SurreyGirl]

Thank you! If you look at my recovery thread you will see the issues I have with work so no need to repeat them here.

In just over 3 months time I am hoping to be in much warmer water, walking fine, managing steps , dancing and the odd cocktail or two. Fingers crossed!

 

[Lumpyloo2]

If you look at my recovery thread you will see the issues I have with work so no need to repeat them here.

Just caught up with your thread. Wow! It amazes me why some organisations find it difficult to respond to queries such as this. You are obviously keen to return to work albeit with adjustments, for the benefit or both your uni and yourself, and have suggested a workable solution. It really does confuse me as to why they are not jumping on that as opposed to risking an extension to your fit note. The mind boggles.

 

[SurreyGirl]

Thanks! It is crazy..