Karen,
Thanks for your response. My surgery was on March 16, 2010, just shortly before your second surgery. I think my procedure was a Direct Lateral (Incision 5" on the side of my leg when I had my husband measure it.) I really have to get my records. I realize that I have not been told a lot. Top Surgeon and I guess a busy surgeon.
My restrictions were:
Do not cross your legs
Do not bend your hip more that a 90 degree angle
Do not lean forward more than 90 degrees (such as reaching to your feet for covers,
or picking up an object off of the floor.)
Keep legs, 6-10 apart
Use elevated toilet seat
Use a cushion for all low chairs (minimum 21" high)
NO sleeping on side until Doctor tells you it is okay (usually 6 weeks) Pillow between
knees
NO Driving until Doctor tells you it is okay (usually 6 weeks)
Do not rest in recliners (actually it was a big NO to recliners and rocker/recliners)
NO sports for the first 3 months
DO NOT use exercise equipment, whirlpools or spas until your Doctor tells you it is
okay. You may eventually return to golf, swimming, dancing and bicycling.
My book does not tell me how long I am to stay with these precautions.
Funny part is that I was not really told anything other than the driving at 6 weeks and to "Loose my Fear" of falling without the walker. Use the walker in the driveway and the cane in the house until I felt more secure. This was at my only post op visit at 5 weeks. I had a list of questions, but didn't get to ask most of them.
The PT Lady in the hospital is the one that told me that there is no Outside PT for HR, just the regular exercises that I see most everyone is given to do at home. The Doctor just wants you to walk and walk.
My back is another issue for me. Actually went to a Spine Surgeon in Nov 2009 and it was his PA that sent me for hip x-rays and then the Surgeon came in and said he would not touch my back until I had a Total Hip Replacement on the right side. He said I have two issues, my back and my hip. I was supposed to go back to him and have not done that yet either. He is the one that told me about the Tilted Pelvis. He was not and did not discuss my back issues with me at that time. I know that I have Herniated Discs from L2, 3, 4 and 5 plus other issues. Actually after this hip replacement my back is not bothering me as much as it did. I really thought it was all my back, had no idea it was my hip. I still would like to know what he has to say though, while I have the referral and the current MRI. I have a lousy young female FD, so I had better get back to see the Spine Surgeon while I have the chance.
FD sent me to PT in 2006 for my back. I was given 12 visits and then she refused more and said that the PT took care of my Herniated Disks. Like she can see my spine. PT had sent her a letter requesting more visits. All this time it was my hip also and no one mentioned it. Even the two Chiro's that I went to after that.
I have been following your progress and you are doing great. I guess I am just going to have to write out a list of questions and call the OS's office and get them answered.
I am not sure if PT would help me or not. When I get back to the Spine Surgeon he could send me for strengthening exercises for my back also. I still think that I would not be limping if it were not for that tilted pelvis and the leg discrepancy.
Two more things on my to do list I guess.
Thank you for your response and help and keep up the good work.
Sorry for the long post.