THR Six days post surgery<

[Mojo333]

Happy New Year...I know you are glad to be walking without those aids at home...give your poor upper body a break.
I think you are doing very well.
No worries for the napping and I shouldn't worry about increasing the walking too much. I'm assuming you are breaking that 40 minutes up.
I figured out trying to do more didn't really help my stamina the first three months ...short walks often best in my opinion.
It is going to keep getting better.

 

[Cathippy]

Thanks @Mojo333 for your encouragement and advice.
Logically I know I am doing ok but emotionally can easily feel like I am not and need to become more proactive.
Story of my life really that I think I have cured but can crop up in ways I dont always recognise.
Slow but steady wins the race yeah .

 

[Mojo333]

This surgery is tough stuff...and you aren't even one month out!
My THR made me feel like I was getting a glimpse of being old and infirmed...
Needing help! Walkers, potty chairs...
You aren't getting old..
You are getting well.
I was glad to have Bonesmart to talk me off my emotional ledges!
This is a great sounding board for getting through those tough times (unless you get tired of nice folks saying nice things)

Hang in there pretty lady...it's going to keep getting better!

 

[Layla]

You're doing great! Taking it slow but making steady progress.
I wish the crutches didn't hurt your wrists and upper body so. Thankfully you
aren't dependent on them while at home. It gives you a break.
Keep up the good work and stay in touch. Happy New Year!
@Cathippy

 

[Cathippy]

Eight weeks post op and can now do up and down stairs normally and have been walking round house with no crutches.
However last few days have been getting down on floor to do back exercises which havent helped as my lower back is beginning to get stiff....and kneeling down to reach things and at church but then began to wonder if its advisable to do these movements before 3 mths up ?
I think I have probably not been too good at this as no one has explained all of it to me.
Operated side really complaing now due to spinal wear and tear and back on pain meds....grrr

 

[Cathippy]

Beginning to think I need to seek advice re spine. Realise my hip and leg bit achy this morning as when I do use crutches try not to put any weight on them as hurts upper back and shoulders so much.
Anti inflam meds really help ease pain but not good for my body...trial co codamol low dose.
How to get past this impasse....

 

[LdnFizz]

Hi @Cathippy I had back problems in recovery from my first and this second- some of them were to do with weakness and misalignment and muscle tension- and time really did help. In the shorter term I also found (and am using again) a hot water water or heated pad on the areas on my back and shoulders (amazing relief)- and massage.

 

[Jaycey]

@Cathippy I have chronic lower back issues and both THR aggravated this. I worked with an osteopath who did very gentle adjustments and acupuncture.

wonder if its advisable to do these movements before 3 mths up

No, I would not recommend doing either of these so early out. Can you do your back exercises on your bed?

 

[Cathippy]

Hi @Jaycey yes could do exercises on bed.
When did you see osteopath on your recovery journey.
Getting bit concerned might be a struggle returning to work not with hip but spinal pain and it is limiting hip rehab

 

[Jaycey]

@Cathippy I saw the osteopath after my 6 week follow-up with the hip surgeon. I also had a physio who specialised in spinal. He did deep muscle massage and gave me core stability exercises.

 

[Layla]

I'm sorry you're struggling with your back @Cathippy
I hope you find something that brings you relief soon.
Especially because you feel it's holding you back.
Wishing you comfort!

 

[Layla]

Happy Two Month Anniversary!
I hope you're having a good week so far.
Wishing you comfort with your back issues.
A great Thursday and end of the week to you!
@Cathippy

 

[Cathippy]

Thanks @Layla
Its been a very challenging week but one in which it is looking likely my husband doesn't have a new cancer just a managed one making it presence felt and hopefully easily dealt with.
Seeing physio tomorrow. Better day with back today and nine weeks post op on Saturday. Easier to see positives today.
Hope you have a good weekend..

 

[Layla]

I'm sorry you've had a rough week. Prayers for the best possible outcome for your husband
and comfort for you both. I'm glad to hear your back discomfort is easing and that you're feeling more optimistic today. I hope your visit with Physio tomorrow goes well.
Big hugs to you
@Cathippy

 

[Mojo333]

Prayers for dear husband and for you as you continue your recovery journey.
Things will keep getting better, friend.
Keep the faith!

 

[otisbeagle]

Cathippy, don’t despair!! Now that you’re starting to walk independently, your back is probably having to adjust. Before my surgery, I had terrible lower back pain on my bad side. Immediately following surgery, it vanished entirely but returned (not exactly the same pain, but related) once I started walking independently. My gait was a little wonky then (okay, very wonky!!), so my back was being thrown around awkwardly. Once my walking improved, the back pain basically disappeared. At my PT’s urging, I only used the walker—never crutches or a cane—which was much easier on the shoulders and back. Canes and crutches made me limp more, adding to that pesky lower back pain. It’s all connected, so I would give your back more time to adjust before starting anything drastic. If you’re in horrible pain and feel that something is wrong, then of course you should seek help, but it could be a temporary problem. (Just my two cents. I am not a doctor!!)

 

[otisbeagle]

And I’m very glad to hear that your husband is doing okay. Scary stuff.

 

[Cathippy]

Thanks @otisbeagle for your sharing. I saw hip physio yesterday and she suggested that the upper body pain probably wasnt due to crutches as i dont weight bear with them. Suggested I see someone for some hands on treatment.
Anyway decided to not do my 2-3 mile walk yesterday and shoulders feel ok again this morning though low back aching. Gone back onto nightly anti inflammatories too.
I wondered this morning if the back pain was due to change of gait and there was your message...going to just use 1 crutch and see what happens as feel ready for this.
Thank you all for your support

 

[Mojo333]

I too hope you see improvement as you transition to one crutch.
Do you go solo any while in the house...while you have counters or sofa to cruise on.
I do alot of lifting at work and try to remember to stretch out and even walk with my arms stretched to the sky so as to get some of that pressure off.
Hoping things continue to get better @Cathippy
Hang in there.

 

[otisbeagle]

Cathippy, that’s great that you saw the physio. I’m glad she took your concerns seriously. Maybe you’ll get a nice massage out of it!!