THR So I walked out on my PT...

[DE55]

Just had my first post-surgical clinic PT. Discouraging. Made me realize even more fully how weak my leg is and how far I have to go. Yes, patience and consistency. But right now...
Will keep trying, but just annoying.

 

[sistersinhim]

You are just starting your healing journey. It is a slow process and can't be rushed. It's OK to keep trying, just don't push it to pain.

Hello @DE55, you'll notice that I have merged your two threads together as it's best if members in recovery only have one thread. We find it much easier for everyone.
This is because:

• That way, you have all your information in one place. This makes it easier for others to go back and review your history before providing advice.
• If you start new threads, you miss the posts and advice others have left for you in the old threads, and some information may be unnecessarily repeated
• Having only one thread will act as a diary of your progress that you can look back on.

Please keep all your questions and updates on this thread. We won't miss your new question as, between us, the staff read all new posts each day.
If you need an urgent response to a question, tag a member of staff.
Tagging other members and answering tags

If you prefer a different thread title, just post what you want and we'll get it changed for you.

Here are the instructions on finding your thread, How can I find my threads and posts?

A helpful hint - Many members have found it useful to bookmark their thread so they don't lose it.

 

[Eman85]

Since you played competitive sports I'm sure you injured yourself at times and pulled muscles. This is nothing like that. I watched the animation of what is done to us to perform this surgery and then realize just how far our muscles were "pulled" out of place to accomplish it. I often wonder if PT's actually watch the video or realize what is done. Pulling a muscle during sports no matter how bad doesn't include dislocation and moving of the joint outside of the body. Once I fully visualized it I understood why the Bonesmart method of recovery makes sense.

 

[DE55]

Since you played competitive sports I'm sure you injured yourself at times and pulled muscles. This is nothing like that. I watched the animation of what is done to us to perform this surgery and then realize just how far our muscles were "pulled" out of place to accomplish it. I often wonder if PT's actually watch the video or realize what is done. Pulling a muscle during sports no matter how bad doesn't include dislocation and moving of the joint outside of the body. Once I fully visualized it I understood why the Bonesmart method of recovery makes sense.

 

[DE55]

I was curious of the hip surgery process and looked up photos on line. Goodness. Had my first PT appointment today. The PT tech is direct, firm and, not too personable, but I recognize that he's there to keep me on track. I'm not shy about mentioning to him if something is too much, but we'll see how next session goes.

 

[Eman85]

Puts a whole new light on it doesn't it! Let those muscles heal, strength will come after the healing but you can't strengthen damaged muscles. It took a little for me to understand it, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary pain.

 

[Jockette]

Let those muscles heal, strength will come after the healing but you can't strengthen damaged muscles.

This is an excellent point and I never looked at it in that exact light. I always knew the surgery does a lot of disruption and we need to heal from it, but you're right, before we are healed we are trying to strengthen damaged soft tissue.

Basic mobility is the name of the game, early in recovery.

We have a member on the knee forum who found pushing the limits didn’t work for her. She said her new mantra is “Slow is the new Fast.” Brilliant for recovery from a joint replacement.

 

[Missy45]

Looking for a recommendation for new shoes. Would like to find Velcro strap walking shoes. Looked on Walking Company site, but not sure what is best. Any suggestions for comfortable walking shoes?

Hi DE55, I’m not sure if you found some shoes, but if Velcro strap sandals sound interesting, you might want to look at the Birkenstock website. I got some there on sale recently. They have some sporty/trail sandals with velcro straps I had never seen before. I’m going to wear them walking when I’m ready after surgery!

 

[Mersada]

Looking for a recommendation for new shoes. Would like to find Velcro strap walking shoes. Looked on Walking Company site, but not sure what is best. Any suggestions for comfortable walking shoes?

Sketchers sells alot of shoes that you can slip into. I was looking for the same thing. They have their own website and I think they also sell them on QVC.

 

[Eman85]

After surgery I could see my feet but there was no touching them, velcro would have required help. You want something that makes you sure footed, there's no falling down in THR world.

 

[DE55]

Well, just told by my surgeon that no more volleyball for me. The concern being that diving on the court or jumping at the net may cause the implant to injure the bone. The very graphic example the surgeon used is what a log splitter (i.e., the implant) does to a log (i.e., my femur). Ok... So, after 40+ years of competitive volleyball I'm all done. All done with the trips to National Senior Games and regionals, all done with the comradery of team mates, all done with just the joy of playing the game. Well, shuckydarns. The possibility of playing the game again is what's been getting me through the surgery, the recovery, the PT, the daily exercises. I recognize there are other activities out there, but not ever being able to play volleyball is just one more loss in a year of unwanted change. Hey, I'll get over it eventually and do recognize that there are many other folks with much bigger issues than mine, but it's been a big part of my life and I'll miss it a lot. Time to discover the joys of hiking?

 

[JohnWilky]

Jeepers that’s a bummer , I’m hoping to get back running at least , I’ve more or less given up on football , never thought volleyball would be a problem , I m thinking after a while , the new hip is as good to go as the old one. Could you have played on without the op ? I was gone football wise , grounded to a halt couldn’t run, hoping to At least get a kick about.
Good luck

 

[djklaugh]

@DE55 I am so sorry you were given this upsetting news! Is there any way you could continue to be involved with your beloved sport? Perhaps become a coach? From what you've written here it appears that you began playing as a teenager. I bet there are many young women who would benefit greatly from your experience and knowledge of the game! If not coaching then as a supporter of your former team ... or? There is life after THR even if it is not the life you dreamed of

 

[FCBayern]

Time to discover the joys of hiking?

That's certainly a great alternative, particularly if you were always too busy to enjoy it before. But @djklaugh had a great suggestion as well. I coached youth soccer (U-8's to Varsity high school soccer) and other than raising my boy's, it feels like my best accomplishment in life. Some of the boys I coached stayed out of the local gangs because they had someplace to go, where someone cared, and they could do something they enjoyed. It sucks giving up things we have enjoyed for years, but for me I can trade my most adventuresome activities for doing the rest pain free.

 

[CreakyJoint]

I can so relate having to give up a sport I love. I was a long distance runner and I loved it. It was my stress relief, my source of inspiration, my way of exploring wherever we travelled. Lace up my shoes and off I’d go, so easy and so fulfilling. I had to give it up 3 years ago and have really had to grieve the loss. My surgeon does not want me running with my new hip. Have had to find alternate forms of exercise but to be honest nothing gets my endorphins going like a good run. Anyhow, we all are aging and figuring out how to be our best version. It’s an individual journey. My heart goes out to you as you grieve this massive loss. You’ll eventually find a new love but I know how hard that is. I was getting into hiking before as well as yoga and my e bike. Looking forward to revisiting those passions and discovering new ones once this new hip settles in.

 

[Dmcfad2]

Since I had to give up running, I find spin classes get my endorphins going, and it’s much easier on my hips.

 

[DE55]

Having had surgery 8 March 2021, doing my home PT exercises, and walking daily I figured I'd be a bit further along energy-wise by now. But after 15 to 20 minutes of easy walking I'm getting exhausted. Trying not to get annoyed and I do rest as needed. I'm also reading it takes 3 to 6 months, and maybe up to a year, before you fully heal. But I'm surprised I get so tired so quickly. Am wondering if I'm on the right track? What is everyone else's experience re when they starting getting their energy back? Thanks.

 

[Jaycey]

@DE55 Indeed this recovery can take up to one year or longer. A lot of the length depends on how long you limped around pre-op.

And energy drain is all a part of the process. No need to be doing all that PT plus walking daily. Sounds like you are wearing yourself out. Why not try walking one day and PT the next? But don't worry, this will all ease with time. Nap if you need to.

 

[Eman85]

This is no day at the beach and I guess you're finding that. I fought the recovery with my first and the recovery won and I accepted the timeline. I didn't fight my second and the results were the same as far as timeline went but without as much pain and mental setbacks. Nutrition is a big part of the healing and building energy. You're on the right track but it's not the express train but you're heading the right direction.

 

[Teresa17]

I watched the animation of what is done to us to perform this surgery and then realize just how far our muscles were "pulled" out of place to accomplish it.

@Eman85 Can you share the link? I’d love to see this!