THR Solar7's LTHR Recovery Thread

[djklaugh]

@Solar7 I moved from walker to crutches fairly quickly - about a week after surgery. I have rugs over wood floors at my house and picking the walker up over the edges of the rugs was exhausting. I tried just one crutch at about 2-3 weeks for short walks around my kitchen. So yes you can move to other support when you want to try it. Just go slowly at first and make sure you feel steady with what ever you are using. As for out side ... again when ever you feel up to it. Though I would, if I were you, keep to fairly smooth surfaces to start with. Walking on uneven ground would stress your hip and leg too much at this point in your recuperation.

It is terrific to hear you are doing well!

 

[Jaycey]

When did you take your first attempt at doing something without the walker? Did you wait for clearance from a professional, or is it okay to try using a cane/single crutch if I'm feeling confident?

Never used a walker post op both THRs. I was on one crutch pre-op LTHR and left the hospital using 2 crutches. Once home, I ditched the second crutch and transitioned to a cane at about week 3. Post RTHR I used 2 canes in the hospital and transitioned to 1 cane after about 1 week. If you are feeling confident try a crutch first. You can also as PT to help you with this. They can identify any issues with your gait and help you get them sorted.

When did you start going outside and walking on new surfaces and such?

I ventured outside as soon as the weather permitted. As Deb suggested, stick to flat, even surfaces at first. And alway go half way as far as you think you can. You need to conserve the energy for the return trip!

BTW - 3X PT per week is way too much! You are not in training, you are healing. If they start giving you strengthening exercises please push back.

 

[Layla]

When did you take your first attempt at doing something without the walker? Did you wait for clearance from a professional, or is it okay to try using a cane/single crutch if I'm feeling confident?

I began practicing with a cane on about day eleven / twelve I believe. I didn’t seek permission from anyone. Moved completely away from the walker within a couple of days and used a cane for another week or so.

I went outdoors walking pavement around three weeks post op. I wasn’t in a hurry and it was pretty hot outdoors which is not my fave weather. However, in my neck of the woods, had it been winter, with snow, ice and slippery pavement, I would have likely hibernated all winter long like a bear! I was terrified of falling.

It sounds like you’re doing well. Best Wishes as you continue healing. Slow and easy is the way to go!

 

[Solar7]

When did you take your first attempt at doing something without the walker? Did you wait for clearance from a professional, or is it okay to try using a cane/single crutch if I'm feeling confident?

Never used a walker post op both THRs. I was on one crutch pre-op LTHR and left the hospital using 2 crutches. Once home, I ditched the second crutch and transitioned to a cane at about week 3. Post RTHR I used 2 canes in the hospital and transitioned to 1 cane after about 1 week. If you are feeling confident try a crutch first. You can also as PT to help you with this. They can identify any issues with your gait and help you get them sorted.

When did you start going outside and walking on new surfaces and such?

I ventured outside as soon as the weather permitted. As Deb suggested, stick to flat, even surfaces at first. And alway go half way as far as you think you can. You need to conserve the energy for the return trip!

BTW - 3X PT per week is way too much! You are not in training, you are healing. If they start giving you strengthening exercises please push back.

I'm worried about the PT, but I'm hoping they're short sessions focused on gait and flexibility... my caregivers aren't going to be patient with me pushing back on PT's instructions. But I'll do my best!

I was worried about PT well in advance of this, ha! I've been walking any distance I want so far without getting tired, but I do get very worried about dislocation while walking. The trust isn't there yet as I keep thinking about how recent this procedure was.

Does anyone know if dislocation is like a sudden thing where you'll KNOW it happened and it hurts like hell, or can it be a subtle thing you don't notice at first? I'm being very cautious.

 

[djklaugh]

@Solar7 When a dislocation happens the socket and the ball part company and yes it hurts horribly and one would not be able to stand on that leg at all. While the risk of dislocation is greatest early on after hip replacement surgery, once the bone has regrown around the implants the risk is much less. Here's a chart showing the risks of dislocation:

 

[Jaycey]

Does anyone know if dislocation is like a sudden thing where you'll KNOW it happened and it hurts like hell, or can it be a subtle thing you don't notice at first?

Believe me, you would know immediately if you dislocated. Horrid pain and you would not be able to move. Walking will not create a situation that causes dislocation. What restrictions did you surgeon give you?

my caregivers aren't going to be patient with me pushing back on PT's instructions

This is your recovery and no one else should be dictating what you can do. Unless your carers have had THR they are in no position to comment. You are the boss at PT - they work for you.

 

[Hippie Chick]

Jayce thanks for saying that! I needed that!

 

[SurreyGirl]

Absolutely this. 5 years ago I let the PT people pushed me too hard on an already injured muscle and regretted it . This time it is much more about general walking and then doing sone specific exercises to improve certain movements and then not to excess

 

[Solar7]

Hopefully minor concern... twisted my leg out just a little bit on a step, felt a bit of an ouch, now my hamstring is hurting on the operative side. I'm hoping that's just from some increased walking and not a loosening or dislocation. I know my hamstrings are VERY tight.

Just sensitive to everything. No idea of what I'm supposed to expect.

 

[Hippie Chick]

That I think is the hardest part- the uncomfortableness of just not knowing.

 

[CricketHip]

It’s probably just another ache to add to your recovery list. Like others have said if you dislocated, you’d know immediately!
I think we all had a little twist or jolt that worried us.
It’s a big worry, too!!
Maybe put some ice in your hamstring and hopefully it recovers within a week.
Congratulations on getting your new hip! You are doing very well.

 

[myglasshalffull]

Be your own advocate! Do not let PT or anyone tell you what you should be doing or how far along you should be in recovery, this is your personal journey. Stay true to it.

 

[Solar7]

So, week 1 is in the books. In retrospect, it wasn't as bad as I think I was expecting, and there were only a few flashes of major pain or distress. Unless I experience a setback, I'll say I'm pretty happy.

PT wasn't bad today, mainly some massaging and a check for rotation and such. However, there were *some* exercises, nothing too horrible... but I'll have to stand my ground if needed. I was a little concerned about pinching my legs into a firm pillow placed in between my knees.

That said, I was able to do heel slides and lift my leg from a laying position up towards my chest. I was also able to walk a couple of feet unassisted (with a table next to me if needed) to my walker. Ready to get week two over with and get these dressings off.

 

[Mojo333]

You sound like you have a great recovery mindset and are doing well, new hippy pal.
It's definitely a journey, but one I am ever grateful for having been through as it has returned me to active...
Yay for no hip pain!

 

[Jaycey]

I had very tight hamstrings post LTHR. Try hamstring stretches from a seated position. Start very gently and slowly lifting the leg slightly and pulling toes toward your body.

twisted my leg out just a little bit on a step, felt a bit of an ouch

New hips hate any twisting. Slow and steady.

 

[Layla]

Hi Solar7!

but I'll have to stand my ground if needed. I was a little concerned about pinching my legs into a firm pillow placed in between my knees.

Here is an article with some advice on which exercises may hinder the healing process.
BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy

Have a great week!

 

[Solar7]

Hi Solar7!

but I'll have to stand my ground if needed. I was a little concerned about pinching my legs into a firm pillow placed in between my knees.

Here is an article with some advice on which exercises may hinder the healing process.
BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy

Have a great week!

Hm... 3 out of 4 of my exercises were on that list.

 

[Solar7]

Question regarding the leg lifter... if I can lift my leg up on my own, do I need it anymore? Is it to protect from dislocation or anything else?

 

[Jaycey]

Is it to protect from dislocation or anything else?

No, the lifter is just an aid while you can't lift the leg. Sounds like you don't need it anymore.

 

[Solar7]

Just an update... I'm at an impasse with my progress. I feel like I should be doing more, but also don't want to overdo it, and I guess I'm getting frustrated. I was able to walk unassisted from a table to my walker at Wednesday's PT appointment but no one has given me the clearance for a cane, or given me a clear answer when I ask about the timing for it. The walker feels like it's impeding my progress as it keeps snagging on the floor, so I can't naturally take any strides.

I'm also going crazy just being in the same position laying on my back all the time! My upper body wants to scream at me, lol. I'm so stiff but can't do anything about it.

Mostly just venting, but also wondering what I can hope to expect in terms of new clearances on Tuesday when I get my two-week followup.