THR Supersonic's Second Hip Recoery

[Supersonic]

Hi,

starting week 4 tomorrow. I've stripped and made beds on my 3 day 'alone'. Mom and sister visited, was barely off the phone or face timing other family members.
I havnt really done any dedicated 15-30 walks because I'm unsteady with 1 crutch and still put most of my weight through it.
Two crutches is hurting my hands when used for any length of time.
So hopefully will be doing some walks starting at the end of week 4, having made soon gains in balance, rom and strength by just doing indoor excercises and daily living.
I'm not prepared to suffer the same set backs and over do it like I did with my 1st THR back in 2019.
I'm older and hopefully wiser!
I know there are longer term goals at stake here and im really put off going out walking this time.
I don't know why, it might be the weather and fear of falling. I've set the end of 4 weeks in my mind as being well on the way for the surgery to heal. I don't want to keep testing the surgery site.
I'm in very little pain, just mild discomfort. So just 6 paracetamol a day.
I think I'm worried about pulling muscles and set backs.

 

[Supersonic]

Also I can see my new side is much longer 1 maybe 2 inches and the foot on my unoperated side 'burn' from over use
On the plus side, I'm showering and can put both socks on independently!

 

[myglasshalffull]

As you already mentioned, this is your 2nd hip replacement so you are already ahead of the game just knowing what you can do or not do. However, I guess no two surgeries are the same & give yourself some time & no pressure to head out side & begin a walking regimen.
If you feel unsteady please use your assistive devices.

 

[Supersonic]

Week 4

Had my 2nd physio appointment, was given some more excercises to encourage my left knee and foot to not rotate inwards.
My whole left side was rotating inwards prior to my new left hip.
I told the physio that my left foot was actually vastly improved ! My physio apologised for being so critical but she seems to think it is my neural pathways that need reprogramming along with my muscles.
I explained I have a torn ACL in my knee which might be blocking knee rom. I also have a torn ligaments in my ankle.
I'm feeling a little disheartened. Healing has gone well but now I have to put the work in to get the best outcome.
I'm really not keen to do the excercises but the physio has linked me to an app to log my progess, so theres no excuse !!
Its not even excessive, not sure why I feel so ambivalent about it.
Very limpy at 4 weeks, so thats a I worry. Think I was limping at 4 weeks with my RHR, seems I've levelled out in terms of progress right now.

 

[myglasshalffull]

Hang in there! You've been through it once & each recovery is unique.

 

[Layla]

Happy One Month Anniversary!
Here’s a tip -
Try heel-toe walking when you're limping.
This involves striking the ground with your heel first, then rolling through your heel to your toe, and pushing out of the step with your toe.
It takes a concentrated effort, but I believe you'll notice a difference. Give it a try.

@Supersonic

 

[Supersonic]

Thank you will definitely give this a go.
I think I'm being impatient for results, had such a great first few weeks, feel like I've hit a wall.
Also scared I will still be limping with pain in my knee and ankle. Will take ages to be referred, if more operations needed.

 

[benne68]

had such a great first few weeks, feel like I've hit a wall.

Yes, it can be so frustrating but that really is the normal course of this recovery. We make progress and then feel like we've stalled or that we are going backwards. Then, we have another period of progress, and so on.

I think it's just that our bodies need those "pauses" to incorporate all the changes that are happening. You are only a month post-op and it takes 3 months for our ligaments and tendons to recover from surgery.

Slow and steady!

 

[Supersonic]

Just what I needed to hear.
Took a walk today and felt nicely 'stretched'
I've got mu physio excercises too which are walking up my butt, thigh and knee muscles that seemed to have wasted away.
I think its the dark morning and nights plus the cold adding to my general malaise.
Will try to enjoy the 'pause'
Christmas is not too far away so something to look forward to.

 

[benne68]

its the dark morning and nights plus the cold adding to my general malaise.

Oh, I hear you on this! I since to suffer from seasonal affective disorder every winter. I try to make myself go outside in the morning for some sun.

But, Christmas is indeed just around the corner -- and think how much improved you will be by then.

 

[Supersonic]

I hope the improvements will be as good as the first time , Benne68.
First time had no idea what to expect, just so impatient!
There's snow so not risking walking and falling at 5 weeks post op, just physio for now and more Netflix marathons.

 

[Layla]

Happy Two Month Anniversary!
How have you been? Let us know if you have time.
Best Wishes for a happy holiday season and a great 2025!
@Supersonic

 

[Supersonic]

01/01/25

11 weeks post op today.
I've been pushing my granddaughter around in her pram (exhausting, but works my abs).
I've also walked my daughter's dog which was great for varying pace.
I'm still quite tender on my scar area. Also my left knee and feet are sore after any activity.
Walk bare feet isn't good either
I've got physio on the 8th Jan, I'm due back to work on the 12th! But will seek advice before returning. Also my surgeon offers a last follow up appointment in March. He says I have Trendelenburg gait due to muscle weakness on my left side due to over a year of poor posture, gait and pain.
Anyway taking it a bit easy, no rush and I don't want to ruin my gains.
Happy New Year! Here's to a full recovery!!

 

[benne68]

Thanks for the update, @Supersonic! It's wonderful that you are getting back to life and doing things like pushing the baby's pram and walking the dog. Great milestones for someone who is less than 3 months post op!

I'm due back to work on thez12th! But will seek advice before returning.

Are you able to arrange a phased return, which might make things a bit easier for you?

Happy New Year!

 

[Supersonic]

I will see what the phased return involves, no way can I do a 12 hour nightshift, or an 6-8 hour busy day shift.
I will be sensible, if I need another 2-4 weeks off I will.
I'm getting a bit too relaxed but no point. Some days are better than others. Still feel sore after any type of activity which tends to last until the next day.
Especially op side knee, both ankles and feet.

 

[Layla]

Hi Supersonic,
Is the PT targeting your therapy for the Trendelenburg Gait? Physical therapy can reduce the effects of the weakened hip muscles and help improve your gait.

Still feel sore after any type of activity which tends to last until the next day.
Especially op side knee, both ankles and feet.

Not sure if you remember from your first surgery, but they can manipulate your knee rather aggressively during the dislocation process. Cringe.
Changes in gait may be what's causing the ankle and foot pain. Or...even residual swelling or inflammation which travels downward due to gravity...so it may bother you after long periods of being on your feet. It is not too late to elevate while you're laying around or watching tv.

Footwear is important also. If you haven't already, consider purchasing a decent pair of walking or athletic shoes.
You do not need to toss all of your old shoes. You can determine which shoes to part with after examining the wear pattern. If they are heavily worn they will unlikely offer the support and alignment you need. Shoes lose their cushioning over time also and feel hard / flat. Replace the shoes that are excessively worn and have no support. You need good support, shock absorption with enough room in the shoe for your foot to lie flat for balance. Lightweight is great as is non-slip.

Happy New Year, Supersonic! I hope 2025 is a great year for you.

 

[Layla]

Happy Three Month Anniversary!
Let us know how your return to work is going when you have time. I hope the transition back was smooth.
Best Wishes for a good weekend!
@Supersonic

 

[Supersonic]

Hi Bonesmarties

Can't believe its been over 3 months. I'm off work until February, which will be 15 weeks so the same as my first THR in 2019.
I don't feel that this recovery has progressed as well as the first but I know there are still gains and its early days.
My new hip still isn't as strong and not as flexible as I would like, I'm hoping that once I'm back to work things might change.
I walk without a cane and I'm told my limp is barely there unless I get fatigued then I use momentum to keep going.
I'm starting cycling soon, I ve been walking more since the snow melted.
I was in the ODIC recently after carry too much shopping the other day.
Definitely forgot to pace myself.
All healing is done and physio said she was pleased with my progress. Still can't use my new hip to lift me on the stairs without momentem from my other hip.
Think it's my weak knee & ankle on that side, I'm doing knee strengthening excercises.
So time will tell

 

[Eman85]

All healing is done

Is it? For many it's a year or more and it is still easy to hurt the muscles.

 

[benne68]

All healing is done and physio said she was pleased with my progress. Still can't use my new hip to lift me on the stairs without momentem from my other hip.
Think it's my weak knee & ankle on that side, I'm doing knee strengthening excercises.
So time will tell

I know 3 months seems like a long time, but take a look at this this chart and you will see that you still have a fair amount of healing to do. You will get there with time.