Bilateral THR Swimming and PT after THR in first 3 months

[honeybeast]

I have been wondering the same thing. I want to try a foam roller for myofacial release but no idea how I'd get down on the floor - not to mention back up!

 

[jaydub63]

I didn't try getting on the floor until after 6 weeks, and then very gingerly. Might have to wait a bit longer as a bilateral.

 

[Storygirl]

@honeybeast, did you have one or two hips done? You're right, foam rollers would feel SO good! LMK if you find out anything, I'll keep you posted as well

 

[Storygirl]

Thanks @jaydub63. I am only at 5 weeks + 2 days, so I'll stay upright for now.

 

[jaydub63]

@Storygirl I wonder if you could do a foam roller against a wall instead of getting on the floor? I'm not sure what area you are trying to "roll" but that might work until you can comfortably get on the floor. I did that with a small roller for my lower back against a wall until I got more ROM.

 

[Storygirl]

What a great idea! Right now it’s my back and the hamstrings on my right leg. They are super super tight, as is my IT band. I can use a rolling pin on that. Not sure what this is all about. I’m having a hard time putting weight on that leg. Hurts when I stand on my toes on that side too.
Thank you so much for this idea. Going to the store to pick one up now

 

[honeybeast]

@Storygirl i only had one done 4 weeks ago tomorrow. Lately I'm having more pain when weightbearing. Feels like I'm going backward in my recovery. I'm hoping it might help relieve some aching.

 

[Storygirl]

@honeybeast I am feeling the same way. It can be so discouraging, can’t It. I think I will take it super easy for a few days, no walking. Taking my pain meds again too. I will keep you in my prayers-we will get over this hump!

 

[Storygirl]

@jaydub, I did a little with a tennis ball on the wall. VERY lightly. But it helped a tiny bit. I think I just did way too much this week.

 

[Mojo333]

I think you are probably right, @Storygirl.
It is really hard to strike a balance and I don't think I tried to get on the floor for many months...
I also had back issues...just all that sitting/laying ...I did use pillow under my knees which helped some.
I saw someone describe the ebb and flow as a hippy dance
Of course you have to move around...but I stopped trying to walk a distance at one fell swoop.
I walked leisurely...uneven surfaces were still tough so I can imagine the beach walk might've been a bit much for all this settling our bodies have to do. (I certainly would have done it myself and paid the price, cabin fever is the worst)
Getting up often and stretching my arms up to get pressure off my lower back helped alot.
Honestly, the dance will just have to continue for a bit longer.
You are doing great...both at once is about for our bodies to adjust to.
Listen to your body..and keep the faith.
It will get better and better.

 

[Storygirl]

@Mojo333 I slept on a harder mattress last night and it has helped for sure! Also realized I wore different shoes for 2 days, think that contributed to stiff back.
You’re right tho, I am not getting anxious and listening to my body. It does feel like a bruise on that hip. Not where the joint is tho. At the outside top of thigh. Would love to know why. Maybe @Layla would know?

 

[Layla]

Hi @Storygirl
I'm happy to hear you had a good nights sleep after trying a different mattress.
Hopefully you'll do the same tonight.

I'm not sure if you've read it here but many times it's suggested we toss the old shoes we wore pre-op due to the wear pattern established pre surgery. Our gait was usually off in the form of limping, favoring etc. Personally, I wasn't about to toss ALL of my shoes but we normally favor a pair or two. It may be beneficial to buy a new pair that would best fit your lifestyle. An extra bonus would be if a change eased some of your back pain. Check out some of the suggestions below, if interested.

https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/shoes-for-recovery.42383/

At five weeks post op you're still going to have pain. Many are still on pain meds then for just that reason.
The entire area was traumatized as things were cut, pulled aside, stretched. I wouldn't be concerned about the tenderness you described as feeling like a bruise without the visible appearance of a bruise. Try icing, it's certainly not too late for that. With some icing and rest I'm sure it will ease, or you'll soon be distracted by another pain elsewhere. That's how it was for me anyway.

I think you're doing really well 5 weeks after BTHR. I don't know how you bilaterals do it?!! I know I'd never have the courage I'm happy for you, the worst is behind you.....may it only get better!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

 

[DEL2018Jul-2]

WOWZA!
Brave for you to have this procedure done at the same time and great to hear of your continued progress!
I'm in my 5th week (post op) and am progressing nicely as well....that being said, my sweet surgeon told me to be gentle and kind to my body and let it heal so as to not risk any potential dislocation or tendonitis in my hip! I'm super strong and flexible and relatively young, that being said after "pushing it" with intense PT the 1st few weeks...I've found that a little goes a long way...better to go slow and steady instead of risking fracture or injury!
You go girl! Sending you positive healing vibes!!!

 

[Mojo333]

@Storygirl No my scars are not symmetrical..one is a little longer, and slightly more offset and indented.
Isn't as smooth now that scars are fading some, either.
I call that my practice hip...then he did better on the left.
It always was a little behind the other in strength, etc. in early months of recovery.
Neither hurt now though!
Hang in there.

 

[Storygirl]

Anyone have any comments on wearing heels 6 -7 weeks after surgery? I’m going to a wedding tomorrow and have to wear short heels. (1/2-1”). Wondering if that’s gonna be ok. Thanks!

 

[Mojo333]

Try it and see.. I wore some heels two to three months after my BTHR for a banquet. They were off under the table, and off as I walked across the parking lot going out of there.
Dont know if it is detrimental, but certainly not comfortable.

The next time I was due to dress up, I got some inexpensive shimmery ballerina type flats...too bad, most folks knew I had hip surgery. Dont like that style shoe really, so only wore them the one time.

 

[jaydub63]

Might depend on the type of heel too - that's not much height, and a wedge or block heel would probably be fine. If it's a kitten heel I'm not so sure - I never did well with those, they seemed kind of unstable even when I didn't have a hip problem!

 

[Layla]

Hi,
In the early days of recovery, I'd consider a wedge. Low to mid heel height for more stability.
Dressier than a flat and more comfy than a kitten heel.
Whatever you decide on....have fun!
@Storygirl

 

[Alitm]

@Storygirl Thanks for sharing. It is always helpful! I have bilateral THR on September 14. I'm having more and more pain particularly in my right hip, and now into my right knee and down the leg further. Hoping to be be able to keep up with my level of activity so I can be as fit as possible going into surgery. Finding I have to rest in between activities more and more (so consequently everything takes for ever to get done in the barn...I have horses) to combat the pain. September can't come soon enough. I know as I get closer to surgery, the more nervous I will get!

 

[Storygirl]

@Alitm, your story sounds so much like mine! Even the fact that it’s your right leg having more trouble. For some reason that hip, tho it wasn’t the worst on the X-ray , always hurt so much more. I gradually got worse til I couldn’t even walk in a pool without pain the last month before my surgery. I am a pretty active person so it was so discouraging.
But it’s over, and yours will be too!!! Now I’m 6 weeks out and swimming, walking, biking...and that terrible pain is gone! (Almost sounds like a commercial but it’s true!) I’m so thankful every day that I did it-and especially that I did both at the same time. I got so much encouragement here and am grateful for those who have gone before. Curious, what part of the world are you in. (I’m in Southern California).
And I love that you have horses! I love to ride. I rode in gymkhanas and rodeos growing up, and I have missed it so so much. I couldn’t even get on a horse before my surgery. Now I’m just waiting for the opportunity to present itself so I can ride.
Just stay focused on the prize @Alitm. You will get there and it will be worth the journey. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. Please stay in touch here and keep me posted!