Too much restrictions for the younger patient?

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Curlynne

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Hi All I'm new to this site and found it through facebook. I have just turned 44, and had my THR on my right side on 4th March. With the restrictions I was told to adhere to I wouldn't dream of doing some of the things some of you are doing. I do feel I am doing very well after 4 1/2 weeks and havn't taken any painkillers since week 2. I religiously do the exercises I have been given, and can put my full weight on my joint, but I cant walk properley. I know its still early days, but I feel that a lot of it is in my mind. I have very little pain just a bit stiff in the morning and I am totally fed up of sleeping on my back. I have tried to lay on my operated side, and it is a bit painful, but I would love to lay on the other side but have been told not to do this under any circumstances, so I do as I am told. I do feel that the physiotharapists should take into account, the age and fitness levels of individual patients because I do think I could be doing more. All of the other patients I was in hospital with were at leat 20 years older than me and were there for revisions, so there is going to be a difference. I notice most people writing in this forum are from the US, but are there any others from the UK who think they could do more but have been given the restrictions for 12 weeks.
 
Curlynne, I've moved your post into a thread of its own as new members' first posts seem to get passed over when in the middle of a long thread. Plus, you should get your points addressed directly. So, welcome to BoneSmart!

There are quite a few UK members (me for one!) and I know all the hippies will sympathise with the not being able to sleep on your side issue. It's strange that you have a 12 week restriction period as most people seem to get only six weeks. At which hospital did you have your hip done?

I don't think the physio is aimed at any particular age group, just what is suitable for a THR and the healing and rest that needs to be taken into account.
 
Welcome, Curly!!! I would have a good sit doen with
Your surgeon if you question your restrictions! Hope every day gets better & better for you! :)
 
Welcome Curlynne! I had a RTHR on 3/17/09. I sure can relate with being fed up of sleeping on my back. I have to say, I'm getting a bit used to it, but CAN NOT WAIT until I can comfortably sleep on my side or stomach again. When do you go back to your doc for a check-up? I would ask him/her again if the restriction is 12 weeks for side sleeping.

You sound like you are doing very well! I'm at week 3 and I'm still taking tylenol for the pain -I find if I don't take anything I can't complete my exercises and walking properly. Regarding walking properly, just be patient with it. Hopefully by your 6 week mark you will see a difference. Also, they can work with you on this in therapy.

Melissa
 
Welcome, Curlynee. So glad you decided to join the forum. I'm from the knee side, but I'm sure you will have plenty of comments from others like you who have had hip replacements. The posts above are right....I'd have a chat with your doctor's office to find out why the 12 week restriction....and especially the limits on activity if you were very fit prior to surgery. I would also talk with your therapist about gait. They can help with that.

Good luck to you and post often. We care about how you are getting along!
 
Hi Curlynne! I'm 49 and had a LTHR 23rd October last year. The only restriction I was told to follow for 12 weeks was not to break the "90 degree" rule. I was able to sleep on my side (either) as soon as I was comfortable doing so - which in my case was at about 3 weeks. I followed my OS's instructions to the letter! I needed to know that if anything went awry it wasn't down to me breaking any rules! LOL Having said that - my recovery has been excellent!
Boy do I sympathise about the sleeping on your back! I don't think I've spoken to anyone (on here or in person) who hasn't had problems with that! Just keep assuring yourself it is only for the short term - and you'll get through it! :)

Peta
 
Welcome
I had the same problem with sleeping on my side (not being comfortable doing it). My doc had no restrictions on it, it was just not comfortable. Before you know it , the restriction period will be over.
judy
 
Hi Curlynne,

I'm 64, had RTHR 6 weeks ago , and was told by my OS that I could sleep on my side right away. Thanks to mis-hearing the OS I didn't go side-sleeping until day 15. Been sleeping every which way ever since then (with pillows between legs for side sleeping) and had no problems. I agree with Jamie, talk to the OS/physio's - they know the what and why for your case.

Incidentally, though I don't recommend doing what I do, I also since week 4 cross my legs, cut my toe nails and generally do anything that feels 'right' for my body - though always with great care. If I dislocate tomorrow, then more fool me, but I just believe that 'experts' are very useful people who don't live in our bodies.

Enjoy it all,

Nick
 
Wow, Thank you all so much for your comments and support. I had a cancellation and so didn't go to the physio/occ health pre-op group. I just booked in at the hospital (Dewsbury, West Yorkshire UK) and was given my bed. Later on the surgeon came and drew a line on my leg and left, I didn't really get the chance to talk to anyone and even now I don't have a clue what kind of hip I have. The physio and occ heath in the ward were very good, but as far as i'm aware I have the restrictions for a while yet. I have slept on my stomach and that was fine but it is too sore on the operated side. My exercises are going well (I think) a bit stiff when I get up in the morning, but once I have done my 1st set its a lot better.I go back to physio on the 15th April next week, then consultant the week after on the 22nd. I will write a list of questions to ask as I think of them.
Thanks again to you all
 
It's usual policy for consultants to only see new patients, Lynne. Follow-ups are seen by the registrars. But if you particularly want to talk to the consultant (and I think you should) then phone the consultant's secretary and ask her to make sure you're put on his list for the clinic. Then, when you report in for your appointment, check also with the nurses and tell them you have specifically requested to be seen by the consultant, just to make sure they don't unintentionally reverse the arrangement.
 
I had the same problem with my dr. After I decided that I WAS doing the surgery, I didn't have another appointment with my surgeon until the surgery! So when I took my "joint replacement class" which is a prerequisite to having the surgery, I was able to get the nurse who taught it to look in the computer and find out what kind of joint my dr was planning on. Sometimes you just have to be diligent in finding out what you want to know! :)
 
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