Took a fall

[dharlander]

Hi all,
I had my surgery 6/16 and I guess that makes me about 4 months out. I was getting out of my computer chair last night and took two steps and somehow tripped. I feel foward and right onto my right hip and elbow. It didn't hurt too bad when I did it, but I have been having terrible today. I went to work today and actually had to use my cane because I was limping so bad. I got home from work and just took a half a percocet and a tylenol.

I have good range of motion, although lifting my leg is bit sore. No certain position provokes severe pain. It is more of a throbbing ache if that makes sense.

Any words of wisdom out there?

Debra

PS: I have otherwise been doing very well!

 

[Josephine]

Wouldn't worry too much about it. The jar of falling can be quite a bit to get over even when you HAVEN'T had a THR! I know - I've had a fall or two myself!

So my suggestion is to chill out a bit for a few days - take pain meds if you have to. Take it easy getting back to where you were and if then you find there is any residual worries like deep achy pains, then go see your doctor and have him check you out.

General rule of thumb; if you'd done anything too serious you wouldn't be posting on a forum about it, you'd be dialling 911!

Seriously, I do hope everything's alright for you and settles down soon.

 

[dharlander]

Totally agree. I would not have gone to work today! Or maybe I would have..just that stubborn. Seriously though, with my back issues and other things, it's just going to take a few days to shake it all off.

Thanks so much! Deb

 

[1jt@atime]

Deb, It's really scary falling that first time after a joint replacement. There were at least three of us on the knee side that talked about our falls just a few months after our replacements. I think we are at more risk injuring the non-operated joints then the replaced ones but it still shakes you up! Me, I was about 5 months post knee replacement, walking along the streets of Washington DC and just went splat, falling forward onto the sidewalk. I was okay but totally shaken. Once I fell, I wondered how I was ever going to get back up when my knight in shining armor jumped out of his car and came and lifted me up! This was in DC too!

I almost fell in the Costco parking lot today thanks to my ankle. That's what caused my first fall and funny thing was I had just left the Ankle/foot specialist beforehand! Karen

 

[rejoyce318]

Debra,

I hope you heal quickly. Might using ice give you any relief along with the meds?

joyce

 

[Tommy Utah]

As a once and future snow skier I know some falls are in my future which is a worry in the back of my mind. I have to think that a good hard fall onto a new hip would have to hurt like heck even if it did no structural damage. Wouldn't it at least sort of break up some scar tissue?

This brings up a question. I know from my 30 year career in the ski business and multiple knee injuries that there are right and wrong ways to fall in regards to your acl. We even had videos going over this subject. The question here would be is there anything similar for those with artificial hips...i e any certain types of falls to avoid or a rolling technique or some such to mitigate a hazardous position when falling?

 

[Josephine]

Trust me, scar tissue is tough stuff! It would take some kind of fall to make it tear!

As for the 'tuck and roll fall', be good if you could do it!

 

[sunshine]

Oh Deb I hope you will be ok, it has to very scarey falling. I am always thinking now I am quite careless getting in and out of my wheel chair again. Till I get my other hip done I think I have to regroup with how I have been . Feel better soon. Sandy

 

[dharlander]

Thank you so very much everyone! I am doing better today. I iced it, and took some pain meds, and doing good today. I think I'm kind of sore all over. I'm so clumsy.

But thank you .... thank you.... thank you!!!

Debra

 

[Josephine]

Hey, don't do yourself down! I was taking a can of water out to the plants in the conservatory a couple of weeks ago and tripped on the door step! Went down a right pearler! And I have even had a TKR! (just floppy slippers!)

 

[Eeyore346]

This is funny in an embarrasing sort of way....

I had my first hip replased on 6/30 and second on 8/11. Yesterday was my first day with no cane, crutches or anything (My knees were bad so had to use help a little longer than most) So anyway I go to my last PT apt. I step in the bathroom to change into my bathing suit. I trip over the 1 inch thick rubber mat and start to fall. I quickly remember that there is a chair straight ahead of door and reach out for it. I managed to grab the chair and not hit the floor. But I broke the chair! I was so embarrased. I had to call my PT to the bathroom and show him the chair. He siad he didn't care about the chair. He only cared if I was Ok. What a way to end my PT!

I am very afraid of falling.

Sandy

 

[Laurie]

Sandy, So glad you are doing ok. Totally understand your fear of falling. Though I had only one hip done end of August and am almost running I am doing so well from outward appearance, falling is my worst fear. We have lots of stairs in house and a hilly driveway that can be treacherous in the icy winter. Needless to say, I will take full advantage of the temporary handicapped parking card good til March and may extend 6 more months, if only to get me through the icy winter and wet spring months.

Laurie