THR TripleF100 in recovery<

[TripleF100]

Woops! One last post. I started thinking about that meniscus knee surgery of mine I posted somewhere on this site. I said it was 10 days till I ran my next marathon (actually walked most!) !! I started doubting my memory. Glad I did! I went back to my running logs and it was actually 16 days . . . still pretty quick! Not possible after a hip replacement though!!!!!

 

[TripleF100]

There may already be a thread for this . . . if so I hope a Moderator will move this!!!

I have a tip for you guys and gals looking at a hip replacement in your future! You have probably received exercise recommendations for your surgery preparation. I know I tended to focus my efforts mostly on my surgery side. This is a huge mistake. I personally believe a focus on the NON-surgery side may be more important (or at least equally important!

I've had two hip surgeries, one when I was in my late 50s and in GREAT physical condition from a huge amount of running. But after 10 years and less activity (though I am still in excellent shape for a 69 year old!) I have found my strength has reduce significantly. Why is this important?

Immediately after surgery it probably doesn't mean that much but as you start to heal you'll find you will want to pick things up so you'll extend your surgery leg behind you so you don't break the "90° Rule." That means you'll be using you non-surgery leg to lift yourself back up! Probably you will get some sort of reach extended (I call mine my "grabber!) but that is not always handy! Also, if you have to get on the floor / ground, getting up again requires strength in that non-surgery leg! This strength in primarily in the quads. And if you aren't strong enough you get knee pain!!

So do as much strengthing as you possibly can prior to surgery . . . just my opinion but I sure wish I had done more before my August 22 THR!!!

Hopefully others will have some additional tips and suggestions that you might not think of!

 

[Jaycey]

@TripleF100 you will notice that I have merged your two threads together as we prefer that members in recovery only have one thread.

This is for three reasons:
1. if you keep starting new threads, you miss the posts others have left you in the old threads
2. it often ends up that information is unnecessarily repeated
3. it's best if we can keep all your recovery story in one place so it's easily accessed if we need to advise you.

Please keep all your questions and updates on this thread. I changed the title slightly. If you would like a new thread title just give a shout.

 

[Mojo333]

How are you doing?
You still have about of healing to do...
So don't beat yourself about pre-op.
Some things just take time, and maybe a bit more as you get older...
Hope all continues to improve!

 

[TripleF100]

@Mojo333 - Thanks for asking! Still taking two steps forward and one step back!! But making progress!

@Layla @Josephine

I was really hoping that those of us that have been through a THR could have a way to make some suggestions to those facing the surgery. Nothing official from the website . . . just some tips to help folks facing the unknown! I doubt seriously if anyone getting ready for their THR will ever see or find my advice . . . or the advice many others might be able to add. I just wish there was a spot on this forum for tips and suggestions. Just seems like this could be valuable . . .

But what do I know . . .

 

[Mojo333]

Thanks for asking! Still taking two steps forward and one step back!! But making progress!

I was just discussing my recovery on another thread in those terms as you were posting...eerie
Any helpful tips including trying to stay healthy, increasing upper body strength (which for bilateral was super helpful) is welcome AND appreciated!
From those who know...it's what makes BoneSmart work.
Glad you are still sharing!
Hope all continues to get better and better!

 

[Josephine]

I doubt seriously if anyone getting ready for their THR will ever see or find my advice

Don't you believe it! At any one time on this site we have around 150-300 'guests' on this forum who are searching and researching about all sorts of things!

So if you have any tips you want to share, here is the place and now is the time!

 

[TripleF100]

Thanks @Josephine ! My tip was on my thread. Exercise your good leg before your surgery to build up strength! Not saying building up operation leg isn't valuable . . . but the non-operation leg will be helping you a lot post surgery. Don't forget to strengthen it as much as you possibly can!! You'll be needed that strength!!

 

[Barbaraj]

I absolutely agree with you, @TripleF100! I tried to work out regularly, despite the limitations imposed by my bad right hip, so I kept my core, quads and flutes, as strong as I could. The day before surgery I was at the gym for a final workout. Doing this means the despite a sure, stiff thigh I actually am moving pretty well. I am only one week down and still taking Tramadol at night but borrowed a friend’s walking sticks and have been trying to use those when I am up and moving around the house. I think continuing to exercise sensibly and regularly was definitely a good idea for me.

 

[Layla]

Happy Two Month Anniversary!
I hope all is going well for you.
Let us know how you're doing next time you stop by....would love to hear.
Warm wishes for a great week!
@TripleF100

 

[TripleF100]

Thanks for the note @Layla ! I'm continuing to fight my recovery tooth and nail! I just can't seem to "go slow and easy!"

Nothing is seriously hurt and I hate to waste "space" on this forum with my minor, self-inflicted over-use pains! I have no idea why I keep thinking I'm "okay" and then over-doing it!!

Right now I'm fine walking 5 miles a day. But really struggling for the first minute after sitting for awhile! I'm pretty sure this is 100% normal and expected. Some days still hurt some. But most day's I'm really good. I try to no take any Tylenol so I can know what my real pain level is . . . and it's not very bad even at it's worst!

I did go out with friends to play some golf. My plan was to just walk 9 holes with them. But I did hit a drive and quickly realized I needed more time. I did hit chips and putts and had a great time with no resulting pain!!

So . . . compared to most folks I think I'm doing great!!!

 

[Layla]

Hi, thanks for updating!
Five miles seems ambitious at only 8 weeks post op. I think you're pushing it. Ever think of walking less to see if you can maintain without feeling as though you overdid it...for any amount of time? If you're hurting, you're doing too much and need to scale back and slowly add steps / miles. Don't struggle, not now, you're still very early into recovery. There is a lot of healing to still happen. It can take up to a full year, even longer for some.
What are we to do with you bad boys? That's you and JoeKnows
Hope you have a s-l-o-w week!
@TripleF100

 

[TripleF100]

@Layla . . . I can't speak for @JoeKnows . . . but as for me I doubt very seriously if I can go as slow as you suggest! I honestly know that your advice is good but realistically there is virtually no chance I can follow it when I'm feeling pretty good.

This morning I walked 5 miles and no extra pain tonight. This Saturday there is a "super-ball" golf tournament that I'll be playing. Going to go easy but I'll play. At least I haven't decided to try any running . . .

Seriously . . . I simply cannot "go slow and easy" when I'm doing well. I believe it is a mental thing . . . but I just keep pushing. I'll start with good intentions but if I'm feeling good I just keep going and I don't seem to be able to control that. I know that sounds illogical and stupid . . . but it's true.

 

[Layla]

If you're not hurting afterward, go for it. I got the impression you were overdoing at times and hurting later when you said "some days still hurt some". You also mentioned you try not to take Tylenol so you know what your real pain level is.

Just don't want to see you hurting unnecessarily, that's all. I'll trust you realize your limitations and act accordingly.
Enjoy the night and have a great week!
@TripleF100

 

[Layla]

Hi @TripleF100
I agree with what Josephine said up above about any number of people on the forum searching and researching certain topics, at any given time. I was a lurker myself, for months, trying to draw courage and strength to schedule my surgery. Were you not a lurker?

Just an FYI, we do have pre-op info. Following is a sample. See what you think. Aside from that when I was searching as a non member, I let thread titles guide me most often.

Here's some articles of interest -

If you are at the stage where you have joint pain but don't know for sure if you are ready to have surgery, these links may help:
Score Chart: How bad is my arthritic hip?
Longevity of implants and revisions: How long will my new joint last?

If you are at the stage where you are planning to have surgery but are looking for information so you can be better prepared for what is to come, take a look at these links:
Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home
Recliner Chairs: Things you need to know if buying one for your recovery
Pre-Op Interviews: What's involved?

And if you want to picture what your life might be like with a replaced hip, take a look at the posts and threads from other BoneSmarties provided in this link:
Stories of amazing hip recoveries

Hope you're progressing nicely and have a great rest of the week!