3 weeks after ceramic hip replacement - not very flexible

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi

62 years old and had my first visit to hospital ever.  was very nervous but

operation went fine with epidural.  no problems at all.  after the epidural wore off was in pain for 24 hours and can confirm it is painful then. However after that pain wore off and now 3 weeks on no painkillers being used at all.  well recommend the operation and wish I had done it earlier. recommend anyone to just do it and not wait like me.  By waiting I have had problems as my second hip now needs doing (which hopefully will be done next year) but my legs and walking changed to accommodate the pain so much so that now I have had the operation I am struggliing with the leg widening exercise.  My muscles have seized up and just need to be awakened but this I am finding painful. My physiotherapist has said I have to push myself.  i can open leg but not to knee height yet. has anyone else had this problem? I can stretch my leg upwards and behind but sideways I am struggling to get the operated leg very wide.

Its fantastic however now to have no pain in hip and know I will be walking better when all finished.

2

I think that to stretch your leg sideways that much so soon would be quite hard. Also do you know how high you could lift it before the op - my range of movement was not very much and although It will be improved i don't think it will ever be brilliant. I can't lift my foot out to the side to knee height with leg straight on either leg if I keep my torso upright. (I'm 62 and 8 weeks after ceramic replacement).

My muscles were all very tight  after the op and are gradually getting better but the thigh is still quite tight - I notice this getting socks on which I am allowed to do now as I have been released from the no bend rule!

Just be patient and you will improve but it takes time!

If you are on no painkillers at 3 weeks you are doing really well - I still take them at night.

3

Hi Maggie

You are only 3 weeks post op. No need to have to do everything so quickly.

Just take your time and it will happen. Aim to do it to just twinge not hurt. Then just go that far till it becomes comfortable. Then extend again. That is what the physio means by pushing yourself. You may do more damage to your new hip and the healiong wound if you do too much too soon.Just take it a step atr a time 

4

hi annedi

think you are right as struggling at the moment with the stretches. seeing physio again on wednesday so will just take it as far as I can without too much pain. thanks. are you able to walk far now you are 8 weeks after operation?

maggie

5

Hi Hailea

Thanks for your reply and for your comments.  will take it slowly as also I was worried about damage too and see what physio says on wednesday when I see her. thanks very much.

maggie

6

Hi Maggie

I had a cemented hip 2 weeks ago and found all the exercises painful/uncomfortable to start. I had to change the dressing after 1 week and realised that a lot if it was because the wound was sticking to the dressing and since I had a clean dressing they've been much easier. Persevere with getting your knee as high as possible and it will get easier.

7

Maggie I found 3 weeks to be a classic frustrating time when nothing seems to be improving.

The language used by physics is interesting.'push yourself' will mean different things to different people.

At 6 weeks my physio said 'walk as much as you like'. That's not what she meant!

my serious advice is listen to your body. If it feels like you are overdoing it .......stop........and use your pain meds.

8

hi rose

thanks and will do. my dressing actually now removed so on that score good news.  will keep going with the leg.... thanks.

9

thanks dave will do. maggie

10

I was walking 3/4 to a mile regularly in week  6-7. Yesterday did a slow 4 mile canal walk - I wasn't expecting to go so far. My thigh muscles are really sore on both legs today but the hip is ok. Just goes to show i'm not very fit. I haven't done a walk like that for a couple of years! I think probably 1 to 2 would have been better as today I have had to rest.

Before my op for the last year I did very little walking because of the pain so I think it will take time for the muscles to get strong.

11

good morning maggie fabrianne (beautiful name) - great advices .... easy and slowly and comfortably is the way to go, at least for me ... no pain,no gain does not apply for THR ... I do most of my stretches at the kitchen counter while making coffee or tea or even getting a glas of water ...

be gentle with your self - you are on your way .... warm hug