This is my 2nd THR and it has gone way better than the first one.
I'm in minimal pain and I'm only using a walking stick when out and about and not even that around the house. I am still using the crutches on the stairs but that is more because I'm still nervous about coming down.
I'm walking about 1 mile a day and I'm going to increase that as from today (weather permitting).
The wound is clean and dry but - as previously posted - I still have my stitches in as no one seems to be able to remove them!
I'm looking forward to being able to sleep on my side shortly - ooh that will be bliss.
I'm seeing my surgeon next week for a very early 6 week review (actually its a 'not quite 4 week review' and have every confidence that I will be cleared to drive.
Once I'm cleared to drive I am going to start exercising in earnest - first in the pool and then later in the gym. I am looking forward to shifting the weight that seems to have piled on (I'm sure that each replacement joint must way at least 2 stone) and to regain my fitness level of a few years ago.
I have started working this week but I'm finding that I can't sit still for too long, so I have to keep getting up and moving about. I just did a few hours on Monday and have gradually increased the time but I can't manage a full day yet.
I am so pleased with my progress so far and I thank my lucky stars that this op went better than the first one - it would have been a complete shock if it had been the other way round.
So, to all of you out there that are just about to have the op done and wondering if its worth it, the answer is most definitely yes. Once the op has been done, you can look forward to being able to start living again!
Hi, I'm so glad u posted this! My op is two weeks today and with two young children (10 and 7) I have been so worried about recovery but hearing how well you're doing is great - I just hope my recovery is as quick as yours!
Congratulations on your excellent progress. I do urge you to continue using both crutches until your muscles can really support you without any limping and your gait is good. Also it sends a signal to others to respect your space!
I'm pleased to say that I don't limp and that my gait is good. It does mean that I walk quite slowly but I know it my speed will improve as time goes by.
That's excellent news. The one problem with a fast recovery I found is that one is tempted to rush ahead faster than the body is mending and that can lead to problems.<BG> Just enjoy your new found mobility and take care.
Sounds fantastic Chloe, so pleased for you after what you have been through.
Take it easy with work though, you can so easily forget the restrictions when doing familiar tasks. I was restricted to a maximum of 4 hours per day for 2 days per week at the start.
This is why I did it - to try to reassure those people with an up and coming op. Though this forum is excellent, it can seem a bit negative a times, mainly because people tend to post when they are worried or have an issue with something and often forget to post when things are going well.
Please remember that everyone recovers at a different rate though.
I suggest that it might be a good idea to let your children know that you won't be able to do things with them or for them for a while after the op. More importantly, you must remember that you won't be able to do things for or with them either.
A final word - remember to be a patient patient - the hardest task of all.
Good luck with the op and do let us know how you're getting on.
Many months ago when I joined this forum I felt that there was in many cases a high degree of negativity, but of course a number of members have actually had a very, very tough time leading up to and including their recoveries.
When I had my first total hip surgery in 1997 I was able to walk out of hospital fine on one stick but they insisted on two. No exercises to do, no physio offered and once home I tossed the second stick and after a couple or so days the second one too.
I was back to my self employment job after a couple of weeks and in the meantime spent much of my time taking walks of a mile or two on the rough county tracks in the area.
My recent revision recovery was far different partially due to being tossed onto the floor of the ambulance on the way home which because of a suspected fracture of my pelvis meant my being confined to my bed non weight bearing for five weeks.
Once I was given the OK to weight bear my progress was very rapid and pain free apart from the first two days in hospital. My original surgery was at age 55 and the recent revision was at 76. Both surgeries were done using the posterior approach.
So incouraging to hear that it went better the second time around. In 3 weeks it will be my second go round I'm hoping it's easier this time around. Did you have anterior front or posterior approach, back?
so happy to hear you are doing well. I'm 4 weeks post op and after initial concerns about groin pain I'm now relatively pain free and driving and walking with no crutches around the house and feel able to walk outside without them although I used them today on a long walk
Incan do press ups and squats and planks and just waiting for the scab on my wound to come off before going for hydrotherapy. I forget at times I've had it done and am sleeping on my sides.
I dont know about you but first three weeks i took weeks I took it really easy. Didn't do much exercise and sat in a soft lounger most of the day but it seems to have worked. Many have said rest in first few weeks is better than too much exercise and I totally agree.
thank you for sharing !!! I am sure many members will feel encouraged by your story ...
It's true though -- we usually come to this forum when we have a problem and don't get answers on our questions - you have been there and are now here ...
your surgeon and mine gave the same warning , Do not compare the surgeries .. it will be different -
of course I did (and you too) anyway -
Isn't it a bit too soon to start working ? what kind of work do you do? your body is still healing from 2 major surgeries and probably tires easily - oh, and the fuzzy thinking -