I did really well up to 4 weeks.At that point my doctor and physical therapist said I didn't need to use crutches anymore or anything else. I find i limp and it hurts to walk. I walk everyday a mile or so but have pain in my thigh and groin and sometimes near my knee. I expected to be pain free by now. I go back to work in 2 weeks and don't feel ready. Anyone else still have pain at this point?
Hi terri17835
Healing can take a while, I had surgery back in February and I am still having discomfort still.
At this time I would suggest that you take it easy, as it has only been a couple of months that you don't feel comfortable have a word with your doctor as he may give you a sick note so that you can continue your recovery.
But I think that you should rest up a bit as it sounds like you are doing to much at the hospitals' request.
Terri....I am having my surgery next week but from reading this forum it seems everyone heals at their own pace...I would suggest what Mark says and talk to your doctor, take it more easy, maybe more shorter walks and ask for a extension or modified work program. I work in retail and am down to only 2 - 4 hour shifts as I can't stand any longer....I will lose my job because of the surgery but that is just the way things are when you are in retail...and besides next year I have to get the other hip done so no use looking between operations. Just now cooking some meals to freeze! Can I ask you/and anyone reading this...just exactly where did you spend your days when you first got home...one the couch(on your wedge pillow with your legs bent at the knew or, in bed? I know you are suppose to do exercises several times a day, so I'm assuming inbetween you would be sitting as opposed to laying on your couch....I just want to get my "command central" ready for when I come home (as I am alone)....
Patricis..... I mostly sat in a recliner in the livingroom. I put an extra cushion on the seat and back so I wouldn't sink into the cushion. I didn't use a wedge pillow. I was told to to just keep my feet up in the recliner. I was told to do the exercises three times a day and to get up and move around every hour. The first couple of weeks are hard because you get tired easily. Good luck! I to am in retail and usuall work 8 hr. days. I actually worked that right up to the day before my surgery but was in pain all the time. I am glad to have the ache gone but I feel like everyone around me expects me to be back to normal. I have always been very active so I have a hard time slowing down.
Mark..... In this forum I have found that alot of people still have pain months after surgery. But at physical therapy they have me doing all these weightbearing exercises with weights on my operated leg and telling me not to limp and to think about it as I walk. Very Frustrating!
My hubby Roy had THR 3 days ago and is finding using the crutches extremely cumbersome. He slept in our bed last night but found it difficult to get in and out because its not firm enough. Tonight he's going in our spare room where the bed is firmer so we are hopeful he manages to get a decent night's sleep. At the moment he's sat in an armchair with his legs raised on a footstool because his leg is very swollen? You are right to prepare everything beforehand. Good luck because the hard work really does start when you get home
My leg was really swollen at first as well. The physical therapist said not to be surprised if the swelling worked its way down the leg and then goes away. I slept better in a bed by myself. We have a waterbed and I just started sleeping in it again at 6 weeks post op. I moved around so much trying to sleep in the beginning that it was just easier anyway.I liked the crutches and carried a bag with me so I could carry things. I started using one crutch at about 2 weeks in. It gets easier quickly
That's reassuring to know Terri, thank you
Take the walking slow. The muscles & tendons take time to support a lot of use. Rest for a few days.. Hopefully the pain will subside. If not mabe a ck. Up. Most likely it's the fact that most of us after surgery want our lives back so bad as we fight thru A-Z,
sometimes we over do it .
Take care one day at a time . It will all come back takes time to heal. Just going back to work doesn't mean everything is back to normal. It takes months to finally heal with no pain or limp. Be a little more patient and u will find a good place after surgery is time for healing and rest.
healing prayers sent UR way.
CHEERS
HOPE
Another idea is to elevate your leg after taking your pain killers. You also need to take it easy to prevent any infection.
If you can, keep your leg elevated.as this will help.
U r so brave. This surgery is not for sissies. U r a strong and followed through with everything expected of u after surgery.
The pain before is miserable the longer u walk the worse it got.
Then the new hip and everyone thinks after a few weeks UR thru rehab and thet it's back to normal. No it's really not ever back to normal, it takes months to fully recover from major surgery.
what really gets my goat is when someone says well so & so had hip surgery & she's doing xyz . That's when I would like to scream. Have they forgotten what all we have been thru. And oh the so & so was 10 years younger . Yikes!
Every case is different.
It's ok to be active. Remember u want this hip to last a long time so take care of it and u will be dancing the best u can in no time.
CHEERS
HOPE
An idea for you. If you have or can get a piece of ply-wood and put on your husband's side of the bed (under the mattress).
Hi Terri
I think if you are limping and its hurting maybe you should try one crutch.....not all the time but if you are walking....I think its better to be able to walk and use the crutch as an aid in the meantime rather than just sit about because it hurts.
I'm more frustrated than you...my first one was OK...so was my 2nd one come to that but at 4 weeks {where you are now} I was doing an exercise and fractured my greater trochanter bone. Dont worry it turned out that I have osteoporosis so thats why it fractured so easily. Just wanted to say I have an idea how you feel....6 months on and i'm still using crutches.....hospital said they could do nothing about it, it would heal itself but would take a long time
Good luck anyway
Love
Eileen
It's like the three little bears. It's quite a lot of adjustment a at first and thru the first few months. Getting in & out of bed is a struggle as most movements at first. Take it slow and easy.
CHEERS
HOPE
What you need to consider is that your surgery was not that long ago and if you are over doing and not resting, you need to be careful that you don't have an infection set in.
So please take care and let others wait on you for a change, as I get the impression that as you are busy, your also busy helping others.
Great advice and support.
u got it down for sure. UR headed in for surgery next week u seem very calm. It's nice to hear. Let me know how u r doing.
im due for a revision soon. In the fall .
stray strong.
CHEERS
HOPE
Hi Patricia
I moved into the spare room......it was more comfortable for me. I wanted to move about because of discomfort but didnt want to keep hubby wakened so tried to lie very still. Now I'm in my own bed, more comfortable and I can toss and turn as much as I want to and his snoring doesnt keep me awake
Love
Eileen
Yikes Eileen so sorry u had to endure all that. As if hip surgery isn't enough.
hope UR r doing well.
CHEERS
HOPE
Any kind of surgery can be painful afterwards, but when you go home let others do the running around. All that you need to do is to recover because when you get back on your feet you won't want to rest.