Just back from my 7 week post thr operation (anterior approach) check up and have been given the all clear to resume all activities except running which he said I could try after 6 months. I'm fine to fly long and short haul, return to gym, cycling, swimming (including breastroke). I asked him why there was such variability on advice about what can and can't be done post operation. He said it comes down to the health of the patient, the complexity of the surgery and the personal view of the consultant. I'm next due to see him on the anniversary of the surgery, the seven year anniversary and thereafter every three years.
This discussion group has been an invaluable source of advice and moral support both before and after surgery so thanks to everyone helping me get here and look forward to staying connected through this group.
I'll be seven weeks on Thursday (47yo, Anterior) and still rely on a cane for strength and suppprt... I was a very active gym-goer prior. Do you have any discomfort and are you able to walk straight, load bearing & steady?
Well done Sarah you sound very fortunate with your recovery. I'm just wondering if you are American because I'm surprised that you are being seen again on the anniversary, 7 years and then every three years. Mine here on the UK south coast saw me at six weeks and said he never wants to see me again. After care seems to be so different for everyone.
That all sounds fantastic. Well done. I am in the U.K. and will be totally discharged when I go back after 6 weeks!
Do I assume you are in the USA ?
I agree with you over the discrepancies, I do hydrotherapy with 2 Physios both having different advice.
Sounds wonderful how well you are doing. I am 4 weeks post second replacement and am so happy with my new bilateral bionic state. Yes, I get tired, maybe a teeny bit depressed very occasionally but would go back and do it all again if I was a quadruped.
I too have taken so much comfort and reassurance from all these wonderful 'hippies' over the last 5 months.
Hi Sara: I shall be having hip surgery next month - also anterior approach, so am hoping my recovery is as good as yours - but I am older so we shall see. My surgeon has said no swimming - ever - at least breast stroke - I didn't ask him about other types as breast stroke is my favourite. He says it puts too much torsion on the hip joint and he does not recommend it. He said stick to walking and cycling. He is young and definitely not conservative...a bit disappointing, although I suppose I could do breast stroke with a kicking action, but not sure now. Glad you are doing so well!
Thank you for sharing the info regarding the different advice post-op ... Doctors are still considered to be authorities, aren't they - We also have a big part in our health, of course - and the longevity of the hardware -
well, embrace and celebrate life !!! and please keep in touch .. your input is very valuable and needed ...
Hi. Yes I can walk straight, load bearing and steady. I'm doing my physio twice a day and have been walking an hour on a treadmill at 3 mph daily to strengthen the muscles and increase the range of movement. The physio is tough but I can really see it's helping. So sorry to hear you are struggling and hope you see improvement soon.
hi. I'm in the uk. I had my operation privately with my work health insurance so not sure if this makes a difference. I agree the aftercare advice seems to be very diverse. I asked for the implant dimensions at my appointment yesterday as I recall someone saying this was helpful when it came to the revision surgery and I am assuming my consultant will be retired by then.
Hi. I'm also in the uk. I was also tired and a bit depressed around 4 weeks. I think the shock of the operation and the immediate recovery kicks in. It did pass for me and I was on a high yesterday to think how far I'd come in 7 weeks. Good luck with your recovery.
Thanks Maureen. he did also mention no bungee jumping or parachute jumping but since I'm terrified of heights that's not a problem for me. Good luck with your surgery.
Thanks Renee. I am absolutely delighted at how well things are going and consider myself very lucky so far. I know from reading other posts on this forum that others are struggling and have had complications so hopefully my experience can reassure those waiting for surgery. Warm hug also to you. Xx
Sara I am in the UK and just had my 7 week review I was told the same could go back to my exercise classes, swimming no problem with breast stroke ( except I've never been able to master it anyway) next review one year. I am 66 but have been doing plenary of exercise classes before the operation so I guess fitness is key.
Hi Maureen, it's weird how advice varies. My surgeon didn't want me water skiing, skydiving or running any long distance but he's fine about breast stroke swimming. I'm swimming regularly, and finding it comfortable. Good luck with your op, Judith
Hi Judith...well, as I have mentioned before in this blog, my surgeon is young, trained at the Mayo clinic in the US and not conservative. He was adamant about breastroke...too much torsion on the hip joint...it could be because I am older also...late 70's now, although I don't feel it - I have always been a hard core exerciser which has been of benefit. Of late though, have lost much of my fitness level due to the hip...oddly, I fell off a ladder and hurt my left hip. It slowly improved over time...but I plateaued and am now sort of stuck in a place which isn't awful but not great either. I am terrified of surgery..had gall bladder surgery last year and a horrible recovery, so not looking forward to surgery again. Anterior approach though and an excellent doctor who has done loads of these surgeries, so praying for a positive outcome. Glad you can swim again, I am disappointed, I love swimming but won't risk it now...Maureen
Hi Maureen, so sorry, we've had this swimming conversation before....my rubbish memory. Maybe, as you say, it's age related. Perhaps you could do something else in the water. Water aerobics?
I hope your op goes really well, it's good that you've got an experienced surgeon, and that you're having the anterior approach, should be a speedier recovery.