just in case anyone may be interested, nine months post lthr, superpath technique, at six month check consultant referred me for more physio as still a bit of instability, in knee mostly. However, by the time I got a letter offering an appointment in 13 weeks, I felt the problem had resolved, so didn't take up referral. That was a month ago , then last week doing a job at work that required clambering around some metal frames and I over stretched muscles around new hip! Back to leading with right leg upstairs.... Just a cautionary tale that despite those around you thinking your all better... it actually takes as long for muscles to recover as you've had duf a hip and not used them properly for.
So look after yourselves and all the best in your recoveries. Jay
Thanks for posting, its good to know these trhings,I hope you recover quickly,
Im 4wks post op, and think Im doing ok, but so worried about doing the wrong thing,Ive got killer stairs so I have to make sure they are dry, and it has made an impact on how often I can get out for a proper walk. Im in tiny flat and keep walking around it lol been doing the exersizes and all seems to be going ok.
Glad you are doing ok. Have you got a hand rail with the steps?
Going up and down stairs can be a problem if they are unsafe. When going out wear leather gloves that have a better grip on outside handrails, shoes with rubber soles etc
Yes just going to reitterate your warning. I am also at 9 months and currently undergoing hydrotherapy after damaging my illeopsoas muscles overdoing my excercises. Everything goes so well you think you can conquer the world and forget that it can take a full year for everything to knit together.
Hi Jay, thank you for your cautionary words, very helpful. I think it's easy for us to forget that it really does take up to a year for muscles, tendons and nerves to strengthen, as well as the new hip.
Hi Tracy, yes your problem is one most seem per nurse Josephine on Bonesmart. She is always saying to be careful, shouldn't do too much because you can hurt that muscle and it can take time to rest and heal it setting you back. Good luck and thanks. Deb
It's a tissue sparing technique for hip replacement that involves greatly reduced incision and verry little muscle cut (none of major muscles are cut and capsule around hip remains intact making dislocation very unlikely(surgical team physio said"90 degree rule soon wont be needed"!)). The muscles are pulled apart and the head of the femour is cut off before being dislocated from acetebelum. Then the shank is fitted into the femour and the socket in the acetebelum, then the ball is put into socket then the shank locks into the ball. My scar is only 3 iches long meaning dissovlable stitches could be used, I was able to bathe at just over two weeks once they dissolved. It is still the same major surgery just done a bit more subtley, also means revision should be easier.
Thanks for all the responses , yeah i'm fine thanks apart from what feels like a pulled muscle ...or two... hip itself has been fantastic, i'm not in any pain, just have weakness and instability ..abit in knee and abit in hip/groin area. However, experience tells me it'll get better soon, over the months various niggles and tweaks in my leg have come and gone as each muscle group sorts itself out after years of poor gait( left foot pointed out due to FAI).
All the best Jay.
Oh ps. What i found to best help me walk and strengthen properly was to practice walking heel and toe! when walking with crutches, i found myself putting my foot flat down, it seemed to make a difference after changing to make sure i walked correctly.
I am in US this sounds like our anterior, my therapist said this surgery will put them out of business since no therapy is needed. Also the hospital said with it, hip replacement will be out patient surgery. Amazing..I had posterior, on side my incision is only about 4 inches, looks like a 2 sided tear, dissolvable stitches also, I could shower that same day just don't let water run on incision. Everyone at rehab, techs and nurses were interested in my incision no drainage. Not many surgeons do the anterior here yet and they use a special table that most hospitals claim they can't afford, yet. If I have another hip done I will probably go that direction but I really liked my surgeon he doesn't do them. He's very young and not many years out of school but already sought after.
My scar is only about 4 inches long, dissolvable stitches and able to have shower after 2 weeks, when bandage came off at my two week check up with surgeon. lots of people talking about hydrotherapy, would have been nice. I did go for hot tub and pool at 3 months with a friend though and hot tub was nice.
My next visit with surgeon is Jan for my right hip.