After how long can you ditch crutches and swim?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi there, im a 41 year old who all my life has been very sporty......runner, aerobics, tennis player, swimmer, and have only ever had a week off in as long as i can remember due to a stomach bug in New Zealand aged 26.

Just over a week ago I had a THR and i have to say that after 3 days i walked 20 mins, 2 x 20mins the following 2 days and then a total of 90mins and have continued. I feel great and only taking ibuprofen and paracetamol now,ditched the diazapam and tramadol after about 5 days.

My physio mentioned the other day that im getting close to not needing crutches, has anyone else ditched theres after a couple of weeks?

Also, im keen to get back in the pool after 4 weeks snd been given the go ahead...anyone else done the same? What can i expect to be able to do? I was master swimming 82 lengths a session a week prior to surgery so would 20 lengths be possible???

Thanks for your help.

2

I went back to swimming at about 3 half weeks.

I told my local GP at 10 days after surgery, GP dressing check, I wanted to go back in the pool, my way to keep fit, as I was not able to walk due to pain levels of worn out hips.

He nearly fell off his chair, laughed and said not until that cut has healed completly, see you in a week, back again and he gave me the all clear, but not today, leave for a few more days.

He was very pleased how well I had healed up, but not worth the risk of an infection or so he told me.

I don't swim as such, I float with my noodle, stretch, tread water, do my post surgery exercises, and a year later am still doing them in a heated pool for about an hour each session. Lovely.

Have seen physio as I still have some problems, with lower spine, and extra length of leg I was given during surgery, they tell me I am doing very well with core strength and strong legs, physio was so impressed, going to recommend swimming or my version to other hippies.

Pace yourself, you are doing very well,remeember you have had major surgery, and some of your muscles and tendons have been wrenched pretty badly during that surgery, and going to fast may only cause more damage.

3

hi fitcrazy

and warm welcome to the hippies forum.

congratulations on your great recovery - you don't want to know where I was when I was about 10 days post-op ... but then again, we all heal differently - 

so no dumping walking aids until 6 weeks post-up for me ...

I think Lyn has a valid point regarding going in to the pool and scar closure - I would have my GP or surgeon give clearance and PT advise you what you can and cannot do.

Way to go darling 

big warm hug

renee

 

4

Hi Fitcrazy hope your recovery goes well and just to say I started at the pool around 6/7 weeks with a variety of exercises the most beneficial for me was treading water and walking backwards but feel using the pool at that stage of my recovery was very important to my recovery

best wishes

5

Hi Fitcrazy,

I am 42 and booked in for a THR, left leg, 2 months from now. I am really trying to get an understanding of the recovey will be like for a relatively healthy person my age. Did you have the posterior approach?

I will be interested to read responses regarding swimming also.

Cheers

6

Hi there Fitcrazy - 

Your chosen name says it all... You want to be fit asap.  PLease be careful and remember that fitness comes with adequate time to heal.  Some of us on here have been lucky enough to have Physio in a pool but this did not involve swimming.  Firstly you need.a pool that you can walk into which will generally not be one with a ladder in.  Then there are various activities that generally involve walking against the pressure of the water, squats and all the exercises that you are given to do outside of the pool but you do them in water.  From memory, someone on here said that theY were not allowed to do breast stroke for a few months. 

Please be patient and remember the value of walking. 

Laura

7

Hiya

I was off crutches in the house straight away and on one outside for about 4 weeks although I still carried one for slopes for a few weeks more - was told ok for swimming at 6-7 week appt and have done 30 lengths most days since - quite comfortable but I don't push it - takes me about 45 mins in a 25 metre pool and I do a variance of breast stroke arms and crawl legs as b/s legs not recommended - it's a lovely feeling - enjoy ! Xx