Its been about a year since THR on my left hip. I have had some discomfort but overall the recovery process has been pretty good to me. I was extemely active prior to surgery last March and have been able to get out and do a lot of things that I probably shouldnt be doing, but I feel so good that I cant control myself. I go play basketball inside at least once a month for about 2 hours. I have been to indoor trampoline parks, even though it isnt recommended. When I saw my doctor at my 4 month check up he asked me what I was doing to stay active, and when i replied that I was babying it because I wanted it to last as long as possible, he looked at me in disgust. Since then I have been doing the most and pushing my body and the hip to the limit. Occasionally I get a sharp pain from moving the wrong way, but for the most part I am excited about the possibilities. I cant speak for everyone, but I am a 37 y/o male and I cant sit still. I think I have ADD. The point is to encourage those that are4 active prior to surgery to try things. My doctor told me that he gave me the new hip so I could maintain a certain lifestyle and if he didnt think I was gonna be able to do that with the replacement then he wouldnt have done the surgery. He just advised me to listen to my body. stop doing things that hurt and try to avoid falling on it. I hope this is encouraging to those that are curious as to what they can do post surgery. I am not saying that I was able to do anything over night or right away. I pushed really hard to be unassisted in less than 30 days after surgery. I was driving 5 days post surgery. All things are possible. Its a matter of how bad you want to get up and do it. Its gonna hurt. Your body is healing and adjusting to new parts, but the more you do and the faster you get it in your head that you arent gonna feel sorry for yourself, the faster your life will pick up where you left off prior to surgery.
Hi five04boy,
Nice post. Which method of hip replacement did you have done? Both my hips were done with the anterior approach which had less restrictions than the lateral method. The right one was perfect and within 5 weeks I was walking unaided, no pain, as if I had never had surgery. The left one came loose and caused excruciating pain and that led to a revision with the lateral method. Now I am 11 months out from the revision and at the six month mark, I took a job that is very physically demanding. I did it on purpose. Some have asked why I would take such a job,but I knew that if I did not force myself up and out, that I might never make it out again. I am glad for it too. I believe in pushing my limits also and at the same time I am mindful to do so carefully.
This weekend I am going to go outside and dig my garden beds and it will feel SO BLASTED GOOD!
That's great! I am 5 months out from THR on my left hip. I am amazed at what I can do! I'm almost in disbelief, sometimes. I was so incapacitated for over two years that it's like a new life! I'm looking forward to really being able to feel less or completely unlimited (mind over matter) and getting my strength back. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made My ortho didn't want to do my surgery because he said I was too young at 48! I said my quality of life is horrible and bone-on-bone hip joint isn't going to go away.. it's degenerative. As for the ADD thing; I TOTALLY get that! I think after being so limited and in chronic pain all the time your mind is like. "WOOHOO, this body can actually do things.. so many things to do... so many things I want to, HAVE to do!"
This is a great post.
I am convinced that "mind over matter" is a huge part of the recovery process.
hello five04boy,
Thank you for sharing ... really encouraging to hear this ....
I am a little older and level of activity prior THR's already was less than before - I worked at a desk, worked out on a regular base until it became to painful, went for hikes and walks etc ... and played tennis as a sport ...
The most important thing for me right now is to be able to get back in shape, be able to go for longer walks , and sort of not feel beaten up afterwards ...
The more confident I become and trust my new hips, the more courage I have to push myself a little further (and pay for it dearly after wards .... ) -
I am really happy for you that you are embracing life to the fullest - You have come a long way !!!!!!
big warm hug
renee