After Abbi's thread about her dislocations, it has got me wondering if anyone inadvertently broke the 90 degree rule and got away with it. I'm not planning to try it of course, even pre-op I'm practising moving without bending my bad hip more than 90 degrees, but there are times when I forget. I'm sure after hip replacement I will be more aware, but do you hippies ever bend without thinking and if so, how has it affected you?
Cels x
Hi Cels,
I'm not saying that this is right, but I find myself quite often breaking it. Not deliberately by any means but because I forget. Every time I do it, I freak a little bit but there is no pain. I can now put my socks on and that is definitely breaking it although I reach down in between my knees as opposed to stretching over them, if that makes sense.
Even last night I had to stop myself from sitting on the sofa with my legs curled up to the side. It felt right, but I didn't want to push it.
As each day passes I am feeling more comfortable with what I can do but I'm still trying to be mindful of pushing it too far.
Dawn x
Yes is the simple answer. I got up off a chair (about 5 days post op) and without thinking, broke the 90 degree rule. The hip region gave me quite a sharp pain and soon brought me to my senses.
I was quite frightened as I wondered if I had dislocated - that was the extent of the pain. But after a few minutes the pain subsided. I was still quite shaken and felt incredibly stupid.
Others will tell you that if you do dislocate, you will know and will need ambulance help immedtiately - such is the pain levels.
Whilst on the same note, I tried to go up the stairs with my operated leg first (3.5 weeks post op). Once again, my body let me know I was no where near ready.
Your body is incredible - and you should listen to it.
Michael x
I have forgotten several times and am now 3 weeks on . It's easily done and hasn't done any damage . Of course it's important to try your hardest not to break it, but don't panic if you forget . Also practise lunging on good leg with operated leg out straight behind you . It's then possible to bend forward . Good luck with your op, I found the first 2 weeks quite hard but 3,weeks on have definitely turned a corner . X
Morning Dawn,
May I ask how long post op you are? Only that I long for the day when I can start to get anywhere near my feet :-)
Michael x
One big thing I'm struggling with CelsB is going to the toilet. How have people avoided the 90° rule then?
I already do that Nikki as I do find bending difficult. My friends laughingly call it my 'ballet dancers' pose'. 
I already have a raised toilet seat and stretch my bad leg out in front of me Abbi. I have a tiny bathroom so with a radiator on one side and the sink on the other I find it okay. Not sure if it will be as easy post op of course, but I found I was falling the last few inches down to the loo seat and decided to get one in advance. It has certainly made things easier for me.
Thanks Michael,
It's quite reassuring to know that it doesn't immediately mean the hip will dislocate. That was worrying me. Not that I intend to do it if I can help it! I also worry about turning over in my sleep 
Definitely one to try CelsB thank you x
Sleeping can be an issue. Some people put pillows on either side to stop them rolling over. For me, I prop myself up with pillows so sleep sort of sitting up. That way, there is no chance of turning. It also help with back ache as I can not lie flat for long. And the extra bonus is that I do not snore in this position :-)
I bet Mrs Michael is glad about that 
I have a rug which I will have to take up after my op. I am planning to roll it up and put it under the top end of my mattress to raise it. I also have one of thise long 'v' shaped pillow to hopefully 'secure' me on my back.
I love this forum. Everyone is wonderful!
Hi,
Nikki reported on a special Cushion you can buy so you can sleep on your good side without worrying about rolling over.
I put a link to it on my website page "06►Home preparation"
I'm not sure it's for me, but it just goes between your legs, and keeps you safely in one position.
Graham
I need a new spacebar on mylaptop I think ......
Any full stop with a character after it is interpreted as a website address link. I think I have fallen foul of that rule yet again!
I have to be completely honest, as I always am, and am very ashamed to admit I broke the 90 degree rule within days of being at home. I was simply sitting in a chair and was bending my knee (trying to relieve some of the swelling and pressure) the physio walked in and said 'I am not sure I believe the 90 degree rule at all because there are breaking the rule and are perfectly fine' I had NO idea I was breaking any rules, I did it largely without thinking! I quickly put my leg back down and didn't move it again!
In the early days we are very careful (With the exception of that day!) it is hard to be anything else. Now I am finding it a little more tricky to always remember now I am feeling better.
I know people that we were told the 90 degree rule is not applicable to them, and yet they have had the same surgery as me. It is a real puzzle that it seems to vary from surgeon to surgeon.
Getting into good habits now is a good idea, and understanding the 90 degree in different positions not just the obvious ones, will put you in good stead. Thankfully dislocations are still very rare, and most people are fine.
Leg stretched out, and sit slowly in a controlled fashion. If you do not have something solid and sturdy to hold onto you need a frame for the first six weeks.
I know! I posted something a few weeks ago that was 'waiting to be moderated' It didn't contain a link or unsuitable content (
). I really think this forum could do with a spellcheck or at least an 'edit' feature. It never shows up typos and I forget to read my posts before pressing 'reply'.
No one at the hospital ever told me about a 90-degree rule. I have only read about it on the forum here. However, a few weeks after my op, I was doing something. Got down onto the floor to do it more easily and then realised I was on the floor almost cross-legged. Once down there, I just finished what I was doing and grabbed onto a ledge to pull myself up. I have also bent over numerous times to pick stuff up without doing the golfer/ballerina dip. Think I'm okay... having said that, don't do it...
I too am sleeping sitting up with a v pillow so I cannot be tempted to try to rollover and I have had to move my sleeping arrangements downstairs too as going upstairs is impossible x
Hi Michael, I'll be 6 weeks on Thursday. My appt with the surgeon is on Wednesday.
Dawn x