Hi, I haven't been around for ages, just getting on with daily life but I am finding after 9 months that my hip replacement isn't all I hoped it would be . I thought I was doing really well although I still walk 'lopsided' and limp without a stick but last week I took our little dog round the block (not far) for a walk as hubby was out. Brought her home, then went up the street for milk, brought it home, then went into town, about a 10 minute walk and got a little shopping. I only carry one small shopping bag now as I juse my stick in one hand. (I'm 70)
Sounds fine doesn't it? Trouble is the next day and the day after my hip and top of my leg really ache and is sore. My foot in that leg has also beeing aching, perhaps because of the way I walk? Is this normal, am I asking too much? Spoke to quite a few people here and the men seem to have recovered more quickly and gone back to work, not using any sticks!
Very reluctant to visit the doctor as he told me the op was a 'last resort' and I'm sure the medical people have done all they can. I am disappointed though and getting my head round this is very hard!
Sorry but had to tell folk who are more likely to understand!
Regards
Jean
Have I got too used to a walking stick, my confidence took a real blow and I'm usually a very confident person.
Im 11 months post opp and have a similar experience to you getting better and stronger then going for a 1/2 mile each way walk on tarmac path.
And I wished I had not done it now because its like ive gone backwards.
I was due to see consultant 12th May but it has been postponed till 9th June - presume he's gone on holiday.
My GP is trying to get an appointment brought forward as Im due to go away on a coach trip 9 days long from the 23rd May - I dont think its going to be very comfortable.
My advise go to your GP dont be afraid and ask to see the consultant that did the opp - it may have been the last hope for you but they cant write you off because of this - if theres a problem they need to sort it and you wont know until youve seen someone.
Hi milliejean! Poor you! I am 9 weeks today! Just come home having had hydrotherapy!! I will be stiff I expect tomorrow!! I am still bruised!anyway I hope you have better news soon! Good luck! Regards Amanda
i am just 8weeks post op and getting all sorts of twinges but I think that is the healing process. I also think it takes quite a time to get back to normal and until a year passes I would not expect too much, I also am a confident person but I have not started driving again yet but will have a go soon. A hip replacement is a big operation both physically and mentally. I would chat to your doctor just to help you progress .
Hi, I am 8 months post op and I can't walk as far as I would have liked although when I had my 6 month check up I complained of my thigh muscle hurting a lot and he checked my knee and xrayed it and booked me in for a knee replacement in July, so not sure if that is the only problem with walking but I do think it takes a year to get over it and it is worth still doing the exercises the pt gave you as it strengthens the muscles in the hip and leg. I am 74 and still work part time and went back 3 weeks after the op on crutches, so whether I did that too soon I don't know, but it is getting better after doing more exercises so I recommend that. Hope you get on ok.
So sorry to hear your having this trouble from the surgery.I'm 12 months this week from anterior left hip surgery. And it still hurts lifting it in the car or bed.If I walk over 5000 steps in a day I still have pain in the groin.
I feel bummed out too.wonder if it will ever be with out pain.hugs to you.xxx
Dear millie jean ... It must be disheartening - I am 8 weeks post op and from reading posts from many lovely hippies here on the forum, I understand thaat healing can take 12 months - It seems a lot of walking ... did you you have physical therapy? I would call your GP if the pain won;t go away - don't buy in to the "last resort" story - I hate when they do that !!!! and please don;t compare your self to others - be gentle and kind to yourself ... big hug and good night
Thank you all so much for your replies it definitely helps to know I'm not suffering alone and I feel better just for 'letting it out'. I don't know why I'm so hesitant to go to the doctor's again unless it's because it's always at least an hours wait and I don't want to go back in again for surgery!! I thought I'd done everything right, not too much too quick but walking and exercises.
I must go to the doc's though to put my mind at ease hopefully, if nothing else! Will let you know the outcome, many thanks. Take care all x
Goodness do you think because of how you walked after having your hip replacement it affected your knee & that has some bearing on you needing a knee replacement now?
I know I walk lopsided still if I don't use a stick, it's changed the whole way I walk having the HR op! Do hope all goes well for you val.
HI, I do hope you get away and enjoy yourself. I went to see my daughters last month and the National Express coach was quite comfortable considering, its a long journey but I really wanted to try and see if I could still make the trip after my op so thought I'd waited long enough! That went fine, it's only since coming home after a week or two that I'm feeling worse and wonder if I've just overdone the walking or something! Or could it be a reaction from the journey, I'll go to see the doc and ask him I think. Sometimes we just need our minds put at ease and knowing helps. I do hope you enjoy your journey, the seats on the National Express are not the most luxurious way to travel
Thanks Hilary, you're right of course, i am driving again and quite mobile perhaps I'm asking too much as I'm 70! Who knows...will ask the doc I think.
Thanks ginger perhaps 'we' expect too much from modern surgery? I know they can do wonders now really but it's not like the 'original' is it?
I feel as if I have an alien being inside of my leg (sort of!) Keeping a positive outlook is very hard at times (especially in winter) but it could be a lot worse and I've come to the conclusion it's amazing what we can live with & without! All the best to you.
Many thanks renee, yes I did have physical therapy and was told I was doing very well! That was six months ago though. So..perhaps I've just overdone things or something, who knows.
Hi, next week I will be 1 year out from my THR, I can absolutely positively tell you that it has taken the full 12 months for me to feel (almost) back to normal, I probably haven't helped myself as I'm a hairdresser so I stand all day long and I went back to work at 11 weeks, then I go home and walk the dogs!! I truly think we are all individual in our healing and some have an easier time of it depending on how severe the problem was in the first place, let it take time, if it hurts your body is telling you to slow down and rest up, very best wishes to you in the meantime xx
Well I gritted my teeth and went to the doctor's this morning, after over one and a half hours wait I saw him and he's sending me for a hip exray. He has said as before that it can take 12 months but hopefully this will put my mind at rest and I will find out if it's the hip or not! (Let's hope and pray, not!)