Hi everyone,
I'm feeling pretty down at the moment, I was working as a cleaner up until January this year it got too difficult and I had to give it up, well fast forward to a LTHR at the end of June and to now, I felt like I had recovered enough to go back to work so I applied and got a job working as a deli assistant and I was over the moon!
So I started last week but what I didn't realise was that I would be doing prep work, this involves bending and lifting crates with food items in, I had help as it was my first day but realised at this point that I wouldn't be able to do it, however once serving at the counter I was fine, unfortunately I had to resign the job because they needed me to be able to do all of it, and it's got me down.
At this stage I'm not sure what I should be able to do, I cannot squat fully and my muscles sometimes feel weak and tight, I do stretches and exercise but should I be feeling better/stronger in my legs by now as I'm 3 months post op?
I've got my CV sat on the side ready to start again, I still take paracetamol regularly so I know I'm not 100% and actually since that day I'm in a bit more discomfort than what I was, I've told my husband I will start actively looking for work in a couple of weeks as I don't want what happened to happen again, I don't know if I'm expecting too much of myself at this stage, i will be looking for more of a sedentary job but that isn't what I really want.
Any advice would be wonderful as i'm feeling a bit useless at the moment.
Thank you.
Hi Lulu
I understand that finance affects our lives but overall our health is far more important.
Just relax and something will turn up for you that is ok. In reality 6 or even 12 months is a very short time in the grand scheme of things.
Sandra x
You're still recovering !! Get a job that you're capable of doing for the next 6 months that won't wear you out. When you're stronger, more flexible you can look for something else 🏋
I was told not to bend until at least 6 months post op when I had my first THR. In fact I didnt really start to feel back to normal until about 9 months. You have to be really careful of dislocation which can even occur after a year. I think you should put that you have a disability on the application form and explain that you are unable to bend due to having surgery. That way they can make allowances or make adjustments. Also if you have a sitting job then they can allow you to regularly get up to stretch your legs. Try to get a job with a few hours to start and see how you get on.
Thank you for all your replies, I think it's a good idea to start small, usually once I am employed I stay there for quite some time, at this time of year there are loads of temporary jobs around as Christmas is round the corner, I could take one on and see how I go.
Thank you again and I hope you are all feeling well.
Dear Lulu
You have had several answers that I think are spot on. Your health is the most important thing to consider at present so do whatever is best for the safety of your new hip even though this may cause some short term (hopefully) difficulties.
Best wishes
Richard