Hi, I was wondering if anyone could advise me. I am due to have a hip replacement and reconstruction of my pelvis done in 3 weeks and was wondering if anyone else on here had the same and if so, could advise on recovery times etc. Does the 6 week 90 degrees still stand or is it longer? How long do you use crutches for? Will I be able to wear heels again? How long are you normally off work for?
Hi Fiona , welcome to the mad house .
you don't have to be mad to be on this forum but it helps .
I have lots of tips about a THR but not reconstruction . Am sure someone will reply about that . Keep in touch
Mary
South Wales
Thanks Mary. I have seen some great advice on here and hopefully someone can help. Love that everyone is upbeat and supportive of one another.
Hi, had a total hip replacement and reconstruction done January 2014.
The team, especially the surgeon were VERY specific about the 90* degree rule - and longer than 6 weeks!!!! High heels were another BIG no-no. It also depends on which hip you get and why and the size of the repair/re-build.
I returned to physio last summer to help with more mobility in the hip. Am over 90* - but I think this happens slowly and naturally any way - getting in and out of cars, shoe laces, shaving your legs(?!) etc. Have started wearing higher heels but sticking to quite chunky ones (thank goodness for the 70's revival) and not wearing all day/evening. Hip aches a LOT after a while but getting better. Work on muscle strengthening exercises and glute's which definitately helps a lot. Also hadn't realised how great crutches were for the arms! No bingo wings after a couple of weeks. Was almost sad to see them go Lolz!
Good luck x
Be kind to yourself and careful with that hip - get healing first.
Glald to hear you are doing well . Can you remember when you were allowed to sleep without a pillow between your legs? Mary
Thanks, it sounds as if you are doing really well. Looking forward to the bingo wing work out, I could be doing with that! How long till driving again? I wasn't sure about the heels as I feel a bit unbalanced at the moment but don't like totally flatties. It may sound a bit petty but it is good to hear from someone that has gone through the same and benefit from first hand experiences.
Still a bit apprehensive but hearing about the positive experiences on here helps.
I wasn't allowed to drive until 6 week check up . Told to inform ins or it would be invalid if involved in an accident .
they made a note , it didn't cost anything .
Thanks, it looks like 6 weeks is the magic number when I will get my freedom back again then hopefully.
It makes such a difference when you can be mobile again .
i have an automatic and had left hip done sidriving was no prob , bit uncomfortable getting in and out of the car though
Hi Fiona, I had a pelvic reconstruction and total right hip replacement on 17th April 2014 lmost a year ago. I am back to walking which I could not do this time last year and wearing heels although not for too long at a time, I wont say that it has not been a struggle some of the time and I still get pain if I do too much but it is worth it because I have got my life back. Good luck with the op and believe me in a years time you will look back and not believe how far you have come. Sue
Thanks for sharing that sue, did you get crutches to start with? How long before moving off them?
Hi Fiona,
im due to have hip replacement and hip socket reconstructed, ie donor bone screwed in with plastic cup cemented on top - 'normal' metal femur/ femoran head. How are you getting on? My op is on 30 Jan and Im very apprehensive. How long until you could drive? Ive been told 6 months on crutches so not sure if will be driving sooner. Just interested in your progress really. thankyou
Hi Carol,
I am getting on really well thank you, this operation was really worthwhile and I am glad I got it done. I was apprehensive about getting it done as well, especially the bone graft and reconstruction, but it was not nearly as bad as I thought. I was cleared to drive after my 6 week check up but was still using one of my crutches out and about until I was confident enough. My physio advised me to use a crutch even though I felt fine as it alerted other people or motorists that I may not be so quick to react or move out of the way for them. If it is any consolation, I am now back doing fitness classes, pilates and zumba (and wearing heels again!). Good luck with the op and let us know how you get on. x
thankyou Fiona, thats very encouraging. Do you mind me asking your age? Im 56
Not at all, I am 53. Where are you getting your operation done? I had mine in Edinburgh.
Thankyou, not too dissimilar then. Im having mine done in Solihull. Presumably before I leave hospital they will ensure that I can manage stairs? Ive got my pre-op assessment this monday, 9 jan. i wonder about things like going out in cars as a passenger, does it take long to feel comfortable enough to do this? Also pain relief. I know I will have morphine to start with. Did you use a wheelchair? so many questions, I am sorry. Im very encouraged that you're doing so well now. Thankyou so much xxx
Hi, I was up on a zimmer the morning after my op and then onto crutches by the afternoon, I didn't have a wheelchair. They will make sure you can do stairs before letting you out of hospital. I had a long car journey home but it was fine but it was getting in and out of the car that was the tricky bit. Just takes a bit of practise and plenty room to get the door open. You will be shown how to do this before leaving. You should get plenty pain relief when in hospital but do not be afraid to ask if you need it. You should also get some home with you. Please just ask if there is anything else I can help with x
did you have bone grafts Fiona? Did they take ok? Im having donor bone.
I cant thank you enough, youve really helped me to feel more positive xxx
Yes I had bonegrafts to reconstruct my pelvis but the managed to use my own from the hip bone that they removed for my hip replacement. To be honest, I never really had any problems with this apart from getting tired and a sore back if I had overdone things. You just have to take things at your own pace when recovering, everyone is different xx
thankyou very much xxx