I had hip replacement 4 weeks ago. I feel I am doing well, but have be getting depressed. I was hoping to be off my cane soon. When I go without it for short periods of time I walk funny with a hitch. It this normal at 4 weeks post op? I also have been having trouble sleeping since I stopped my pain medication this past week. I feel so tired during the day even when I get sleep. I am 51 years old and was hoping to recover faster.
I think you've been extremely optimistic. Have a look through some of the threads on this forum and go to other sites. You'll find that recovery times vary widely, but I'd suggest something like 3 months would be realistic.
Don't forget, you've been through a MAJOR operation. Your body is bound to be exhausted and in need of rest, and , time, to recuperate.
Good luck
As often said on here 4wks is too soon post op to expect much improvement.
12wks seems to be the average before you start to really feel better.
As for depression that's not unusual either,especially if like me you love to be outdoors and keep busy..those first 6wks felt like a prison sentence to me..but I made a real effort to walk as much as I could every day,using crutches..even if it was only round the garden .
You have to keep reminding yourself that in time things WILL slowly improve, and they will.
Thanks much for the positive advice. I do believe not being at work with co-workers and students is hard. I also love to be active. I have been cooped up in my house too long. Thanks again
Thanks for the great advice edarlingb.
Hi..you are still in the early phase of recovery. Sounds too like you are doing great. The hitch is normal at this stage. Be patient and each day you will improve. I stopped all meds just short of two weeks and yes it was difficult to sleep. If you can nap during the day. Stay positive and smile. 😀
Yes that's very true..I now remember(op was 8mnths ago,you soon forget) I did start to do 1 or 2hrs work a few days a week after 6wks..
And found the social interaction and different mind set was a massive boost to recovery.
Thanks so much denise. 
Please don't get depressed! You have a long way to go and even if you are really fit and active, it will still take at least 3 months to recover. I know you think everyone is being pessimistic when they say things like this, but I was exactly the same and thought I knew everything! Please be patient!
I to felt exactly like you, at 6 wks I thought I would be better, (very naive) only to be told at 8 wks I still had to be careful for the rest of my life. That hit me then and l felt deflated but things have gradually got better and l am now at 14 wks and feel better in myself although l have still a long way to go. I now realise you have to be very patient, and that is what I am trying to do but it is very hard when all you want to do is get out and about doing things. On a positive note we will get there eventually.
Don't despair I am 9 weeks post op and I now feel I have turned the corner I have been out into town today without any walking aids I have got a bit of an ache but have taken 2 paracetamol which has eased it. I always take 2 paracetamol at night just before sleeping they help to get me through the night. I can now sleep for about 6 hours or so and can lie on my unopersted side I am still using a pillow between my legs which helps with the sleeping.
Hello from Toronto,
I'm ll weeks post op and I just looked back in my diary for my 4th week.....as everyone will tell you on this forum, we all recovery at a different rates, with different supports (i.e. family/friends/physio) and with different advice from our doctors.
With that being said at 4 weeks I was still happily using my walker and just going to a cane. Sleep was still hell at 4 weeks, not with surgery pain (I was a lucky one with NO pain),but sleeping on my back with my legs divided by pillow, gave me the feelings that my lower leg had a truck sitting on it....also I obsessed about myfeet being cold and thought for sure I had a blot clot, ankle pain caused by keeping my feet sticking straight up (later found out from physio to put a folded small towel under the small of my back - which worked immediately)...needless to say it is just one of the things that gets better over time...though at time you would never believe it.
At 4 weeks I was still just one week in to taking a shower using the bath bench and did not take a shower (walk in) until 8 weeks!
My only outings was going to physio twice a week.
Was not cooking from scratch just warming up food people brought or I had in freezer.
Also took naps like you during the day, combination of sleep deprived and no energy.......
It sounds like a broken record to hear but it truly is a SLOW recovery!
I'm still using the raised toilet seat and can go up stairs (starting this week) one foot at a time but down is stil the old "two step".
I started driving at l0 weeks, but just short l0 minute drives to run a few errands (using a cane)and driving to physio.
I still use a cane when out, as the sidewalkes and roads are very uneven and this way I can have some support.
Best of luck and check on this forum from time to time if you need support or encouragement - lots of lovely people that got me through the past ll weeks!!
Hi I had left hip replaced 5weeks ago I feel like you do at the moment, I hope it will be gone soon depressed thing is I don't know why, I walk about the house without a stick having trouble with it outside I think it is all in my head, lets hope you and me and others get over all of this very soon you take care
Thanks Carole!
Hi Mkwins.
There are some good advice to your question,
Everyone recovery is different, some recover sooner and some later on.
Am 6 months now back to work but still take my walking stick with me when going out as i feel that my leg is sitll not strong enough and if in case i do get tired when out walking.
Take it easy your body will let you know when you are ready.
Good Luck
Thanks Valerie!
That is great you are improving so well. Thanks for the advice
Thanks for the great advice patircis. I feel I am doing very well after all these comments. I need to get out more and out of this negative slump.
We can do this Glenda. I also had a setbeck after surgery. I developed C-diff bacteria and ended up back in the hospital for an additional 6 days. That in itself has taken a toll on me.
Thank you Carmen.