I could cry - with happiness

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I'm eleven weeks today. Today I drove a fair way, I went shopping, I haven't needed a paracetamol, I was on the exercise bike for 20 minutes and I walked outside with no crutches. Haven't walked that far pain free for over two years. Almost back to normal. Am starting yoga next month. So glad I had the op even though I was petrified beforehand. Good luck to all the other hippies 

Catrin

2

So pleased for you . Good things come to those who wait . Would you mind me asking at what time did you start using an exercise bike ? I'm just over 3 weeks os op .

Many thanks joe 😊😊😊😊

3

Hi Joe,  I think it was about week seven but that was because I took a while to decide if it was worth buying one - it so was. Both my physio and the arthroplasty nurse at my six week check said it was a good idea. Definitely slow and steady wins the race. I feel ten years younger. I'm straight and not limping and as a bonus I've lost half a stone in weight. Haven't been under nine stone for about twenty years. Lol 😃

4

Hello Catrin, I'm so encouraged by your post.  Congrats on all you've achieved. I'm longing to be able to walk again properly because that's only ever been the way I've shed any surplus weight.  And believe me by the time I went in for surgery (5/5) I was pretty surplus for me! I'm not sure I'd go for an exercise bike but a treadmill appeals to me. What do people think? And one other question: I'm due to go to a conference with my husband where he's speaking in Belfast in mid-June.  Flight from LHR no prob - my surgeon said get a buggy through the terminal - and only a short hop.  But at only 5.5 weeks on, will it be a bridge too far? Staying in b&b, meeting people, sitting through meetings etc? Any advice please would be very welcome.  PS I know we're all different! Grace 🌺

5

Thank you Grace. I'm not sure I could have gon to Belfat at give weeks bu as you say we are all different. You probably have to be a bit pragmatic about it. You will walk properly again you'll see. I can't quite believe how quickly the time goes. I've had some low points but ive tried to stay positive and pushed myself- within reason of course. I didn't fancy a bike either but we had no room for a treadmill and the physio said a bike used different muscle groups than walking. Good luck with your recovery. 

6

Dear catrin,

Thank you for taking the time to write about your wonderful progress.

It's nice to hear success stories, expecially for us...still waiting for the hip op!

7

Fantastic well done

Xx

8

Hi there, i am also 11 weeks post op, went back to work after 6.5 part time to begin with, started using exercise bike at 7 weeks, going to try a game of golf in next few days, and have been mucking out my horse couple of times this week, its just great to get my life back i know still a long way to go but all been good so far, can't wait to have a bath instead if shower!!

9

Thank you. It is a "journey" but worth it ultimately. Good luck

10

thanks

11

wow Linda not sure I could manage the horse thing and well done on work too. I work from home thankfully so could arrange own timetable. I haven't had a bath either but am going to Wales next weekend and my mother only has a bath so I will try it then. Just hope I can get out of it again. Ha

12

Yes, thanks for your GREAT post!

i also am a success, I had mine a year ago, it was perfect. I had TENDONITIS in my psoas muscle but once that healed after 3-4 weeks I healed lightning quick in week 4.

i did fabulous until I did not follow doctors orders. We are not supposed to lift heavy things on that side but I went to take care of my mother for a couple of months and I had to help lift her out of her recliner lift chair into her wheelchair and that obviously was way to much weight on the leg. IT HURT! I injured it and when I got back to France I took it very easy, no heavy lifting on that side. It has healed back pretty good, not like it used to be, I now feel a low grade pain constantly, but that is better than the higher pain I had for weeks. It has been a month now so hopefully given time it will go back to perfect. I really don't want to go back to the doctor.

13

So very happy for you Catrin, and so recognise that feeling. Take it slowly but keep on improving....maybe a 5k walk is in the offing.. Haha!

warm wishes

whalie

14

dont think we are allowed to do the treadmill - high impact but a cross trainer is ok and the bike really is great!

15

Exercise biking is great for strengthening those wasted leg muscles before and after THR.

I used mine for 12 wks pre op and started again at 8wks post op.

Boredom is the biggest problem with static bikes so it's worth keeping a log to show your gradual improvement over a few months..once it becomes a 3 or 4 times a week routine you just do it without a second thought.

Keep it going,you'll soon see the benefits and might even graduate to cycling some easy trails..but the fear of a fall is always a big worry for me.

16

That is fantastic I am 4 weeks post op and I can already walk further than I have for about 2 years too.  I have an exercise bike waiting in the corner of the room. When I see my consultant for my 6weeks I will try to get to ok to use it.  You are and inspiration for us all.  You have what we are all dreaming of, no pain and our lives back hugs from Co Durham