Is there a 'normal' hippie recovery?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi All,

musing after replying to Mark that he and I are lucky, very, with our recovery, but wondering if there is such a thing as a 'normal' recovery? my physio in Exeter said at the 6 week appt that most folk should not be on crutches after 6 weeks normally, and good be as new after 6 months!

It seems folk on the lovely sight are either like that, or have real problems, even using a stick/ crutch at 2 months sometimes.  I seem to get 'likes' for sharing my journey successes, but also (unintentionally) 'dislikes' for saying maybe some folk are a bit scared to use their awesome new hip well, and by exercising will only make it stronger.

and I DO also like to told to rest and take it slow too!

I still feel we need to explore, exercise and  and use our new hips well , wish I had the hip physio some lucky people here have, but gosh - what is a normal recovery?

love and blessings all

Mic

x

2

Hi Mic

I requested physio when I saw my GP when I saw him before going back to work. All I had previously was sessions whilst in hospital and a leaflet of exercises to do when I got home. Appointment came through quickly and I went today. Very good one to one session, weak muscles pinpointed and some appropriate exercises given. First follow up next week. In my case I had a tendon graft 45 years ago, only about half movement in ankle on same side as hip replacement and twisted knee and damaged ligaments in knee in 2011, also on hip replacement side. This have all compounded to make getting rid of my limp a little more difficult .

it was worth asking!

 

3

At risk of repeating what I have said in other threads........

Mic at 13 weeks in I am now convinced there is no normal.

I am 63. A sportsman all my life, hence the new hip!!!!! Naturally competitive.

I think that, unconsciously, Drs, physics give us deadlines that we think we have to achieve. 6 weeks, 8 weeks etc.

i was keen to get off crutches a sap. Why?

I was keen to be without a stick asap. Why?

At 6 weeks my physio said , walk as much as you like. I did! That's not what she meant and I put myself back.

I learnt from my osteopath at 10 weeks that until I could stand on just the operated keg my thigh muscle wasn't strong enough do my lower back did the work.

At 11 weeks, 2 weeks ago, we took off in our campervan, I 've driven 900 miles, walked down to beaches, crawled under the van, carried chairs etc etc and muscles ache. Lower back, other hip, calves but these are muscles that haven't been used like that for over 2 yrs.

So it depends on how fit u were before the op. How competitive / aggressive you are , I wanted to be off painkillers a sap. why? How good your physio follow up is.

13 weeks in , today I have a sore back and calves but I've just stood for 4 hrs and cleaned a camper can and now I'll stand to cook.

i think at 6 weeks we expect to be back to normal

10 weeks ago my physio said 'what do you want'? I said I want to be on top of a mountain over 3000ft by February. She said, we can do that. So I am looking at a long term goal and every day I lose some fat and build some muscle and sleep better and feel more like me. An afternoon of drum practice awaits. 

So there is no normal, your pace, to suit your body. Expect to feel down sometime. Expect to sleep badly. Expect to be tired. Rest and recuperate. That 've cut some big muscles. 

4

Hi Mic,

we recover at different rates but also the care we receive is different from hospotal to hospital. I never had any phisio, only on the first day after the op in hospital...I have a few photocopies with exercises to do, I can do everything easily.

Am I supposed to request phisiotherapy when I see my GP?

Best wishes

Ella 

5

I thought I needed some extra physio so I did ask. Depends on how you are and how the GP thinks you are

6

Hi Ella

Sounds good and yes gp can facilitate physio usually.

But I still like the hospitals some hippies attend that do a series of physio as a norm.

Mic

X

7

Hi Mic

It's difficult to have a 'normal recovery' when even the specialists can't agree what this should be. My consultant states the long term recovery time as 12 months at which point I should be able to do everything. He also defines short term recovery as 12 weeks not 6. I've been lucky to benefit from excellent physio from week 1 and at week 6 am now performing challenging exercises and walking around 2 miles a day with ease. My physio has said I'm making excellent progress at 6 weeks, however, he insists I keep my single crutch until I can walk with really good posture and without a hint of a limp. He also said I should never need to use a stick, whereas others on this forum lose their crutches very early and move onto a stick.

I also think it's dangerous to try to define a normal recovery from posts on this forum. Generally people tend to post when they're concerned about something and need support rather than when they're doing well. I'm sure there are lots of people out there who somewhere between 'not so great' and 'amazing' who just don't post.

I agree with Dave - what's the rush? Personally I'm focusing on quality not speed in the hope that in 12 months of my op I'll be fully functional and very active - if it happens sooner it'll be a bonus!

8

What great responses ....

It is not that you get  dislikes Mic .. I know that you have and never have the intention to hurt or upset people ... we already had the male vs female body topic and I believe that makes a difference - just as other medical conditions, circumstances and support - but you know that ...

I am extremely delighted for you and your splendid recovery and sharing it with us -

big hug and lots of love 

renee

9

Dear Renee,

no offence given or taken - tis a great discussion which I wanted cos I luv this place and the sheer variety of views....

My physio said most folk do recover excellently within 6 months as a norm.

And yes, which is true of my. Not exactly hurrying, but there is so much to explore and enjoy I

I know I can help the process along with exercise, food, rest. Like enjoying small things now, like sleeping on a matress on the floor easily, or a gentle jog to get croissants and papers at 4 months post op.

Go well - stay well

Mic

x

10

Hi Hipster,

Greetings...interesting views ty....

As I wrote to Renee, i like to push myself, and her etoo  its fine - for me. others less so which I respect.

and yes, consultants/physios say different things, like no baths for 6 weeks, or is it 3 months? TEDS stockings are rubbish, or are effective? Sleep on back or side? Your physio say keep the crutch beyond 5 weeks, mine says ditch it at 4 weeks if you can!

Yes, my physio also thinks mosts of us do make a speedy recovery, esp if sporty before, and yes that we can help the process along by rigourosly doing the exercises they set for us. I agree!

hope all goes well for you in coming weeks on your recovery

Cheers

Mic

11

Mic

Try not to wear it out smile - there is a lot of literature that says people are expecting too much return to the thing able to do what they did before and if this includes certain sports then these patients will wear out the implants sooner. 

For me I have decided not to run again, hockey training may be possible - but maybe not. Noone has said anything apart from good things about cycling so that will be my sport of choice. My first hip was put in too tight as the consultant wanted to avoid me dislocating it whilst  rock climbing...19 months on it hates stairs, sitting and driving and needs to be revised. Needless to say I have not been climbing. I have read up and know revision success rates are much lower. I want to put off revisions for as long as possible.

Meanwhile the other hip has been replaced. I am taking it easier on myself this time round - though I went into hospital still able to cycle 13 miles on a static bike 4 times a week so I was very fit. Endorphins got me through the pain barrier. 2 and a half weeks after my op the physio put me on the bike for 5 mins - I did 10 and today hurt in a bad way.

I met a guy at the local tip who had both hips done - keen tennis player he spent a year just walking and had just done his first doubles match. His mate had pushed himself by returning to much more active sports early and 8 months in fractured his replacement and was in a terrible state.

Physios will give you every encouragement - but they are not the first place that failed replacements land - thats back with the consultant. 

So I guess I am trying to  say to everyone is dont feel as if you have to go fast and be aware that theres an awful lot of tissue that still has to heal internally. You dont want to lay down short, medium and long term problems for the sake of a few more weeks or months healing.

Perhaps we as a forum should set up an exclusive Hippies Cycling Club and have meet ups? 

 

12

I think as a generalization that most people do not need crutches or a cane at 6 weeks, IF their hip was their only issue. I vacationed at 2.5 months and at 6 months felt 100%. However at one year I can say I am really fully recovered. At 6 months I felt fantastic, however I didn't know at a year I would be even better.

I would not say at 6 weeks I was fully recovered, however I was tremendously tremendously improved. For me, the first wto weeks really are the worst, the pitts, week 3 was a little better, but then right at week 4 to week 5 I made a really really rapid recovery. i swear next hip I am going to have it doen in the heat of summer where I can go sit outside on a plastic lawn chair & my husband can just hose me down with the hose, LOL! Folks I'm not really joking, I think that would work, I live in a very warm climate.

13

Hi Jodi,

All sounds good, and I thus look forward to aspiring to your reflection of all getting even better at a year! Nothing wrong with aspirations, and thanks for your inspiring message

Enjoy summer!

Mic

x

14

Hello Christine !

Promise not to wear it out.....ahhh I guess you mean the hip thingy !

Yea we all need to find a way forward, and me me as a sporty person  it was helpful my physio said 'go for it'. That is go fast with care, cos sure lots of tissue to heal, tho as someone said here recently even after an hour post op that process starts. Less so for others sure...maybe fast people need to go a wee bit slowly at times, and those a bit timid need  to walk an extra kilometer when then feel ready for it.

Here's to wonderful healing for all - and while I'm targetting a10K not a marathon would love to hear from any hippy runners out there!

Sleep well....

mic

x

15

I have really enjoyed reading the responses to this discussion. No normal. From my perspective I am aiming for better than normal. My hip was deteriorating without my being aware for the last two years. Since my RTHR  2 weeks ago I have been reflecting on my function. I haven't been able to cross my legs for months and when cycling my knee stuck out to the side. I did yoga and body balance last year and was totally immobile on my right side.The pain started last October and the decline was rapid.

So I do expect an improvement and in the coming months be better than the last two years. I am already noticing differences and as I recover will give it a good test!!

My specialist was very clear that there were no restrictions after surgery, just whatever feels comfortable. The physio exercises are easy so I have been walking heaps. Tried a couple of inclines yesterday and ouch it didn't feel too good so went back to flat today.

I have had to accept that I mustn't run regularly again as my hip won't last although I'd like also to know how people who run go with a new hip and how it lasts, they must be out there somewhere!! (As you can see I'm still working on my denial/acceptance bit!!)

Seeing the surgeon next week so am going to ask him about using my private health cover for extra physio, maybe a sports physio who has a better understanding of my goals. The hospital ones are good but very general.

I wasn't expecting to be walking so well unaided at two weeks so am very happy indeed. I see this is not the same for others but then we all start this journey from a different place.

I think we are very fortunate to have discovered this forum, so we can share our diversity.

💌🌈💌🌈

 

16

Hi Geogie!

good to hear back from you - sounds like excellent progress. Like you I spent a year plus in denial when an experienced scope physio said 'go get the op' and that  tail chi and gym was not enough. She booked me for  5 months later, but then a cancellation got me done a month later on 29 Feb. No regrets!

I like the idea normal expectations, like at 6 six weeks most folk dont need crutches/sticks, orthat  working hard at uni usually leads to a 2.1 or 2.2 degree. they are good cos set me a road map.

Yes its a norm, but several of my students i encouraged to beat that norm expectations, and go for a first class degree. others I worked assidiously with to get a3rd too. But all is a challenge!!

I ran a lap on the treadmill today, and felt good after, heart rate was 138. My crouching is weak still, but am doing the exercise Catrin helpfully gave me on this lovely forum of touching floor for 10 seconds frequesntly, plus cat/swan tummy stretches. Yes I plan to jog outside by month end. slow but sure, and besides its only 4 months, and i think Mark said recovery may take up to a year.

Warm hugs

Mic

x

 

17

Here's some good advice from USA Sports Medicine doctors on preparing for running - kind of makes sense in terms of building up.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/240964-how-to-run-after-a-hip-replacement/

 

18

Hi,  Haven't been on the site for ages, having had lots of things to do, like holidays, weddings and christenings.  I am now just over 7 months post op and I can say I feel great.  I go swimming, any stroke now, I walk quite a lot, I do my Wii Fit Plus (carefully of course) all without pain.  Never actually felt the need for physio as such, as I used to be a Keep Fit instructor part time, so was quite fit before op and knew what I could and couldn't do afterwards, so not being offered any physio at the hospital didn't really bother me.  However, we are all different and its a good job we are.

Best wishes, Barbara

19

hi mic, just popped back at 7 months post op to see how everyone is - have i missed something controversial? i am as amazed at my recovery as those who know me are, and in 3 weeks time am off to Paris with hubby so will be walking a lot, but since walking the 1500 at sports day and not using the lift any more at school i am confident that as long as i wear my `go walk` shoes all will be well. i am still using my static bike every morning and i promise i will start going back to the gym during the summer hols! my consultant said i could start wearing high heels again aftrr 6 months - that is my goal!!!!

love to all 

val x

20

Hi Val,

nice to hear from you, and yes I remember well your 1500 meters story!

enjoy paris - they say croissants and red wine are very good in helping recovery and healing from hip ops!

Mic

xx