Life after 6 month check up

Hi everyone I've not been on here for a while as things have been so good since my THR.

just had to share my news, hopefully to encourage those of you who are just starting out on this journey.

I've just been for my 6 months check up (even though its actually 8 months since my op in January) and have been officially discharged and told that I don't need to be seen again unless I get any problems. I saw the physio and not the consultant. She made me get on the couch and moved my leg around. She was amazed by my excellent mobility. We discussed how I'd done it and I said it was really by keeping active and always doing the exercises as prescribed. I said that I'm now riding my horse again with no problem and even riding better as I'm not in pain and sitting straight.

As I walked out the door, her final comment was that for most people it can take up to a year to feel the benefits of the new hip, I'm only 8 months, so go and enjoy my new hip, it should last any 20 years. Hooray 😊 I hope this gives you all some encouragement.

Dear Hippy

Excellent news.  Well done.   I'm eight weeks weight bearing after my hip revision and apart from the daily routine of doing the exercises I'm really not aware of having had the surgery.   It was a slower recovery than when I had my original hip operation twenty years ago at age 55.

I've recently compared my speed of walking with that of my 30 yr old fit next door neighbour who is a full time fireman.   He tells me that he can walk the just under half a mile to his fire station in six minutes.  Half of it is a long uphill pull. At the moment I can do it in about eight minutes but I hope to improve on this in time.

Whilst some people have not been as fortunate with their hip surgery recovery as we have been, I think it is a mistake to go into hip surgery thinking that it is going to be months and months before getting back to normal.   It really does not have to be like that.

Cheers

Richard

Oh well done you give us all hope

Thank you for the information.  I am a 39 year old woman with a large labral tear and advanced osteoarthritis.  I am able to swim and bike, but can only walk for 2-3 minutes before developing pain.  Do you mind if I ask you how many years your original hip replacement lasted? 

Oh that is such good news.  I was wondering about horseback riding.  Congrats 

Dear Tango

Twenty years. Had it done in1997 and some here will be bored of me saying recovery was super rapid and I did a lot of building work and hill sheep farming work for those twenty years so I can honestly say that it has been fantastic in every way.

If you or anyone would like to chat on the phone about hip replacements just message me. Sometimes it is more useful to be able to actually talk!

Cheers Richard

PS I'm in the UK but don't let that inhibit you!

Dear Richard,

I am so very happy for you. I wish mine had gone as well. I think because they tore my meniscus that it really set me back. It's hard to do some exercises when my knee won't bend. When I go up the steps, I feel like an idiot. I always make sure there are no cars passing by to see me. I live on a busy street so if a car appears, I just stop and wait. I found out I have a tilted pelvis. I don't have any idea how that affects me. The physical therapist wouldn't do my re-evaluation because i did something that hurt it. I had no idea that the pelvis was below the lower back. It made my groin hurt like everything so she told me not to do the exercises. This is getting so tiring after 8 months of constant pain. I rarely go anywhere because getting in an d out of the car is torture, as well as riding. I can't say how much it would mean to get on a horse, but straddling it and bouncing? Oh my... I am so glad that so many on this forum feel so good and can do so much. It makes me wonder if the rest of my life is going to be like this. It just can't. I have an appointment with the surgeon on the 14th of Sept. Seems so far away. I'm sure everyone is tired of hearing about my pity-party, so I'll stop complaining. I just so much want to be like the rest of you because my activity level has always been "high off the charts." Keep up the good work! I am really happy for you! Congratulations!!

Dear Dana

I'm so sorry that you are having such a bad time of your recovery. It must feel so unfair especially when more fortunate people post of happier outcomes.

I feel awkward at times posting how I'm doing but I do want to encourage everyone to be positive and expect the best possible outcomes.

I wish there was something that I could suggest to help you along your road of recovery apart from doing what exercises you can do and deep breathing. Must try to keep your body as fit as you cab.

My best wishes to you Dana.

Richard

Dana I really hope you get the help you need in September, you have every right to have a pity party hopefully you will soon be having getting better party

Hi Hippy28:

Thank you for the encouragement.  Much needed, as I fractured my hip 5/14 and despite what was originally diagnosed as a "non-displaced fracture" is now displaced and I am scheduled for surgery in 10 days.  Feeling awfully frustrated and hopeless at the process.  Now that I know I need surgery, am anxious to get it done and get on with living!

Best,

Janet

Dear Richard,

You're right.  It does seem unfair when so many people have such good outcomes, but it doesn't make me bitter. I'm somewhat unhappy with the doctor because so many things went wrong that seems were just carelessness. But for those with the good outcomes, I truly am happy.  How selfish would it be for me to wish bad things would have happened to them.  That's not who I am. I'm not giving up in any way and I still have hopes of the problem being found and corrected.  Keep writing..it really gives me hope.  I know there are others who are having worse problems and I hope the postings and encouragement helps them as well.  Thanks to all of you!

Dear Ann,

I hope the same thing if September ever gets here!  It seems years away. I want good results for everyone, and I'm going to plan on that "getting better party!"

Dear Dana

You are a brave lady.

All the best

Richard

What fantastic news .....keep up the good work......that certainly is lovely to hear...x x

Regarding horse back riding, my dental hygenist (who cleans my teeth) is in her mid 70's, has had both hips replaced and rides her horse every day. I don't horse back ride, but that was such an inspiration for me to hear!

hi hippy ,

thank you for sharing !   I am sure that this will help tremendously for people who are about to make the decision .. 

Enjoy and embrace life to the fullest darling ...

big warm hug

renee

Cthis is very encouraging to hear! Well done. If you don't mind me asking your age? I have just been put a list as my range of mobility is getting worse, aching too, but not real pain I wouldn't say. I'm 55. To be back horse riding is a great achievement I would think at this stage. Hope it continues for you.

Great news!

Hi Sharon

In answer to your question I'm 60. Now I'm 8 months post op and apart from still doing my exercises I forget I've had the op.