Lifting of restrictions - before or after checkup?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi all

I am 6 weeks post op tomorrow but my appointment with surgeon is not until next Monday.

Do I have to wait until I see the surgeon or can I stop using the raised toilet seat, walk with one crutch instead of two, sleep on side etc etc, before I see him?

Thanks

Paula

2

My appointment was at 6.5 weeks and I did not lift any restrictions until given the co ahead by him. It is probably a matter of confidence and the body awareness that we all seem to develop. In particular I did not want to scupper my chances of being given the go ahead for a cruise at 7 weeks.

3

I waited till I had my 8 week follow up. He checked the mobility of my joints and told me not to attemp a bath till 12 weeks. Personally I would wait

4

It would be sensible to keep to the restriction until your appointment - when you will have xray evidence.

The only thing i'm surprised about is that they said use 2 crutches till the appointment - usually there's a gradual change of use in weeks 4 - 6. However if that's what they told you I assume there is a good resson for it and I would stick to that.

5

Hi Paula,  I am 5 weeks post op this coming Thursday.  I have been sleeping on my side since the day after my op (with a pillow between my legs)  I have been walking the dogs for 30 minutes a day since last week with two crutches but today I only used one, in fact I don't use crutches at all at home, even when walking round the garden.  I am still careful about not sitting on low chairs and don't want to do without the raised toilet seat yet and I although I feel up to it I am not going to drive until I see the surgeon.  I think you have to just be careful and do what you feel comfortable doing and don't take any chances.  I feel practically back to normal but still don't break the 90 degree rule but can bend down to pick things up off the floor as long as I extend my operated leg backwards and try to keep my back fairly straight.  Having said all that if you are not confident about doing anything it's only another week so better safe than sorry smile

6

Just to add to what I said - I really wasn't given any advice as to what I should and shouldn't do apart from not driving - the physiotherapist told me it was okay to sleep on my side and to do what ever I felt comfortable doing.  Seems there are lots of different opinions and recommendations.  

7

Hi Paula,

Ifyou were given directions and you're not comfortable yet, keep using them. I was merely told to be careful and use them however long needed, which in my case was fairly short. I still do take a crutch with me when walking the dog etcetera though, just to be sure of my footing.

It's different for us all, but iif you're more confident with them, I would not let this last week be a source of worry.

Hang in one more week!

8

Hi Paula

Welcome to the world of confusing messages!

Like many others responding, I was told to use my own judgement in many areas...With strong advice re baths and driving as a no no for six weeks. In the event I did both at six weeks and one day! But only cos I felt confident to do so. Yes it's soooo hard for us with different messages re our recovery.

Raised loo seat and crutches should be on their way out sooner rather than later...but given you've written here maybe your not too sure and may be best waiting for the appt. Or not?

Good luck

Mic

9

Hi Paula,

I was shown how to sleep with a pillow between my knees before I left hospital and it was left to me when I progressed from two crutches to one then none. The only advice I was given was to try to walk normally which I made sure I could do before losing the last crutch. I am due my checkup on Wednesday which is 7 weeks post op and I am still trying to observe the 90 degree rule as much as possible. Looking forward to getting rid of the raised toilet after then too. I would stick with the advice you were given - it is only 6 weeks and you don't want to scupper your recovery x

10

I think it depends on how you feel, I have had the operation just three weeks ago and was on just a walkingstick after two weeks, I just dont need a crutch... and stopped the toilet riser after two weeks as well, but then I could not fit in the one that they issued and had to buy my own donut looking toilet cushion, that was just approprate, and I mean just as my leg was at 90 degs ,,,but not above it.

However I still find sleeping on my sides painful, well too painful to sleep, but I can make the staris now unaided, and do not feel any pain in my right operated leg at all, but you dont say how old you are or how you feel inside?? I am only 54, and still quite a strong man with no muscle wastage due to poor health or non activity, so I did get mine done just in time shall we say...

11

Hello Paula ... putting in my 2 cents ... my follow up appoitnment was  8 weeks post op - sleeping on my unoperated while still in hospital and driving in week 7 after my physical therapist gave the okay - if you feel confident  to use 1 crutch, try it ... I am still using the raised toilet seat as I find this more comfortable - especially now that my other hip needs surgery too :-(  -  when in doubt, wait ... 

take care - big hug

12

Hi I am 6 weeks this Friday but going for post op Wednesday like you was told I had to be on 2 crutches for the 6 weeks don't know why lol but I can do nearly everything I want and feel like I have a lot of movement in my hip

13

Thanks Maggie

14

Thanks Ann

15

thanks

16

Thanks Jill

17

Thanks

18

Hi Mic, I was told emphatically, 2 crutches for 6 weeks, but other tgN that no guidance about waiting for check up.  Think I'll wait, it's only 6 days!  Thanks

19

Thanks Fiona

20

Hi Ian, I'm only 46 and things are going well, just getting jittery wanting to get back to normal, thanks Paula