Had complicated left hip replacement jan 17th. Surgeon put me on 50% weight bearing until see him in 4 weeks. Now I find out from pt that will have both hip and weight restrictions for 12 weeks.
Very frustrated as will need to return to work immediately after or maybe even before I'm off crutches. Pt is saying no point in doing any more pt until full weight bearing because really not much I can do between hip restrictions and weight bearing restrictions. All they seem to want me to do walk as exercise but the only thing that get a work out is my hands, and they are killing me. I'm going to need carpel tunnel surgery on both hands by the time 12 weeks is done.
My butt, hands and back hurt more than leg but not able to even try to use leg. No real question just bored, frustrated, and uncomfortable because I can't do anything.
I know that feeling. I finally put on a pr of fingerless gloves. The palms on my hands are sore and the skin is getting tough. I am still in rehab but for 3 days i just want to faint every time i stand up.
Get a 4 wheel walker. It’s much easier than crutches, and get one with a seat so you can put things on it. Crutches remove the use of your hands and you can’t carry anything. I’ve been using the 4 wheel walker for over 4 months....don’t get upset. This, too shall pass . 😘
Laura. Sorry you’re having such troubles. Know that everyone here is here for you and this dark hour will be a memory soon. Maybe your work can accommodate you for awhile with your limitations. Whatever the restrictions, they are for a reason so you will have a good result in the long term. If you can only walk then do that. Take care of yourself and maybe 12weeks get shortened fwhen you see the doc. Keep in touch.
Crutches are rough on your upper body and you are right to be concerned. Can you use a walker instead? They are much more stable and although clunky they seem to distribute the weight more evenly. Here is a tip that I learned from my PT. I was having massive headaches a and back trouble from the walker because I was using my shoulder muscles and it enflamed everything.
She told me to engage the muscles in my upper back between my shoulder blades every time I out weight on my arms.This stopped the upper shoulder muscles from engaging and strengthened my back. Think of it as pinching your shoulder blades together as you step with your walker or crutches.
If you can, find a PT that doesn't just give you exercises but actually does some hands on massaging on the knots in your back and butt. That will be very helpful too.
Your PT should be helping you with all of this, not just the legs. Make another appointment and insist that they help you with conditioning of the rest of your body. Also ask what upper body strengthening you can do while incapacitated. There is core work, arm strengthening, and back exercises.
And when it gets bad, heat always seems to work for me.
Keep your chin up and keep to the restrictions to the letter. I know it is frustrating but you will be happy you did. These are huge and invasive surgeries and they take time. The body has been under assault and needs to recover.
If you need a laugh you can read this article.
http://www.chasinglabellavita.com/yes-think-im-going-head-6-hilarious-things-recovering-hip-replacement-surgery/
Hope you feel better soon.
Chris
Thank you with info about pt. This pt only wanted to have me walk. Next week change to outpatient pt instead of in home pt so will make sure
The new pt is willing to do something other than walking on crutches and answer Their answers for any pain complaint is not just take more pain meds