I am curious how long it will be before I can get back to work. I work in an office but getting there involves a lot of walking, stairs and a packed train. My average day is 9,000 steps and that's trying to take it easy. My leg is killing me now and I started using a cane a few weeks ago. Can't wait to get my surgery and feel better!
I would follow the advice of my orthopedic surgeon but the recovery utilizing the anterior approach is easier and has less restrictions. HTH
Take care Vickie
We'll Nikki we are all so different in so very ways thank goodness so be very wary. So what are the significant factors? I am going to risk making a list!
Age, fitness, BMI, health, ability and experience of consultant, support at home, do you smoke, do you drink, do you eat healthy, how positive an outlook do you have and how determined are you.
Finally you need a bit of good luck or perhaps that should be you don't need any bad luck!
Twenty years ago when I had my total hip replacement at 55 I think I ticked all the above boxes and was back to an office job and farming in about four to six weeks but working from home I did not have far to walk and no escalators and trains to deal with.
Hope that helps but doubt that it will <G>
Cheers Richard
"I am curious how long it will be before I can get back to work...."
Hi Nikki-
Figure 6 weeks to get over the trauma of major surgery on a weight-bearing joint. At that point, you will have some energy back, and could, if absolutely necessary, show up for work and go through the motions of accomplishing your tasks. Problem is: fatigue, which can creep up on you and place you in embarrassing or awkward situations. Another consideration: your hip disease has been ongoing, and has twisted your body in unknown ways in compensation. Physical therapy may be called for. And even that is exhausting in the first couple of months post-op. Could easily push out your "ready for duty" date by another six weeks.
I would try for a medical leave of absence for 3 months. And you may have to get a more sedentary job, lest you be back on this site 5 years from now, asking about revision THRs.
HTH
Dear Nikki
I posted a longish considered reply but for some reason it is being held up by the moderator...strange!
Cheers Richard
I am 62 and had a left anterior and went back to work at 6 weeks. I have a very demanding job teaching HS sculpture classes including lifting heavy bags of clay, loading kilns etc and plenty of walking. By the time 3 o'clock rolled around I was exhausted but understand this is a mostly walking job. I really didn't sit. The only hitch I see for you is the subway (I grew up in NYC) at rush hour. Being shoved and squeezed is the last thing you need even at 6 weeks. I know, I actually and stupidly went to a Springsteen concert at 4 weeks. It wasn't my brightest move.
Hi Nikki - I would recommend don't be attached if possible. I'm 55, in reasonably decent shape and went back to a desk job after 8 weeks and felt like it was the sitting that really affected me. I also don't have to deal with the hustle & bustle of NYC, although I was walking pretty well unassisted I certainly wasn't fast. Don't push it and follow your surgeon's recommendation if you can wait it out financially.
best wishes!
That's what I like to hear! My job isn't too strenuous but the commute is rough. I'm taking 5 weeks off then would like to return to work 3 days a week. I'm stressing out because I need to decide on childcare arrangements for August now. I have to prepay and it's non refundable. I have her in another camp for July that is 4 blocks away and I am hoping I will be able to walk her over there and back. Is it reasonable to think I will be able to walk 8 blocks r/t 16 days after surgery?
I'm in pretty good shape now, so I am hoping for a smooth recovery. I have been toughing it out with the pain for awhile now. I didn't even know it was my hip until last fall. It started several years ago with plantar facilitus in foot. I went to PT for year. When my foot started feeling better my leg started killing me. Another Dr sent me back to PT for IT Band Syndrome. Of course, that didn't work either! They finally took a look at my hip and I was told I had severe OA and I needed a hip replacement. I was shocked. I was hoping I could put it off for a few years but it has gotten really bad, really fast. Living in the city I am walking all the time. I would really love to stop limping
I was definitely able to walk a mile at 4 weeks. If ur in good shape to start with (gym, long walks, etc) the recovery is much quicker than if ur out of shape
Thanks for sharing! That is my goal. When I first started reading about recovery I imagined myself lying around day. Now I'm visualizing movement!
I'm a consultant so I can take off as much time as I need- I just don't get paid! So, I really want to get back in the saddle ASAP. Taking the subway is harsh, because of the crowding and stairs. Since I started using a cane people have been very nice about offering me a seat. I just feel guilty the whole ride.
I'm sure I will need more PT! My Dr told me I have the tightest IT Band he has ever seen. I have been compensating for so long who knows what will crop up after surgery. My body has been tilted for years. I swear in the future I am going to be more aware and intune with what my body is telling me.
Dear Nikki
I was on crutches after my twenty year old hip replacement wore out and had to make a trip by rail to London and used the underground and what really surprised me was the consideration and kindness shown to me.
Cheers Richard
I am a week ahead of you, June 13th surgery anterior LTHR but with a similar commute in Boston. I am planning on 6 weeks but have heard from people who say it will be closer to 4 weeks. After my class this week, I am less optimistic There they said that the real physical therapy doesn't start until week 5.. I am 55 and in good physical shape so I hope this will be quicker. I am very nervous about train and city commuting without being closer to 100%. I have learned that commuters have no patience with limpers!
Again, if ur in good shape to start with (good weight, etc) you'll be walking w/o a cane or walker by 2 1/2 weeks. Fatigue and rest is different for everyone. When I got home from work I didn't have to take care of anyone. I walked the dog and could just go 'flat'. Yours could be more difficult because you have a child to take care of
Hi, I am 12 days out of LHR. There is no way I could anticipate walking 4 blocks in the next few days. I am very healthy, was swimming 60 laps 5x week before surgery. Avid runner, tennis player, skier my whole life so the miles just caught up with me. Right now I am walking using a cane, could maybe walk about a block. I think you will neeed to rethink getting your daughter to and from camp. Is there another parent you could ask for help?
Hi, my LTHR is tomorrow. Thanks for guidance on the timeline. From this thread it looks like the biggest jump in recovery is between 2 and 4 weeks, I'll set my expectations. Where are you in ability to drive? How much longer do you think? Also, did you use a walker at first and then go to a came? Thanks. Jean
Hope it all goes well, Jean.
That class made me really nervous! I was the only one there who was having anterior approach and the recovery is different. I was very relieved to hear that most of the restrictions, like bending over, do not apply. I was also the only one there that is working full time with a child to care for. Everyone says take your time, but I still need to plan and set goals. Just getting to PT would require walking 4 blocks and taking a bus, so you must be somewhat mobile by that point? Please post and let me know how you are feeling after surgery. I hope it goes well for you!