Hi, everyone , had hip replacement in uk 3 weeks ago had appiontment at physio at 2 weeks post op and all they did was check that i was doing exercises correctly, and no further follow up , is this usual, was expecting to go for further appiontments to see how things were working and some phsio, but apparently not. now just got appiontment with surgeon at 6 weeks post op.
Bodger.
This is usual. You should be off crutches now and moving on your own.
When you have your check up if you have any concerns with your progress tell your surgeon.Don't stop using crutches until you feel ready as we all have different recovery periods. There is a lot of information on this forum about physio and also how each person recovers. .You have to listen to your body and it is not a race. You may read some discarding crutches and walking a mile after a few weeks I am sure that is a minority. Most take several months to start feeling near normal and some including myself needed day time sleeps for a while. As often as you hear some have quick recoveries it doesn't seem to be like thast with most.
Having a hip replacement in the UK is like a solo voyage in a yacht round cape horn. You're on your own and if you're lucky you have radio contact with the outside world via a forum like this.
Yes seems that's what happen over here in uk.
though if you have problems or things are slow to improve ask if you can have physio.
took me nearly 4months before I got some but I go twice a week to physio now.
also keep doing the excercises they gave you.
Unfortunately sounds true to form, bodger! I had my THR just under 4 weeks' ago and have had no physio since leaving hospital - just a sheet with a list of exercises, all of which are really easy. They really seem to emphasise walking and increasing your walks every day. That's all very well but you can't see your gait yourself and this has been my main concern. I have, however, been progressing very well! My husband, on the other hand, did not and, after 3 months, went back to his GP who sent him for physio. May be something you could do too!!
I had left THR in Uk 10 weeks ago, via private healthcare. I just went with the physio on site at the hospital and had 3 sessions over 6-7 weeks post op but never really felt she was listening to what I wanted to achieve. She seemed to have a one-size-fits all approach, which seemed to be default at patients 60+ who just wanted to get to the shop and back. When she said she was happy and didn't need to see me again I decided it was time to find an alternative who could get me back to proper fitness and strength and my consultant concurred. New physio is 100x better and I feel much more positive about short and long term recovery now. She is more hands on and pointed out where I had muscle wastage, which muscles needed strengthening and why and explained how the exercises she was giving me would help. She also told me about the impact of getting into poor postures and walking gait behaviours if I didn't get the right muscles working again (e.g. Back pain) She thinks I probably only need another 1 or 2 sessions with her over next 4-6 weeks.
So if you can afford it I would recommend trying to find another physio who is aligned to whatever your objectives are. it's worth it for your long term satisfaction.
Hi bodger
Thisis fairly normal in a lot of parts of the UK.....A lot of us find the same thing
We are sent home with a piece of paper with exercises on it, told to get on with it and if we are lucky see a p[hysio once if not its the 6 week post op check with the consultant.
Sorry to bring you down
Love
Eileen
You mean you got a check up at 2 weeks! Rehab is do it yourself on the NHS unless you have other problems.
I think not following up could be false economy and would advocate physio run exercise groups which would allow them to pick up problems early and arrange intervention. People also encourage each other and some of the ones who don't want to work might be helped to do a bit more while reining in some of the ones with dangerously ambitious plans.
If you feel you aren't making progress, even if it is slower than you hoped, then talk to your GP or the hospital at your 6 week follow-up.
Try to stand up straight, take the same length of step with each leg, spend the same time on each leg and transfer weight smoothly from heel strike to toe off avoiding twisting your foot. I found watching myself in shop windows to be useful.
I must be lucky in Wales as I am nearly four weeks post op and the physio has been to my house twice a week to see how I am doing and checking I am doing everything right. I'm on one crutch around the house and occasionally just use a stick (cane) but when I am out walking each day I still take the two crutches
Gosh you are lucky!! Sounds really good! No chance in England unless you pay privately or have some complications at a later date!
Your are lucky regarding physio. All I got when I left hospital was a piece of paper with 6 basic excercises very simple ones at that. So just went on regular walks. Been for first check up at 8 weeks only yo be told they had made Mistake had.been put under wrong doctor. So 2 weeks before I see correct one. But was told should have been having physio. So now waiting appointment. Progressing well in my view. But not sure just what I can or can't do. Just in case hip pops out. Can't wait for physio. Not using crutches much, using own initiative for now.
r
Thanks everyone, getting on fine can walk without crutches,but was concerned that i'm not walking correctly, difficult to tell yourself, got a good osteopath down here in cornwall, when i'm ok to drive will make private appiotment i think, or maybe i'll look to a private physio, or just move to wales, not far as the crow flies .
bodger.
I had 2 thr, both times the physical therapy was very weak. From what I know, if you want rigorous physical therapy you should rehab in a nursing facility.
Hi Meslaton
Are you in the UK??? Dont think that happens here or at least i havent come across it
Love
Eileen
I live in US. How is different in UK?
Hi
Uk and USA seem to be very different in a lot of things {medical}
Time difference after operations......most THR's you are not allowed to drive until you've had your 6 week check up otherwise you are not insured. I'm sre I've read about people in the USA being allowed to drive much earlier.....that s just one of the things.
Has anyone else in the UK had rigorous physical therapy you should rehab in a nursing facility. ?????? Sorry it may be just me that hasn't heard of it....Hopefully we'll get some UK answers to that
Eileen
I agree on issue on driving restrictions. at 6 weeks most people are on pain pills
I'm in Wales and get physio visits to my home and my physio is pleased with me and says if I want to try and drive after four weeks(which is next week) then that is fine. I'm a bit wary of going two early though.
HI Meslaton, definate 6 week wait to drive in uk, and no rehab unless things go disatrously wrong, mainly it seems your on your own here in uk, although seems a difference between england and wales don't know if different in scotland, probably the same from stste to state in U.S. Looking forward to being able to drive though, nowhere intersting to walk in my village need to get out and about
bodger.