Post op muscle function

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi

I'm 10 days post op thr anterior. Procedure was outpatient due to my age and physical condition. Ive had 3 in home physical therapy sessions. My main concern is that the quadriceps are barely engaging at this stage making walking very difficult . Is this normal?

Thanks so much

2

Hi Don. I had RTHP on 2/7/17 also anterior. At 10 days, you're really early in recovery. My understanding of the anterior approach, is while no muscles are cut, they are pushed all around to put in the new hip. I would ask your PT first, & then check in with surgeon if you are not sure. It's a long road back during recovery. All the best to you.

3

Thank you Ruth, I was beginning to panic

4

My advice is that when in doubt, always ask. There isn't any such thing as "normal". I was able to walk normally within hours of surgery, and that was with minimally invasive posterior.  Based on received averages, not being able to walk at 10 days isn't "normal" - but that doesn't mean it isn't normal for you! If you feel there is something not right, or you have concerns, ask. 

5

No Don, don't panic!  You are still very 'raw' at 10 days out.  Although HR is a relatively safe surgery, it is also MAJOR surgery, so you've got lots of healing to do.  I was on a walker for at least 3 weeks before even graduating to a cane.  Be patient, healing will come.  Before you know it you will be walking just fine.  Happy healing!

6

I only wish that I'd found this forum prior to surgery. Turns out that the Google research that I did was mostly hyper optimistic propaganda from surgeons websites. All the patient testimonials were positive, none negative. So based on that, I had high expectations for recovery. I thought I'd be running up and down stairs by now.

Thanks to you, I now know how traumatic the procedure is and that it will take time.

In fact, today I'm getting a little more activity from the quadriceps.

Thank you all again

7

Hi Don 

i also believed the optimistic comments from the surgeon..... your slim, fit, active etc which I was, but, they dont think e are quite THAT active and so expect to get back to that level quickly. I was told I should be back running my dogs in agility competitions at 4 months, I am but not as successfully as I anticipated as my body has forgotten how to run!!!  Th problem is that I wanted to believe him, and I'm not usually gullible. It's so easy to forget the Pre op pain which has gone and concentrate on the healing pain which is so erratic. We will get there!!!! 

8

hi don, 

checking in with you this morning ...

warm welcome to this hippies forum ... I read that you already experienced the benefit --- panic etc. are never good and knowing that what you feel and experience is "normal" relaxes the body - 

be kind and gentle with your self right now ... no need to be so harsh okay? 

big warm hug

renee

9

Ur too sweet, thanks Renee.

I guess my expectations were way too high. I was totally prepared for the post op pain, but not the lack of quad muscle function. Very troubling when trying to extend the lower leg, and nothing happens. Today is day 12. The therapist did tell me that he feels the muscles activating and that it will improve. I guess I just need to hear that it will improve because I'm getting a bit depressed.

Thanks again

10

Hi Don,

Yes, this is very normal.  Whether you had the type of procedure where they had to cut part of your muscle or not.  The muscles will have been through a lot during the operation.  Afterwards the muscles have to be strengthened back up again.  This can take several weeks of physio.  Each week you will be amazed at how much more you can do with less pain.  Recovery takes time and patience.  Make sure that you follow the rules and restrictions provided to you.  Ongoing physio is very important during the first few months.  Rest and allowing your body to recover is important too.

Try not to worry.  I had my FRHR over 9 months ago.  I've been pain free and back to my normal lifestyle since the 3rd month.  Keep in mind that it takes a full year to truly recover, but with just a few more weeks you should be very close to feeling close to your normal self.

Wishing you the best as you continue to recover

11

Thank you so much for the encouraging words Kimberley. I need to hear that. I can easily get depressed, partly I think because I've been into physical fitness regularly for the past 30 years, competitive body builder. So silly me thought I'd b running up hills after 2 weeks

Hugs