I had a follow-up visit with my orthopedic surgeon last Wednesday (nearly 12 weeks post-op) and fully expected him to tell me I could finally phase in going back to work. When I asked him about returning, he said, "No, not going there. You have at least 6 more weeks." I was in shock - and still am! He said I haven't healed enough. Granted, I had a LTHR due to a fall, but...
Even though I telecommunute from home, my office is not happy at all. Has anyone else ever experienced this?
Hi nanaT
this has not happened to me.
all I can say is your surgeon is not keeping you off work for no reason. A bone break is not the same as just a hip replacement.
If you don't give your bone time to heal and your hip to be correctly placed in the joint you will be back in there having it done all over again when something has gone wrong or your hip will loosen far quicker than it should.
May I suggest you start eating. Things high in calcium or take supliments along with vitamin D to help the body absorb it into your system so your body can lay it down on the new hip and help the break heal. I know it is frustrating but it will be the right thing to do in the end
Complete opposite for me , back to 8 hour work shifts on my feet at 9 weeks! Paid for it with quite a few aches and pains in the groin but I'm at 12 weeks post-op now and most of those aches have gone or certainly eased!
Good luck
That should have actually read back to work at 8 not 9 weeks!!
No, I was off for 12 weeks, and then had a phased return. However other people have been away for longer especially after a THR following injury like you. Your bosses may not like it, but surely they want you back when recovered enough and not before
How disappointing and depressing. Being off work is tricky but added to that has been that your expectations have been dashed. It's hard to sacrifice short term goals for long term ones but if you need the extra healing time your body will thank you later. It would be terrible to not take the time to heal properly no then regret it later if you didn't have a good outcome. One of my mottos is Live so you don't have regrets.
All the best and keep in touch with us all.
Hi Nana,
Bummer ! What kind of a job do you do that makes him tell you not to work for another 6 weeks ? I am sure that there is a valid reason and THR due to a fall takes more time to heal - especially if it is a complicated break ..
big warm hug
it is okay, you know ... your health is the most important thing
renee
Hi Nana,
Yes this happened to me also.I had my THR in Spain after falling and breaking hip in two places.when I left the hosp they told me no walking or weight bearing for 8 weeks ! I thought I'd misunderstood due to the language probs,but no,they insisted.When I finally came home,went to my local hosp who after looking at x rays said yes,a THR due to a trauma takes far longer to heal,so I'll say to you what they said to me,you'll just have to be patient.I know it's difficult,but it will be worth it in the end.
very best wishes to you
Good Luck to you