Hi Hippies,
It's been 8 months since my anterior THP - and I am so cross with how I feel. So much for the "everybody gets a THP, it's NOTHING" ! After a lot of post op infection and4 months of drugs and IV's to fix that, and I am STILL getting stuck, or caught with awful pain when I bend over to pat the wonder dog, or tie laces or pick a weed out of the garden. I have to very slowly return to upright - and it hurts like crazy the whole way up.
Had a gallium, MRI and CT - can't see anything - but maybe (?) its soas tendon that needs releasing - but my confidence is shaken. I have aged 100 years since this op, I would be really scared about another surgery for a 'release' .. any ideas?
Thanks team :-)
(PS I'm in Sydney)
Hi prue,
Horrible isn't it when people sail through without problems and we wonder why we are so far behind.
I use a kneeling stool to weed the garden, when I do feed the dog I stretch my leg out behind me, hubby another one who seems to think it is easy keeps saying, I should be bending at 4.5 months, if I could I would doh! I would never willingly have another one done.
Keep your chin up, hope it gets easier for you soon, we have to find ways of coping.
It took me over 12 months before I could bend right over If I have to tie laces I sit down I used me grabber and still do occasionally to pick up things but I have a back problem too. Every one heals differently take every day one step at a time. I am two yrs after first and 12 months after the second and still getting better each day ...best wishes xx
Bless you I am almost six months posterior and learned early the only way to feed the cat was golfers leg- lifting it behind me. I have only kept my spirits up because of this site. No infections just pain and stiffness that doesn’t ease 😢
I can SO relate to this. I am on my third hip recovery, and SHOULD know all the restrictions by now, but I still find myself crossing my legs at my ankles, or trying to bend just a bit too far and have to stop myself.
Hip Replacement is NOT 'just nothing', it is a MAJOR and life-changing operation, and the recovery is far from a 'breeze'.
I know what a difficult recovery this can be, this is my third in less than 3 years. I am now one of those annoying people having a 'miracle' recovery this time - it was about time I had some luck after having the ceramics shatter and deposit themselves in my leg muscles.
Take your time, build up the mobility and strength in the muscles. I was so much better going into this last operation as I was walking and cycling regularly, and going to the gym several times every week. All that helped my muscles strengthen and move which I am sure are contributing to my 'easy' recovery.
As an old friend of mine used to say, the easy bits ain't easy, and the hard bits are darned hard. Physically I am recovering well now (I walked one mile outside within a week of the operation), but at night it's a different story, leg spasms, itching, sleepnessness - you know what it's like, right?
Having post-op infection will have set your body back in your recovery, don't beat yourself up about it, you will recover, but it will take you a little longer, that's all.
Best wishes
Graham
Alright you people are not encouraging at all, before I was extremely encouraged, so much that I am probably days from having surgery scheduled. Now you’re giving me second thoughts, ESPECIALLY seeing “I would never willingly have another done,” and “I would be really scared for another surgery.” I am in extremely unbearable pain and to the point where I can only force myself to stand up when I have to, so I don’t think I have any choice.
All I can do is hope and pray that I’m one of the lucky ones... though as bad as my old body has gotten that seems impossible. I had gotten to where I was looking forward to the surgery- now I dread it BIG time. I am going to think positive though- and I’m very sorry that you all are having such a bad time.
I was being humorous with my first line lol!
Hi,
Yes I know I kind of feel the same.......I have just been told it is certainly on the cards for me, and have decided to steer away from here for the time being, as sadly making me rather miserable at the thought.
Now looking for a very positive forum !! have you seen one ? 
There is another side to this. I am 1 year out and have had a tremendous result. Most of the time I forget that I had it done. I have full range of motion with NO pain, stiffness or soreness. I walk 4 miles at a fast pace for cardio and am playing my best golf ever. I also do Pilates only avoiding the “pigeons stretch”. I realize that I’m really lucky but my anterior THR has changed my life for the better!
well its taken me 6 months to be what i call normal again!ive finally got rid of my crutch,two weeks ago and feel like ive got my life back-at last!it hasnt been easy,a case of one step forward and two back,but my goodness its great to feel free again-following my dogs through the woods and not having to think "hip" all the time,or wonder if i ll make it home! i wasnt one of the lucky few who recovered in two weeks,but id encourage anyone feeling despondant to have the op if youre in a lot of pain.i believe its worth it.good luck everybody xxx ps-just realised im sitting here with leg crossed,whoops!
Hi Karen, it's not all bad news I'm 9 weeks post opp 72 years old and walking short distances without crutches. For longer walks I take one with me, just in case. I can't fasten my shoe laces yet but I'm sure I'll be able to eventually. I started to cut down on the pain killers after 3 weeks and now I only take the odd one. Don't be put off, it's got to be better than the pre operation pain.
Hi Helen not all bad news I'm 9 weeks post opp 72 years old and walking short distances without crutches. For longer walks I take one with me, just in case. I can't fasten my shoe laces yet but I'm sure I'll be able to eventually. I started to cut down on the pain killers after 3 weeks and now I only take the odd one. Don't be put off, it's got to be better than the pre operation pain.
Karen, I know I put I would never have it done willingly again but, I have not had a problem with the hip and no pain since it was done. I get sad because of having the blood clots in the lungs and that has coloured my judgement. You will be lucky and sail through ehen you do get your op.
Helen, please do not be put off with comments like mine saying I would not willingly have it done again.
The op was nothing and I have had no pain since the op 18 weeks ago, did not need painkilkers. I walk without support, weed the garden, sleep on operated side since 8 weeks. I hope this is more supportive for you, do not stay in pain unnecessarily,
Just take it easy. Take your meds and follow the advice. Slow and steady. You will be fine x
I’m still going to have it done, like it or not I have no choice. I keep catching myself thinking this will be better tomorrow- wishful thinking. It’s encouraging that you can walk your dogs that’s great but, are you not supposed to cross your legs??
Thank you, the thought of it being any better at all than what I’m going through now is definitely encouraging because I can’t stand this misery.
I’m sorry you have blood clots in your lungs and my goodness I hope it all gets better for you. You have not discouraged me, I know I need the surgery- and I want it, but I still find myself looking for easy excuses not to have it so guess.
Oh my gosh I hope I didn’t cause that, don’t listen to me! Besides I am going to have the surgery and of course I’m scared but I’m also looking forward to it!