Morning all
My total RHR was 30th Jan and generally I've recovered very well - exceptionally so, according to my consultant, however, I still get a fair amount of pain/discomfort in my hip and wondered how long it lasts? I know that's a "how long is a bit of string" question, but I'm not sure if I'm doing too much or too little to help it. Yesterday I walked 5 miles, the longest since a year ago before my hip got bad enough to need surgery, and today it feels ok except when I've been sitting down for more than 30 minutes or so. When I stand up it's so stiff I have to limp for several minutes while it loosens up again. This happens all the time, even if I haven't been walking.....is it normal? thanks for your time, hippies!
Maggy: I am about a month and a half beyond you, in that I'm about 4 1/2 months post surgery. I do still have the pain you describe, and my doctor said to give it up to a year to fully recover. I do feel it is decreasing over time, I know my flexibilty in moving has also increased greatly. I'm very impressed that you walked 5 miles, that is indeed great! I've had days where I walk about 3 miles, and it is definitely more than I could have done before my surgery. The pain upon getting up (after sitting) is said to be very common, per my doctor, and should also decrease over time. I still have that exactly too. My complication is that I may need to have the other hip done sometime, so feel some more pain there as all the muscles get stronger and 're-aligned'. Good job and hang in there!
Hi Maggie:
Wow, you sure are inspiring to me! I had my RHR on March 9/15 and wondered at my stage if I'm suppose to be walking with a hitch in my stride. And, yesterday I had quite a bit of pain around the hip site while walking. But, if I have still aways to go seeing as you're 3 months in , I will persevere. I hope to walk 5 miles at your stage. Keep up the good work. I'm sure it is normal, however I'm not there yet!
Good Luck , and keep up the walking!
Hi maggh I had my THR on the 30th Jan 15 too and posted on here the other day that I am stiff after sitting for more than 30mins somebody suggested that before getting up sit on edge of chair/seat and stretch back a couple of times I found this works a treat well done with the walking I don't walk as far as that yet!
Hi Maggie had mine done on 15th Jan. Like you my hip and leg still ache at times. Went back to work 3 weeks ago on a phased return as my leg really does ache in the afternoons so only doing mornings but also like you wondered how long does this last? I know it's nothing like the pain before surgery but you read so many people going back to the gym, pain free etc I wonder if it is me? (I'm 52 by the way)
Sue
xxx
Hi maggy. I have posted on here exactly the same thing and it does seem a very common thing. My op was 7th Feb so similar time. I saw one of my physics today (just bumped into her) and mentioned the stiffness to her. She said its quite normal and can take 9 months to a year to fully recover! Made me feel so much better. Try not to worry it does seem the norm. Onwards and upwards xxx
Hi Maggy..I'm coming up to 12wks post op and have the same issues...
Walking 5 mls with no trouble,but sitting down for more than 30mins,especially when driving and I get moderate pain in my bum muscles,so much so that I have to have a break from driving every 30-50mins.
after my 1st THR last year I seem to remember this lasted up to around 9months..I think it's the internal muscle scarring which takes many months to properly heal,and sitting on these muscles obviously doesn't help this to happen.
Thanks, everyone, your comments are soooo helpful, reassuring and just what I hoped I'd hear! I'm 62, btw, and although I'm not a really serious fell walker I live in the Lake District, and am used to walking 3-5 miles several times a week, which is no doubt why I'm able to manage more than a lot of people at this stage. And also why i get so frustrated at not being able to do more! The comment that a lot of the sitffness is due to scar tissue certainly resonates - I was told something similar at the 6 week check, and apparently this can be why your hip hurts at night even though you've not putting any pressure on it - that's when a lot of the healing happens. thanks again, everyone!!