I am just over three weeks post op and had the super path full hip replacement. I felt like I was progressing wonderfully well as managed to ditch the crutches around the house after two weeks but the last few days I can’t weight bare any more on my operated leg and limp, rocking the pelvis, very badly. I have seen the physio who has given me sticks and said to keep up the pain killers....which I was trying to come off.
Any of this normal or should I be worried?
2 weeks is really far too early to be ditching crutches. Take it easy, let your body recover from its traumatic experience. You’ve probably overdone it but not giving your new hip any support. It’s not a race - go back on your painkillers, keep up the exercises and keep using your crutches. Give your body a chance to recover at its own pace.
Dear Carol
That's very disappointing. Are you aware of having done anything that could have caused the set-back?
I would use two crutches rather than sticks for the moment rather than sticks as crutches will give you better support. Ice packs may provide some relief. Hopefully things will settle down soon.
Did you have your surgery in the UK!
All the best, Richard
Hi carol
6 weeks is the recommended time on crutches depending on recovery, I feel like you've run before you can walk. Go back to basics otherwise you may not heal the way you should.
Your muscles were cut and need time to heal and get strong. Take your time and do your strengthening exercises, you will need to get a good night's sleep in.
Good luck penny
Yes I’m sure you’re right....that’s what My family keep saying. I guess mowing the lawn after two weeks wasn’t so clever!
Yes and it was the suoerpath. Well they don’t cut any of the muscle so the healing time is a lot quicker… I just think I felt okay myself so probably did far too much to early!
This was the super path Method where they don’t cut the muscles so they healing time is much quicker however I still think I have probably overdone it too soon. I can now at least sleep because I’ve had to get used to sleeping on my back. You’re right I’ve gone back to basics and keeping up the painkillers now and trying to behave myself
Hi yes the procedure you have had doesn't cut the muscles but it is still pushing them apart and placing a metal prosthetic into the marrow of your body, this has to heal first before you hip is stable, it has to completely settle into the femur, hence the time they advised you stay on two crutches, when you have Physio they will let you know when to go to one and so on, if you are struggling to weight bear then maybe you should get it checked out incase you have loosened it always best to be safe than sorry
Thank you yes you are right
I saw the physio on Friday and she swapped the crutches for sticks so maybe I’m not doing too badly its just I think I did too much to begin with
My GP has said the same to be a bit kinder to the healing process
I first ditched my sticks at 6 weeks, sounds like you have done that a bit early. Could it be the pain killers have led you to think you can do without them?
Your physio sounds to have given good advice, take pain killers and use the sticks.
Remember that dislocation risk is high in the early weeks.
I’m being very good now and sound advice for sure. It’s frustrsting though just thought I was on such a great road to recovery and would be back walking into town (a mile) by now but I can’t walk far at all 😩
Hi I had my second Superpath just over 5 weeks ago recovery so far has been very smooth apart from insect bites but thats another story ! It was about 3 to 4 weeks when I stopped using sticks and can now walk quite normally with no aids first few steps can ache . I do believe that recovery is a lot quicker with this method BUT it is still big surgery and you have to be careful not to overdo it even if you feel good small and often for first few months I think is best plan be kind to yourself and don't rush recovery Superpath is great and my first after 4 months feels good can still get some mild ache but overall I feel like I have a life back . Out of intrest who did your op there aren't many doing SP in the UK yet although I see this increasing in the near future . Sure you will do great .
Hi Carol I too am 3 weeks thr and there is no way I could ditch my crutches yet. I am reasonably mobile and can manage a few steps unaided but that's all.
Take your time it's a brutal operation and from what I've read it takes up to 6 months to fully recover. Good luck
That’s very good to know
Yes your right about the super path but I think I just thought that because I was doing so well I could do anything!
Mike Cronin did my op and I feel very privileged now because like you say I think they are the way forward. Using ceramic not metal means it will last longer
Hi I was one of Mike Cronins as well did you go to Nuffield Warwickshire? He is a very talented surgeon and a nice bloke as well .
Thank you and a speedy recovery to you too ❤️
Yes I did 😊
Yes he’s very talented for sure and like you say a really down to earth nice person