When will I feel normal-ups and downs

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi all:

Bit down this morning as I had pressure on my surgical hip as it felt like it was pressing down on me. A bit better now that I took an Ibubrofen. Anyone else have this happen?

I had a good day yesterday as I did lots of walking with a cane on a trail of 3K. 

I am 11 weeks post op and I know everyone is different but when doe so one feel 'normal' where it stays that way for more than 2 days in a row? 

-At 12 weeks when the not past 90 degree rule comes up, can one start  doing some twisting and go past 90 degrees, e.g. Put on  socks if the body is able to do it?

Thanks,

Cathy

2

I am 13 weeks postop in 2 days time and I have been passing the 90 degrees for a couple of weeks or more but carefully....My thigh feels a bit weak down the front and I sometimes think I can feel the hip pop... not much and not painful and not sure if its the hip lol oh dear every strange feeling is a worry....I can put my socks on if I lift my foot up to my buttock (sitting down) but still struggle to bend forwards over that leg...I have been trying to do lunges to help my glutes but am not too good lunging on that leg....I must say every week brings a improvement no matter how small though some weeks some things reappears that we thought had gone.... we just need to be patient.

3

Thanks Polly. I appreciate your feedback being just ahead of me in the recovery. 

4

I really think it depends on the type of replacement done and the rules of the specific surgeon.  The PT I had in the beginning (I'm 8 wks), told me that she worked with patients of number of Doctors and had to keep careful track of all their individual protocols.

I had a lateral replacement and was told at my 6 week checkup that all restrictions were lifted.  I often go past ninety degrees with no repercussions at all, including no noises.  I have put on socks and painted my toenails!   I can't do everything yet but try and then wait a few days to try again if unsuccessful.  I am a little limited with walking and some other activities as my other side has to be done and isn't happy with my increased activity! 

Good luck - I'm sure things will improve shortly.

5

You did ALOT of walking yesterday which is amazing, well done you, you must have felt quite elated to manage such distances again. It is quite natural to feel sore the next day or that evening even, it is part of the journey - the highs and lows. The great thing for you is that you are way past the worst now, and are now emerging into the easiest stage of all, real life....

I found every day was vhastly different from the one before, and still had my 'moments' many months on from you, but they slowly disppear, you start to have many more 'good' days until the bad days become a thing of the past altogether, I am guessing this is very different for everyone, but all in all I think you can be confident you really will not be feeling like this forever! Honestly...I promise. I felt like crying a lot, but it passes.

Your consultant's advice needs to be followed, so whatever they advised would be right for your surgery. For me, I still keep to the 90 degree rule on some occasions, I am six months. I can put on socks and shoes easily, paint my toe nails, but I don't push it. I don't twist very often, not keen to find out if that would cause a problem or not.  I am becoming so much more confident, I run for the phone, work out every day and generally feel perfectly fine now, you will get there too. Don't rush it. You are doing brilliantly - start gradually testing to see what you can manage. Big hugs

 

6

Thanks Rose. I appreciate your words of wisdom and encouragement.😊

7

Thanks Fiona. Just needed a boost and some reinforcement. You hippies are so good for that.

Thats great to hear all of your accomplishments. Painting ones toenails is a feat that I am sure makes you look and feel good. Let you know when I get there.

best of luck to you too in your recovery and when the time comes to do the other hip.

 

8

Each stage of recovery has its challenges doesn't it? It is so frustrating to be able to do a good stretch of walking but not to bring able to do socks and shoes or own pedicure. Sometimes there seems no rhyme nor reason. But you did go a decent distance and it is not just the hip and connective tissues recovering ...your knee and foot joints are also adjusting to your new hip position, posture and gait. All of these can create referral and muscular pain as weĺl. The roller coaster description often used seems very apt to me when thiking about this frustration. Dit to the two-step .? ONE step for ward and two back at times.

Hang in there - one day the progress will stay steady albeit slower than anyone wants.

Hugs,

L .

9

Hi Cathy,

I'm now 18 weeks post op and life is back to normal for me and has been for a few weeks.  I'm doing everything I did before the OA set in with a vengeance.

At 12 weeks I attended a physiotherapy hip class and we were given exercises that broke the 90 degree rule - cycling, squats, kneeling down and getting up and many more.  I asked the physios running this group and they said if if my hip was going to pop out it would have done it by now, but proceed with care and if you feel uncomfortable then stop,  I would beware of the twisting!

Listen to your body, it will tell you when your overdoing it.

Good luck with your recovery and be patient.  It does take time and better safe than sorry.  

Cels Xx

10

Thanks Linda. Good description of the roller coaster feel and the reminder about the referred pain and adjustments in those other parts of my body. 

The hug feels good.

hugs to you too.

Cathy

11

Thanks CelsB. It is really helpful and hopeful to hear from you at 18 weeks and hear how well you are getting along. Good to know that normal is in sight. Just have to be patient and persevere.

Wow, that is awesome about you taking the physio hip class at 12 weeks and doing all of those activities and training. You are an inspiration.

12

Just got the hugs from you and I am smiling. A good friend loaned us his cottage for the day and I am looking out over a very quiet river with only the birds and chipmunks to hear. It is a spectacular morning and life is good. I see my surgeon next week to get the date for my second THR and I admit that I am becoming 'ready' to have it as my second hip is quite uncomfortable. And I am definitely very aware of how much better my first is now.I hope you get past ths frustrating stage soon, it truly tests one's patience.

All my best

Linda

13

How lovely that you are at a cottage enjoying nature Linda. So glad to hear you are feeling good today. I will endeavour to embrace those days like you are doing.

Brave soul, you and others going for a second THR.

Best of luck with your appointment and the next stages of your journey.

Cathy

14

It's taken me about 6 months to feel sort of normal .... even then, I limp with thigh pain/tightness.