Mobility after hip replacement

helenheenan

Hello everybody - I'm new to this forum. I had a total hip replacement 6 weeks ago, and am very pleased with my progress. I'm 62, quite fit and active, and live on my own.

I saw a consultant two days ago for my 6 week follow up and was surprised at some of the answers to my questions.

When I asked about when I would know it was OK to cross legs at the knee, bend from the hip, and so on, he said I should always avoid those actions, because there will always be a danger the hip could dislocate. For the rest of my life! I was very surprised at this, and it doesn't tally with what I have learned from people who have had this operation. They have regained almost total mobility, and are careful only in the sense that they don't go skiing, or undertake obviously risky activities like that.

Am I being unrealistic in hoping I will be able to cross my legs, bend from the hip, (cut my toenails!!!)???

skezier

Hi Helen,

Sorry I can't help with your question but I just wanted to say Hello and welcome to the forum. They are good people here and I am sure someone who does know will be along soon. Take care, Cris

woodbon

Hi, First of all, I want welcome you to the formum. I am sure you will find it useful, I am glad you found it!

I too, haven't had anything like your op. sorry. I do know that crossing your legs gets you a good telling off in hospital!!! :shock: As I have done that, :oops: I'm sure someone with the experience of your op will be along in a few miniutes and be able to help you.

Hope to talk to you again soon.

Love Sue

collettem

Hi, I had my op in march and my consultant said that after six months could cross legs as long as I did not turn the foot inwards, he give me no other restrictions apart from no high impact exercise ever.

Hope this helps

C

tanith

Hi and welcome... I had my THR 5yrs ago and do have much better mobility than before my op.. I do most of the things your mention including bending from the hip and managing to cut toe-nails.. but its not like having a completely natural hip, I find I can't lift my knee very high and have difficulty getting up from the floor or getting down for that matter but that could also be my arthritic knees coming into play...
I would say gradually do what feels comfortable, if your hip feels uncomfortable doing a certain thing then be governed by that and don't push it... I know people who horse ride and canoe after THR.. so its possible to be fully mobile, I guess your consultant is just being cautious

tkachev

Hello and welcome.
I had my op 5 weeks ago and was wondering if and when I would be able to do these things.
I met a guy the other day who goes skating with a hip replacement.
I used to love dancing and I was hoping I might eventually do so again.The thought of never dancing again is very upsetting.I dont want to spend the rest of my life treading on eggshells.
I will be asking similar questions at my check up in a few weeks

Take care Tkachev

dachshund

Hi Hellen. welcome to the site.
I've had my thr i6 years and i was only told not to cross my legs
I go to the hydrotherapy pool and the gym i go on the tredmill and the exersize bike and ball.
all the best joan xx

vonski

Hi Helen

I haven't had op either but just wanted to welcome you to the site. A friend who had the op many years ago had to be very careful but hopefully things have moved forward since then. If it was me and I felt confident I might try something but very very carefully.

Love
Vonski x

ikesother

Hi, i had a THR 2 weeks ago, and the advice on leaflets from the hospital is as your doctor advised. Having said that, alot of people seem to discard the advice after a few months or so. I myself, will be cautious. I want this hip to last a while, ( Im 42 )so as soon as Im able, im off to do some gentle exercises at the gym

elnafinn

tkachev wrote:

Hello and welcome.
I had my op 5 weeks ago and was wondering if and when I would be able to do these things.
I met a guy the other day who goes skating with a hip replacement.
I used to love dancing and I was hoping I might eventually do so again.The thought of never dancing again is very upsetting.I dont want to spend the rest of my life treading on eggshells.
I will be asking similar questions at my check up in a few weeks

Take care Tkachev

Hi Tk

I have read that dancing is ok after a THR so you will be ok

Luv
Elna xx

elnafinn

helenheenan wrote:

Hello everybody - I'm new to this forum. I had a total hip replacement 6 weeks ago, and am very pleased with my progress. I'm 62, quite fit and active, and live on my own.

I saw a consultant two days ago for my 6 week follow up and was surprised at some of the answers to my questions.

When I asked about when I would know it was OK to cross legs at the knee, bend from the hip, and so on, he said I should always avoid those actions, because there will always be a danger the hip could dislocate. For the rest of my life! I was very surprised at this, and it doesn't tally with what I have learned from people who have had this operation. They have regained almost total mobility, and are careful only in the sense that they don't go skiing, or undertake obviously risky activities like that.

Am I being unrealistic in hoping I will be able to cross my legs, bend from the hip, (cut my toenails!!!)???

Hi Helen

Dare I say, it sounds as if your consultant is being extra careful. I do not remember my mum not crossing her legs and not cutting her toenails after her hip op. She really just got on with her life, without giving her hip a second thought, when it had all healed up and she had sort of forgotten she had had the op, if you know what I mean.

I know a TKR is different but my consultant said that I would only get a 90 degree knee bend, mine is more than that and I told him so at my 6 week check! He raised his eyebrows a little
He told me I would not be able to kneel but I can and do. It is not as comfortable as it used to be, but I can do it.

I agree with Vonski, that I would try to do things gently if I felt I would be ok to do so. We know our own bodies more than anyone - obviously one has to be sensible about this though.

I wish you well,

Luv
Elna x

denpen

Hi Helen
I am due to have my THR (hopefully) within a couple of weeks. When I saw the consultant he told me that I will NEVER be able to do certain things again, BUT I went to see occy health 2 weeks ago and she said you can do most things again after, just be careful a lot of people are involved in sports and they carry on after a THR without problem, my main concern was swimming as I can only do breast stroke and I know that you should avoid this because of the leg movements, so I will have to learn to swim front crawl in future. There will be a way around anything if you just put your mind and determination to it.
(ps. my brother has had a THR and ankle replacement and it hasnt stopped him doing anything at all.)
Denise

ritnew

I had my THR 12 weeks ago and have just finished decorating my living room. I didn't think I'd manage the skirting boards but I did, I sat on the floor and shuffled round the room. It has taken me longer than normal but I stopped when I got a bit achey.
I've now started to tackle the garden.

Rita X