Update - out-patient appointment 13 weeks post op THR

marion1952

Hi folks

I've just got back home from my out-patient appointment - 13 weeks after my THR.

I saw a specialist nurse (male) and he said I was doing very well and 'all restrictions were now lifted' - ie I can do (try) all the normal thngs now (apart from jogging or similar).

He put me through various exercises (lifting leg, moving it out to the side, etc) and apparently my muscles are 'very good' (that's a first for me).

He also checked my scar and said it was excellent.

I mentioned the ache in my hip which I get at the end of a day and the occasional twinge in my groin, and he said because of my RA and also because of taking methotrexate, my recovery could take 4-6 weeks longer than someone who was a 'standard hip replacement.'

Apparently my replacement hip is a plastic 'cup' and a ceramic 'ball.'

He looked at the swelling and the purple blotches on my leg/ankle and said it could take 6-12 months for this to disappear (my operated leg/ankle is about half as large again as my other leg/ankle). He told me to be careful in case I got cellulitis in my leg and, if so, I should get treatment (antibiotics) immediately..

I was so pleased I forgot to complain about not having any physio when I got home!! Anyway - seems like I did OK by myself (with thanks to Speedy for telling me what other exercises to do!)

So - the message was to keep walking, keep trying to do things and if something causes my hip to ache then to leave it for a couple of weeks and then try it again..

I'll be seen in 12 months.

Sorry this message is so long but I thought it might be useful to other 'hip people.'

Thanks again to everyone for the encouragement about me going back to work - I did an update on that thread last night ..

Marion x

barbara12

Marion that is such good news, I am so pleased for you, I think after 13 weeks you have done so well.
When you think what a big operation it has been, I suppose you can expect some twinges, you must still worry over these I know I would, its nice to have these check ups then they can put your mind at rest.
You keep on reporting back to us, it really dose help, thankyou
Love and hugs (((((())))))
Barbara xx
Ps are you still using a stick or crutch.

marion1952

Hi Barbara

Yes, I'm still using one crutch, but not all the time - less and less each day actually. The nurse did not put me under any pressure whatsoever to stop using it - he just said glad to see I wasn't using two!

I've just remembered - I forgot to ask if my new joint was cemented or cementless!

Wrightington looked beautiful with the sun shining on the lake near the bridge Barbara, and the ducks were out..


Marion x

barbara12

marion1952 wrote:

Hi Barbara

Yes, I'm still using one crutch, but not all the time - less and less each day actually. The nurse did not put me under any pressure whatsoever to stop using it - he just said glad to see I wasn't using two!

I've just remembered - I forgot to ask if my new joint was cemented or cementless!

Wrightington looked beautiful with the sun shining on the lake near the bridge Barbara, and the ducks were out..


Marion x

Hi Marion It is a lovely setting for an hospital, and they have a really good car boot once a month,
You take care
Love
Barbara xx

speedalong

Hi Marion,

so you "passed" your check up with flying colours - well done. And your muscles are fab - wow - that is an acolade indeed.

Sounds like a positive appointment indeed.

Mine is next Thursday.

Speedy

PS Did they x-ray your hip?

marion1952

Thanks Speedy

No - I didn't have an x-ray today - I was expecting one, but apparently they don't do them for THRs - I got the feeling (from overhearing a conversation) that they had stopped doing them fairly recently.....

He had my discharge x-ray on screen and I asked whether my other hip was OK .. he said there were some minor changes in that hip, but nothing to worry about (as yet??).

I asked about dislocation and he said it would be very very rare indeed for it to dislocate at this stage. He showed me a movement that WOULD cause dislocation - it was lifting the knee high up towards the chest and then turning it INWARDS.

I was interested to read Mike's post about never being able to tie shoelaces again.. I hadn't realised that..

Best wishes

Marion


I have just read Mike's update and

dreamdaisy

wow! I think you have done remarkably well - what a good recovery! Well done you - it all sounds so good and positive. DD

marion1952

Thanks DD.. just need to get my RA properly under control again now and I will be a new(ish) woman...

Marion

woodbon

Hi, that sounds like very good news. You must be pleased. I've not had joint replacement surgery but I've had as few other things done, including carpel tunnel release and the scar on my hand has only just stopped feeling strange. When I asked the surgeon, he said it takes about 18 months after surgery for things to heal and feel back to normal. I know that was true of my other tummy ops but they were bigger, but he was right about the hand scar. Its now 18 months or so and it feels fine.

If you'r worried, go and see your GP, its much better than letting things go. Love Sue

ironic

Well done Marion. What a relief. Onwards and upwards now. How's the first week back at work going?
Excellent feed back from the appointment.

Skate boarding down the corridors before Christmas then

Lv, Ix

skezier

Hi Marion,

Glad it all went ell today and hope work is also still ok... and if its 3/3 has Poppy managed to stay clean today

You take it a bit easy and get the 2 girls to make you a cuppa..... I have almost got my loons to make it but can't as yet stop the from drinking it..... Fingers crossed it jeeps all going ok for you. ((( ))) Cris xx

speedalong

Hi Marion,

I think what Mike's ortho said re shoelaces is another one of those some say you can and some say you can't .... Youe consultant didn't say you couldn't did he? I have been tying shoelaces on my THR leg by bending down for years ....

I was told after my first op about the knee bent up and turning inwards being a definite no-no and also of equal importance not to bend down AND twist at the same time.

Was your RA under control before the op?

speedy