Hip update 14 weeks post op

speedalong

(I had a hip resurface-replacement operation 14 weeks ago.)

I had my 2nd hospital check up yesterday and I saw a totally different doc that I have never met before and he did not know my history. He was a bit tricky to understand and he found me a little tricky to understand too.

Basically my x ray is sound and my hip has healed well. The 13 year old THR could last another 10 years .... (that is good too.) He said that he thinks the patient knows best .... We talked about my return to work and I said because of the lifiting, chasing and sitting on the floor etc (I teach children with special needs) I would struggle at the mo - he agreed and thinks another couple of months should do it. He was pleased with the range of movement and thought I was making very good progress. I have a check up in 3 months - not really sure why.

I didn't really have time to prepare for the appointment and didn't take a list or anything :shock: :roll: So I didn't really ask him any questions!! I'd gradually stopped the precautions at 12 weeks anyway and just try new things as and when ...

Speedy

PS imagine if I'd worn the TEDS - he'd have thought I was mad!!

ironic

Well that sounds very encouraging. It might be for the best to have the extra time off. I'm sure you will go on trying things out in the mean time. All adds to the confidence
When you go back in 3 months he will be able to assess how things are going when you have returned to work.
I cannot understand why you did not want to ware the TEDs for one last time

Lv, Ix

marion1952

Hi Speedy

I think that sounds really, really good ... all your hard work has paid off. Good to know that your other hip should be Ok for another 10 years as well..

I've noticed an improvement again in my hip this week (I am 15 weeks post op now). It does seem to improve in 'fits and starts' though.

I wish I was being seen again in 3 months though - your hospital does seem to look after you well!


Marion x

speedalong

Ironic,


Speedy

speedalong

Hi Marion,

I was glad for the reassurance re the older THR as that leg aches more than the new one and it was crossing my mind that maybe it was because it was wearing out ... now I can rest assured it is just complaining at the increase in exercise ... it really is pathetically weak when compared to the fab new hip! The consultant was pretty amazed at the discrepancy too ... he needed reminding that the strong leg was actually the new one!!

Although I'm having more check ups than you - yours sounded more thorough.

Speedy

barbara12

Hi Speedy
I am so pleased for you, you have done really well, and it is all down to you , well apart from the op (you know what I mean even if I dont).
I think you are wise to have the extra time off.
How is your son doing, I remember too well how you hadn't much time to get organised for your op, you did brilliant.
Keep up the good work
Love
Barbara xx

speedalong

Hi Barbara,

I do know what you mean - the surgeon does the metal work (or ceramic or plastic ..) but we are the ones who have to make ourselves do the rest .. encouraged by the distinct lack of pain ...

Do you have a date/time frame for your own op yet?

Speedy

dorcas

Hi speedy

great to read your 14weeks update...where did the time go???

lots of reassuring comments from the consultant about both hips...which is really good. very sensible too to wait before going back to work...especially with those tiny chairs. :roll:

Are there any activities left on your 'wish list' that you have still to conquer? you (and Marion) have done so amazingly well and it's been fascinating to follow your pre and post op journeys on the forum.

hope you and S are enjoying the summer hols. must be quite a contrast when you look back to a year ago

(((hugs)))

Iris x

skezier

Hi Ted Speedy

that is such good news and they certainly have looked after you so well

Can I ask you a stupid question please? When its all settled do the restrictions over bending stop? I know its a stupid question but well as you know my hips are not so good and I might be able to get cover for 3 months to have them sorted but worried a bit over the restrictions and if they are for ever?

Well done Flower you have been so determined ( You too Marion) that you give us cowards hope!

Hoping S and you get a bit of gun and outing before he goes back to school. ((( ))) Cris xx

chris7

Hi Speedy

Thanks for the update, so glad things are going well for you and think it wise you don't return to work too soon. Good news at least on your progress. Hope you are feeling more mobile these days and less restricted in what you can comfortably do.

Am intrigued to hear what you have to say to Cris as regards those restrictions as I am very much likely to be in the same boat at some point and fear I might never get back to my job. I guess it is down to the individual and their Consultants but would value your opinion on it.

take care
Chris

dreamdaisy

Distinct lack of pain. Nirvana. You lucky, lucky girl. Surely that makes the pre-op, op, and post-op malarkey so worth while. I am so pleased for you speedalong - what a lovely thing to read. DD

speedalong

Hi Iris,

mmm - my wishlist ..

- biggest aim is to not need the crutch - but need to apply patience to this one.

A lot of my wish list things are "works in progress" and will take awhile - getting up and down off floor easily without holding on!! Crouching down, carrying bigger items with both hands upstairs, "proper gardening" and INCREASING MY MUSCLE STAMINA ...

All icing on the cake really ...

Pain levels are MUCH better than this time last year, functionality - not so sure, just yet. By late autumn - the comparison is amazing - both pain and function wise ....

Speedy

speedalong

Hi Cris,

Can I ask you a stupid question please? When its all settled do the restrictions over bending stop? I know its a stupid question but well as you know my hips are not so good and I might be able to get cover for 3 months to have them sorted but worried a bit over the restrictions and if they are for ever?

Not a stupid question at all!! Very much depends on the type of replacement used - the larger the size of the ball the less likely it will dislocate as it will be a tighter fit inside the cup and more like a normal hip. Some types have a small head only and so aren't such a good fit and dislocate more easily.

It is also down to muscles - and you will score well on this one!! Good strong muscles will help keep it in the socket. With my old THR I bent to do shoelaces and picked things off floor, sat on the floor, kneeled, gardened, lifted all sorts.

The only movement I really avoid is raising the knee and twisting at the same time and bending and twisting at the same time as these replicate what the surgeon does to dislocate the joint when operating ...

I'm applying the same to my new hip ...

My THR was metal on metal and dislocation of resurface-replacements is even rarer ... I did look at my x ray to see what size the ball was on the THR - but of course you can't see the size of the ball - it is hidden in the cup!! DURR!!

I was really not looking forward to having my hip done this time round (especially if I was given another THR) and the forum really helped me realise that I was actually lucky to have been offered the very op I was dreading ....

Speedy

Chris7 this reply is for you too!! Speedy

speedalong

DD - yes after being in so much agony - the lack of pain is amazing. Makes me wonder why I waited so long!

Wish the other hip would stop complaining mind ... it's not nearly as bad as the other hip had got, but is niggling in the background...

Speedy

chris7

Thanks Speedy

For the clear explaination there which makes perfect sense. Very helpful and yet another question on my list for the Consultant in November. I was too shell shocked when I saw him the first time to ask him anything but thanks to you and the other hip peeps on the forum, I feel so much more prepared now. Cris, shall we stop being wimps and get this done?
thanks again speedy, take care
Chris x