Joint replacement, how is it for you?

Littlejem

Hi I'm having a hip replacement next weekend and I've been told/warned of all the things that I shouldn't do in case I damage/move the joint. What I'd like to ask is how long do I have to be careful eg not bend more than 90 degrees not twist my leg etc and if you've had a replacement joint, are there things that you can now do that you couldn't before?

stickywicket

This might help, littlejem.
http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/PublicationsandResources/Selfmanagement/Treatmentstherapies
As I recall, the booklet on Surgery is second down.

You should be told what to do after surgery. The main thing is to rest it and exercise it and leave everything else to someone else if you have someone else to leave it to.

The sleeping on the back is for 6 weeks. Not crossing your leg, bending and not getting your knee above the hip level depends on how soon you can get the muscles strong again. The whole point is to avoid dislocation which can happen with a new joint when the muscles are still weak. If you do the prescribed exercises, before and after the op, your muscles will strengthen more quickly. Walking alone isn't enough though. It has to be the exercises. Gradually, you'll start to become aware of how far you can bend - slowly - without doing any damage.

I can't help on the 'what can you do now that you couldn't do before' front as my OA was caused by my RA so I got to walk again afterwards, which was good but there was still a lot I couldn't do owing to the other joints.

I've had two THRs and no problems at all. I hope yours goes every bit as well.

elnafinn

Hi Littlejem

Just wishing you all the best for your THR. I would have thought you would have been given some post op info by the consultant or had a chance to ask him some questions at your appointment. Perhaps you have only thought about them now. I would not worry too much. I am sure the physios you see in the hossie before your discharge will put your mind at ease with any questions you have. They are the best people to ask. Get the op over first and then it will be time for all the questions about recovery.

Elna x

Helenbothknees

I had both knees replaced, not hips, but if you want answers to what can be done with replacement joints that I couldn't do before....

1) Walk without pain, up to a couple of miles so far (8 months) and gradually doing more.
2) Climb stairs easily, even two at a time when I feel like it (I'm a bit mad that way).
3) Enjoy swimming without my knees aching.
4) Enjoy shopping trips again.
5) Do the gardening easily.
Actually, everything else is going to be along the lines of "Do....without pain". To summarise, best thing I ever did and I've got my life back. And I gather hips are even more likely to be successful than knees.

elainebadknee

Hi Littlejem

Im 4.5 months post TKR and the answer to your questions as far as Im concerned is:-

Cons...
Can't swim very well no matter what stroke I do.
Still getting pain and aches in knee daily.
Cannot walk any further than could do before operation but it is early days Im told...
Cannot kneel or squat but again early days.
Still using crutch as knee feels weak.
I now have bursitis of hips as result of how i walked.

Pro's
Knee is no number than before.
My diseased osteochondritis dissecans is gone.
I lost over 3.5 stone for operation.
Can now go upright exercise bike but cannot go on recumbent bike.
My scar is healing very well compared to loose body removals in my 20's (im 44).

So its pretty even as far as im concerned....

Good luck for next weekend..
Elainexx

Littlejem wrote:

Hi I'm having a hip replacement next weekend and I've been told/warned of all the things that I shouldn't do in case I damage/move the joint. What I'd like to ask is how long do I have to be careful eg not bend more than 90 degrees not twist my leg etc and if you've had a replacement joint, are there things that you can now do that you couldn't before?

barbara12

Hello Littlegem
I haven't had any joints replaced yet, but I do wish you well with your op...and if you need us all there just say...
I am sure they will tell you all the ins and outs...but you make sure you ask all the questions you need to....suppose that will be after your op now...
Please let us know how you get on ...xx

chookgate

I have had both knees replaced - sorry no experience of hip replacement, but things I can do now (3.5 and 7 months post each TKR)

1 Stand up straight
2 Get out of a chair
3 Walk (okay I could walk about 15 yards before but now I haven't yet reached my limit) unaided
4 Stand to wait for things (bus, lift, queue), and long enough to cook a meal (definite no no before)
5 Go up stairs with no problems
6 Go downstairs a lot easier than before (still working on that one!)
7 Cycle properly - I was cycling before but because I couldn't bend my knees enough I was pedalling with my heels on the pedals and I was probably a bit dangerous!
8 Turn over in bed
9 And as Helen said - lots of things I could do before, but now with NO pain!

I've still got a way to go, I'm told improvements continue to happen for up to a year post surgery, but I think I've probably got to about 85-90% of "normal" knee function.

kathbee

Hi Littlegem

I had a right hip replacement December 2009 and I can honestly say that everything went really smoothly. I had no problems after the op and considering that prior to the op I could not bear to put my right foot to the floor, walking was dire and so were everyday things. I was in hospital for 9 days but that was because it was christmas and the physios were not working for a couple of days.

Last July I had a right knee replacement and whilst I have full bend and movement, I do have some discomfort and a little pain which I expected to be gone by now. I was in hospital for 3 days on this occasion.
I do have RA and OA and I am knocking on a bit

Hope all goes well for you, follow the advice of the physios and docs and all should be fine.
Let us know how it goes.

Kath

dachshund

Hello Littlegem
i had a thr 17 years ago after a fall. i did all the exersises i was told and i have not had a pain or a problem with it. i have had a tkr as well annd a triple fusion on my foot.
good luck to you.
joan xx