whats a hip replacement like?

collettem

newark wrote:

Well, I did it. Went in for my op on Sat 10th Jan and came home the following Sunday. Had both hips replaced at once.

My surgeon insists his patients stay in bed for four days (I wasn't complaining!) so I didn't stand up until later in the week. I don't know about anyone else but I was amazed that it didn't hurt to stand. I was on paracetamol, codiene and small amounts of oral morphiene (for the first few days) but even so.

Everything felt stiff and awkward to move but none of it was unbearable. I can honestly say that in spite of the surgery pain I was in less pain even the day after surgery than before.

i was on crutches when I came out of hospital, down to one crutch within 2 weeks after that and none after a further couple of weeks.

Provided I took regular little walks and rested as well as doing the physio exercises it all went well. I have now learnt to walk properly again - it's been a lot of years - and am gradually getting back to normal.

Lots of patience and a liking for daytime TV essential!!

All in all it's not been a bad experience, all of it bearable and kind of exciting to have a full nights sleep. Two things helped; 1) i made sure I didn;t eat or drink too much the day before the op and 2) I took Arnica tablets just before the op and regularly afterwards. These help reduce the internal bruising and swelling and will not interfer with any other medication. My whole family swears by these for any op. Get them from your local homeopathic store.

I still swell up a little bit at the end of the day - oh another tip - make sure you buy knickers at least two sizes bigger and have a dress or very baggy clothes for afterwards. I went in a 10 and left a size 18 in bottom half! Dont worry, the swelling goes down quickly and I am back into normal clothes for the most part now.

Just thought I would share my experience on here as I know how scared I was before I made my decision to go ahead. I now know how you others who have had it done mean - whatever was I waiting for? x

hi there,

Congrats you seem to have recovered really quickly. I also went for my op on the 3rd march, so still only a few weeks for me at the minute but getting better. For me the worst is having to lie on my back as I have back problems but only a few more weeks of it to go. All in all it has not been to bad
My muscles were very week before the op so although I am on two crutches most of the time I do a bit without but am a bit wobbly and of balance. My bruising is nearly away and the swelling not to bad but I was told it could last for three to six months. I think at this stage I am fed up being in the house as the weather is so bad which results in me spending my time on ebay

I can however say that the pain you felt before does go and it is only muscular pain which you know is going to go away and I know I will be up on my feet soon

Take care

Collette

newark

hi there,

Congrats you seem to have recovered really quickly. I also went for my op on the 3rd march, so still only a few weeks for me at the minute but getting better. For me the worst is having to lie on my back as I have back problems but only a few more weeks of it to go. All in all it has not been to bad
My muscles were very week before the op so although I am on two crutches most of the time I do a bit without but am a bit wobbly and of balance. My bruising is nearly away and the swelling not to bad but I was told it could last for three to six months. I think at this stage I am fed up being in the house as the weather is so bad which results in me spending my time on ebay

I can however say that the pain you felt before does go and it is only muscular pain which you know is going to go away and I know I will be up on my feet soon

Take care

Collette[/quote]


Hi Collette,

You are doing well, only coming up for 3 weeks! Hang in there, you will get up and about. The best thing to do is look at what you can do this week compared to last rather than what you can't do.

The frustration is terrible I know. I've completely lost my verbal censor and just say whatever comes into my head to people now as I have been out of proper company for so long. Funnily enough they don't always appreciate it

I still sleep on my back as it's a bit tender on the sides and the longer you can keep the precautions going the better you will heal around the new joints.

Time will pass quicker than you think and you will find yourself getting up and walking before you know it. It's a confidence thing as well isn't it? Just let it happen in it's own time, you can't afford to rush it (I am the worlds most impatient person so appreciate how hard that is). I'm loving using my WII Fit to correct my balance. To start with I went over the right as that was my weaker / worst side before the op. The balance board has helped me to sort that out.

I agree, being off work for three months has cost me a fortune online! Amazon has a lot to answer for.

x

collettem

newark wrote:

hi there,

Congrats you seem to have recovered really quickly. I also went for my op on the 3rd march, so still only a few weeks for me at the minute but getting better. For me the worst is having to lie on my back as I have back problems but only a few more weeks of it to go. All in all it has not been to bad
My muscles were very week before the op so although I am on two crutches most of the time I do a bit without but am a bit wobbly and of balance. My bruising is nearly away and the swelling not to bad but I was told it could last for three to six months. I think at this stage I am fed up being in the house as the weather is so bad which results in me spending my time on ebay

I can however say that the pain you felt before does go and it is only muscular pain which you know is going to go away and I know I will be up on my feet soon

Take care

Collette

Hi Collette,

You are doing well, only coming up for 3 weeks! Hang in there, you will get up and about. The best thing to do is look at what you can do this week compared to last rather than what you can't do.

The frustration is terrible I know. I've completely lost my verbal censor and just say whatever comes into my head to people now as I have been out of proper company for so long. Funnily enough they don't always appreciate it

I still sleep on my back as it's a bit tender on the sides and the longer you can keep the precautions going the better you will heal around the new joints.

Time will pass quicker than you think and you will find yourself getting up and walking before you know it. It's a confidence thing as well isn't it? Just let it happen in it's own time, you can't afford to rush it (I am the worlds most impatient person so appreciate how hard that is). I'm loving using my WII Fit to correct my balance. To start with I went over the right as that was my weaker / worst side before the op. The balance board has helped me to sort that out.

I agree, being off work for three months has cost me a fortune online! Amazon has a lot to answer for.


Hi,

Sounds like you are doing really well. I know what you mean sometimes when I go without the crutches it is a bad limp or a speed wobble, but I will get there. I was thinking of buying a wii and a wii fit for the recovery and was wondering would you recommend it? and how soon did you start using it after the op( anything that helps me get back out dancing I will do it.)

Yeah I know what you mean bout the precautions, some say to keep them going for tweve weeks but it is hard, When did you start doing normal things like putting on your socks etc and have you managed to get out socialising yet. Questions I know but is good to know from someone who is a bit ahead of me and sure it keeps me of the dreaded ebay.

Have you went back to work yet as I think the shock me driving to work and sitting all day will exhaust me so may get the berroca out.

Anyway good to hear you are nearly there and have no regrets. I was having a few moments during the week and wondering if I had made a big mistake, but I think when you are young that is normal

Take care

Collette
x[/quote]

newark

Hi Collette,

My physio told me to continue with the crutches to start with as trying to walk without them could train the muscles into bad habits. The funniest thing is when you walk for a few paces without them to start with - I looked like a baby orangutan!

I got the Wii Fit after my op and had a go at about 4/5 weeks. I could only do the very simple marble balance game and some of the body tests. It is good as it shows your centre of gravity. I now do the step, boxing, hula hoop, slalom and balance games. It's a good way of getting a work out when the whether is bad too.

I'm going back to work at the end of my three months. I'm going part time for the first two weeks (works idea so I don't get too tired). I'm hoping to start driving after next weeks visit to hosp. I know they say 6 weeks but when you've had both done it takes a bit longer. When you get to 8 weeks try sitting in your car (might have to move seat back first) then just pressing on the pedals. I'm lucky in that my job is such that I can go and lie down for 10 mins if I want to.

I visited my work at 6 weeks (got a lift there and back) and again at 8 weeks and this week. I felt really shaky when I first went in which is normal apparently. It's good to keep going in to keep the familiarity I think and stops building up any barriers to going back.

You sound like you've got the determination to progress well, that's half the battle.

I still use the gadget to put my socks on as can only just reach my feet. I did get rid of the yetti look I was going for on my legs today though . I know what you mean about wanting to move things on quickly though. I went to a physio privately because I thought i should be doing more and she put me straight. Definitely not at the no pain no gain stage until well after 12 weeks. The last thing we want to do is pop a hip!

Sorry this went on a bit - I don't get to speak to that many people at the mo

Feel free to ask any questions, happy to share and help if I can. It's nice to talk to someone else going through the same thing.

Lorraine
x

collettem

newark wrote:

Hi Collette,

My physio told me to continue with the crutches to start with as trying to walk without them could train the muscles into bad habits. The funniest thing is when you walk for a few paces without them to start with - I looked like a baby orangutan!

I got the Wii Fit after my op and had a go at about 4/5 weeks. I could only do the very simple marble balance game and some of the body tests. It is good as it shows your centre of gravity. I now do the step, boxing, hula hoop, slalom and balance games. It's a good way of getting a work out when the whether is bad too.

I'm going back to work at the end of my three months. I'm going part time for the first two weeks (works idea so I don't get too tired). I'm hoping to start driving after next weeks visit to hosp. I know they say 6 weeks but when you've had both done it takes a bit longer. When you get to 8 weeks try sitting in your car (might have to move seat back first) then just pressing on the pedals. I'm lucky in that my job is such that I can go and lie down for 10 mins if I want to.

I visited my work at 6 weeks (got a lift there and back) and again at 8 weeks and this week. I felt really shaky when I first went in which is normal apparently. It's good to keep going in to keep the familiarity I think and stops building up any barriers to going back.

You sound like you've got the determination to progress well, that's half the battle.

I still use the gadget to put my socks on as can only just reach my feet. I did get rid of the yetti look I was going for on my legs today though . I know what you mean about wanting to move things on quickly though. I went to a physio privately because I thought i should be doing more and she put me straight. Definitely not at the no pain no gain stage until well after 12 weeks. The last thing we want to do is pop a hip!

Sorry this went on a bit - I don't get to speak to that many people at the mo

Feel free to ask any questions, happy to share and help if I can. It's nice to talk to someone else going through the same thing.

Lorraine
x

Hi Lorraine,

I know what it is like going stir crazy my friends are all an hour away as 'I am recovering at my parents. I def must get the Wii as I think it will help me and make me feel like I am doing something and maybe stop me wanting to eat all the time.

I know what you mean about wanting to do everything now. Everyone tells you that after six weeks its fine but I really dont think that it is as quick as that for us young ones and we def dont want to ruin them.

It will be weird getting back to normal I will prob be a bit of a nightmare when I get back out to the pubs and dancing (eventually) about popping it but I think If I can take a few months to get the muscles as strong as possible it will make all the difference.

I dont think I will be in work until I go back as if I did they would thnk that I am fit enough to go back and have me in the door.

Thats a good idea about the car, as the thought of driving scares me a bit especially city driving and I need to be driving to go back to work.

I told them I would prob be back after twelve weeks to as I wanted to try and get physio, but I dont have my review until may with the consultant so will see then.

I am about most days so if you bored or fancy a chat email me, sure it might save us a bit of money from our online shopping habits

Take Care

Collette

newark

Hi Collette,

You'll be dancing again in no time. I hadn't even considered that I would have to work out how to walk normally again - of course I hadn't for such a long time before the op it was odd. Got much more wriggle in my wiggle now!

I'm guessing your dressings are either off or about to come off together with staples - that's not too bad. I meant to say before, if you haven't done so already invest in some bio oil. This is fantastic to gently massage into the scars twice a day once you are dressing free. Turned my stomach to do this to start with but well worth it. My scars are now just deep pink lines, no raised bits or anything. (Also helps with all the stretch marks that appear thanks to the swelling :roll: ).

I've been into the city centre today by myself for a few hours. Had to stop for a coffee and rest obviously but all ok. Still can't quite get on a bus so having to taxi it.

I know what you mean about work thinking you are ok - I make sure they know I'm not when I go in just in case. I had thought the magic six weeks would mean I could do loads - apparently not! If I had known I couldn't physically bend further I wouldn't have been so paranoid about doing it accidentally up till that point.

I haved turned into a lady who lunches now as I can manage meals out. Fortunately I have friends who either work shifts as well as those who do normal hours so I can get quite a few in during the week.

I'm at parents too. Lovely and helpful but ever so slightly doing my head in.

Hope you have a good weekend.

Lorraine
x

collettem

newark wrote:

Hi Collette,

You'll be dancing again in no time. I hadn't even considered that I would have to work out how to walk normally again - of course I hadn't for such a long time before the op it was odd. Got much more wriggle in my wiggle now!

I'm guessing your dressings are either off or about to come off together with staples - that's not too bad. I meant to say before, if you haven't done so already invest in some bio oil. This is fantastic to gently massage into the scars twice a day once you are dressing free. Turned my stomach to do this to start with but well worth it. My scars are now just deep pink lines, no raised bits or anything. (Also helps with all the stretch marks that appear thanks to the swelling :roll: ).

I've been into the city centre today by myself for a few hours. Had to stop for a coffee and rest obviously but all ok. Still can't quite get on a bus so having to taxi it.

I know what you mean about work thinking you are ok - I make sure they know I'm not when I go in just in case. I had thought the magic six weeks would mean I could do loads - apparently not! If I had known I couldn't physically bend further I wouldn't have been so paranoid about doing it accidentally up till that point.

I haved turned into a lady who lunches now as I can manage meals out. Fortunately I have friends who either work shifts as well as those who do normal hours so I can get quite a few in during the week.

I'm at parents too. Lovely and helpful but ever so slightly doing my head in.

Hope you have a good weekend.

Lorraine
x

Hi there,

How was your weekend, I am quite sore today, was only doing 3 half hour walks but think I need to cut it down a wee bit, oh I never thought it would be this slow. How long were you on the crutches I am trying to come of them now but may be being a bit hasty.

I am sure you are delighted to be going back to work at least you might save some money from the old retail therapy, Anyway if you have anymore wee hints and tips for the recovery they would be much appreciated

Collette

newark

Hi,

Actually the physio did say to me that it didn't hurt to have rest days when I felt a bit more tired or sore. You sound just like me, determined to get the walking going etc. Even today went for a walk and ended up cutting it short to come home because I felt sore. Went jogging in the swimming pool yesterday (with a floatation belt so no impact) and although I didn't feel the effects then obviously I did work my legs as they are tired today.

I think I was using two crutches up until 4 weeks then down to one. Once I was on one I wold try to do a little bit of my walk not using it (provided I could do it without limping too much). By 6 weeks I just used it for going up and down the stairs.

The thing is, using the crutches aren't going to slow down recovery so it doesn't hurt to keep using them for as long as needed.

I went back to the hospital at 5 weeks and was shocked when the Doctor asked me to bend my knee to my chest. Spent so long being careful not to bend that far couldn't make my legs do it. The Doctor then bent my legs for me and said they were fine as it was just surgical pain stopping me. JUST!

I'm going again on friday as it will be 11 weeks on Saturday.

Are you still seeing the outreach physios? Have you found the exercises ok to do? Managing to get a good nights sleep?

Take care.

Lorraine
x

collettem

newark wrote:

Hi,

Actually the physio did say to me that it didn't hurt to have rest days when I felt a bit more tired or sore. You sound just like me, determined to get the walking going etc. Even today went for a walk and ended up cutting it short to come home because I felt sore. Went jogging in the swimming pool yesterday (with a floatation belt so no impact) and although I didn't feel the effects then obviously I did work my legs as they are tired today.

I think I was using two crutches up until 4 weeks then down to one. Once I was on one I wold try to do a little bit of my walk not using it (provided I could do it without limping too much). By 6 weeks I just used it for going up and down the stairs.

The thing is, using the crutches aren't going to slow down recovery so it doesn't hurt to keep using them for as long as needed.

I went back to the hospital at 5 weeks and was shocked when the Doctor asked me to bend my knee to my chest. Spent so long being careful not to bend that far couldn't make my legs do it. The Doctor then bent my legs for me and said they were fine as it was just surgical pain stopping me. JUST!

I'm going again on friday as it will be 11 weeks on Saturday.

Are you still seeing the outreach physios? Have you found the exercises ok to do? Managing to get a good nights sleep?

Take care.

Lorraine
x

Hi there, I am four weeks now and try a bit with the cruthes, though I do not think the muscles are strong enough so will just have to be patient, as I have a bad back I have been advised to go straight to one crutch so will just have to keep working on the exercises. I dont have my hospital apt until may which is nine weeks after the op quite a while, I remember in the hospital every time the consultant came in he would bend the knee up and I used to freak out. Went into asda today for half an hour and could feel my back and the muscle around the scar getting sore, it is so frustrating, but if I could loose a bit of weight it would help.

You are doing well to be back swimming, my wii fit arrived but the nurse called me the other day and told me to put it away for another week or two. I never had outreach physio only in the hospital. My sleep is getting better but lying on my back is not the greatest for my back and for some strange reason my heels are killing me.

Anyway I will keep plugging away at the walking and the exercises and hope in a week or two I will see a Change.

Chat soon

Collette

collettem

Hi Lorraine,

Hope all is well, how did you go at your 11 week apt, do all precautions still apply, some people say 12 weeks so not really sure, even though I am only on week5 (on tues) wondering how long this has to go on.

Thanks

Collette

newark

collettem wrote:

Hi Lorraine,

Hope all is well, how did you go at your 11 week apt, do all precautions still apply, some people say 12 weeks so not really sure, even though I am only on week5 (on tues) wondering how long this has to go on.

Thanks

Collette

Hi Colette,

I am doing well thanks - how is your recovery going?

At my Hosp appointment I saw a house Doctor so apart from being told it was all ok didn't get much else out of him. Can drive now, it's not the most comfortable thing to do so just doing short trips to start with. Have to call my insurance company to let them know have had op and been given all clear.

I'm not keeping to the 90 degree precaution any more bu I am still being careful with twisting. Have been practising getting up and down off the floor - that's a lot harder than it looks now! Have found the best way is to go down on knees then roll onto back and reverse it to get up. Still tender on my sides though so don't feel like laying on them.

I am desperate to get back to fitness so it's really frustrating when the muscles around my hips get tired so quickly. It will improve though.

You are now at your 6 weeks aren't you? At least you don't have to be quite to cautious now, which is good. Hang in there, still a way to go. I did find that even when I didn't have to stick to precautions I pretty much did - the restrictions of surgery pain etc didn't give me much choice
Are you getting out for walks regularly?

Hope it's going well. Take care.

Lorraine
x

collettem

Hiya,

you seem to me coming on really quick. I am six weeks on tue but finding it slow. I over did the exercises so my knee got quite inflamed so had to rest it, walking a bit on my own well limping, but my back and muscle round the scar get sore quickly. I feel at this stage I shold be doing more but I have learned that I can't rush it. I feel like a baby learning to walk as everyone keeps asking me am I of the crutches yet.

Kneeling was one of the things I was wondering if I would be able to do, for straighting my hair (vanity) cant wait to get rid of the yeti look but I think it will be a while before I can do that.

It must feel scary driving again knowing the muscles are weak but good as well to be able to go out and about. Have you managed a nite out yet or is it still to early and how does it feel to be back at work.

On the plus side have being playing two games on the wii the football and the other balance one, Like you I wish I could do more as I put on weight to easily and when you are sitting around there is to much temptation.

Glad to hear you are progressinng well and chat soon

Collette

newark

Hi there,

I am so sorry to have abandoned you like that. I went back to work and pretty much did three half days then was there full time. We are so busy in May / June / July (I work at a University) that just haven't stopped.

I did go to one of Jason Vales Ultimate Retreats in June - was amazing. Have been juicing on and off for a few years but am now a complete convert. Have been eating healthy and juicing every day since I have been back. Feel so much better too - all that pineapple for natural anti inflammatory is great. Oh the fun of setting off security alarms at the airport - everytime. Will just have to get used to that.

I am back at the gym but still taking it easy as my muscles still get tired. Working on strengthening them. Completely forget i have had them done, running up and down stairs at work. Oh and the sleep - fantastic.

So, Collette, how are you doing? You must be back at work now?

Anyone else out there in rehabilitation mode too?

Hope all is going well. I'll try not to disappear again.

Lx

collettem

newark wrote:

Hi there,

I am so sorry to have abandoned you like that. I went back to work and pretty much did three half days then was there full time. We are so busy in May / June / July (I work at a University) that just haven't stopped.

I did go to one of Jason Vales Ultimate Retreats in June - was amazing. Have been juicing on and off for a few years but am now a complete convert. Have been eating healthy and juicing every day since I have been back. Feel so much better too - all that pineapple for natural anti inflammatory is great. Oh the fun of setting off security alarms at the airport - everytime. Will just have to get used to that.

I am back at the gym but still taking it easy as my muscles still get tired. Working on strengthening them. Completely forget i have had them done, running up and down stairs at work. Oh and the sleep - fantastic.

So, Collette, how are you doing? You must be back at work now?

Anyone else out there in rehabilitation mode too?

Hope all is going well. I'll try not to disappear again.

Lx

Hi there,

Glad to hear you are keeping well. I know what it is like I am back three days at the minute and with the exercises and things it takes up your time never mind trying to get the social life going again.

You seem to be making really good progress. I only had the right hip replaced and its great though muscles need a lot of work, at the gym doing the exercise bike. Though my other hip is playing up and giving way, has been for six wks so I finally rang the consultant and have to see him in a fortnight, not sure I am ready for another one. I must give the pinapple a go am trying to eat more fruit and juicing is an easy way to get it. I am going on hol in August and am a bit worried bout the airport thing, do you have a wee card or anything.

I am looking forward to the nite I can go out dancing, at the minute when I am out I look like somone doing armchair aerobics but it will come, it is scary how week your muscles get, but the gym have been great doing me up programmes and stuff and am thankful to be back to exercise. Have a great wkd and hope work calms down a bit for you so you can enjoy the new hips

Collette

cupcake74

I'm 31 and having my hip replaced in 4 weeks time. I'm really scared but every aspect of my life has been affected by the pain and lack of movement I have that I felt like I had no other choice. I realise that I will probably have to have it replaced in the future, but I'd prefer to be living my life to the full now and face that when it comes. I've found that my hip has deteriorated pretty quickly from what I was this time last year, so don't leave it too long.

I'll happily keep you posted on how I'm doing and let you know 1st hand what it's like.

Good luck what ever you decide

newark

Hi Cupcake74,

Good for you making the decision to go ahead with the replacement – I know how long it took me and how hard it was.

As you can see from the threads here it is a bit of a long haul but worth it. I can’t put into words how much better I feel. The muscles are weak and need work but if you are determined and make sure you get the balance of exercise and rest right it does pay off. I am now getting back to more normal exercises in Pilate – god knows it took me long enough to work out how to get up and down off the floor with having both done!

Just make sure you have got your oversized knickers and some loose dresses – much easier to manage in those. You really do swell up from the op but it goes down over the weeks following. At least you are in the summer. I was going out for walks in dresses, legwarmers and Ugg boots in January – looked a complete loon. :shock:

Collete – I had a Doctors note for the Airport (which they charged me £13.50 to produce!) but security weren’t interested in it. They basically just do the handheld scanner on you and seem happy with that. I went to Turkey where security is pretty tight and it was fine. Glad to hear you are doing so well. It is important that we give ourselves time isn’t it? I spoke with my Nurse Practitioner who reminded me it was equivalent of being in a road traffic accident and that it does take time to recover. I’m still impatient but learning to slow down sometimes. You must feel better to be out in public again.

I’m doing the cross trainer and cycle at the gym – my surgeon nodded approvingly at this. I think it was more that I wasn’t on the rower or treadmill he was pleased with than the fact I was exercising. I get the distinct impression my Doctors don’t trust me to behave myself. I did do some baby lunges yesterday – whoohoo.


A positive attitude certainly goes a long way to aiding the recovery doesn’t it?

Take care.
x

collettem

Hi Cupcake, hope all goes well with your op and look forward to hearing your progress

Hi, Lorraine,

Thanks for that must get my doc to write me one. Like you I am impatient and then someone says it's only a few months and reality kicks in but being out and about is fab, Like you I have been doing the bike and cross trainer but my knees are aching and I have torn muscles in my other hip, my consultant thinks I am a disaster area, but have started back at modified pilates class which is good but at the minute not much different from physio exercises and physio is going to start acupuncture on tues so that should help.

It is hard getting all the exercises in when you are back at work. I am back to a five day week next week so that will be a shock to the system. i could get used to working part time.

I have to go back to my consultant in six weeks regarding the other hip but to discuss the alternatives so hoping for good news.

Hope you have a good weekend and catch up soon

Collette

newark

Hi, Lorraine,

Thanks for that must get my doc to write me one. Like you I am impatient and then someone says it's only a few months and reality kicks in but being out and about is fab, Like you I have been doing the bike and cross trainer but my knees are aching and I have torn muscles in my other hip, my consultant thinks I am a disaster area, but have started back at modified pilates class which is good but at the minute not much different from physio exercises and physio is going to start acupuncture on tues so that should help.

It is hard getting all the exercises in when you are back at work. I am back to a five day week next week so that will be a shock to the system. i could get used to working part time.

I have to go back to my consultant in six weeks regarding the other hip but to discuss the alternatives so hoping for good news.

Hope you have a good weekend and catch up soon

Collette[/quote]

Hi Collette,

sorry about your other hip - typical isn't it? My knees have been hurting since the op too but I put it down to the RA kicking in. I do remember a nurse telling me the the swelling pressures the knees a lot.

I have decided to forgo the gym for a bit - no small decision for the hardened gym bunny! It's because I clearly can't be trusted not to do myself damage. I've opted to walk more instead. Got a new pedometer and am just building on the steps more and more. Also considering joining a young persons walking group in the area to go out on more interesting walks.

How's full time suiting you? When I first went back I had to eat as soon as I got home then pretty much went straight to bed! Exhausting. Trouble is, when you go back full time, people forget you are still recovering and think you are all better. I had to remind my colleagues that it would be a good year before I got more back to normal. It's also easy to forget yourself once in the normal routine. Caught myself a couple of times by twisting or running down the stairs.

I am doing more and more at Pilates now though my instructor still gives me the heads up when we are about to turn over or stand up, just to give me a head start as it take me much longer. Can do the oyster on my sides now - with some effort. It quite funny though.

I'm still swollen though - are you?

Hope your knees feel better soon, I know how hard that makes it to walk and exercise.

Keep me posted.

Take care.

Lorraine

collettem

newark wrote:

Hi, Lorraine,

Thanks for that must get my doc to write me one. Like you I am impatient and then someone says it's only a few months and reality kicks in but being out and about is fab, Like you I have been doing the bike and cross trainer but my knees are aching and I have torn muscles in my other hip, my consultant thinks I am a disaster area, but have started back at modified pilates class which is good but at the minute not much different from physio exercises and physio is going to start acupuncture on tues so that should help.

It is hard getting all the exercises in when you are back at work. I am back to a five day week next week so that will be a shock to the system. i could get used to working part time.

I have to go back to my consultant in six weeks regarding the other hip but to discuss the alternatives so hoping for good news.

Hope you have a good weekend and catch up soon

Collette

Hi Collette,

sorry about your other hip - typical isn't it? My knees have been hurting since the op too but I put it down to the RA kicking in. I do remember a nurse telling me the the swelling pressures the knees a lot.

I have decided to forgo the gym for a bit - no small decision for the hardened gym bunny! It's because I clearly can't be trusted not to do myself damage. I've opted to walk more instead. Got a new pedometer and am just building on the steps more and more. Also considering joining a young persons walking group in the area to go out on more interesting walks.

How's full time suiting you? When I first went back I had to eat as soon as I got home then pretty much went straight to bed! Exhausting. Trouble is, when you go back full time, people forget you are still recovering and think you are all better. I had to remind my colleagues that it would be a good year before I got more back to normal. It's also easy to forget yourself once in the normal routine. Caught myself a couple of times by twisting or running down the stairs.

I am doing more and more at Pilates now though my instructor still gives me the heads up when we are about to turn over or stand up, just to give me a head start as it take me much longer. Can do the oyster on my sides now - with some effort. It quite funny though.

I'm still swollen though - are you?

Hope your knees feel better soon, I know how hard that makes it to walk and exercise.

Keep me posted.

Take care.

Lorraine[/quote]

Hi there,

Glad to hear you are keeping so well. I am the opposite of you wish I was out walking but have to go to the gym I also had to go to pilates at the hops 50 quid for six weeks but it really helped so still doing it and my exercises each day. Went to my consultant today and He told me I have limited time with the other so am devestated, just as I was getting ready to get back dancing again and stuff. And although it could be a year or so the thought of it again is hard, but the fact that you are out doing so much makes it a bit easier.

How are you are you still at the walking or have you made it back to the gym and how much mobility have you got back. Sorry for the questions panic now setting in. Never thought my replacement would feel better than my real one. Hope your knees settle down to.
Look forward to hearing how your are doing
C

newark

Hi there,

Sorry I have been so rubbish at coming on here. work has taken over my life recently.

I am doing ok, my right hip seems to get a bit stuck sometimes which is painful - has anyone else who has had a replacement found this?

I'm at the gym, have just started back at latin aerobics, gently of course and can do much more at pilates.

So sorry to hear that things are not so good for you. Must be a real pain to know that you have to go through it all again with the other leg. Although it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought it would be - was it for you?

How is the progress with the new hip, all working ok?

Promise will come back more regularly. Exams boards are over at work so can actually have a lunch break now to get on line.

Take care.

Lx

collettem

Hi Lorraine,

Sorry it has been so long since I posted. Have managed a bit of dancing over xmas. You seem to be doing really well. I am the gym and doing my pilates but really miss walking. My other hip is playing up but am in no rush to have another op. I found the other one really difficult and actually find my hip pain easier to deal with than the op so no doubt there will be a debate with the consultant. In saying that I still have a good range of movement in it despite the pain and the clicking so I think I will keep going another while and hopefully if my back settles down I will get back to the pool.

Hope you are doing well and its great you are at a dance class. I think I might ask about that at my one year review.

Take Care

C

newark

Hi Colette,

Great to hear you are doing well. Dancing too? That's brilliant.

I've found recently that I've had a bit more pain but I think it must be the tendons and muscles so I'm trying to do more walking to improve their strength.

Have just developed a strange fluid swelling on the base of my spine - don't know what that's all about but think I'll have to get it checked out. Probably natures way of telling me to get off my a**e! If anyone else reading this post has a clue please do let me know.

It is still really frustrating not being able to do more - are you finding that too?

Sorry your other hip is giving you grief. I know what you mean though, on a bad day I do someones wonder whether the pain before was more bearable. I think it's because we have to be so careful with the new ones don't we? When they were ours it hurt but at least we weren't really in danger of it popping out!

I'm still pleased I had it done - are you?

Hope things carry on well for you. Keep in touch.

Lx

speedalong

Hi not heard of a pelvic octomy. I was born with two dislocated hips. I now have one THR on the left. My right hip is partially dislocated and I was considered for a periacetabular octomy - my understanding of it was they break and reset the socket in the pelvis and break and reset the head of the femur to fit in the socket. I would have to have this done in Bristol. I live in the midlands. However the consultant kept saying I was too mobile etc.
Long and short of it now is I'm in severe pain and OA has set in plus, plus. Joint too damaged and disintergrated to have Bristol op. I have requested a resurface and will have one unless the surgeon changes his mind after opening me up - in which case will have to have another THR.
The periacetabular octomy - long recovery, but good long term option. Can only have up to age of 45.
Resurface - in theory quick recovery, less drastic, more normal range of movement than a THR.

Good luck! I have the looking after kids issue too.

Speedalong

collettem

newark wrote:

Hi Colette,

Great to hear you are doing well. Dancing too? That's brilliant.

I've found recently that I've had a bit more pain but I think it must be the tendons and muscles so I'm trying to do more walking to improve their strength.

Have just developed a strange fluid swelling on the base of my spine - don't know what that's all about but think I'll have to get it checked out. Probably natures way of telling me to get off my a**e! If anyone else reading this post has a clue please do let me know.

It is still really frustrating not being able to do more - are you finding that too?

Sorry your other hip is giving you grief. I know what you mean though, on a bad day I do someones wonder whether the pain before was more bearable. I think it's because we have to be so careful with the new ones don't we? When they were ours it hurt but at least we weren't really in danger of it popping out!

I'm still pleased I had it done - are you?

Hope things carry on well for you. Keep in touch.

Lx

Hi there,

Sorry its been a while, had so many ap'ts there my head was pickled. Anyway had my one year review and the thr is fine and he wants me to up my walking etc he says I could still get more movement into the hip which is difficult with the back so have to get it sorted and seeing the consulatant next week so fingers crossed.

It is only now I am really feeling the benefits of having the op, though would not rush for another one and even back at the gym I can do so much more than previoulsy and I know now that it is my back that is the prob but doing pilates every day and hoping that it will help and glad to be back .

I have no idea what the cyst is on your back. I would sometimes get a lump in the middle of my back and then it goes away after a few days so not sure what they are about. Anyway hope you have it sorted and the hip has settled down.

C