My THR recovery diary

Today I can hardly move, as I pushed my pool walking more than usual; showing me how weak I've become. I religiously read your diaries to keep me motivated, as I exercise my way to my op.

My friend had her op cancelled due to her weight and had to be put back on the waiting list for another three years, eventhough she is bone on bone. That scared me into action and on top of the Good Boost sessions I am also pool walking; which seems to hurt more than exercising but have at least four months to drop my bmi, so I remain hopeful.

I cannot wait for the day when I can be pain free and out enjoying the things you are doing. You have all been such an inspiration, sharing your highs, lows and vulnerabilities; showing us all the raw unfiltered road to recovery instead of the hard facts given to us by our doctors. 🙏🫂😘

@Zimmer Oh I really hope you manage to drop your bmi - you are trying so hard. Have you tried intermittent fasting? I found it really worked to keep my weight down whilst waiting for my surgery but unable to exercise properly. I did the one where you eat whatever you like for ten hours a day but for 14 (any 14 out of the 24) you only drink water, black tea or black coffee. I found with plenty of water and coffee I could make it to midday and so then I was okay to eat but actually found I was eating less anyway - I lost all cravings, so it became easy for me, which was a massive, welcome surprise.

@julesd you're doing well. At four weeks I definitely couldn't walk 1-2 miles. I can walk 1 mile easily now but not sure about 2 all in one go. I tend to walk for 20 minutes, sit down for a few minutes, then walk again for around 20 minutes. I'm managing 10,000+ steps a day but mainly in short bursts and not all in one go. If I walk then start to do some jobs in the garden I easily get sore from the bending, picking things up, pulling weeds out but if I rest first I'm okay. You're doing well putting weight on your leg too - I struggled for some time, although all good now. Good idea to talk to your physio and consultant - we're all different and they will know what's right for you. I think it depends regarding work. At six months I was fine working at home but wouldn't want to have had to travel/work away from home too much. But another two weeks could see you progressing quickly. You're certainly putting the effort in.

just to say that I had minimally invasive THR and that is probably why I’m feeling it’s ok to weight bear/walk without crutches at 4 weeks. I’m not superhuman by any means and I’ll keep it to short bursts and aim for 0.5 mile/20mins, which gets me to my allotment, where I can sit 😊

Was this procedure NHS or privately done? Just wondering if this was something that could be asked for you know. I know that everyone is different but your progress seems to be a lot better than others. Hope you continue to havean uneventful recovery

@Zimmer hi there,

The minimally invasive procedure (MIS) can be NHS or private . I think it depends on the surgeon, as only certain surgeons are trained in this. I went to Horder Centre, E Sussex, where they specialise in ortho surgery, so quite a few surgeons are skilled for MIS. You can ask your surgeon, or request. I requested my surgeon through referral as I knew he did this and has great reputation, although I would have had traditional op if advised; most important to get it done and get life back.

I’m not sure it “quickens” things up too much though, as your body goes at its own pace. As all others have said it really is slow and steady. The advantage, supposedly, is not cut through so many of the muscles and you recover sooner. I have a much smaller scar too. Exercises pre surgery really help.
I’ve only just found a bit of balance with not doing too much and think, fingers crossed, things are progressing well at 5 weeks. I can walk 1.5 to 2 miles in stages during day, but exercises are more important (as others have said over walking distance) can do stairs, walk mostly free of crutches unless tired or rough underfoot and feel like smiling again.
Wishing you well with your op date, hope it comes soon. Take care, Julie 😊

I asked my surgeon about the minimal invasive procedure and he said he couldn't do that in my case because it was a complicated surgery. I would have preferred a smaller scar, honestly but hey-ho it's done and I'm happy.

hi Bob here, 73, first full metal hip at 69. Like you I have 13 inch ( 33 cm scar + drain hole)

I loved the sun ( sadly not now I have skin cancer) and the scar never bothered me and I didn’t notice any stares at the pool, I wish you well and I’m sure if you follow your physios advice you’ll have a great recovery. 😀👍

To anyone on this thread who saw my original comment on 22 April, I have now done as promised above and started a new discussion entitled 'All's well that ends well.'

@HarryB I like the sound of your new discussion - it sounds as though you're doing fine now, although I've had a search and can't find it. Maybe it's being moderated?

Thanks moderators … it's now online.

Omg that's amazing hon, I'm so happy for you. In the space of a week you have gone from having no strength, to doing 2.5km bike ride woohoo, I hope you are proud of yourself, that's such an achievement