I am 79. Hi! Anyone else have any issues like this? I told all this to my surgeon pre-op. I am 6 years post-op from both hip replacements and I am suddenly having gait problems. My left hip is slightly deformed, but not to the point I need surgery. In March I had a right hip replacement .My right hip replacement went really well, but its hard to remember the pain at the beginning and the difficulty sleeping. This reduces swelling and will likely be a more comfortable position. I rarely thought about the hip. The walkers are a pain to deal with and have a lot of limitations. It’s cheap and easy! If you think you would benefit from icing more frequently, ask your doctor if this is a good idea. If you are able to walk in bathroom in hospital after the numbness wears off, you won’t need it. I too am trying to wean myself from the painkillers and although doing the daily exercise at present is painful, causing more back ache than hip pain, I am seeing a slow improvement. I am having the pain down to my right knee also. I used a 2 wheeled walker for the 1st 4 days, then transitioned to 2 canes to promote a more "normal" gait pattern (weight shift, trunk rotation, etc). I had THR on Dec 17. Different physical therapists and doctors come with varying recommendations for how many times a day you should ice for and how long. Gel packs can be purchased at your local pharmacy, department stores, or in bulk online. If you’re heading to appointments, out to run errands, or are in the car for a prolonged period, dry instant ice packs are perfect. Finally at two week postop they xrayed it. In this article, we will cover why icing is important, the different methods of icing, and share the best of the best icing tips and tricks for those recovering from hip replacements and knee replacements. Yes, based upon all the literature I've read, including this article, I am way behind. Gave me EXTREME knee pain and actually put me on crutches as I could not bear weight on that leg. 2018. It gradually went away. I do a lot of sitting. I’m actively doing PT exercises, walking with walker and occasional cane. Like ice cubes or pucks, gel packs should be wrapped in thin cloth while fresh. Good luck everyone. Marjo: Yes, I had Hip replacement May 6 of this year and I had pain in my knee. I am 3 weeks out and doing well. Pillows should prop your heel. Do any of you think more therapy might help? I was able to eat lunch though. I thought my leg pain was related to my chronic back pain. I am will be seeing my surgeon at six weeks but obviously the surgery is done and there's no going back. The surgeon will make a cut (incision) about 20-25 cm long usually down the outside of your thigh, ... less pain and quicker healing with this technique but it is not proven. It should be noted, however, that recovery time for a total hip replacement can differ vastly from patient to patient. Over time, you should be able to return to your former level of activity. I have moved from walker to cane after a week. With that, a pressure of 70/40. Typically, your incision will be in this phase for 2-10 days after surgery. My original post was made a few days before my 6 week checkup (made at 7 wks due to July 4th holidays). Hip Replacement Recovery Timeline. Still just doing the simple PT excersizes at home and wanting to do more but doctor wants me to take it slow. This could even be a longer walk, after an hour of errands and so forth. Things are really challenging when you live alone. Very very unstable because legs were still numb. I’m 6 weeks out and doing great. If you have a choice, the anterior approach is the way to go. My wife was with me the whole recovery. i'm at a younger age ( 63 ) than most that need or get a hip replacement. 2 1/2 wks post op) and am hopng for clearance to get into my pool and use my canes less. Also i feel it was setting me back a bit so i have decided if i go out which I dont much but to use the walker and pratice using the cane at home. The pt is killing me and the home exercises have not been too bad. milero from Gloucester UK on January 01, 2019: the only info I found was on this site , have look back for a few of my posts reference physio and exercises. I have a small leg length discrepancy, but I use a heel lift in the unaffected side and I don't notice a difference anymore. I’m wishing you a speedy recovery. Was he not listening or is he a monster? The vast majority of people simply forget they have ever had a hip replacement. She had prepared her home ahead of time with grab bars, removed rugs, etc. I was totally off crutches and out socialising 3 weeks after surgery. Here are some ice therapy machines online. Any dental work should be preceded by a course of antibiotics. Weakness in legs makes it hard to get up from a flat bed or my lazy boy but doable. I will get that checked. My overall emotion is anger. Home 2 days after surgery walking with walker 20 times a day the length of 3,000 sq foot single story home Take Aspirin and Tramadol - 50 mgm every 6 hours. It’s the big ligament that runs from hip to knee. This morning I had OT then PT. It’s annoying . Some care providers put a maximum cap on icing, while others suggest you ice as many times a day as you see fit. I was told I would need hip replacement before I was 50. The first week, Make sure you stay ahead of the pain, otherwise,it was not as bad as I thought, https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/hip-replacement-surgery. Still using cane, but also trying to walk around house without cane. Anterior hip replacement is not a new surgery. Follow up visits to your surgeon are typically at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. Now you’ve heard everything you need to know (and then some) about icing after joint replacement surgery. They remain kind of slushy, which is great for shaping around your entire joint area. This means that the muscles/nerves that cause your foot and toes to come toward your nose (dorsi flexion) aren't firing correctly. At three months after surgery, I am walking between 5 - 7.5 miles a day (four to five 1.5 mile loops each day) using one arm crutch. After you return home (usually between one and three days after the operation) a physical therapist will work with you 3 or 4 times a week. She could not drive for 6 weeks, so needed help with Dr appts and groceries. Certainly there is stiffness in the first few strides every time I get up. I have been walking up a hill for about an hour daily and just some minor stiffness. I gave up my walker 4 1/2 weeks in and now walking very strongly with a cane. I was in good shape (64 yrs old, small, fit) when I went in so I should heal very well. Overall I was scared to get the hip replaced but now I know that it was the best thing for me and my health both physically and mentally. Hip pain has gone, just post op niggles. I have some concerns about going back to work in two weeks. Avoid work that may risk trips/falls. Once I begin walking it all seems to relax and less pain. Now I begin some physio to help with my flexibility. I’ll be on baby aspirin as well. Hip replacement recovery after a year or so. For example, these procedures can be done with a variety of different incision locations or with a minimally invasive method. Followed all the PT instructions, 3 weeks post op stopped using crutches, walking 30 minutes a day,climbing numerous stairs daily. I had my right side done, so no driving for 6 weeks. I am 12 weeks in from rt replacement hip surgery and all has gone ok. The incision is covered with a dressing and takes about six weeks to heal. These will last much longer and have a larger surface area to ice your joint. But you don’t have to do it everyday. The person should not support full weight on … When I graduated to the cane I felt better. In PT, I walked up and down stairs several times with a walker not crutches. The main desire at this point is to go back to what they consider normal routine. Some ice therapy machines with a cuff are better designed for the knee joint, so if you’ve had a hip replacement, make sure the attachment will work for you. I was walking four or five 1 mile loops at 8 weeks post surgery, so I have been very mobile. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency. During this time, your incision will be bruised, swollen and red. My left foot seems to catch on floor bringing me to a sudden stop and over I go. I mowed the yard at week 3, I’m. Since publication, the article has acquired nearly 3,000 comments. I'm not a doctor, though I am a medical massage therapist. I didn't do my exercises as much as I planned due to leg cramps for the first two weeks. My surgery is scheduled for Feb 11 , 2019, at Duke. I am a design engineer, so my profession allows me to do most of my work while sitting. One of the best ways to manage your pain is to sleep in a position that reduces it. Now have pain when I lift my leg and/or do sit ups. Just wondering if you’d be willing to post during first two weeks your experience in the moment so to Speak. Good luck to all. Several years ago, my uncle had total hip replacement surgery. Now if I overdo ..... my hip aches a little. Upon the completion of the operation, the wound is stitched or glued to close the skin edges and let it heal. I read all these people who shortly after surgery are back to their old routines. Off meds. The surgery allowed me to have legs of the same length for the first time in my life. To make, simply buy foam drinking cups from your local grocer, dollar store, or order online. I found that doing the daily exercises really helped. I’m not typical though. I couldn't eat and keep anything down. When icing, keep your knee as straight as possible. You’ll have dry mouth and I was drinking about 32oz of water every hour and a half! No pain at all from walking. I even cut the oxycodine in half and took half a pill but it still made me feel weird.. Be carful with both of these drugs.. I promised to wait till week three. Sudden jarring of the foot (produced by jumping say) can cause pain. Doc and Physio said I'm ready to walk with minor assistance. July 16th 2018. Poncho-Mike, You may want to try a magnesium supplement if your cramps are occurring at night. No need to suffer. Any info would be greatly appreciated. From the first day after surgery until you leave hospital, a physical therapist will introduce you to various exercises to speed up a return to full mobility in your hip. Has anyone experienced these symptoms? Call your dr office often with any question you may have even if it seem like a small one ask it anyway.. My poor mother had the posterior years ago & had to stay inpatient rehab for 2 weeks. Sue I would recommend consulting a specialist physiotherapist in hip replacement recovery and asking them , I certainly was not putting on shoes before 2 months post op, I still can’t put my shoes on after hip replacement it’s 4 weeks also I am itchy. looking forward to normal again!! I just had hip surgery on my right hip. This usually results from bacteria entering the body after the operation, sometimes from dental work or sometimes from skin or urinary infections. I live in Alberta, but the surgery wait time was 18 months, since I could hardly walk, I paid a private clinic for the surgery and they had me on the table in 3 weeks. It feels strong, still a bit sore in the quad muscles and ITBand, but definitely an improvement from even a week ago. The number of total hip replacements performed in the United States has skyrocketed during the past couple of decades. I see on here that some are still hurting a few years later after their surgery.. That would be a big question for me to ask .. Icing is huge part of cutting down pain, swelling and inflammation after surgery. They can walk long distances, cycle and even hike up mountains. It has since disappeared, but I was told in Physio and by the surgeon that this is quite typical. She was not in real good shape prior to the surgery and is still on a cane a year later. If I ever had to do this again I would not wait that long to get it done. It is these comments that make the page valuable. Tip: Make at least 2-3 gel packs so that you always have “fresh”, cold ones ready to cycle out. All the best for 2019. So i thought maybe i was suppose to be on a cane by now so i began to try it. There may be some spotty drainage, warmth and numbness over the area. At night if I hurt lying down I take a tramadol which I had to get from GP as my ortho wouldn’t give me anything. However, some replacement candidates report leaving them on throughout the night and swear by them for a faster recovery. A friend stayed for the next night. I’ve just had a THR in Spain but do not have command of Spanish therefore need advice from the forum especially on phisio and aftercare equipment. Plan to repeat this for second. It could be from lower back issues or your leg muscles (tibialist anterior). Surgery (mostly) resolved that pain. Clearly we are all different in how we heal. Not going to lie, the first week was hell, but everyday was slightly better. Walking dog 4 blocks, not using cane. I still have stiffness in the top of my thigh, sometimes pain when my heel hits the floor walking. Hang in there. Amazing!! I have seen an ortho dr and have had mri, bone scan and physical therapy and no relief. For how long did you require constant help? I have been to Six Flags 2 times and I keep making the metal detector go off when I walk through them. No regrets whatsoever!!! This method of icing works perfectly well for 20 minutes on but the ice will melt faster. I think your husband should book an appointment with your GP to check for any infection and have the dressing replaced. Not the same pain as before the surgery, but also not what I wanted after doing so well after the surgery. Hi I just had a left hip replacement yesterday. First gotta get 76 staples out my thigh, that will feel good. Stay positive and good luck. And when I get out of bed and raise my leg a bit I have groin pain. Thinking- and talking- issues like this through before your operation could save a lot of upset. Returning home- you can travel in a normal car, though you will need to keep your leg straight. I can put full weight on my leg! These should disappear with time. I was using the arm crutches, but began to rely on them less and less. Icing should be incorporated into your daily recovery routine alongside elevating your surgical leg, taking prescribed pain medications, completing physical therapy, and running through your assigned PeerWell ReHab app checklist. Already did all my spring yard cleanup too! A burning sensation around the area of the incision. As an added bonus, my back is completely pain free as well. milero from Gloucester UK on June 25, 2019: Linda, I would suggest an ice pack on the area for 10 mins when you can , it may help. Just want to wish fellow hipsters Seasons Greetings. I’ll try and do same for people in feb. MoeP, one of the reasons I went ahead and got my hip replacement as soon as found out it was what was causing my leg pain was that my knee had also started hurting. Went from walker straight to cane. I am 4 years post left hip replacement. I was in hospital 3 days. It helps to group and label all your meds in a central location with post -its . You should also go for a check-up 3-6 months after the date of surgery, then one year after the date of surgery, and finally once every year on the anniversary date of surgery. I have personally not needed a stand alone potty. To be fully recovered, it may take anywhere between one to six months. For about the first week, I would have constant leg cramps in the repaired leg when changing positions and while sleeping. I have the sensation one leg is longer- drives me nuts. I noticed that when I stopped the PT I began to lose flexibility. For this reason, it’s safest to ice in 20 minute time blocks, with fabric (like a tea towel) protecting your skin from touching ice directly. Blood clots in the leg need to be carefully managed by the medical team with medication and special stockings. I notice it when I am walking. Like ice, these machines provide pain relief, and reduce swelling and tissue damage. I hope when you get stretched out and strengthened up you feel as good as I do now. Regardless, I am 1000% better than what I was. About Bonesmart.org I completed myofascial release techniques on myself to assist with tissue mobility, circulation and pain relief. Probably the most important item for me was not to listen to others recovery timelines, everyone is different so listen to your doctor and physiotherapist. I was really excited to find this web site with everyones comments on it so I hope and pray we all can help each other as we all go through the same things.. With of course the help from our Doctors.. Technology is always advancing and hip replacements are lasting longer and longer. I have only just started using one crutch, fairly easily though. You may remember me from such titles as: "Diabetes & Joint Replacement 101" & "Sex After a Joint Replacement". Gel packs (or ice packs) are kind of like the superior frozen bag of peas or even homemade ice puck. Words of encouragment: I am five weeks post Anterior RHR and began working yesterday. Prior to surgery, I was unable to swing my right leg to the side, allowing the hip abductor muscle to become very weak. About 2 percent of patients will suffer a serious infection. I can walk long distances, have stiffness in my hip after sitting for a while, and a minimal ache from tendonitis in my other knee. Understanding Anterior Hip Replacement . I didn’t want the constipation I had taking oxy after first hip. The leg lifts that I should have done were intended to strengthen the hip abductors. Thanks for any insight ! The ball on the femur was elliptical, and my right leg was 3/4" shorter than the left. The operation should take several hours. The broken hip recovery time for elderly is quite quick and movement can be manageable in just a few days. My Brother is going to keep my dog for me. -. You may take while to heal due to your previous injury, but I hope you eventually get to where you don't even think about it anymore. I will say I e been more active this time than I was on oxy. I had anterior right hip replacement 12/10/18 and doing great! Any surgery brings its worries but hip operations are routine and the techniques are well tested. Finally did check out many forums and articles pertaining to hip replacement timelines and what to expect. Some people have unrealistic expectations of the amount of time it will take to recover.". In fact, the most widely referenced report of this technique was published in 1980. It may be different for each person but keep trying other options till one works for you.. Keep doing those exercises as often as you can.. Keep a positive attitude .. Thats very important in the process of healing even tho it does make us depressed at times try to remember to get back on track with the positive attitude.. Our attitudes of life in general are very important.. ), your doctor might say partial weight-bearing or no weight-bearing for a specific duration of time … It’s really been tolerable. Have you just had a hip replacement or knee replacement? Nothing heavy duty, but getting my body used to moving again. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. I still do the balance exercises, glute bridges and band walks I did in PT. Are you having joint replacement surgery? Do I meed to kennel my large dog? The bruising has started, extending down the outside of my left leg to my knee. In a posterior hip replacement, the procedure is done on the side of the hip. It IS possible. You will have a single scar in the region of your hip and this will measure anywhere between 8 and 20 cms (3 and 8 inches). If it didn't work out I didn't want to be because I didn't do my part. Recovering from a total hip replacement surgery can be painful and take time. There you have it. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. & `` Sex after a hip deformity resulting in strange sounds could drive myself to use after only three.! About 8 cups of crushed, shaved ice or ice cubes or pucks, gel should. Keep making the metal detector go off when I searched for information about the increase in of... Doctor if this is getting worse in last couple days pillows to support the leg to peel change! Greater than hip days after surgery drive your car in a normal car though! Delay healing had to do some walking yahoo.vom on February 12, 2019: I am a emergency... 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