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Hip replacement recovery 12 months on

(18 Posts)
Mamgigran Thu 12-Oct-23 08:41:33

I couldn't see anything in the many posts in the hip replacement threads so here goes. Hip replaced very successfully last November (privately luckily) with excellent result and what the surgeon and physio thought was very quick recovery. However, I have done yoga for 38 yrs (I'm just 70) and have now started pilates. I walk a lot with the dog and am generally very fit but there are some things I just can't do, e.g. sitting cross legged and various twists etc. My husband thinks I should be able to do all these things now which got me wondering whether I should or whether there will always be some things it is inadvisable to push towards? Would love to hear anyone else's feedback on this.

silverlining48 Thu 12-Oct-23 08:46:03

I can’t sit with crossed legs and getting up is still awkward and I am 18 months post op,
Crossing my operated leg also not as comfortable as it was.
Other than that am grateful the pain is gone,
My surgeon told me recovery is between 18 mo the and two years so there’s still time, good luck,

Aveline Thu 12-Oct-23 08:52:08

My surgeon told me I should be fine as long as I didn't try complicated yoga moves. So I don't. Life is much better since the op.

tanith Thu 12-Oct-23 09:40:57

I was just so grateful my bone on bone pain was gone I was happy even though my ROM has never been quite as good as it was before.

silverlining48 Thu 12-Oct-23 10:14:14

There are now 3 hip threads going. Do look under health on forums and you will find us as we have two sets of twin dancing girls to make it easier to spot us. Lots of helpful information and support.

Charleygirl5 Thu 12-Oct-23 10:51:25

Post hip replacement you should never, ever, ever attempt to sit cross legged and you should also have been advised not to cross your legs even ankle over ankle. Your hip is a ball and socket joint and the ball could pop out so you would end up having a revision of the said hip.

Your husband is very wrong- a hip replacement is done to relieve pain. allow you to do your daily duties, go for walks but not excessive yoga or mountain climbing.

silverlining48 Thu 12-Oct-23 11:46:21

I don’t sit cross legged but am trying to sit using either leg to cross at the knee which isn’t super comfortable but doesn’t hurt, I avoid sitting on the floor altogether because getting up is awkward, really miss this because I can’t do any weeding these days and I quite like weeding,
I am lying on the bed with my ankles crossed at the moment but it’s easier using the opposite leg.
18 months post thr,

Charleygirl5 Thu 12-Oct-23 12:21:34

silverlining times may have changed but it was a definite no-no to cross your operated leg at the knee. In surgery terms your new hip is still a youngster.

Visgir1 Thu 12-Oct-23 13:26:28

Yes.. Try not to do it, I automatically do it then correct myself.
Swimming as well, no Breast stroke legs.
My colleague who is in her 50s post Hip replacement, managed to dislocated hers twice, she slipped on one occasion then, again in the shower bending to pick up a sponge she had to have her pelvis broken to redo the whole procedure.
So please be careful, it's the pain, that's gone.. No Spilts!!

Grantanow Thu 12-Oct-23 13:49:07

My OH had both hips done and doesn't put undue pressure on the joints during yoga, pilates, etc. as there is a risk of dislocation.

Nannarose Thu 12-Oct-23 13:49:11

It isn't just that times have changed (though they have) but also slightly different procedures or necessary corrections done during the operation may mean different advice is given.

Check your paperwork - you will usually find something in there. If not, use the best contact you have- (I don't know much about private work - but would suggest the physiotherapist - and ask.
You could also get a physio appointment, to check over how you are doing, and if there are any exercises you can do to help your recovery moving on.

I would also, gently and respectfully, wonder what your DH knows about hip replacements? If he's an orthopaedic surgeon or physiotherapist, ask him for some exercises!

Katie59 Thu 12-Oct-23 14:22:52

OH had one 4 yrs ago and was normal mobility after a couple of months, at 70 he has no wish to run a marathon, or join a yoga group, nor does he do heavy work beyond digging the garden. It’s reasonable to expect normal mobility, don’t expect the extreme range of movement you had when you were younger you will dislocate the joint.

Mamgigran Thu 12-Oct-23 15:22:01

Thanks everyone! Pretty unanimously not pushing things too far or fast. Husband definitely not an orthopaedic specialist but has probably heard about people playing squash/tennis after 3 months etc.
Disappointing not to be able to do what I love but sacrifice worth pain free living.

Nannarose Sat 14-Oct-23 16:40:10

I expect those people had babies who slept through the night at 1 week, were potty trained at a year; and probably only just missed getting a place at Oxbridge.

I mourn my walking decent distances, and sitting cross-legged on the floor, but grateful still to be here!

Quokka Sat 14-Oct-23 16:46:48

Nannarose

I expect those people had babies who slept through the night at 1 week, were potty trained at a year; and probably only just missed getting a place at Oxbridge.

I mourn my walking decent distances, and sitting cross-legged on the floor, but grateful still to be here!

I’d better not post then!

Grammaretto Sat 14-Oct-23 16:46:51

I'm awaiting hip surgery and can't sit cross legged now so don't expect to be able to post op.

It's still early days Mamgigran

Aveline Sat 14-Oct-23 17:01:37

Seriously, my hip replacement was a breeze compared to my knee replacements.

seadragon Sat 14-Oct-23 17:15:25

I'm surprised to find, after an X-ray that I have been referred for bi-laterlap hip replacement. I've had issues with my right hip for about 12 years. I consulted a physio a few years ago as it felt as though the hip was dislocating and the exercises he taught me helped a great deal. I consulted an osteopath in July after a long drive left the hip feeling vary unstable and she referred me to my GP for assessment. I have little pain and her treatment has stabilized my hip so I doubt if I will be a priority for a while. I dog walk 3 to 5 times a day in the meantime but my felxibility, such as it was, has gone. I don't expect to get it back... and I would be too scared to try...!