Hip replacement - some help and advice needed please

I went via the Nice guidance and Cochrane data. I think we all feel that we must do something ourselves but it seems that legs and hips are meant for walking rather than passive repetitions of exercises. So just walk. Practise going up and downstairs when you feel up to it. Just have a go.

But in the op case, she says she has been given a booklet of exercises.

Surely you are not saying that in her case, she should ignore them, Aveline?

I think that every consultant and physiotherapist has their own opinion on their merits or otherwise of post operation exercises. I was given booklets showing exercises but on my 6 week check was told to stop doing some of them as they were straining the muscles around the new hip. I walked as much as was comfortable in the few weeks after my operation in December, but the weather was too bad so I walked indoors. As I have problems with my spine, I still use walking sticks when outside, but not indoors or in my garden.
It’s early days for you Yalland, take it easy and just do what you can, you’ll get there in the end!

The policy of the hospital where I had my hips relaxed is to say just walk
My situation was complicated by muscle wastage due to steroid myopathy
At my 12 month review my surgeon commented on how good my gait was
I told him I had found a good physio
He was in agreement snd when I said I thought the advice was just walk. He shrugged his shoulders and muttered something about that’s hospital policy

Thank you all so much with your replies and input. It’s very much appreciated.
I have been in touch with the hospital and they have reassured me on a few things and also have given me a number to ring for more advice if I am worried. I think once you accept that everyone recovers at a different rate and that there is no ‘norm’ with these things it helps alleviate the worries which in turn helps with the pain somewhat.
I am keeping as active as my age and mobility will allow and the hospital is happy with that. Sleeping is an issue which I am sure a move back to my own bed will help fix. I did know that hearing from folk who have gone through similar experiences would be my best form of education hence my original post and so I thank you all for the enormous help you have been. I will keep you up to date on the hips and knees forum. Jenni

Yalland, I fear you’re expecting too much too soon and probably trying to do more than you should. I had my hip op 18 months ago and for the first 10 days or so I felt totally broken and as I’d been run over by a double decker and then trampled by an elephant. I had much more of a shock to the system than I’d expected.

You should have access to painkillers which which help greatly and if you don’t have anything, get in touch with the doctor. I was sent home from hospital on the third day with just one week supply of paracetamol. My doctor could hardly believe that and prescribed codeine in addition. It made all the difference.

I hope this doesn’t sound like lecturing but you should still be using both crutches while your hip is in the very early healing stage. I know it makes it difficult to carry anything but I made drinks in flasks and carried them in a cross body bag. My bra became pockets for small items as did my waistbands.

Don’t you have any leaflets or instructions from the hospital telling you when you should progress to one crutch only and then onto a walking stick.

Bearing in mind that comparisons are odious I should stop reading so much about other people and what they are doing. Not everyone tells the truth or likes to admit that they’re finding it hard.

I found it harder than I expected but I followed the rules because I didn’t want to do anything which might put my recovery back. At my six week follow up appt I was walking quite easily with a stick and my consultant said my progress was very good. He said to me that if anyone told me that they were back playing golf or similar at 6 weeks they’d be lying.

I couldn’t have got through those first few without good pain relief so please don’t try.

Please feel free to pm if you’d like to.

Thank you Grannytomany.
I do have a supply of codeine sent home with me so I am actually taking them along with Paracetamol. My instructions in my booklet as far as crutches are concerned were to progress to one when it felt comfortable enough to do so. I told the Hospital I was pottering in the kitchen with 1 crutch as otherwise I could not prepare food etc and they say thats fine. I obviously use two crutches for walking.. I think different hospitals use different restrictions as I have no 90 degree restriction although I am am being very careful. Hopefully once I get home with different furniture (more supportive) and my own bed I will feel better not only mentally but physically as well.
I really appreciate your reply - it’s always helpful from someone who has been there and done that. Yes Im only a week down the road and like you I do feel I have been hit by a bus so I admit that probably Ive expected too much of myself,

I second the advice not to discard the second support too soon be it crutches or sticks Keeps your posture better and evens out your gait
Hopefully you will soon put this discomfort behind you
Take care

It's major surgery. Your body has to recover from the onslaught on it. Take it easy. I hope you can sleep but I know that's a problem for many after this surgery.

Hi. I had a thr on 31st October. Today I found walking more painful. When I step on my operated leg it hurts more at the top of my thigh than previous couple of days. Is this normal.

That is barely two weeks ago Wenbo. If you are concerned get some medical advice but if you have been walking maybe it’s your hip’s way of letting you know it needs a rest.
Do look at our hips and knees thread, in its 5 th iteration, with plenty of help, advice and support from those who have experienced these procedures.
I have just started our 5 th hips and knees thread and it’s on the health forum, top of the image if it doesn’t appear on Active.

Look out for the 👯‍♀️ dancing girls 👯‍♀️

Top of the page… not image…