Replacement Hip Operation

Hi Brian have followed your progress as I too had both hpips done 6 years ago with 4 months between. It's just as everyone says, take your time, follow the physios instructions and be a patient patient. The muscles take time to heal and strengthen so don't do my trick of trying to push a shopping trolley after 6 weeks !!! Really painful. Good luck, with a bit of care now you should be up and running by early summer. I do everything I did before and walk for an hour and a half every day with our 18 month old Labrador. Since starting to walk more my creaky knees have improved considerably which is a huge bonus as I was thinking they would be next !!! When you can't sleep at 2pm just plan a trip away regards Labdog 2

How long did it take you to get off the crutches? As the day goes on my bum is still sore uncomfortable have to keep moving around. My ankle is swollen just want the swelling to go down. I keep doing the exercises religious.next week should be a lot better.

Brian.

Brian

Just been reading the notes I made on how I got on after the operation. I was using at least one crutch for 4 weeks after the operation. Although somewhere between the op and 4 weeks I went from two to one. At the 4 week stage I was trying (and succeeding) to walk unaided. Don't forget we are all different. I think you will know when you are ready.

David

Brian

Just been reading the notes I made on how I got on after the operation. I was using at least one crutch for 4 weeks after the operation. Although somewhere between the op and 4 weeks I went from two to one. At the 4 week stage I was trying (and succeeding) to walk unaided. Don't forget we are all different. I think you will know when you are ready.

David

Thank you David for your reply. Getting in and out of my land cruiser I found difficult but I have found by using the big plastic step for the caravan it is like going up the stairs 2 users great.

Brian

Better night last night managed 3 hours in one go feeling a lot better today, still have a lot of sweling in my ankle been reading it might take up to 6 weeeks to go, let's hope not. Can't wait to get behind the wheel again (withdrawel systems) Does anyone know when you contact the insurance company after 6 weeks do they load your policy.?

Brian

Brian

Usually all the insurance company want to know is that you have been cleared to drive by your Consultant. So you must make sure you ask that question when you have your 6 week follow up appointment.  If he says its OK the insurance policy should operate on exactly the same terms as before the operation. I had my right hip replace so despite driving an automatic I doubt I would have been able to do an emergency stop for some weeks after the op. The important thing is that you get the OK from the hospital doctor. 

David

Thank you David for your reply. Just had a follow up letter this morning for the 18th March  at 9.00 I will ask him to get the all clear to drive then. As it is my left leg and i drive an auto shouldn't be a problem.

Brian.

Bran, It's more about whether you could cope in an emergency such as having to break sharply and suddenly.

Try and be patient if you can Brian and try and not run before you can walk (excuse the pun). Better to be safe than sorry. You also don't want to set yourself back.

Hi Brian, please remember it's early days still, you will still be feeling the effects of the anaesthetic, I used to have a lie down in the afternoon for about 6 weeks and often fell asleep as I didn't sleep very well at night due to hot legs and feet and lying on my back. As for the crutches I was able to manage with one in the house at about two weeks and walked unaided outside by my 6week check up but as others say we are all different. Using the step for the car is a good idea And a plastic carrier bag on the seat helps with swivelling round. Be patient, time passes and every day is a day nearer freedom. Good luck

Just a little aside. After my op was the only time I could see the advantage of having leather seats in the car as I could slide my bum round on them when getting in and out of the car!!!

David