RE: Digest Number 3437

[Guest guest]

That depends on your surgeon. Mine had my leg like a Barbie doll checking for

range of motion in the OR. He said I'm good to go.

I had those muscle spasms you describe. I wouldn't call them spasms - at least

for me they weren't. It felt more like things inside were growing and moving,

like nerves, muscles, etc. It was a real ookie feeling. For me, that sensation

passed after about a month or so. I got that sensation when I had sat for too

long in my lazyboy recliner. Try to go with the flow... let it do its thing

and it will release. If you fight it, it will fight you.

I was swollen for at least 6 weeks post op. NOw that I'm 12 weeks post op, my

surgical leg seems bigger than non surgical. I don't know if it's swelling, but

the doc said it's nothing to be worried about. Keep icing it. Put it in a

ziploc bag, then in a pillow case and let it sit on all your swollen parts for

about 10 minutes each. I had to do my calfs right up to my thigh.

I couldn't sleep in my side for a couple months. Even now, I am not comfortable

on it for the entire night. I can't sleep on my surgical side yet. It's still

too tender. I think I was home for at least two or three weeks before I could

even roll over on my side and not use the skootch method to get off the bed

after PT.

Give yourself time. Everyone heals differently. I was worried about being

behind average until my PT told me my hip is NOT cemented because of my age (I'm

43). That means I have far less stability than one that is cemented and I have

harder work to do to learn to walk normally and build strength and muscle.

HTH!

Digest Number 3437

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1. 7 weeks post THR right side

From: gringatica2003

Message

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1. 7 weeks post THR right side

Posted by: " gringatica2003 " gringatica2003@... gringatica2003

Date: Sat Jan 17, 2009 9:46 am ((PST))

From those of you who have had hip replacement, I would like to know

how long it takes or IF I can expect my surgically replaced hip to

ever have the flexibility and range of motion as the non surgically

replaced hip?

I have been walking around without an assistive device for 2 weeks,

but I still have a sensation of tightness, almost like a muscle spasm

contraction that won't release, and it is not only in the hip but the

buttock and lumbar area of the surgical side. Is this something

others can relate to?

I am still getting PT sessions when the fellow can come to the house,

and I am doing exercises in the pool and house even when he is not

here. (Living in the boonies in Costa Rica I am lucky to have a PT

anywhere near our house.) Am I overdoing things? I get muscular

soreness that requires some analgesics for greater comfort, even this

far out of surgery....The thigh area below the incision is still

swollen and sore too...Is all of this normal, what do others

experience?????

Also, when can I expect to comfortably sleep on my side, either side?

If you are a hip replacement veteran I appreciate your emailing me

some answers and your experience. Thanks.

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