Re: Your Opinions Please.

[Guest guest]

Sally, I would think that 8 weeks would be an adequate time to return

to work. Is there some way you could perhaps do more desk duty for

the first couple of months ? Too bad there are no more dark rooms, you

could sit in there and develop film. Or even with a great supervisor,

maybe you could do like standing chest x-rays, etc, to where you

wouldn't have to strain yourself. I know, once you are back to work,

folks quickly forget why you were gone in the first place, but maybe

there is a way to gently get back into the groove.

InVA

[Guest guest]

I had my thr in march and am scheduled to go back to work mid June. I

have an office job but I commute 1 hr each way. If your job is very

strenous and your on your feet a lot it may be 3-6 months. Discuss it

with your OS. Of course each person is different and each one will

have their own particular healing rate. I believe my dr said it takes

about 2 months for the bone to grow into the replacement and be

stable. So there are a lot of factors. My gait was off and I limped a

lot hence my muscle tone was poor so now I am working on increasing

that. I wish you the best of luck. First and foremost do not judge

your recovery time against anyone else's. We all have our own timeline.

Debbie

> I am wondering if some of you can give me some advise regarding a

> timeline for going back to work

> I am booked for a RT. THR in August ( exact date uncertain ). I

> have been waiting on the surgery list for a year. Before that, I

> spent 7 years in great pain....was told I was " too young " for a THR.

> I am 50. I work as an Xray tech., and this is a VERY physically

> demanding job. I had to go on sick leave last week - I could no

> longer walk well enough to do the job, I was just lurching along. I

> had a patient ask if they could help me! I now am using a cane.

> My disability plan will cover some of my lost salary when I have

> used up my sick time. But I need to have an idea as to how many

> months recovery time I will need. I realize that everyone is

> different.....but any input would be appreciated.

> Thanks to all...this is a great place to get insider info. on my

> upcoming surgery.

>

> Sally

[Guest guest]

Sally, it sounds like your hip is in pretty tough shape. My

experience is that it takes a couple of months to recover from the

surgery but that it then takes some time to recover from the

disease. I was pretty functional after a couple of months but

could not stand for a really long time. I got better over a period

of about 18 months to the point where I was pretty much in the same

shape I was in before I noticed any arthritis. Could this be

accelerated with PT? Probably.

There is not a fine day where everything is fine and this is all

behind you. I think you could return to work in 2-3 months *IF*

your employer recognizes that it may take some time before you are

100%. If they can allow you to take breaks and rest, you can start

sooner and you will get better quicker.

I hope this is helpful for you. It's really just my own experience

of getting well.

Geoff

> I am wondering if some of you can give me some advise

regarding a

> timeline for going back to work

> I am booked for a RT. THR in August ( exact date uncertain ).

I

> have been waiting on the surgery list for a year. Before that, I

> spent 7 years in great pain....was told I was " too young " for a

THR.

> I am 50. I work as an Xray tech., and this is a VERY physically

> demanding job. I had to go on sick leave last week - I could no

> longer walk well enough to do the job, I was just lurching along.

I

> had a patient ask if they could help me! I now am using a cane.

> My disability plan will cover some of my lost salary when I

have

> used up my sick time. But I need to have an idea as to how many

> months recovery time I will need. I realize that everyone is

> different.....but any input would be appreciated.

> Thanks to all...this is a great place to get insider info. on

my

> upcoming surgery.

>

> Sally

[Guest guest]

I need opinions. I go to my OS on June 23. I will know then when I am to have TKR. I am going to insist on it because of the pain I'm having and the fact that two arthroscopies haven't helped. Now the question: How much trouble can I expect navigating stairs? We live in a second floor apartment, so I have to climb them just to get home. It isn't an option to sleep downstairs like in a whole house deal. I have dealt with the stairs before on crutches, but when my mom had her TKR in '99 they wanted her to use a walker. That is impossible on stairs. Thanks for the help.

coolbreezes4me2004 <dconti1234@...> wrote:

I had my thr in march and am scheduled to go back to work mid June. I have an office job but I commute 1 hr each way. If your job is very strenous and your on your feet a lot it may be 3-6 months. Discuss it with your OS. Of course each person is different and each one will have their own particular healing rate. I believe my dr said it takes about 2 months for the bone to grow into the replacement and be stable. So there are a lot of factors. My gait was off and I limped a lot hence my muscle tone was poor so now I am working on increasing that. I wish you the best of luck. First and foremost do not judge your recovery time against anyone else's. We all have our own timeline.Debbie> I am wondering if some of you can give me some advise regarding a > timeline for going back to work> I am booked for a RT. THR in August ( exact date uncertain ). I > have been waiting on the surgery list for a year. Before that, I > spent 7 years in great pain....was told I was "too young" for a THR. > I am 50. I work as an Xray tech., and this is a VERY physically > demanding job. I had to go on sick leave last week - I could no > longer walk well enough to do the job, I was just lurching along. I > had a patient ask if they could help me! I now am using a cane.> My disability plan will cover some of my lost salary when I have > used up my sick time. But I need to have an idea as to how many > months recovery time I will need. I realize that everyone is > different.....but any input would

be appreciated. > Thanks to all...this is a great place to get insider info. on my > upcoming surgery.> > Sally

[Guest guest]

I meant to sign this . Oops, typo fairy got me.Bill and Canter <cindyj4652@...> wrote:

I need opinions. I go to my OS on June 23. I will know then when I am to have TKR. I am going to insist on it because of the pain I'm having and the fact that two arthroscopies haven't helped. Now the question: How much trouble can I expect navigating stairs? We live in a second floor apartment, so I have to climb them just to get home. It isn't an option to sleep downstairs like in a whole house deal. I have dealt with the stairs before on crutches, but when my mom had her TKR in '99 they wanted her to use a walker. That is impossible on stairs. Thanks for the help.

coolbreezes4me2004 <dconti1234@...> wrote: I had my thr in march and am scheduled to go back to work mid June. I have an office job but I commute 1 hr each way. If your job is very strenous and your on your feet a lot it may be 3-6 months. Discuss it with your OS. Of course each person is different and each one will have their own particular healing rate. I believe my dr said it takes about 2 months for the bone to grow into the replacement and be stable. So there are a lot of factors. My gait was off and I limped a lot hence my muscle tone was poor so now I am working on increasing that. I wish you the best of luck. First and foremost do not judge your recovery time against anyone else's. We all have our own timeline.Debbie> I am wondering if some of you can give me some advise regarding a > timeline for going back to work> I am booked for a RT. THR in August ( exact date uncertain ). I > have been waiting on the surgery list for a year. Before that, I > spent 7 years in great pain....was told I was "too young" for a THR. > I am 50. I work as an Xray tech., and this is a VERY physically > demanding job. I had to go on sick leave last week - I could no > longer walk well enough to do the job, I was just lurching along. I > had a patient ask if they could help me! I now am using a cane.> My disability plan will cover some of my lost salary when I have > used up my sick time. But I need to have an idea as to how many > months recovery time I will need. I realize that everyone is > different.....but any input would

be appreciated. > Thanks to all...this is a great place to get insider info. on my > upcoming surgery.> > Sally

[Guest guest]

,

I had both of my knees done (Nov 28,2004 and Feb 15th, 2005) TKR after I had PKR.( Don't let them talk you into PKR). My kids were in College and I had to go up ALOT of stairs to their apartment. You are going to be pretty homebound for a couple weeks. You will have to probably get home rehab. I used both crutches and a walker. I used the walker when I took walks on my street with my home care rehab people. You may have a problem initially getting up the stairs when you come home from the hospital. You are not really suppose to climb stairs yet. Can someone carry you? I'm serious!!! If you are built like me then it may take one at the head and one under your back. I wouldn't recommend one holding your feet or legs...OOOUUUCCCHHH!!! If you can't do that maybe you could stay at a parents/friends house for a couple weeks.

Salem:0)

Bill and Canter <cindyj4652@...> wrote:

I meant to sign this . Oops, typo fairy got me.Bill and Canter <cindyj4652@...> wrote:

I need opinions. I go to my OS on June 23. I will know then when I am to have TKR. I am going to insist on it because of the pain I'm having and the fact that two arthroscopies haven't helped. Now the question: How much trouble can I expect navigating stairs? We live in a second floor apartment, so I have to climb them just to get home. It isn't an option to sleep downstairs like in a whole house deal. I have dealt with the stairs before on crutches, but when my mom had her TKR in '99 they wanted her to use a walker. That is impossible on stairs. Thanks for the help.

coolbreezes4me2004 <dconti1234@...> wrote: I had my thr in march and am scheduled to go back to work mid June. I have an office job but I commute 1 hr each way. If your job is very strenous and your on your feet a lot it may be 3-6 months. Discuss it with your OS. Of course each person is different and each one will have their own particular healing rate. I believe my dr said it takes about 2 months for the bone to grow into the replacement and be stable. So there are a lot of factors. My gait was off and I limped a lot hence my muscle tone was poor so now I am working on increasing that. I wish you the best of luck. First and foremost do not judge your recovery time against anyone else's. We all have our own timeline.Debbie> I am wondering if some of you can give me some advise regarding a > timeline for going back to work> I am booked for a RT. THR in August ( exact date uncertain ). I > have been waiting on the surgery list for a year. Before that, I > spent 7 years in great pain....was told I was "too young" for a THR. > I am 50. I work as an Xray tech., and this is a VERY physically > demanding job. I had to go on sick leave last week - I could no > longer walk well enough to do the job, I was just lurching along. I > had a patient ask if they could help me! I now am using a cane.> My disability plan will cover some of my lost salary when I have > used up my sick time. But I need to have an idea as to how many > months recovery time I will need. I realize that everyone is > different.....but any input would

be appreciated. > Thanks to all...this is a great place to get insider info. on my > upcoming surgery.> > Sally

[Guest guest]

Having gone thru 3 optscopics, 2 partial repl and 2 Total repl. I do have one word of advice before surgery. Tighten your upper body muscles. You use them alot. I was strong before but my arms are rock hard, mostly forearms. No, you don't need Popeye arms. hahahaha!!

But having good upper body strength helps support you better while recovering. You can pull yourself up out of a chair, tiolet and use your crutch/walker easier. Salem;0)coolbreezes4me2004 <dconti1234@...> wrote:

I had my thr in march and am scheduled to go back to work mid June. I have an office job but I commute 1 hr each way. If your job is very strenous and your on your feet a lot it may be 3-6 months. Discuss it with your OS. Of course each person is different and each one will have their own particular healing rate. I believe my dr said it takes about 2 months for the bone to grow into the replacement and be stable. So there are a lot of factors. My gait was off and I limped a lot hence my muscle tone was poor so now I am working on increasing that. I wish you the best of luck. First and foremost do not judge your recovery time against anyone else's. We all have our own timeline.Debbie> I am wondering if some of you can give me some advise regarding a > timeline for going back to work> I am booked for a RT. THR in August ( exact date uncertain ). I > have been waiting on the surgery list for a year. Before that, I > spent 7 years in great pain....was told I was "too young" for a THR. > I am 50. I work as an Xray tech., and this is a VERY physically > demanding job. I had to go on sick leave last week - I could no > longer walk well enough to do the job, I was just lurching along. I > had a patient ask if they could help me! I now am using a cane.> My disability plan will cover some of my lost salary when I have > used up my sick time. But I need to have an idea as to how many > months recovery time I will need. I realize that everyone is > different.....but any input would

be appreciated. > Thanks to all...this is a great place to get insider info. on my > upcoming surgery.> > Sally

[Guest guest]

Hi Salem, I'm too heavy to be carried up the stairs and the stairs are too narrow and steep. I'll have to deal with it one step at a time if need be. I can't stay at my mom's that long. There's two problems there. I love my mom, ok, but I don't know about living with her even a week or two, LOL, and there isn't enough room anyway. I have two brothers there. One is borderline retarded and lives there all the time, the other is there because he and soon to be ex are divorcing and he couldn't afford an apartment. I dealt with stairs on a daily basis when I originally injured the knee in high school and through two arthroscopies so I can cope. The homebound is no big deal except for missing church. I will NOT miss church as long as I can hobble in there. There are no stairs there so I can manage. I know it is important to take care of myself, but there are a few things I am stubborn about. I will also not allow only a PKR. The kneecap is the worst part of my knee. I

broke it in the original injury. It was wired to stabilize it. The cartilage is gone from the back of it and the end of my femur. I have a sandpaper grind in there. I know that sounds gross, sorry. Plus, I am having pain in the inner side of my knee in the meniscus compartment. I don't know the technical jargon, I just know where it hurts. There will be a TKR, because two other surgeries haven't helped and I have had enough aggravation. I attend college, but I think I'll be reasonably ok by the time fall semester starts at the end of August, even if I'm still on crutches or using a cane. I can park close enough to the one side of campus, do what I need, the maybe move the car. I'll figure that out then, depending on how I feel. I will work my butt off in therapy, so I can manage. One thing I have learned in life is this: QUITTERS NEVER WIN, AND WINNERS NEVER QUIT. Salem Saglime <salem3p@...> wrote:

,

I had both of my knees done (Nov 28,2004 and Feb 15th, 2005) TKR after I had PKR.( Don't let them talk you into PKR). My kids were in College and I had to go up ALOT of stairs to their apartment. You are going to be pretty homebound for a couple weeks. You will have to probably get home rehab. I used both crutches and a walker. I used the walker when I took walks on my street with my home care rehab people. You may have a problem initially getting up the stairs when you come home from the hospital. You are not really suppose to climb stairs yet. Can someone carry you? I'm serious!!! If you are built like me then it may take one at the head and one under your back. I wouldn't recommend one holding your feet or legs...OOOUUUCCCHHH!!! If you can't do that maybe you could stay at a parents/friends house for a couple weeks.

Salem:0)

Bill and Canter <cindyj4652@...> wrote:

I meant to sign this . Oops, typo fairy got me.Bill and Canter <cindyj4652@...> wrote:

I need opinions. I go to my OS on June 23. I will know then when I am to have TKR. I am going to insist on it because of the pain I'm having and the fact that two arthroscopies haven't helped. Now the question: How much trouble can I expect navigating stairs? We live in a second floor apartment, so I have to climb them just to get home. It isn't an option to sleep downstairs like in a whole house deal. I have dealt with the stairs before on crutches, but when my mom had her TKR in '99 they wanted her to use a walker. That is impossible on stairs. Thanks for the help.

coolbreezes4me2004 <dconti1234@...> wrote: I had my thr in march and am scheduled to go back to work mid June. I have an office job but I commute 1 hr each way. If your job is very strenous and your on your feet a lot it may be 3-6 months. Discuss it with your OS. Of course each person is different and each one will have their own particular healing rate. I believe my dr said it takes about 2 months for the bone to grow into the replacement and be stable. So there are a lot of factors. My gait was off and I limped a lot hence my muscle tone was poor so now I am working on increasing that. I wish you the best of luck. First and foremost do not judge your recovery time against anyone else's. We all have our own timeline.Debbie> I am wondering if some of you can give me some advise regarding a > timeline for going back to work> I am booked for a RT. THR in August ( exact date uncertain ). I > have been waiting on the surgery list for a year. Before that, I > spent 7 years in great pain....was told I was "too young" for a THR. > I am 50. I work as an Xray tech., and this is a VERY physically > demanding job. I had to go on sick leave last week - I could no > longer walk well enough to do the job, I was just lurching along. I > had a patient ask if they could help me! I now am using a cane.> My disability plan will cover some of my lost salary when I have > used up my sick time. But I need to have an idea as to how many > months recovery time I will need. I realize that everyone is > different.....but any input would

be appreciated. > Thanks to all...this is a great place to get insider info. on my > upcoming surgery.> > Sally

[Guest guest]

In Illinois you can get a temporary " handicapped " hangar for your

rear view mirror which allows you use handicapped spaces legally for

6 months. Maybe they have that where you live. Check with the motor

vehicle dept.

> > I am wondering if some of you can give me some advise

regarding a

> > timeline for going back to work

> > I am booked for a RT. THR in August ( exact date

uncertain ). I

> > have been waiting on the surgery list for a year. Before that,

I

> > spent 7 years in great pain....was told I was " too young " for a

THR.

> > I am 50. I work as an Xray tech., and this is a VERY physically

> > demanding job. I had to go on sick leave last week - I could no

> > longer walk well enough to do the job, I was just lurching

along. I

> > had a patient ask if they could help me! I now am using a cane.

> > My disability plan will cover some of my lost salary when I

have

> > used up my sick time. But I need to have an idea as to how many

> > months recovery time I will need. I realize that everyone is

> > different.....but any input would be appreciated.

> > Thanks to all...this is a great place to get insider info. on

my

> > upcoming surgery.

> >

> > Sally

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks. I already have a placard. I have a bad back, the knee, and asthma. jsreed2 <jsreed2800@...> wrote:

In Illinois you can get a temporary "handicapped" hangar for your rear view mirror which allows you use handicapped spaces legally for 6 months. Maybe they have that where you live. Check with the motor vehicle dept.> > I am wondering if some of you can give me some advise regarding a > > timeline for going back to work> > I am booked for a RT. THR in August ( exact date uncertain ). I > > have been waiting on the surgery list for a year. Before that, I > > spent 7 years in great pain....was told I was "too young" for a THR. > > I am 50. I work as an Xray tech., and this is a VERY physically > > demanding job. I had to go on sick leave last week - I could no > > longer walk well enough to do the job, I was just lurching along. I > > had a patient ask if they could help me! I now am using a cane.> > My disability plan will cover some of my lost salary when I

have > > used up my sick time. But I need to have an idea as to how many > > months recovery time I will need. I realize that everyone is > > different.....but any input would be appreciated. > > Thanks to all...this is a great place to get insider info. on my > > upcoming surgery.> > > > Sally> > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Sally: " I realize that everyone is different.....

I work as an Xray tech., and this is a VERY physically demanding job. "

You have answered your own question, everyone is different, and

each doc has different requirements for going back to work. Obviously

if you are pushing heavy equipment around a hospital, and having to

assist patients on/off treatment tables, you are putting your new hip in

jeopardy in the early months. But, because you are young, you should

heal quickly, and with good strengthening, you could probably go back

safely in several months. You want all of those tissues around the

joint capsule to tighten up and scar over really tight before you start

stressing it. Start now doing the hip exercises, and isometrics to

strengthen the hip muscles and your knee muscles, as well as the

non-operative leg. Do you work in a hospital? Go to the Physical

Therapy dept. and ask them for some exercises to get you prepared for

the surgery. Good Luck,

Marilyn

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks everyone for the advise. I will just have to see how it goes

after surgery. I have been doing a physio. prescribes exercise

program for a few weeks. Before that I did the Curves routine 4 times

a week plus a long walk daily. I am still trying to do the Curves

stuff...but the walks are now impossible. So my muscles are in quite

good shape.

Sally

[Guest guest]

,

At the hospital they will make sure you can do stairs before you

leave. You really can use the walker on stairs, turning it sideways.

They will show you how to do it. Or you can use railings. I opted to

use railings for the most part, but the walker came in handy at

times.

Just make sure the hospital PT are aware that you will need to do

stairs, and they will help you through it all.

Cara

> > I am wondering if some of you can give me some advise

regarding a

> > timeline for going back to work

> > I am booked for a RT. THR in August ( exact date

uncertain ). I

> > have been waiting on the surgery list for a year. Before that,

I

> > spent 7 years in great pain....was told I was " too young " for a

THR.

> > I am 50. I work as an Xray tech., and this is a VERY physically

> > demanding job. I had to go on sick leave last week - I could no

> > longer walk well enough to do the job, I was just lurching

along. I

> > had a patient ask if they could help me! I now am using a cane.

> > My disability plan will cover some of my lost salary when I

have

> > used up my sick time. But I need to have an idea as to how many

> > months recovery time I will need. I realize that everyone is

> > different.....but any input would be appreciated.

> > Thanks to all...this is a great place to get insider info. on

my

> > upcoming surgery.

> >

> > Sally

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

hi my name is Terrie I am 47 years young I had a TRH in 6/23/04 it was the best thing I could have done for myself I no longer live with pain I had pain since I was 6 years old so I waited long for my surgery but i would do it again I know can go dancing and work I its alitte hard at first put with pt you will be doing good. It will be a year on 6/28/05 good luck hopefully I could help you.an <strongsally@...> wrote:

I am wondering if some of you can give me some advise regarding a timeline for going back to work I am booked for a RT. THR in August ( exact date uncertain ). I have been waiting on the surgery list for a year. Before that, I spent 7 years in great pain....was told I was "too young" for a THR. I am 50. I work as an Xray tech., and this is a VERY physically demanding job. I had to go on sick leave last week - I could no longer walk well enough to do the job, I was just lurching along. I had a patient ask if they could help me! I now am using a cane. My disability plan will cover some of my lost salary when I have used up my sick time. But I need to have an idea as to how many months recovery time I will need. I realize that everyone is different.....but

any input would be appreciated. Thanks to all...this is a great place to get insider info. on my upcoming surgery.Sally

[Guest guest]

Carmel: the scar tissue is usually pretty well set in place by the 3rd

month, and the joint usually pretty stable by then. You are probably

not needing to strengthen the muscles that have gotten weak from disuse,

and also to stretch those muscles that have shortened for one reason or

another. I am sure your therapist is working on those things. Usually

when the muscles are strong all around the hip and knee, and they are

balanced in strength and flexibility, you will start feeling better and

moving better. I had a lady come up to me in church yesterday and

said that at the 6 month mark after her bilateral TKP's, she all of a

sudden felt so much better, lost the stiff feeling, and started really

moving better. Most docs say that you may not really feel completely

over the total joint surgery for 6 months to a year.

Marilyn

Carmel Santos wrote:

> Hi Marilyn,

>

> I had my right THR on Nov 17/04. I'm 47 years old. I'm coming along.

> My OS said probably another four to six months before I'm back to

> " normal " and free of all my pain and stiffness and swelling. I had a

> lot of reconstructive work done on my hip due to arthritis setting in.

> You mentioned about letting tissues around the joint tighten up and

> scar over tightly. Could you tell me how long this might take. At my

> stage would these tissues have tightened up? I'm in physio at least

> three times per week and I also went through pool therapy which really

> helped me. Thank you in advance.

>