Total Hip Replacement

[Guest guest]

I was just 64 last week and on October 7th had jusst the type of surgery that you talked about was in the hospital for 4 days. I also was very active and required on pt other then my own after the surgery and walked with a walker for 4 weeks and with a cane for two weeks after that and on the day after the six weeks went back to work on a job that required physical labor. THe whole surgery was a whiz as far as i am concerned. I guess the bigest problem was not being able to do anything much around the house walking with the walker for the 4 weeks but on the second week went baack to the office part of my job. Where are you located. If you would like anymore information why don't you e-mail me direct.

lie

total hip replacement

Hi, This is my first time on this site. I know I need a new hip and am curious as to which type of prosthesis was used for any of you who have already had it done. I am 62 and healthy and active. The one doctor I've consulted uses a metal type unit with a porcelain head on it - it would be non cemented as my bones are healthy generally. I intend to get at least another opinion before making my decision. Like all of you - the pain has reached a point where it has altered my life style too much - even with Vioxx or other medications that I have used. Thanks for any feed back. Susie

[Guest guest]

Hi Susie

At the age of 54, I had my left hip replaced in 1/01 and the right hip replaced in 7/01.....both are noncemented stainless joints. Before the replacements I walked with a crutch (when I had to walk at all), could not stand up straight, and was in constant pain. I can now walk without any assistance but still take Celebrex due to the osteoarthritis in my knees. The year 2001 was pretty much a lost year but was it worth it.....you bet it was. Please let me know if I can give you any additional information.

Sally

[Guest guest]

Go to Totally Hip.org. There is at least one on there that had both hips

done at the same time. He can probably help you with some information.

Total Hip Replacement

> Hi everyone! This is 1st time for me on this site. I am 48 years

> old and need to have both of my hips replaced. Has anyone on this

> site had the minimally invasive hip surgery with 2 incisions? If

> so, did you have any complications in the days, weeks and months

> post-op?

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

: My surgeon is my new hero. He is in Denver and practices at

Presbyterian/St. Lukes. His name is Tim Parks and he is truly

wonderful. He takes time to make sure I'm comfortable and answers

any and all questions. He's a great guy and his bedside manner is

exemplary.

cheers,

dave, 49

THR 01/31/05

>

>

> I am looking into the options for my right hip. THR or partial

> resurfacing or scope. I am arthritic and have lost some ROM not

too

> much pain yet but plan to do something soon. I am 47 very active

> with different sports. Plan to cut out impact sports as possible

but

> would still like to play doubles tennis on clay, snow ski and

water

> ski. Any comments on what route to go and what sports I can

> realistically do after the surgery. It sounds like scoping may buy

me

> some time but will it really reduce my pain and increase ROM.

Most

> who I have talked to say the surgeon is the key to success for any

of

> these procedures.

>

> I am getting consults form Dr. Lammens in Golden, CO and Dr.

> Philippon who will be at Steadman's Clinic in Vail in early March.

Is

> anyone familiar with these two Physicians?

>

> Thanks for your ideas and comments.

>

> T.

[Guest guest]

:

From what I am hearing (and I think there is at least one paper about

this being presented at the AAOS Annual Meeting that is going on now)

hemi-resurfacing is not being recommended very much any more. It

seems the new metal femoral component wears through the remaining

cartilage fairly quickly - within 2 - 3 years. Then you need an

acetabular component. The only advantage of this is that it is the

only way to get a truly FDA approved total resurfacing in the US at

the moment (the pieces are approved separately but not yet together as

one system).

If you are active, I would urge you to investigate resurfacing - it's

often a good option, especially if you want to remain very active. It

saves a lot more of your femur in case you need further surgery when

you get older but the wear characteristics are such that it might last

your whole life. It's made of the same materials (Cobalt, Chromium,

Molybdenum) as a metal-on-metal large femoral ball THR system

('s Conserve BFH is one example).

Are you in Colorado or just planning some Spring skiing? Probably the

closest resurfacing doctors are at the Joint Replacement Institute at

Orthopedic Hospital in Los Angeles.

If you haven't already, check in over at the Group Surface Hippy

at: surfacehippy/ for some

patient reactions to resurfacing as well as the activity levels many

resurf patients are enjoying after surgery. Several surfers, some

tennis players (including singles players) . . .

(48)

RC2K 48/54 Dr. Gross 3/24/04

^

^--- Right Hip, Cormet 2000 resurfacing system, 48mm femoral

component, 54mm acetabular component, surgery performed by Dr. Tom

Gross in Columbia, SC on 3/24/04.

>

>

> I am looking into the options for my right hip. THR or partial

> resurfacing or scope. I am arthritic and have lost some ROM not too

> much pain yet but plan to do something soon. I am 47 very active

> with different sports. Plan to cut out impact sports as possible but

> would still like to play doubles tennis on clay, snow ski and water

> ski. Any comments on what route to go and what sports I can

> realistically do after the surgery. It sounds like scoping may buy me

> some time but will it really reduce my pain and increase ROM. Most

> who I have talked to say the surgeon is the key to success for any of

> these procedures.

>

> I am getting consults form Dr. Lammens in Golden, CO and Dr.

> Philippon who will be at Steadman's Clinic in Vail in early March. Is

> anyone familiar with these two Physicians?

>

> Thanks for your ideas and comments.

>

> T.

[Guest guest]

:

Oh, one other thing, check out http://www.activejoints.com

It's another great resource.

(48)

RC2K 48/54 Dr. Gross 3/24/04

>

>

> I am looking into the options for my right hip. THR or partial

> resurfacing or scope. I am arthritic and have lost some ROM not too

> much pain yet but plan to do something soon. I am 47 very active

> with different sports. Plan to cut out impact sports as possible but

> would still like to play doubles tennis on clay, snow ski and water

> ski. Any comments on what route to go and what sports I can

> realistically do after the surgery. It sounds like scoping may buy me

> some time but will it really reduce my pain and increase ROM. Most

> who I have talked to say the surgeon is the key to success for any of

> these procedures.

>

> I am getting consults form Dr. Lammens in Golden, CO and Dr.

> Philippon who will be at Steadman's Clinic in Vail in early March. Is

> anyone familiar with these two Physicians?

>

> Thanks for your ideas and comments.

>

> T.

[Guest guest]

The guy who wants to do my hip says that a large ball is best. I play tennis also with other old people and am reluctant to have the down time. Salsalate or trilisate really do help me to keep the inflammation and pain down. My knees are shot, too, so I'm looking at about a year of downtime for right hip and 2 knees.

best of luck,

Bernie

PS. Make sure that your surgeon does lots of these replacements. jtrueblood57 <jtrueblood57@...> wrote:

I am looking into the options for my right hip. THR or partial resurfacing or scope. I am arthritic and have lost some ROM not too much pain yet but plan to do something soon. I am 47 very active with different sports. Plan to cut out impact sports as possible but would still like to play doubles tennis on clay, snow ski and water ski. Any comments on what route to go and what sports I can realistically do after the surgery. It sounds like scoping may buy me some time but will it really reduce my pain and increase ROM. Most who I have talked to say the surgeon is the key to success for any of these procedures.I am getting consults form Dr. Lammens in Golden, CO and Dr. Philippon who will be at Steadman's Clinic in Vail in early March. Is anyone familiar with these two

Physicians?Thanks for your ideas and comments. T.

[Guest guest]

Hi

I happened on your post and saw Dr. Philippon's name. He is moving

his practice from Pittsburgh to Vail - or has. He was at the UPMC

Center for Sports Medicine. He came up north from FL maybe 6-7

years ago and treated Lemieux for his hip.

Dr. Philippon specializes in hip arthroscopy and did it on Lemieux.

My brother also got it done shortly after that. It did relieve the

discomfort, but has not lasted. I guess it did buy him some time,

as it really hurts now and he is looking into his options - THR? He

is 54 and of course is looking for a new doctor in Pgh.

I am almost 7 weeks post-op from a THR and doing great - and 42. My

problem surfaced just over a year ago while I was running. Thought

I pulled a groin muscle, never got better. An Xray showed

Congenital Hip Dysplasia. An MRI showed a tear in the labrum - the

cartilage around the acetabulum.

I sent my films to Dr. Philippon (from Youngstown, OH). Upon a

review free of charge, I was not a candidate for arthroscopy because

of the CHD and narrow spacing in the joint. I appreciate the fact

that our time was not wasted with a procedure that probably would

have failed.

To keep this short, I did investigate another surgery - PAO, for

patients with CHD. I was not a candidate for that, and with my OS

decided on a THR. I had a lot of arthritis in the joint, more when

he got into surgery. I did not fully investigate resurfacing, but

sounds very positive for a likely candidate.

Hope this sheds some light. Hope my brother subscribes here, as it

is so much help, and he is starting his research now. It seems hip

trouble may run in our family, our mom has had two replacements.

Difference is, she was 64 and 74, not 42 and 54. I think we are

much more active than our parents generation.

Liz

>

>

> I am looking into the options for my right hip. THR or partial

> resurfacing or scope. I am arthritic and have lost some ROM not

too

> much pain yet but plan to do something soon. I am 47 very active

> with different sports. Plan to cut out impact sports as possible

but

> would still like to play doubles tennis on clay, snow ski and

water

> ski. Any comments on what route to go and what sports I can

> realistically do after the surgery. It sounds like scoping may buy

me

> some time but will it really reduce my pain and increase ROM.

Most

> who I have talked to say the surgeon is the key to success for any

of

> these procedures.

>

> I am getting consults form Dr. Lammens in Golden, CO and Dr.

> Philippon who will be at Steadman's Clinic in Vail in early March.

Is

> anyone familiar with these two Physicians?

>

> Thanks for your ideas and comments.

>

> T.

[Guest guest]

> >

> >

> > I am looking into the options for my right hip. THR or partial

> > resurfacing or scope. I am arthritic and have lost some ROM not

> too

> > much pain yet but plan to do something soon. I am 47 very

active

> > with different sports. Plan to cut out impact sports as

possible

> but

> > would still like to play doubles tennis on clay, snow ski and

> water

> > ski. Any comments on what route to go and what sports I can

> > realistically do after the surgery. It sounds like scoping may

buy

> me

> > some time but will it really reduce my pain and increase ROM.

> Most

> > who I have talked to say the surgeon is the key to success for

any

> of

> > these procedures.

> >

> > I am getting consults form Dr. Lammens in Golden, CO and Dr.

> > Philippon who will be at Steadman's Clinic in Vail in early

March.

> Is

> > anyone familiar with these two Physicians?

> >

> > Thanks for your ideas and comments.

> >

> > T.

[Guest guest]

I am afraid there may not be any options left as with me when I was 38. I was bone on bone, pain pills barely worked and, an injection did nothing. I know you are scared but, imagine a life without all that pain. Sure the first few months won't be so great but, it will be so much better in the long run. Some people have mentioned resurfacing or something like that. You can check into that too but, don't keep on suffering when You can do something about it. You don't have any more restrictions than You have now. The first few months, there will be certain restrictions but, they won't last forever. You just have to do your physical therapy exercises every day and, you will have less pain. I was scared too, I was afraid I was doing the wrong thing but, until I fell in Feb. I was doing pretty well. Just weigh the pros and cons.

Connie

germie_07@... writes:

Hi everyone! I am new to the board and still have questions! I am really concerned about having my LTHR done.I have babied my left hip soooo much that I do still have better days than others. The pain happens when I go up and down stairs and normal walking.Which I don't do much shopping or go anywhere that requires alot of walking.Unless I'm ready for the pain.Does anyone know of anything else that can be done when I've already had hip arthroscopy done? That didn't work!!!Like I've said before I have hip Displasia and arthritis.I can't work because of the pain and I just wish there was another option!!!!I know I'm just asking for a miracle.Like I said if I sit around don't do much It's not to bad.I do want to get my life back activity wise and live again!!!!I just don't like the restrictions I'll have.But no pain would be wonderful!!!!I live in Wisconsin and am wondering if any other Doctor has less restrictions after I'm healed and walking around again. Thanks! Germaine

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone! I am new to the board and still have questions! I am

really concerned about having my LTHR done.I have babied my left hip

soooo much that I do still have better days than others. The pain

happens when I go up and down stairs and normal walking.Which I don't

do much shopping or go anywhere that requires alot of walking.Unless

I'm ready for the pain.Does anyone know of anything else that can be

done when I've already had hip arthroscopy done? That didn't work!!!

Like I've said before I have hip Displasia and arthritis.I can't work

because of the pain and I just wish there was another option!!!!I know

I'm just asking for a miracle.Like I said if I sit around don't do

much It's not to bad.I do want to get my life back activity wise and

live again!!!!I just don't like the restrictions I'll have.But no pain

would be wonderful!!!!I live in Wisconsin and am wondering if any

other Doctor has less restrictions after I'm healed and walking around

again. Thanks! Germaine

[Guest guest]

Restrictions are going to vary from doctor to doctor. You won't

really know what your restrictions will be until you talk to your

individual doctor. I just had LTHR 4 weeks ago, and I am currently

doing great. I have the standard precuations that almost everyone

has for the first 90 days: No bending past 90 degrees, no twisting,

and sitting with knees apart. After my 90 days are up, I will have

no life long restrictions other than not lifting more than 25lbs.

And believe me, if I don't ever had to lift another heavy thing in

life, all the better for me!

Other than having a hip replacement or investigating hip

resurfacing, I don't know of any other alternatives for your

situation that would offer long term help. I was in the same boat

myself before having surgery. I had done all I could to preserve my

hip, but nothing worked any longer for me other than resting and

keeping my activity level down. Everyone will tell you that you'll

know when it's the right time for you to have a replacement, so

perhaps you're mentally not to that point yet if you still have a

lot of doubt and concern. The group is great about answering

questions and offering support. Being a young hip patient at 31, I

was really worried about having such a serious surgery at such a

young age, but I knew that I had to do something to preserve my

quality of life. The group helped me through many a question and

concerns.

If you're only worried about the restrictions, you can always talk

to different docs to see if you can find one who meets your needs.

But you always want to keep in mind the docs quality of work and not

just your life long restrictions when investigating a doc. I am in

Indiana, and doctor Pierson in Indianapolis did my surgery. I've

been told by many people, including various physical therapists,

that he's the best in the state. If you're interested in traveling

out of state I could give you his information.

Don't hesitate to bombard the group with questions as you think of

them. Believe me, I have done that many many times and each time

everyone has been more than supportive and willing to offer advice.

Lean on your support group!

Aimee

> Hi everyone! I am new to the board and still have questions! I am

> really concerned about having my LTHR done.I have babied my left

hip

> soooo much that I do still have better days than others. The pain

> happens when I go up and down stairs and normal walking.Which I

don't

> do much shopping or go anywhere that requires alot of

walking.Unless

> I'm ready for the pain.Does anyone know of anything else that can

be

> done when I've already had hip arthroscopy done? That didn't

work!!!

> Like I've said before I have hip Displasia and arthritis.I can't

work

> because of the pain and I just wish there was another option!!!!I

know

> I'm just asking for a miracle.Like I said if I sit around don't do

> much It's not to bad.I do want to get my life back activity wise

and

> live again!!!!I just don't like the restrictions I'll have.But no

pain

> would be wonderful!!!!I live in Wisconsin and am wondering if any

> other Doctor has less restrictions after I'm healed and walking

around

> again. Thanks! Germaine

[Guest guest]

Germaine,

I also live in Wisconsin. Whereabouts are you?

Like you I had hip dysplasia. Mine was bilateral and I have recently had both hips replaced. I too had arthroscopic surgeries that didn't work. I was in pain just as you describe and just as limited in my activity and quality of life. When it gets to that point, there IS no other option!! The restrictions don't last forever, at least most of them don't. My doc said the three things I can never do are run, jump, and cross my legs. That is a small price to pay for getting rid of the arthritis pain.

I hope you decide to do the THR because I believe you will be happy you did so. I am still healing, but I'm pain-free and looking forward to living again!

Good luck with your decision!

RE:TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT

Hi everyone! I am new to the board and still have questions! I am really concerned about having my LTHR done.I have babied my left hip soooo much that I do still have better days than others. The pain happens when I go up and down stairs and normal walking.Which I don't do much shopping or go anywhere that requires alot of walking.Unless I'm ready for the pain.Does anyone know of anything else that can be done when I've already had hip arthroscopy done? That didn't work!!!Like I've said before I have hip Displasia and arthritis.I can't work because of the pain and I just wish there was another option!!!!I know I'm just asking for a miracle.Like I said if I sit around don't do much It's not to bad.I do want to get my life back activity wise and live again!!!!I just don't like the restrictions I'll have.But no pain would be wonderful!!!!I live in Wisconsin and am wondering if any other Doctor has less restrictions after I'm healed and walking around again. Thanks! Germaine

[Guest guest]

Hi

I was 37 when I had hip resurfacing, this is a bone conserving alternative to

thr. I too also

had arthroscopies prior to this. Have to say I couldn't be happier with the

outcome.

Have a look at these sites...

http://www.midmedtec.co.uk/index.htm (tells you about resurfacing_

http://www.ActiveJoints.com (excellent site for information)

surfacehippy (discussion group about

resurfacing)

Hope this helps

jane - in Wales

2 x Birmingham Hips

..

> Hi everyone! I am new to the board and still have questions! I am

> really concerned about having my LTHR done.I have babied my left hip

> soooo much that I do still have better days than others. The pain

> happens when I go up and down stairs and normal walking.Which I don't

> do much shopping or go anywhere that requires alot of walking.Unless

> I'm ready for the pain.Does anyone know of anything else that can be

> done when I've already had hip arthroscopy done? That didn't work!!!

> Like I've said before I have hip Displasia and arthritis.I can't work

> because of the pain and I just wish there was another option!!!!I know

> I'm just asking for a miracle.Like I said if I sit around don't do

> much It's not to bad.I do want to get my life back activity wise and

> live again!!!!I just don't like the restrictions I'll have.But no pain

> would be wonderful!!!!I live in Wisconsin and am wondering if any

> other Doctor has less restrictions after I'm healed and walking around

> again. Thanks! Germaine

[Guest guest]

HI Germaine,

I'm only 31 years old. I'll be 32 in a couple of months. For me the

hip surgery was really the only alternative left. I had " toughed " it

out as long as I could, but I was at the point of nothing helping the

pain. I was scared the day of surgery going in, but now I wouldn't

in a heartbeat change my decision to have the surgery done. So far,

for me, everything has been brighter on the other side of the

surgery. The first couple of weeks after surgery were the worst for

me, but I have been getting better every day.

Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions or concerns you may

have. Part of what they are there for is to put your mind at ease,

not just to perform the operation! In one of your posts you asked

about amusement parks... I'm not sure about riding roller coasters

myself, but I'm just going to be happy to walk around the park

itself! I have a 5 year old goddaughter, and the last time I went to

the theme park with her I had a horrible time walking and keeping up

with everyone. At least the next time I go I'll be able to enjoy

walking pain free!

Aimee

> >

> >

> > Hi Aimee! How old are you? I am 39 years old and

> really looking forward to this surgery being done and

> over with. I am having the surgery at Froedart in

> Milwaukee. I live in Kenosha, Wisconsin.I just guess I

> let my fear get to me.That is why I asked so many

> questions. Thanks for trying to help. You did!

> Germaine

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Germaine,

We sound very similar. I also had LTHR on 12/12/05 for severe CHD at age 40

at the Mayo Clinic. I was touch-weight bearing the first 7 weeks and I wiil

be transitioning to a cane over the next 2-3 weeks. My surgeon did not want

me to do any exercises at all the first 7 weks and wanted the muscles to

heal. He gave me exercises to do on my own now and swimming and walking.

It is hard to do the exercises, but I cannot say that they put me in severe

pain. I take no medicine at all. I think surgeons have different

approaches. My surgeon thinks in my case, aggressive PT may do more damage

than good. I was told to start elliptical/biking in another 8 weeks. You

may want to have another conversation with your OS.

Sheyla

>From: " Germaine " <germie_07@...>

>Reply-Joint Replacement

>Joint Replacement

>Subject: Total Hip Replacement

>Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2006 12:34:28 -0000

>

>My name is Germaine and I have had a THR on Jan. 9,2006.I am 40 years

>old and just need some advise. I had hip dysplasia and arthritis so

>bad in my left hip I could no longer walk or do normal daily functions

>as far as working, cleaning, and shopping. My question to anyone is

>just how long does it take to get the muscles back from the 12 inch

>scar. I am in theraphy 3 times a week and the tightness and spasms are

>killing me.It's like I am doing very well yet the night of rehab and

>the next day are like a train ran me over.I have to watch my pain

>pills because I am getting sick off of them and I feel like they are

>eating at my stomach. I only take 1 a day and now I take 2 muscle

>relaxers a day.I don't like the way the pain pills make me feel and

>the muscle relaxers only help a little. I do stretches to help along

>with ice.Some exercises as tolerated. any other ideas besides time????

>Please give me some good advise!!! Waiting to hear from anyone!!!

>Thank You Germaine

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

My arthritic hips were in the condition that you describe before I

had them both replaced although I didn't have dysplasia. I also had

long scars - 11 " ! If you are sore after therapy, tell your PT.

Icing is good. I iced mine every day after I did my exercises (3

times a day). I did this for at least 6 weeks. As to how long it

takes to get your strength back - this recovery is a gradual

process. Keep doing your exercises at home - I was told to do them 3

times a day and I did them for more than 3 months before going to

once a day.

If you can get off the pain meds that are making you feel sick - I

assume you are taking something narcotic - you will feel MUCH

better. I had a problem taking tylenol 3 (has codeine in it) as they

made me nauseated. So for my second THR I refused that med and just

took OTC tylenol and tylenol PM at night. I felt A LOT better and

also didn't want to nod off during the daytime.

Again - I reiterate - if your PT makes you miserable the next day,

back off it a bit and by all means tell the PT.

>

> My name is Germaine and I have had a THR on Jan. 9,2006.I am 40

years

> old and just need some advise. I had hip dysplasia and arthritis so

> bad in my left hip I could no longer walk or do normal daily

functions

> as far as working, cleaning, and shopping. My question to anyone is

> just how long does it take to get the muscles back from the 12 inch

> scar. I am in theraphy 3 times a week and the tightness and spasms

are

> killing me.It's like I am doing very well yet the night of rehab

and

> the next day are like a train ran me over.I have to watch my pain

> pills because I am getting sick off of them and I feel like they

are

> eating at my stomach. I only take 1 a day and now I take 2 muscle

> relaxers a day.I don't like the way the pain pills make me feel and

> the muscle relaxers only help a little. I do stretches to help

along

> with ice.Some exercises as tolerated. any other ideas besides

time????

> Please give me some good advise!!! Waiting to hear from anyone!!!

> Thank You Germaine

>

[Guest guest]

Time is a big factor that you'll have to deal with when getting back

muscle strength. Keeping up with your exercises will help too. I

had a THR in June of '05, and dealing with the muscle issues was

probably more difficult for me than anything else. I went back to

work full time 3 months after surgery, but I was still contending

with muscle pain and trying to get muscle strenght back up to par.

Just give it time and keep exercising!

Aimee

>

> My name is Germaine and I have had a THR on Jan. 9,2006.I am 40

years

> old and just need some advise. I had hip dysplasia and arthritis

so

> bad in my left hip I could no longer walk or do normal daily

functions

> as far as working, cleaning, and shopping. My question to anyone

is

> just how long does it take to get the muscles back from the 12

inch

> scar. I am in theraphy 3 times a week and the tightness and spasms

are

> killing me.It's like I am doing very well yet the night of rehab

and

> the next day are like a train ran me over.I have to watch my pain

> pills because I am getting sick off of them and I feel like they

are

> eating at my stomach. I only take 1 a day and now I take 2 muscle

> relaxers a day.I don't like the way the pain pills make me feel

and

> the muscle relaxers only help a little. I do stretches to help

along

> with ice.Some exercises as tolerated. any other ideas besides

time????

> Please give me some good advise!!! Waiting to hear from anyone!!!

> Thank You Germaine

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Germaine, I know the agony you are in. I am 1-1/2 years post-op. I am now starting to go up and down stairs the "normal" way. At times my leg still gets sore at the hip and down the front, usually after walking too much. It also depends on the surface and the weather. Too cold and it hurts. I find concrete hurts. I still have to back into my car instead of putting my leg in first. It is my driving leg that was operated on. I hope eventually I will be able to put it in the way it should go in. But I agree, give it time. I was hopeless at three months. I thought I'd never drive again and look; I'm all over the place. All the best, Carmelaimay73 <aimay73@...> wrote: Time is a big factor that you'll have to deal with when getting back muscle strength. Keeping up with your exercises will help too. I had a THR in June of '05, and dealing with the muscle issues was probably more difficult for me than anything else. I went back to work full time 3 months after surgery, but I was still contending with muscle pain and trying to get muscle strenght back up to par. Just give it time and keep exercising!Aimee >> My name is Germaine and I have had a THR on Jan. 9,2006.I am 40 years > old and just need some advise. I had hip dysplasia and arthritis so > bad in my left hip I could no longer walk or do normal daily functions > as far as working, cleaning, and shopping. My question to anyone is > just how long does it take to get

the muscles back from the 12 inch > scar. I am in theraphy 3 times a week and the tightness and spasms are > killing me.It's like I am doing very well yet the night of rehab and > the next day are like a train ran me over.I have to watch my pain > pills because I am getting sick off of them and I feel like they are > eating at my stomach. I only take 1 a day and now I take 2 muscle > relaxers a day.I don't like the way the pain pills make me feel and > the muscle relaxers only help a little. I do stretches to help along > with ice.Some exercises as tolerated. any other ideas besides time????> Please give me some good advise!!! Waiting to hear from anyone!!! > Thank You Germaine>

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[Guest guest]

I agree with Aimee. Keep doing the exercises...and one day you will

realize you find it " natural " .

My husband had both his hips resurfaced in Feb 04/March 04, because of

PT's who were unfamilar with resurfacing, he was not given enough of the

correct exercises to do. When we went back for his 12 week post op check

up the drs were horrified by his lack of range of motion. They actually

did fluroscopes to make sure everything was right with his devices.

Anyway- pre op he had poor range of motions and post op it was even

worse. Little by little he is gaining ground. He can now put on his

socks with out the assisted device. He attend Pilates once a week, and

works out a gym two to four times a week. He has had no pain since the

operation- but it would be nice if he could cut his own toe nails!! (

I've been cutting them for him for over 7 years...5 pre op...2 post!)

MJ

Jane Le Kanides

http://www.my.tupperware.com/maryjanelk Visit my online Tupperware store

[Guest guest]

Its been 4 weeks since my total hip replacement. I was very depressed

before I went in for the surgery. I couldn't help but think that there

had to be a better way. I was also by myself (left the hospital 3 days

after surgery and came home with no one to care for me) since I do not

have much family that lives near me. After 4 weeks I still cannot walk

but the pain is finally gone. I have had hip pain for the last 7 years

and its dimished to the point that I almost miss it. Of course not

enough to wish it was still there. I did exactly what the doctor and

physical therapist asked of me as well as iced it 20min. ON and 20min.

OFF at least 5 times a day for the first 3 weeks to reduce the

swelling. I hope anyone who reads this can have hope that there is

a " light at the end of the tunnel " . Do not give up, perform the

exercises given to you no matter how strange it feels. Lighten up on

the muscle contractions if it becomes to much, but complete them

anyway. And keep a pillow between your legs when resting. I'm finally

sleeping throughout the night.

Derrick

[Guest guest]

Derrick, It takes time. I am 8 weeks out from my THR. I have improved on a weekly basis. Saw my Doctor last week. Everything looks good. Very little pain. When I have pain it comes from over doing it. I can now walk a short distance without aid. After a while I have to use my cane. I am now working in the yard, driving, and getting around. Being confinded depresses me. It is a long process from what I have learned with gradual improvement. My M.D. told me i may be on the cane until October maybe longer. You keep trying to function. It will improve. Thanks, Ric Chattanooga, Tn.

[Guest guest]

I guess we are all different, I used the walker for a couple of weeks

and the cane for another couple of weeks. I did carry the cane for a

couple of weeks longer. I am now back to my normal walk and to Yoga

and Pilates. I had my right hip replaced March 20th. Time flies, so

hang in there, it won't be long before you are out and about.

Grace

>

> Derrick,

>

> It takes time. I am 8 weeks out from my THR. I have improved

> on a weekly basis. Saw my Doctor last week. Everything looks

> good. Very little pain. When I have pain it comes from over doing

> it. I can now walk a short distance without aid. After a while I

> have to use my cane. I am now working in the yard, driving, and

> getting around. Being confinded depresses me. It is a long

process

> from what I have learned with gradual improvement. My M.D. told

> me i may be on the cane until October maybe longer. You keep

> trying to function. It will improve.

>

> Thanks,

> Ric Chattanooga, Tn.

>

[Guest guest]

No thoughts about the pain....I don¹t know from hips : ) But wow! How

great to hear how well you are doing. Congratulatons!

Peace,

Jackie

On 5/12/09 9:10 PM, " gerrydougherty " <gerry@...> wrote:

>

>

>

>

>

> I am 12 days post op and i am getting around beautiully. the second day was

> the most painful. Using a walker and will start using a can.

> II tried to have a resurfacing, the surgeon has some troulbe fitting the ball

> in the socket. I just want to know when will all my pain be gone, Any thoughts

> will be appreciated.

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Gail for the info. A number of people have told me that an experienced

surgeon will definitely make the correction. I trust my surgeon at HSS.

Re: Total Hip Replacement

For Jim as well. My surgeon told me that when he replaced my right hip (done in

April, 2009) it might be a bit longer than the left because of my " strange

legs " , but that when he replaced the second one (this will be done in Oct. 2009)

he will even them out. Last time I had x-rays and a consult, a couple of weeks

ago, he had me lie on the table, then told me my right leg is actually a bit

shorter, not surprising as the implant has " subsided " . He asked me if I had

noticed-- which I had not, so don't need a lift. But the moral of the story is,

I believe I have an excellent surgeon, as he is more aware of my leg lengths

than I am. Yes, your surgeon should be able to make your legs the same length.

If he isn't aware of the situation, I would certainly bring it to his attention

before your second surgery next month.

Gail

>

> After having my right THR my tailor noticed one leg was 1/2 inch shorter. I'm

having left THR next month and hope they can make them the same. Does anyone

know if that is possible?

>

>

>

>

>