THR Recovery

[Guest guest]

> Tomorrow is my 6th week PS anniversary, I celebrated yesterday by swimming

> for a couple hours. It felt great, and the leg still kicks. It's weak, but

> it works.

congratulations! that's wonderful, and I'm so pleased to hear you are recovering

so well.

All that exercise will be doing you the world of good, and believe me, you'll

know if you

are doing too much. Just listen to your body and pay attention to tiredness and

pain. The

stronger those muscles are, the better they'll help support and hold your hip.

But

remember that impact-based exercise puts more stress on the joints. I've always

been

banned from running, though I know others don't have that restriction...

> All this talk about multiple hip replacements is starting

> to worry me. Is there a site to go to that publishes the success rates of

> hip replacements? I've been searching but I can't seem to find one. I don't

> understand what my surgeon would gain by not telling me the truth about the

> longevity of mine.

sorry if I was one of the ones who put the wind up you on this. There are lots

of research

papers out there with long term stats, but you have to read them very carefully

to see what

they are looking at, and what they are measuring (age of patients, activity

levels, intitial

conditions that lead to THR, number of previous surgeries, etc etc etc). Even

then, with all

the numbers, you're still only dealing with probabilities rather than

certainties if you apply

the numbers to yourself.

I should stress that I am an anomaly, with three THRs in 11 years and then the

prox-fem

replacement, and it's mostly down to having an already trashed hip and femur and

very

little muscle there because of childhood problems. As I've mentioned before, a

friend of

mine had her hip done in her early twenties, and has had that, now, for almost

25 years

and is just considering a refit. It really can go either way.

I think the main point I was making is that there are no fixed numbers, and no

way for a

doc to cross his heart and swear " 20 years " . More that a surgeon who makes

guarantees

on this stuff is being silly, because there are no guarantees, even with the

best skills and

the best kit in the world. Enjoy your new hip, and don't fret. Here's hoping

you'll be one of

the 25 year people!

katie

[Guest guest]

There are a number of countries who have registers. Australia just started

theirs a few years ago, but I will look for other registers if you need

help.

Here are some pages to start off looking at

http://www.cihi.ca/cihiweb/dispPage.jsp?cw_page=statistics_results_source_cjrr_e

http://www.jru.orthop.gu.se/archive/AAOS-2007.pdf

http://www.dmac.adelaide.edu.au/aoanjrr/publications.jsp

Aussie Margaret

RTHR 1990 revised 2004

Re: THR recovery

| > Tomorrow is my 6th week PS anniversary, I celebrated yesterday by

swimming

| > for a couple hours. It felt great, and the leg still kicks. It's

weak, but

| > it works.

|

| congratulations! that's wonderful, and I'm so pleased to hear you are

recovering so well.

| All that exercise will be doing you the world of good, and believe me,

you'll know if you

| are doing too much. Just listen to your body and pay attention to

tiredness and pain. The

| stronger those muscles are, the better they'll help support and hold your

hip. But

| remember that impact-based exercise puts more stress on the joints. I've

always been

| banned from running, though I know others don't have that restriction...

|

| > All this talk about multiple hip replacements is starting

| > to worry me. Is there a site to go to that publishes the success rates

of

| > hip replacements? I've been searching but I can't seem to find one. I

don't

| > understand what my surgeon would gain by not telling me the truth about

the

| > longevity of mine.

|

| sorry if I was one of the ones who put the wind up you on this. There are

lots of research

| papers out there with long term stats, but you have to read them very

carefully to see what

| they are looking at, and what they are measuring (age of patients,

activity levels, intitial

| conditions that lead to THR, number of previous surgeries, etc etc etc).

Even then, with all

| the numbers, you're still only dealing with probabilities rather than

certainties if you apply

| the numbers to yourself.

|

| I should stress that I am an anomaly, with three THRs in 11 years and then

the prox-fem

| replacement, and it's mostly down to having an already trashed hip and

femur and very

| little muscle there because of childhood problems. As I've mentioned

before, a friend of

| mine had her hip done in her early twenties, and has had that, now, for

almost 25 years

| and is just considering a refit. It really can go either way.

|

| I think the main point I was making is that there are no fixed numbers,

and no way for a

| doc to cross his heart and swear " 20 years " . More that a surgeon who makes

guarantees

| on this stuff is being silly, because there are no guarantees, even with

the best skills and

| the best kit in the world. Enjoy your new hip, and don't fret. Here's

hoping you'll be one of

| the 25 year people!

|

| katie

|

|

|

|

[Guest guest]

TY for the information Margaret :-)

In a message dated 6/19/2007 5:08:38 AM Pacific Daylight Time, zztinau@... writes:

There are a number of countries who have registers. Australia just started theirs a few years ago, but I will look for other registers if you need help.Here are some pages to start off looking athttp://www.cihi.ca/cihiweb/dispPage.jsp?cw_page=statistics_results_source_cjrr_ehttp://www.jru.orthop.gu.se/archive/AAOS-2007.pdfhttp://www.dmac.adelaide.edu.au/aoanjrr/publications.jspAussie MargaretRTHR 1990 revised 2004

See what's free at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

, if you are still having pain, are not recovered to where you want to be,

we would recommend continuing with PT until you see full recovery ahead.

's case was complicated, as she had a right TKR on March 16, then an

emergency revision of a left hip resurfacing to THR on April 27, but even though

PT thought she was doing OK, we thought her recovery has been slower than WE

expected and hoped for.....and her gait was not as smooth as desired.

Recently the PT found a 0.5 inch leg length difference, and heel lifts greatly

helped her walking gait. After that, they found that bridging exercises with a

ball, heat, and massage of the quads would help the mild knee discomfort

has experienced since surgery. Her progress has been MUCH more rapid since

these discoveries, and we NEVER would have found them on our own....

Yes, PT is expensive even if insurance pays most of it... but you MUST regain

a normal gait and pain free walking for your continued good health going

forward... until you see that goal achieved, we believe PT can help IF you are

totally honest in your communication with the therapist.

Good luck for a pain free recovery!

Barrie ( & )

>

> Hello,

> I am 41 years old and just had THR on June 29th, and for the most part am

getting around pretty well. I'm currently trying to spread out how often I take

my pain medicine, and am continuing to do the exercises my PT showed me at home.

I know it is still very early, but the leg still feels very tight, and when I

try to do certain exercises (like sit in a chair, lift my foot, and move my leg

back and forth with knee bent), the groin pain is still pretty pronounced.

>

> I was just wondering from those who have had THR about how long after surgery

they experienced pain or discomfort, and should I request continued physical

therapy when I see my surgeon for my 5 week post op visit, which will be at the

end of this month. (I was released from home physical therapy about 2 and a

half weeks post, but as I said am still doing the exercises on my own).

>

> Any advice or sharing of your own experiences would be greatly appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

>

[Guest guest]

I was just thinking of asking this group about ongoing pain following TKR on

March 19 when I read this.

I continue to have pain and stiffness in the knee joint when standing from a

sitting position. This is much worse when I¹ve been sitting at the computer

for even half an hour. I also continue to have pain when climbing the

stairs, and am unable to go downstairs in the normal fashion. Attempting to

go down stairs one step at a time rather than using the lurch method hurts

a lot! Climbing stairs with or even carrying any thing that weighs over a

few pounds is still problem. I met with my surgeon who was unconcerned

and just said I would have pain for at least 6 months. But I am concerned

especially about going downstairs. I do better when I¹m active at the gym

but have been pretty much sitting at the computer for 2 weeks and then down

with the flu for a week and a half so am having to recover some function as

I return to my physical routine.

I have good flexion and extension and ride the stationary bike with seat at

lowest setting without difficulty. Returning to the weights yesterday after

being away was a little challenging but nothing unexpected, just muscles

that haven¹t been used for a few weeks.

To me the pain climbing stairs seems ³normal² -- not really bad and clearly

associated with a specific activity and varies in intensity. My sister

tells me that carrying heavy things is an ongoing problem for her so I¹m not

so worried about that. But the difficulty standing and the inability to go

downstairs has me worried. At 4 months I think I should be able to do

these things.

I¹m having the second knee done on September 1 and would hope to have a

fuller recovery from the first by then.

Any advice out there?

Peace,

Jackie

[Guest guest]

It has been 3 1/2 years since my TKR. I must say that it takes months

to gradually recover to the point that you no longer think about having

an artificial joint. In my case, it took about 18 months. My

surgeon told me 9-12 and I though he was crazy but he wasn't. I had

knee stiffness when standing and stiffness going down stairs. That has

all pretty much resolved. A TKR will never flex like a 20 year old's

knee will flex and I miss being able to squat. The surgeon tells me

that the newer joint they are using now seems to offer a little more

flexion than the one that I have. It takes a long time to get the

strength back in the quadriceps of that leg. It can't be done overnight.

Do not get discouraged and keep working.

I am having the left hip replaced next month and then depending upon how

that does will have the left knee replaced.

on wrote:

>

>

> I was just thinking of asking this group about ongoing pain following

> TKR on

> March 19 when I read this.

>

> I continue to have pain and stiffness in the knee joint when standing

> from a

> sitting position. This is much worse when I¹ve been sitting at the

> computer

> for even half an hour. I also continue to have pain when climbing the

> stairs, and am unable to go downstairs in the normal fashion.

> Attempting to

> go down stairs one step at a time rather than using the lurch method hurts

> a lot! Climbing stairs with or even carrying any thing that weighs over a

> few pounds is still problem. I met with my surgeon who was unconcerned

> and just said I would have pain for at least 6 months. But I am concerned

> especially about going downstairs. I do better when I¹m active at the gym

> but have been pretty much sitting at the computer for 2 weeks and then

> down

> with the flu for a week and a half so am having to recover some

> function as

> I return to my physical routine.

>

> I have good flexion and extension and ride the stationary bike with

> seat at

> lowest setting without difficulty. Returning to the weights yesterday

> after

> being away was a little challenging but nothing unexpected, just muscles

> that haven¹t been used for a few weeks.

>

> To me the pain climbing stairs seems ³normal² -- not really bad and

> clearly

> associated with a specific activity and varies in intensity. My sister

> tells me that carrying heavy things is an ongoing problem for her so

> I¹m not

> so worried about that. But the difficulty standing and the inability to go

> downstairs has me worried. At 4 months I think I should be able to do

> these things.

>

> I¹m having the second knee done on September 1 and would hope to have a

> fuller recovery from the first by then.

>

> Any advice out there?

>

> Peace,

> Jackie

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I had a THR 6/17, and I was determined to move as much as possible without

violating any restrictions. Once home, I had more of what I would call

discomfort than pain, probably 1-3 on the 10 pain scale, and I quickly tapered

back on pain meds. Much discomfort was due to the nerves in my thigh

reawakening in the first 2-3 weeks and the tightness of the staples. Once they

were out at 10 days post-surgery, my leg felt much better. I have done and

continue to do my PT exercises a couple of times per day. When I first started,

I was surprised to get improvement on a daily basis in terms of loosening tight

areas and my muscles getting the idea of moving again. The hardest exercise for

me is leg lifts because my compensating muscles still want to work, and I get

pain to discomfort in my groin. My home PT said the groin pain was my hip

flexors complaining, and certainly it has diminished as I add a couple of extra

leg lifts per day. I also gently massage the tissues in my leg that are still

somewhat swollen, as well as around my incision. The massage seems to help any

tightness and discomfort resolve over time. My 6-week post-op with the surgeon

is in 1.5 weeks, and I expect to be allowed to drive, to put more weight on my

operated leg, to switch to a cane from the walker, to go back to the pool, and

to do outpatient PT for more use of the new hip.

I'd suggest you rate your pain on the 0-10 scale and call your doctor if the

pain in your groin continues at a high level on that scale, especially if you

are doing your exercises and pain meds aren't controlling it. Also, outpatient

PT is going to help you recover any mobility you lost before the surgery as well

as after, so be sure to ask for a referral, or whatever your insurance requires.

It's so worth it! Let us know how things turn out for you.

Alice

>

> Hello,

> I am 41 years old and just had THR on June 29th, and for the most part am

getting around pretty well. I'm currently trying to spread out how often I take

my pain medicine, and am continuing to do the exercises my PT showed me at home.

I know it is still very early, but the leg still feels very tight, and when I

try to do certain exercises (like sit in a chair, lift my foot, and move my leg

back and forth with knee bent), the groin pain is still pretty pronounced.

>

> I was just wondering from those who have had THR about how long after surgery

they experienced pain or discomfort, and should I request continued physical

therapy when I see my surgeon for my 5 week post op visit, which will be at the

end of this month. (I was released from home physical therapy about 2 and a

half weeks post, but as I said am still doing the exercises on my own).

>

> Any advice or sharing of your own experiences would be greatly appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Alice,

Thanks for sharing your information. It's good to know that you have been

increasing your exercises, and the number of reps and seeing improvement. I

have not thought to do that, and have only been doing the exercises I was taught

once a day. I will start increasing them and see if that helps. The

explanation of the groin pain is helpful too.

I have to say that I started driving a couple of weeks after my surgery with no

trouble, but my surgery was on my left hip - that's probably why. I am also

walking without a walker or cane. I went in for a two-week follow-up because I

had some trouble with my incision post-surgery, and they wanted to make sure

everything looked okay. When I came in with the walker, the physician's

assistant said, " What are you still using that for? You can get rid of it

whenever you're ready. " So I did. Of course the leg is still very weak and

tires easily when I'm out and about, and sometimes I use the cane when I'm

tired.

The leg lifts are also my most difficult exercise, but I wouldn't say that the

groin discomfort is severe, just very uncomfortable.

The general advice I seem to be getting is to request physical therapy even

after the 6-week post-op appointment. Thank you again, and the other posters,

for your information.

>

> Hi ,

> I had a THR 6/17, and I was determined to move as much as possible without

violating any restrictions. Once home, I had more of what I would call

discomfort than pain, probably 1-3 on the 10 pain scale, and I quickly tapered

back on pain meds. Much discomfort was due to the nerves in my thigh

reawakening in the first 2-3 weeks and the tightness of the staples. Once they

were out at 10 days post-surgery, my leg felt much better. I have done and

continue to do my PT exercises a couple of times per day. When I first started,

I was surprised to get improvement on a daily basis in terms of loosening tight

areas and my muscles getting the idea of moving again. The hardest exercise for

me is leg lifts because my compensating muscles still want to work, and I get

pain to discomfort in my groin. My home PT said the groin pain was my hip

flexors complaining, and certainly it has diminished as I add a couple of extra

leg lifts per day. I also gently massage the tissues in my leg that are still

somewhat swollen, as well as around my incision. The massage seems to help any

tightness and discomfort resolve over time. My 6-week post-op with the surgeon

is in 1.5 weeks, and I expect to be allowed to drive, to put more weight on my

operated leg, to switch to a cane from the walker, to go back to the pool, and

to do outpatient PT for more use of the new hip.

> I'd suggest you rate your pain on the 0-10 scale and call your doctor if the

pain in your groin continues at a high level on that scale, especially if you

are doing your exercises and pain meds aren't controlling it. Also, outpatient

PT is going to help you recover any mobility you lost before the surgery as well

as after, so be sure to ask for a referral, or whatever your insurance requires.

It's so worth it! Let us know how things turn out for you.

> Alice

[Guest guest]

,

I am shocked your doc has not ordered ongoing PT. You're only three weeks post

op and you only did PT at home? I did PT for almost 6 months and then joined

the Y to do the Silver Sneakers Range of Motion/Strengthening programme.

I am actually back in PT now b/c of weakness in the quads and thigh above the

knee. I compensated for so long, not using those muscles that when I started,

they said WHOA!!! Whatchadoingtome?

Anyway, I did feel the tightness for quite awhile and PT helped with that. If

you're feeling groin pain, go see your doc and don't wait til your 5 week check

up. It's better to be safe than sorry. While there, ask for PT for a few

months. If you can't get in, then call to ask for PT as it helped me immensely.

They pointed out compensation and helped me get rid of the limp. The initial

exercises you do at home honestly help for the short run to get your leg more

mobile, but they're not going to help in the long run.

I'm still shocked your surgeon didn't order ongoing PT. Everyone... is this

normal?

>

> Hello,

> I am 41 years old and just had THR on June 29th, and for the most part am

getting around pretty well. I'm currently trying to spread out how often I take

my pain medicine, and am continuing to do the exercises my PT showed me at home.

I know it is still very early, but the leg still feels very tight, and when I

try to do certain exercises (like sit in a chair, lift my foot, and move my leg

back and forth with knee bent), the groin pain is still pretty pronounced.

>

> I was just wondering from those who have had THR about how long after surgery

they experienced pain or discomfort, and should I request continued physical

therapy when I see my surgeon for my 5 week post op visit, which will be at the

end of this month. (I was released from home physical therapy about 2 and a

half weeks post, but as I said am still doing the exercises on my own).

>

> Any advice or sharing of your own experiences would be greatly appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

>

[Guest guest]

I worked with the PT in the hospital after surgery, the PT in  Rehab for the

days 5-8 after surgery,  the PT as part of the visiting nurse association for a

couple of visits while I was home and lots of homework,  and at week 4 when I

got the ok to drive I had scheduled 2 sessions a week with the PT one in the

clinic and one in the pool  and in between I would do the pool exercises she

showed me.  A month later went back to the surgeon for a routine visit for him

to veryify the Knee replacement was in place via xrays and he checked the bend

and flex of the knee joint,  he was very happy with the progress.

I told him I was doing a lot of work beyond what I thought they wanted me to do

and I didn't think that they were really letting people know how much they are

responsible for their own recovery by doing a lot of exercise,  you don't just

wait to get better for this recovery you have to take an active role.

  The PT released me but I am now working with a personal trainer who works with

my PT ,  besides working on making weaken'd muscles stronger he helps me by

designing exercises for stretching and  balance which btw are the weakening of

smaller muscles.  I go to him 1-2 times a week, and do some walking for

endurance in between ( I'm 4 months post op)  the progress is steady but slow

but I am getting stronger , things are easier for me to do and slowly but surely

my balance is coming back.

  Before I had the surgery I credit the PT with keeping me walking as long as I

did,  After the surgery a PT plus a strong effort by the patient is critical to

a solid recovery.  I agree with , get your Dr. to refer you to a PT and

clear your schedule to do more exercise beyond that for a few months to really

get the benefit of the surgery.

________________________________

From: <sparksals@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2009 1:48:06 PM

Subject: Re: THR recovery

 

,

I am shocked your doc has not ordered ongoing PT. You're only three weeks post

op and you only did PT at home? I did PT for almost 6 months and then joined the

Y to do the Silver Sneakers Range of Motion/Strengthenin g programme.

I am actually back in PT now b/c of weakness in the quads and thigh above the

knee. I compensated for so long, not using those muscles that when I started,

they said WHOA!!! Whatchadoingtome?

Anyway, I did feel the tightness for quite awhile and PT helped with that. If

you're feeling groin pain, go see your doc and don't wait til your 5 week check

up. It's better to be safe than sorry. While there, ask for PT for a few months.

If you can't get in, then call to ask for PT as it helped me immensely. They

pointed out compensation and helped me get rid of the limp. The initial

exercises you do at home honestly help for the short run to get your leg more

mobile, but they're not going to help in the long run.

I'm still shocked your surgeon didn't order ongoing PT. Everyone... is this

normal?

>

> Hello,

> I am 41 years old and just had THR on June 29th, and for the most part am

getting around pretty well. I'm currently trying to spread out how often I take

my pain medicine, and am continuing to do the exercises my PT showed me at home.

I know it is still very early, but the leg still feels very tight, and when I

try to do certain exercises (like sit in a chair, lift my foot, and move my leg

back and forth with knee bent), the groin pain is still pretty pronounced.

>

> I was just wondering from those who have had THR about how long after surgery

they experienced pain or discomfort, and should I request continued physical

therapy when I see my surgeon for my 5 week post op visit, which will be at the

end of this month. (I was released from home physical therapy about 2 and a half

weeks post, but as I said am still doing the exercises on my own).

>

> Any advice or sharing of your own experiences would be greatly appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Okay, definitely going to request outpatient PT when I go for my follow-up.

When my my in-home PT released me, she said that I was doing very well, to

continue doing the exercises she showed me, and that it would be my decision to

ask my surgeon for continued work with a physical therapist when I went for my

follow-up.

I didn't realize it, but I had been walking with a limp for quite some time

before my surgery, (everyone around me thought I was aware of this, but I

wasn't), so I definitely want to continue therapy for however long it takes to

return to normal strength and gait.

I am not having the groin pain all the time, but just when I do certain

exercises, and my PT said that would be expected. It does seem to be lessening

with time. The tightness also seems to be improving.

I kind of didn't want to continue a lengthy period of PT because I will be going

back to work the end of August, but if it's that beneficial, I definitely will.

I had an osteotomy 5 years ago, and didn't have any PT. That's an entirely

different surgery because you're not even allowed to bear weight on the affected

side for 6-8 weeks, but I still thought it odd that the surgeon didn't feel any

PT was necessary. I think my lasting lack of mobility afterward was a result of

that, and I don't want to make the same mistake twice.

Thanks again for the input!

>

> ,

>

> I am shocked your doc has not ordered ongoing PT. You're only three weeks

post op and you only did PT at home? I did PT for almost 6 months and then

joined the Y to do the Silver Sneakers Range of Motion/Strengthening programme.

>

> I am actually back in PT now b/c of weakness in the quads and thigh above the

knee. I compensated for so long, not using those muscles that when I started,

they said WHOA!!! Whatchadoingtome?

>

> Anyway, I did feel the tightness for quite awhile and PT helped with that. If

you're feeling groin pain, go see your doc and don't wait til your 5 week check

up. It's better to be safe than sorry. While there, ask for PT for a few

months. If you can't get in, then call to ask for PT as it helped me immensely.

They pointed out compensation and helped me get rid of the limp. The initial

exercises you do at home honestly help for the short run to get your leg more

mobile, but they're not going to help in the long run.

>

> I'm still shocked your surgeon didn't order ongoing PT. Everyone... is this

normal?

[Guest guest]

When I had my right THR in 2003 my doctor ordered PT for 4 months. When I went

for my pre-op visit last week for my upcoming left THR in August,?I requested PT

and he said it was not necessary - just walk. I was insistent - my insurance

will pay for it - and he said agreed. I'm wondering if the decision is based on

the patient's age!!

Re: THR recovery

Hi ,

Okay, definitely going to request outpatient PT when I go for my follow-up. When

my my in-home PT released me, she said that I was doing very well, to continue

doing the exercises she showed me, and that it would be my decision to ask my

surgeon for continued work with a physical therapist when I went for my

follow-up.

I didn't realize it, but I had been walking with a limp for quite some time

before my surgery, (everyone around me thought I was aware of this, but I

wasn't), so I definitely want to continue therapy for however long it takes to

return to normal strength and gait.

I am not having the groin pain all the time, but just when I do certain

exercises, and my PT said that would be expected. It does seem to be lessening

with time. The tightness also seems to be improving.

I kind of didn't want to continue a lengthy period of PT because I will be going

back to work the end of August, but if it's that beneficial, I definitely will.

I had an osteotomy 5 years ago, and didn't have any PT. That's an entirely

different surgery because you're not even allowed to bear weight on the affected

side for 6-8 weeks, but I still thought it odd that the surgeon didn't feel any

PT was necessary. I think my lasting lack of mobility afterward was a result of

that, and I don't want to make the same mistake twice.

Thanks again for the input!

>

> ,

>

> I am shocked your doc has not ordered ongoing PT. You're only three weeks post

op and you only did PT at home? I did PT for almost 6 months and then joined the

Y to do the Silver Sneakers Range of Motion/Strengthening programme.

>

> I am actually back in PT now b/c of weakness in the quads and thigh above the

knee. I compensated for so long, not using those muscles that when I started,

they said WHOA!!! Whatchadoingtome?

>

> Anyway, I did feel the tightness for quite awhile and PT helped with that. If

you're feeling groin pain, go see your doc and don't wait til your 5 week check

up. It's better to be safe than sorry. While there, ask for PT for a few months.

If you can't get in, then call to ask for PT as it helped me immensely. They

pointed out compensation and helped me get rid of the limp. The initial

exercises you do at home honestly help for the short run to get your leg more

mobile, but they're not going to help in the long run.

>

> I'm still shocked your surgeon didn't order ongoing PT. Everyone... is this

normal?

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Sue. It¹s good to know that my experience is in the normal range.

So no discouragement here. Not a lot of patience either : ) But yes to

working.

Best wishes for the hip surgery next month -- and the possible knee too!

Jackie

On 7/18/09 11:07 AM, " Sue Baker " <sule@...> wrote:

>

>

>

>

> It has been 3 1/2 years since my TKR. I must say that it takes months

> to gradually recover to the point that you no longer think about having

> an artificial joint. In my case, it took about 18 months. My

> surgeon told me 9-12 and I though he was crazy but he wasn't. I had

> knee stiffness when standing and stiffness going down stairs. That has

> all pretty much resolved. A TKR will never flex like a 20 year old's

> knee will flex and I miss being able to squat. The surgeon tells me

> that the newer joint they are using now seems to offer a little more

> flexion than the one that I have. It takes a long time to get the

> strength back in the quadriceps of that leg. It can't be done overnight.

>

> Do not get discouraged and keep working.

>

> I am having the left hip replaced next month and then depending upon how

> that does will have the left knee replaced.

>

> on wrote:

>> >

>> >

>> > I was just thinking of asking this group about ongoing pain following

>> > TKR on

>> > March 19 when I read this.

>> >

>> > I continue to have pain and stiffness in the knee joint when standing

>> > from a

>> > sitting position. This is much worse when I¹ve been sitting at the

>> > computer

>> > for even half an hour. I also continue to have pain when climbing the

>> > stairs, and am unable to go downstairs in the normal fashion.

>> > Attempting to

>> > go down stairs one step at a time rather than using the lurch method hurts

>> > a lot! Climbing stairs with or even carrying any thing that weighs over a

>> > few pounds is still problem. I met with my surgeon who was unconcerned

>> > and just said I would have pain for at least 6 months. But I am concerned

>> > especially about going downstairs. I do better when I¹m active at the gym

>> > but have been pretty much sitting at the computer for 2 weeks and then

>> > down

>> > with the flu for a week and a half so am having to recover some

>> > function as

>> > I return to my physical routine.

>> >

>> > I have good flexion and extension and ride the stationary bike with

>> > seat at

>> > lowest setting without difficulty. Returning to the weights yesterday

>> > after

>> > being away was a little challenging but nothing unexpected, just muscles

>> > that haven¹t been used for a few weeks.

>> >

>> > To me the pain climbing stairs seems ³normal² -- not really bad and

>> > clearly

>> > associated with a specific activity and varies in intensity. My sister

>> > tells me that carrying heavy things is an ongoing problem for her so

>> > I¹m not

>> > so worried about that. But the difficulty standing and the inability to go

>> > downstairs has me worried. At 4 months I think I should be able to do

>> > these things.

>> >

>> > I¹m having the second knee done on September 1 and would hope to have a

>> > fuller recovery from the first by then.

>> >

>> > Any advice out there?

>> >

>> > Peace,

>> > Jackie

>> >

>> >

[Guest guest]

, I have a THR last year and I think pain continued for about 8 weeks.  I

recommend you continue PT as long as you can.  I After my THR in 2/08, I had

bi-lateral knees in 6/08.  I did PT until about October and recenly began again

because my walking was not as good as it should be.  I was 43-44 last year when

I had these surgeries.  Hang in there - you'll be glad you did the surgery and

worked through the PT.

________________________________

From: sydquint <sydquint@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Friday, July 17, 2009 1:01:20 PM

Subject: THR recovery

Hello,

I am 41 years old and just had THR on June 29th, and for the most part am

getting around pretty well.  I'm currently trying to spread out how often I take

my pain medicine, and am continuing to do the exercises my PT showed me at

home.  I know it is still very early, but the leg still feels very tight, and

when I try to do certain exercises (like sit in a chair, lift my foot, and move

my leg back and forth with knee bent), the groin pain is still pretty

pronounced.

I was just wondering from those who have had THR about how long after surgery

they experienced pain or discomfort, and should I request continued physical

therapy when I see my surgeon for my 5 week post op visit, which will be at the

end of this month.  (I was released from home physical therapy about 2 and a

half weeks post, but as I said am still doing the exercises on my own).

Any advice or sharing of your own experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I'm a 39 y/o male about to have a THR next week. I'm extremely scared and

upset but have no alternative because I can't perform any basic daily activities

or walk without a cane/with arm brace. I developed Avascular Nucrosis 3 years

after multiple surgeries including severe pelvis fracture/hip dislocation and

heterotopic ossification removal of the left hip a year later all resulting from

a horrific car accident. My general health is great other than my hip. I just

want to hear from someone that's had it done because I've heard so many

different responses from people I've spoken to. How bad is the actual surgery

pain and how bad is it post surgery? My guess is with all the surgeries I've

been through, which are a lot more than I mentioned above, it shouldn't be too

bad. I'm willing to work my butt off to get back to a normal life. I just

can't deal with this pain and constant crunching noise in my hip even if I move

my leg when I'm sitting. Is the pain of the surgery and recovery far worse than

what I'm going through now which is so bad it prevents me from doing eveything

and dreading to stand? Unfortunately, I really don't have a choice according to

my surgeon because it's broken down so bad there's almost nothing left and

sooner or later it's just going to give out and collapse completely.

Rob

[Guest guest]

tcdetect202 wrote:

> Hi,

> I'm a 39 y/o male about to have a THR next week. I'm extremely scared and

upset but have no alternative because I can't perform any basic daily activities

or walk without a cane/with arm brace. I developed Avascular Nucrosis 3 years

after multiple surgeries including severe pelvis fracture/hip dislocation and

heterotopic ossification removal of the left hip a year later all resulting from

a horrific car accident. My general health is great other than my hip. I just

want to hear from someone that's had it done because I've heard so many

different responses from people I've spoken to. How bad is the actual surgery

pain and how bad is it post surgery? My guess is with all the surgeries I've

been through, which are a lot more than I mentioned above, it shouldn't be too

bad. I'm willing to work my butt off to get back to a normal life. I just

can't deal with this pain and constant crunching noise in my hip even if I move

my leg when I'm sitting. Is the pain of the surgery and recovery far worse than

what I'm going through now which is so bad it prevents me from doing eveything

and dreading to stand? Unfortunately, I really don't have a choice according to

my surgeon because it's broken down so bad there's almost nothing left and

sooner or later it's just going to give out and collapse completely.

> Rob

>

I had bilateral THR (both hips replaced at once) last March, and though

I did begin to experience some pain in one hip at 5 weeks post-op -

which is another story: from the day of the op - till 5 weeks post, I

experienced no pain whatsoever - and I mean NONE! All I did experience

was a slight tenderness in the 'cuts' for several weeks. I was totally

astonished at how pain-free the whole experience was (when you consider

what they do to you! ;-) ). They really seem to have pain control down

to a fine art these days, and I certainly don't think you need to worry

on that count.

Regards,

Mick.

--

*****************************************************

'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby

some have entertained angels unawares!'

*****************************************************

[Guest guest]

Hi Rob,

Reading about your present hip problems is so much like what I experienced in

both hips, and now in just one after my left hip replacement in June. How we

survive such misery continues to amaze me. In any event, my surgery was as easy

as major surgery gets. The last time I had the awful pain you describe was just

before I got the sedation after the spinal was placed. I remember nothing from

surgery, did not need a transfusion, and was relieved that the post surgical

pain was so minimal compared to the bad hip pain. When I woke up, the pain I

had been living with in my left hip was gone and has not returned. If you have

no trouble with narcotics, the pain control for the surgical site is awesome.

Everyone is different, but overall, I think most people who have this surgery

are very glad they did. Keep relying on this group for some support, read the

book " After Surgery, Illness, or Trauma " by Regina Sara (mentioned in

earlier posts), get a relaxation CD designed for pre and post surgery, and ask

questions of us and, especially, your surgeon.

Good luck!

Alice in Boulder

[Guest guest]

Dear Rob

HOpefully by now you have had your surgery, be sure to let us know how it

went...

It is a nasty operation and the PT afterwards is pretty brutal too...seems like

it always

takes longer to recover than they told you in the books....I'm three months out

from

a THR and just stopped major pain meds this week....but it all proves worth it

when you

begin to heal and realize that the terrible bone on bone pain is gone...

If you are willing to work your butt off then you will certainly be in good

shape

within five/six months...I'm still doing PT twice a week, finally getting my

strength

back....I was on crutches (non-weight bearing) for 3 months before the surgery

so had a long way to come back...I broke that same hip 10 years ago running, and

was doing ok for a long time but finally the joint became so deteriorated that

the pain

was unbearable...not to mention the fact that I couldn't even walk...

Ill hold you in my thoughts for strength and much rest

in these next weeks...this group is great because as much as friends care

and want to help, no one can understand this experience without suffering

through it first....

Peace

Celaine

>

> Hi,

> I'm a 39 y/o male about to have a THR next week. I'm extremely scared and

upset but have no alternative because I can't perform any basic daily activities

or walk without a cane/with arm brace. I developed Avascular Nucrosis 3 years

after multiple surgeries including severe pelvis fracture/hip dislocation and

heterotopic ossification removal of the left hip a year later all resulting from

a horrific car accident. My general health is great other than my hip. I just

want to hear from someone that's had it done because I've heard so many

different responses from people I've spoken to. How bad is the actual surgery

pain and how bad is it post surgery? My guess is with all the surgeries I've

been through, which are a lot more than I mentioned above, it shouldn't be too

bad. I'm willing to work my butt off to get back to a normal life. I just

can't deal with this pain and constant crunching noise in my hip even if I move

my leg when I'm sitting. Is the pain of the surgery and recovery far worse than

what I'm going through now which is so bad it prevents me from doing eveything

and dreading to stand? Unfortunately, I really don't have a choice according to

my surgeon because it's broken down so bad there's almost nothing left and

sooner or later it's just going to give out and collapse completely.

> Rob

>

[Guest guest]

Hi

Sorry to hear you are in so much pain. I had a LTHR in Feb `09, due to bilateral

hip dysplasia and severe OA. I was bone on bone pre op and lived off pain

killers. I would cry most days with pain. I was terrified of the surgery, but I

am not just saying this, it REALLY is not as bad as you anticipate. The surgery

pain and post op pain are manageable, and I coped well with the pain relief

(when pre op even regular morphine still left me with pain). I can understand

your fears but it is so worth it. I hope you can take some calm from  my words

and wish you lots of luck with your surgery and recovery.

Nikki

________________________________

From: ruthz2006 <kenruthz@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Friday, 9 October, 2009 5:50:38

Subject: Re: THR Recovery

Hi Rob: 

You certainly have had more than your share of hip problems.  I am hoping this

surgery will be successful and finally you'll be able to get back to a healthy,

happy, active life.  You certainly deserve it and have been working very hard to

get there.

Here is my surgery experience, briefly summarized:  I had same day bilateral

resurfacing.  The surgery took seven hours (no, this is not the norm for most

surgeons but it is for mine - Dr. Amstutz).  I stayed in the hospital from

Thursday morning through Sunday afternoon.  I had major pain medication until

Saturday evening (the anesthesia for the surgery, etc. etc.) and after that time

I just took regular strength Tylenol for the next 10 days or so.  I was up and

walking with the physical therapist every day twice a day, and learned how to

climb stairs, take a shower, use the bathroom, dress myself, etc. before I was

discharged from the hospital. 

I used a walker for 10 days (my choice over crutches) and then just a cane for

another 2 1/2 weeks.  After that I used no walking aids. I was cleared to drive,

start out-patient physical therapy and water exercise at 18 days post op.  I

returned to modified teaching of ballet and Pilates, and my own dancer rehab at

one month post op.  From what I have read on this forum and others, I am not

unusual. 

Each person who comes to this surgery is unique, and each person's experiences

will be unique as well.  I have worked very hard to return to dancing full out

again, and each class I take, or class I teach is now a precious gift to me.  I

am so grateful to be able to once again do what I love. 

Before surgery, one sees life passing by, while the pain and fear increases. 

After surgery, the burdens caused by the joint damage get lighter and lighter as

the weeks and months pass.  Take courage, Rob. You've gotten this far.  You've

already won.

Best wishes and happy dancing,

Ruth Z  Amstutz resurfacing bilat C+ 4/6/06

>

> Hi,

>    I'm a 39 y/o male about to have a THR next week.  I'm extremely scared and

upset but have no alternative because I can't perform any basic daily activities

or walk without a cane/with arm brace.  I developed Avascular Nucrosis 3 years

after multiple surgeries including severe pelvis fracture/hip dislocation and

heterotopic ossification removal of the left hip a year later all resulting from

a horrific car accident.  My general health is great other than my hip.  I just

want to hear from someone that's had it done because I've heard so many

different responses from people I've spoken to.  How bad is the actual surgery

pain and how bad is it post surgery?  My guess is with all the surgeries I've

been through, which are a lot more than I mentioned above, it shouldn't be too

bad.  I'm willing to work my butt off to get back to a normal life.  I just

can't deal with this pain and constant crunching noise in my hip even if I move

my leg when I'm

sitting.  Is the pain of the surgery and recovery far worse than what I'm going

through now which is so bad it prevents me from doing eveything and dreading to

stand?  Unfortunately, I really don't have a choice according to my surgeon

because it's broken down so bad there's almost nothing left and sooner or later

it's just going to give out and collapse completely. 

> Rob

>

------------------------------------