Re: Anybody feeling lost?

[Guest guest]

At 04:22 AM 10/25/2001 -0000, you wrote:

Pre and post surgery through today, I had the strong

>feeling that I would need to be extremely conservative and would need

>to spend most of my time in bed for the first 6 weeks.

The bright spot

>t this was being able to speak with Dr. S. He basically told me to get

out and do things for

>6 weeks, bit to adher to the 50% weight bearing restriction. He told

>me the 90 degree restriction was a non-issue.

I was told in my pre-op hip class that there were no restrictions. If it

didn't hurt, you were free to do it-with the realization that it takes

approx. 12 weeks for the joint capsule to be pretty much healed, figure 6

weeks for the bone, etc. In other words, be reasonable. I was mostly

crutch-free after two weeks of my first hip. I am still crutching 4 months

after the second, except for around the house. A lot depends on the

condition of your hip and muscles-some of us are taking a little longer

than others to get to 'normal'. I stayed in bed a fair amount just because

of the recovery from surgery-for the first couple of weeks anyway. I find

even now, that I can tell that things are improving, and I also require

more sleep-I figure my body is trying to heal more so it needs more sleep

some times-like now-think i'm starting to babble...

[Guest guest]

jkearns@... wrote:

>

> I recieved a left side C+ from Dr. Amstutz on October 15th. Although

> I am thankful for the procedure, etc. I do sometimes feel a little

> bit lost by the lack of clear direction from the health care

> community.

I had a left-side C+ from Dr. Amstutz too, but in Jan. of 2000 (can't

believe it's almost 2 years ago now). It sounds as though some things

might have changed since then. Postop I was given a sheet of exercises

to do while I was still lying in bed at JRI and I was supposed to follow

this for the entire first 6 weeks once I'd been discharged. Even in bed,

I was instructed (by Dr. A's assistant surgeon or whatever they're

called) to do 3 specific exercises on just about an hourly basis. I was

also told about the restrictions -- not crossing legs over the midline

and not exceeding 90 degrees. It sounds as though you didn't get any of

this and it also sounds as though these restrictions are no longer being

practiced. I guess things change!

Once I got back home I, too, found I wasn't spending nearly as much time

in bed as I'd thought. Other than doing the exercises, and walking -- I

was also told by the JRI to do as much walking as I felt comfortable

doing, every day (with crutches I didn't go too far although had worked

up to 2 miles at the end of the 6 weeks) -- I did spend most of the

first 2 weeks in bed. After that, I started to stay up more. Sitting

mostly, and I also went out to dinner a couple times. Which, because I

did have the 90-degree restriction, meant I had to bring along a pillow

usually but it wasn't a problem.

I did need physical therapy after the 6 weeks but that was because I'd

had underlying problems -- congenital hip dysplasia -- for ages and I'd

had to use a cane for several years preop so I was pretty much out of

whack. I think most people don't need it, so you might well be in that

camp. In fact, maybe that's one reason why you were told you didn't

restrictions or anything -- perhaps your hip problem was caught early

enough that you still have a lot of good muscle tone and hadn't had to

make alterations to the quality of life like I had?

Anyway, that was my 6-week experience. Despite the restrictions, mine

went smoothly and much faster than I'd have thought. Hope yours goes

just as smoothly. And don't be afraid to call the JRI if you have

questions about anything -- I did that a lot of times early on.

best wishes,

--Louise

[Guest guest]

Louise,

Thank you for your response. I would like to start by clearing up

some inaccuracies in my earlier post. I did indeed recive 2 sheets

while in the hospital: 3 bed exercises, restrictions.

I feel much better since yesterday since I feel I have a better

general direction (i.e. all is OK is 50% weight bearing restriction

is followed).

Regarding the lack of physical therapy, I think you are right. I was

fairly healthy right up to the surgery. I was working out at the gym

with a trainer and was dancing tango with my wife. My main problems

were pain after prolonged use and loss of range of motion. I trhink

my decision to proceed with surgery was a preemptive one so that

deterioration would stop and recovery would be quicker.

I am trying to sit up more, but unfortunately my butt is still too

sore. I assume this is from the incisions.

regarding the calls to JRI, did you call Dr. Amstutz directly?

Thanks again for the help.