I had THR 7 weeks ago and granted I'm only 40 yrs old and really was not aware of all the complications and recovery that is involved. I must admitt I should have done my research before hand, however I went to the Mayo Clinic, so I was in good hands. Everything is fine with the replacement, but just how long does the healing process take and at this stage what sort of exercises should I be doing? I have my list of exercises that the hospital gave me and I know I need to walk, but is there anything else I can do? If you've had THR I would love any and all advise or comments you have. Thanks so much!
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i am also 40 and done right hip thr 3 months ago , taqking all precautions, exercises, and carry lots of fear, i cant be active now in life as used to be ,life has come to halt, life seems a burden now, also fear of gettting second hip damaged, refrain from smoking drinking which i like most,avoid sex,it seeemd like a disabled man , dont want to live anymore,no dancing ,no sports,no physical activities r taking my head off ,going into depression ,thinking of suiciding ,can anybody help me ,most difficult to get mentally get out of this life trauma
June 29, 2013 - 10:46pmThis Comment
I am 34 and looking at having Hip surgery soon cause i have to have it done. So i Am trying to get my self ready for it. I am every active person and very scared now, that i wont ever be that person again. Does anyone have tip? for me so i can steal be that person I love sports, animals, riding horses, hiking, I have young kids and scared to death that i wont get to ever be that awesome, playful MOM AGAIN!!
November 19, 2015 - 3:00pmThis Comment
Thanks so much for all the information everybody, it really helps!
January 27, 2010 - 11:29amThis Comment
Hi ILuvDogs - One of the most active and vibrant people I know - Francine Hardaway - had a total hip replacement. You can learn more about her recovery through the links below.
Best wishes for your recovery, Pat
https://www.empowher.com/community/herstory/francine-shares-her-restrictions-after-hip-replacement-video
https://www.empowher.com/community/herstory/francine-shares-how-yoga-helped-her-hip-replacement-recovery-video
https://www.empowher.com/community/herstory/francine-shares-how-she-chose-physical-therapist-video
https://www.empowher.com/community/herstory/francine-shares-when-she-could-walk-naturally-after-her-hip-replacement-video
https://www.empowher.com/community/herstory/francine-shares-how-her-fitness-level-helped-her-hip-replacement-recovery-video
January 25, 2010 - 6:07pmThis Comment
Hi ILuvDogs (and I do, too!)
I just want to encourage you to not feel bad if your hip replacement takes longer to heal than you thought it would. I have a friend who has had both hips replaced and each time it probably took more like 3 to 4 months before he felt truly confident and able.
Is physical therapy a part of your recovery plan?
How is the walking going? Are you able to do so without much pain?
Recovery is also based on who you were before your surgery. Someone who is much older, for instance, or frail, might have a lot more difficulty than you are since you are younger. Were you in good shape before your surgery? If so, recovery should go a little easier than it might for others who aren't. Were you sedentary before surgery? If so, it may be harder for you.
Here is an orthopaedic exercise guide from the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons or use after THR surgery; does it look like what your doctor gave you?
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00303
How often are you doing your exercises? Are they easier now than when you started?
January 25, 2010 - 11:33amThis Comment
Hi Rosa,
January 25, 2010 - 10:07amThanks for the information and advise. I will talk to my doctor and see what he says, hopefully it will all come together soon. ;-)
This Comment
iluvdogs,
Total Hip Replacement is one major surgery. Usually therapy starts the day after right after your surgery and can feel very intense at the beginning because you are still in pain. Recovery time is usually 6-8 weeks and though it may take longer, usually you can resume normal, every day activities by this point provided you are healing well.
As far as what you can do at home, do the exercises the therapist showed you and try to limit bending down and reaching up. If you have someone who can help you with activities such as preparing your meals, please do so. Also, if you can do some minor modifications at home such as getting a raised toilet seat, I would recommend you do that too.
Physical therapy and adequate rest are the key to recovery with a THR. You are 7 weeks post surgery so if you are still feeling terrible and in lots of pain, you may want to consider talking to your doctor about your daily regimen. Not that you should feel like a million bucks after major surgery, but at this point it should be getting better, not worse.
Good Luck-- hope you hear from others who have experienced this.
January 25, 2010 - 5:09amThis Comment