4 Week Update & Observations

fenceman · January 17, 2013, 11:33:02 AM

I am 4 weeks from my R-BHR and feeling pretty good. Hip feels good and I think I am either on or ahead of schedule compared to my left which was done 4-1/2 years ago. Today is the first day that I do not feel exhausted 1/2 way through the day. I had dropped to one crutch on Saturday and went back to 2 on Sunday after feeling sore and wiped-out. Back to one crutch today and feeling strong. May play with cane this weekend as long as I can do it without breaking the 75% weight bearing rule issued by my Dr.

My knee is still sore when I move it from side to side. I feel they must have really torqued it during surgery. It is slowly getting better. Bruises are gone and I am surprised at how good my scar is healing. Left one had staples but used the glue on latest one.

The 5 PT exercises that were given by Dr. are becoming easy. I started riding the stationary bike without resistance for 20 min at a time on Monday. Able to put on socks and tie shoes after 3-1/2 weeks without help. So far I am pleased.
Bill

hernanu · January 17, 2013, 12:46:26 PM

Excellent, Bill - keep up the good work.

maxx6789 · January 17, 2013, 06:47:22 PM

sounds like an excellent 4 week report. being able to put on your own socks was one of my happiest post-recovery joys!!

are you going to outpatient PT? from my two operations, i found the outpatient PT helpful both times. the second outpatient PT, really pushed and challenged me.

best wishes to a speedy and successful recovery.

fenceman · January 18, 2013, 10:11:14 AM

Max, No outpatient PT. Just exercises that I do 3 times a day as direct by the Dr. The PT staff at the hospital worked with me on 3 exercise right after surgery and while I was there. They then instructed me on 4 other exercises to do after 2 weeks until 6 weeks. Was also allowed to ride stationary bike with no resistance.

Compared to a knee or a shoulder, hip PT is relatively easy. I know people that have had both and they describe passing out from the pain of trying to flex their knees.

mustang4172 · January 18, 2013, 05:22:10 PM

Hi Bill,
I'm almost three weeks post op - I just had them both done. I am feeling really tired 1/2 way thru the day. Hoping 4 weeks is the magic number for me to stop feeling so darn exhausted.

Dan L · January 18, 2013, 06:30:27 PM

Bill,

Great to hear, sounds like you are ahead of the game. Those exercises were all I did as well, and doing them religiously really helped me also. The second one seemed so much easier.

Best regards for contined great recovery.

fenceman · January 19, 2013, 10:30:41 AM

Hi Mustang, although we are all different, 4 weeks, 2 days was the day that I felt like I had my old energy back. At 3-1/2 weeks I was still exhausted after a half day at my desk. But I am only dealing with 1 repair at this time compared to your 2. Each day you will feel better. Good Luck.
Bill