Serious Stiffness/Limping When I Take Those First Few Steps

[dimples]

Hi All,
I had LBHR 8 months ago and have been experiencing a problem for about 2 months now.  After I have been sitting (even for just a few minutes) I  seem have a hard time walking when I get up.  After I make about 6 or 8 steps things seem to smooth out and the limping and stiffness disappear.  It happens every time I sit down.  My husband says I looks like I'm about to fall over.  Why is this happening now and not during the first 6 months?  I have been active, walk a couple of miles a every other day, work as a teacher's assistant in a class of sixteen 4-year-olds, and keep up with 3 teenagers of my own.
Anyone else had this problem?  Is there a remedy?  Should I call my Dr.?  I have a skin allergy to nickel and I hope this is not a sign of a bigger problem.
Thanks in advance for any input or suggestions!
Delynn
LBHR 4/30/08

[obxpelican]

Delynn,

I would call if not only to make yourself feel better.   Startup stiffness and pain is quite normal and can last for some time, I do not recall reading where those symptoms popped up all of a sudden after doing so well for so long.


Pat do you have any ideas?


Chuck

[Mudpro]

If it were me I'd be sitting in my doctor's office and not leave until I had a PT scrip in my hand.

[Pat Walter]

Hi Delynn

Many people have the start up stiffness after sitting.  Some people get over it quickly while others seem to have it for a very long time.  I did some water walking to help mine. 

I would suggest you talk with your surgeon and get some input about why the stiffness is happening now.  I would agree that maybe you need some PT or water therapy - but I am not a doctor.

I don't think start up stiffness, that leaves after a few steps, would have anything to do with a metal allergy.  Also skin allergies to metals does not have an affect on a deep metal allergy from the hip.  They are two different kinds of allergies. 

Maybe the cold winter is having some effect on your muscles.  Best to get some info from your own surgeon.

Good Luck.

Pat

[John C]

At seven months, my start-up pain is just starting to go away. My doctor said to expect it for the first six months to one year.

John

[dimples]

Thanks to everyone for their input. I'm going to make an appt. to have my Dr. check my hip just to make sure everything is still OK.  The stiffness has not changed.
I appreciate you all for taking the time to answer questions!
Delynn
LBHR 4/30/08

[dimples]

Doctor says that limping is due to muscle weakness.  I started back at physical therapy today.  We will see if that makes a difference!
Thanks Surface Hippies for the encouragement!
Delynn
LBHR 4/30/08

[obxpelican]

That is good, hope all works out for you.

Looks like another surface hippy being their own best patient advocate.

Chuck

[takilasunrise]

I hope your PT works for you!  I know, even now, if I sit too long here at work and I get up, I am sometimes a little stiff and a few steps will work it out.  I'm thinking it may have some to do with it being winter and all.  I can still feel the difference in my body when the weather is changing/different.  And with it being winter, I know I'm not as active as I am when the weather is nice.