Rehab Left Hip While Resting Right?

[kwarendorf]

I thought I would have at least 6-12 months to enjoy my new left hip before having to deal with my right one. Friday will be 8 weeks and my right hip has decided it wants in on the fun. It has become increasingly painful. When I first stand up I have to be very careful as I'm not confident it will support me. My left hip feels great!

Here's my question. Does anyone know how I can continue to rehab my left hip while not aggravating my right hip?

Thanks,
Kyle

[Pat Walter]

Hi Kyle

My other hip did the same thing when I was recovering.  I was being much more active walking and riding my bike and it really seemed my other hip needed to be done.  I ended up having bursitus in it besides arthritis.  I just gave it time. Don't forget the opposite hip is really getting a workout since the operated hip is not taking the full load.  Also don't forget your whole body is not yet back in balance with the operated hip.  Many people have back, knee and opposite hip problems after surgery.

I definitely would give your unoperated hip some time to improve.  Take it easy.  You can also ask your surgeon what he/she thinks about the other hip, too.  He/she can look right at the x-rays and tell.

Good Luck and listen to your body.  If it is hurtin, don't push so much.  Be a little patient and give both hips time to adjust and get back to normal.

Pat

[kwarendorf]

Thanks Pat - I know that my body is still a bit out of whack. I do have 2 issues that I want to make sure I address properly. The first is the continued rehab of my new hip. I do not want to get 'lazy' and wind up with less than full ROM down the line. The second is the condition of my 'old' hip. When I originally met with my surgeon he said that if there were sufficient cartilage in my hip he could repair the torn labrum and remove excess bone with a scope. The MRI proved that my hip was beyond scoping. I want to make sure that I address my non-surgical hip in a timely fashion, perhaps in time for scoping!

I have an appointment for x-rays and a chat with my surgeon on the 21st  :)

[mtnhippy]

Kyle,

I'm kind of in the same boat.  I'm six months post-op from my left BHR and just scheduled my right BHR for October.  I've known all along I would be a bilateral hippy.  I too worry about ROM on both hips because I have to work at it constantly.  I've had so little ROM in my hips for so long, I sometimes forget my left hip is actually flexible!  As Pat advised, I try to listen to my body but still push as far as possible.  I've learned via pain, my limits and warning signs.

But I'm trying to be as strong as possible before my next surgery so on the days I want to skip PT, I focus on that goal.  Sometimes when my hip or knee joints hurt, I close my eyes and focus on flexing my supporting muscles (glutes, hamstrings, quads), if it still hurts, I back off.

You're still early in recovery -- hang in there!

Vickie

[kwarendorf]

On Tuesday I met with the doc to discuss my right hip. The MRI shows about 20% bone on bone. My left hip, prior to resurfacing was about 60% bone on bone. Walking straight ahead is still OK, but standing, sitting and changing direction while walking can be an adventure. I got a cortisone shot on Tuesday as well. So far so good.

My course of action will be dictated by the results of the shot. If I get 3-6 months of relief I may just get another one. If I get 3-6 weeks of relief I will have to come up with Plan B  :) The doc said there was no way to predict the rate at which my remaining cartilage would deteriorate, just that it would deteriorate. He thinks 2 years is the outside. Any takers? :)