15 days post op with Dr. Sands

[Chris F]

Hey everybody I'm relatively new to the board and currently 15 days out from a HR on my right hip which was performed by Dr. Sands.

Some background info, I'm currently 35 years old and I've known something was wrong with my hip since high school. Initially it was only tightness but that soon progressed to pain and the all too familiar limp. Not wanting to ruin my military career I foolishly put it off until 5 years ago when I saw a specialist. The prognosis was grim, he simply he said that it wasn't if I had a total hip replacement but when. So at that point I went into conservation mode and tried to hold onto my hip for as long as I could, eventually time won out and I saw Dr. Sands in mid May.

I was immediately put at ease since he very carefully told me about the procedure, its history, and likely outcomes from the surgery. Took his time and answered any questions I had.

Truth be told I'm not sure if it was self denial but I fooled myself into thinking it wasn't going to be that big of a deal.  A few days before the surgery it dawned on me that this would be a lengthy recovery process but I was determined to get through it.  My main fear was that Dr. Sands might have to convert my HR to a THR which could medically disqualify me as a military pilot. Surgery was scheduled for June 12 and from initially checking into the hospital to checking out the entire staff were incredible.

The day after surgery I was definitely wondering how I would recover since I couldn't really move my leg. Fast forward 15 days and it seems as if I've been recovering nicely. I ditched the walker after a week and I am currently using a cane when I walk outside.  Inside I've been walking on my own with no assistance for the most part.  Just need to tell myself to take it easy and not push too hard.  The hip itself feels great only issues are the restricted ROM and tightness in my upper leg, which is too be expected.  Hard part has been training myself to relearn how to walk and stand. For more for than 15 years my body has adapted to my right hip getting worse and worse and it was noticeable from the gait I had developed.

I know it is so soon but I am very thankful for the skill and care with which Dr. Sands and the hospital staff took in treating me.  Another thanks for all of the posts and lessons learned on this website from my now fellow hip patients.  Tons of useful information here which has made this process all the better.

[evant]

Enjoyed reading your interesting post.

Glad you're doing really well.

Good luck as your recovery progresses.

[hernanu]

Great stuff, Chris. You seem to be having a good recovery. The key is patience, get your walking gait correct, follow your surgeon's instructions and let your hips heal.

Did you get any restrictions?

[Chris F]

Hernanu,

As far as the restrictions, I've got the big 3. 90 degrees, no internal rotation and not crossing my legs.  Starting too feel real good, need to constantly remind myself not to break my restrictions and not overestimate what I'm capable of doing. Walking 2 miles without a cane with no problem, just constantly working on trying to retrain myself and walk correctly.  I've got my 3 week post op check up this week.

Started working out earlier this week, being really mindful not too put any undue stress on my operated leg. Mostly upper body workouts along with the PT exercises for my hip. Walking up and downstairs normally using the handrails only (under supervision of my PT). Progress has been great. Leg is still tight and now that I'm walking and doing more my knee sometimes gets a little sore. PT said that could be expected since I'm walking normally I am now working muscles and joints in the correct manner that were previously dormant due to my limp.

[bestbob]

Chris - Sounds like your recovering very well, at 15 days and on a cane outside, and no assistance inside. That's impressive to me, as I do not feel anywhere near comfortable without 2 crutches. Also, my Dr has no full weight bearing until 6 weeks, and no straight leg lifting while lying down. He has no 90 degree restriction, and can cross legs but I don't much. Had the 22 staples removed today, and ultrasound for blood clots. All cleared and the compression stockings are now history.

When I hear of folks doing so much more, and so early on, it just amazes me. Mostly because I still have pain, have little to no muscle strength in  leg, and definitely would not take a risk on a femur neck fracture. Just me though. I tried pushing a little bit, but that didn't work so I am listening to what my body says, at least trying.

Today I am 13 days post op, which puts you at 18 days, and looking forward to hearing more on your recovery.

Laureen - We haven't heard from you in awhile, hope all is well.

Bob

[Chris F]

When I hear of folks doing so much more, and so early on, it just amazes me. Mostly because I still have pain, have little to no muscle strength in  leg, and definitely would not take a risk on a femur neck fracture. Just me though. I tried pushing a little bit, but that didn't work so I am listening to what my body says, at least trying.

Today I am 13 days post op, which puts you at 18 days, and looking forward to hearing more on your recovery.

Laureen - We haven't heard from you in awhile, hope all is well.

Bob

bestbob,

I feel as if the mantra I've read on this site over and over really does run true. Listen to your body. I suppose we all have such varied degrees of recovery that it can sometime be hard to compare how we are doing. Whether it was the physical shape we were in pre op or the surgeon's skill, I suppose we're all going to do what are body allows. I'm hoping that your recovery will start to progress at the level you want it to be at.

Should have clarified the leg crossing. Doctor doesn't want my operated side crossing my body's midline.

I do feel as if I am doing very well. My pain level in the hip itself is nil, just my ROM is limited and my quad and glute do get more easily fatigued. PT had me doing stairs today without the handrail. Started running errands today without the cane and it definitely felt weird without my safety net. Not gonna lie I like having the cane as it tells other people something is wrong with me and to give me a little space when walking by. Training wheels are coming off and I just need to be careful.

Tomorrow is 3 weeks with my first post op visit this Friday. Nothing to remove since they used glue to close me up. Just the X-ray and post op consult.