mvd1267
09-27-2005, 01:08 PM
Hi, I have had one hip replaced and compared to the knees the pain was not even comparable. The hip was a piece of cake. I had my right him done and was actually driving in a little under 3 weeks and back to work in 3 weeks (on crutches). Anyways, what scared me was the restrictions (the sitting at 90 degrees, the constant fear they instilled about popping the hip out, etc). So, now I am heading back in for the left him and that should be even easier (I hope) to drive sooner, etc. I am wondering if the Dr's/Nurses/PT people overplay the dislocation to be overly cautious. I remember the hardest thing from both knees and hips was sleeping comfortable for the 1st week-2 weeks then once I was able to roll onto my operated side (with a pillow) it became easier. Anyways, I was just wondering what everyones thoughts were with regards to the precautions. An example, they say you cant cross your legs but if its my left hip and i am laying back in a recliner can i just put my OTHER foot over my operated leg (at the bottom) Also, when sitting at a desk as long as your knees are not higher then your hip is it ok to lean forward when typing, etc? Any suggestions would be helpful, Thanks :jester:
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Tobias
09-27-2005, 09:46 PM
I am wondering if the Dr's/Nurses/PT people overplay the dislocation to be overly cautious...I was just wondering what everyones thoughts were with regards to the precautions. An example, they say you cant cross your legs but if its my left hip and i am laying back in a recliner can i just put my OTHER foot over my operated leg (at the bottom) Also, when sitting at a desk as long as your knees are not higher then your hip is it ok to lean forward when typing, etc? Any suggestions would be helpful, Thanks :jester:
No they are not overplaying the caution. Your hip joint has literally been taken apart and reassembled. Tissues need to heal so they can hold the whole business together again. This takes time. My surgeon described a newly replaced hip as about as stable as an egg in a spoon. In other words, it could pop out very easily. I was told by my PT that the most frequent violation of the 90-degree-rule occurs not by lifting the leg but rather occurs when the patient pulls the upper torso forward as you describe when you are typing. Other times that must be watched are pulling up covers in bed, trying to reach your feet too soon or pick something up that you dropped, etc. This is why THR patients are given reachers so they can do these things and still maintain the precaution.
I agree about the sleeping difficulty on one's back. It is heaven when you can finally spend some time on your side. Good luck with your 2nd hip. I found that my second THR was relatively easy and was back on my feet in no time. In fact I had such an easy time of it that I found it difficult to behave myself because I felt so good.
If you're warned not to let your affected leg cross the midline of your body, then that means you shouldn't cross your legs at the ankle (or knee). You may also be warned not to internally rotate your leg and advised to keep your leg and foot pointed straight ahead. In the position you describe at your desk (with your knees lower than your hip), it sounds as if leaning forward a little bit wouldn't cause your body to form a 90-degree angle. If in doubt, look at your position and decide if it is or isn't in violation.
So, no, they are not making this up. There really are good reasons for the precautions that you are given.
No they are not overplaying the caution. Your hip joint has literally been taken apart and reassembled. Tissues need to heal so they can hold the whole business together again. This takes time. My surgeon described a newly replaced hip as about as stable as an egg in a spoon. In other words, it could pop out very easily. I was told by my PT that the most frequent violation of the 90-degree-rule occurs not by lifting the leg but rather occurs when the patient pulls the upper torso forward as you describe when you are typing. Other times that must be watched are pulling up covers in bed, trying to reach your feet too soon or pick something up that you dropped, etc. This is why THR patients are given reachers so they can do these things and still maintain the precaution.
I agree about the sleeping difficulty on one's back. It is heaven when you can finally spend some time on your side. Good luck with your 2nd hip. I found that my second THR was relatively easy and was back on my feet in no time. In fact I had such an easy time of it that I found it difficult to behave myself because I felt so good.
If you're warned not to let your affected leg cross the midline of your body, then that means you shouldn't cross your legs at the ankle (or knee). You may also be warned not to internally rotate your leg and advised to keep your leg and foot pointed straight ahead. In the position you describe at your desk (with your knees lower than your hip), it sounds as if leaning forward a little bit wouldn't cause your body to form a 90-degree angle. If in doubt, look at your position and decide if it is or isn't in violation.
So, no, they are not making this up. There really are good reasons for the precautions that you are given.
mvd1267
09-28-2005, 10:33 AM
Thanks for the input. It is refreshing to hear that the 2nd one may be easier than the first. And again, to reiterate, the 1st one really wasnt that bad it was the restrictions that made is hard (compared to the knees where there were little or no restrictions albeit alot more pain/discomfort). I remember with my last hip it seemed after 6 weeks I was getting around quite well being back to work, driving, going to out patient PT etc. I don't remember how long before I was down to one cruch (I never used a walker). The one crutch was alot easier to have that free hand to carry coffee around. I would "assume" that the longer you go into your recovery and the muscles/tissues get stronger that the chances decrease of popping the hip out of place. Well, I been thru it befor and about to go thru it again, I know it will be worth it in the long run and 3 months from now all shoud/will be well. Thanks again for your advice.