4 weeks after hip replacement. How am I doing?

Four weeks ago I had a total hip replacement right hip. I will be 55 on Christmas day. I am a secondary school teacher, and an aerobics instructor ( 25 years) and live in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, and I am new to this messaging system.
My husband found this site, and I have been eagerly reading the information given by various people. Wow so many different results.
I left hospital after 7 days with one cane, no rehab, just got told to walk as much as I could cope with, plus a few other exercises. Physio said I should be walking 1 km. by Christmas, but have already been doing that.
When am I going to be able to get rid of the cane. I am busting to get back to teaching aerobics, God knows when that will happen.
Pain!!!! Only healing pain. I can't believe that I can walk without the grinding persistant hip pain I had. No medication. What a relief after all the meds I was taking for the last 6 months.
My leg is now same length as the other, my knee of the new hip is sore. Not sure if this is re-adjustment.
At this stage really pleased with results. I want it all to get better now!!, as I am a very active person and this is driving me mad. I can't officially drive for another two weeks, another issue of independence.
Would love to chat to others in similar situation, to compare recovery, answer my questions and bond with fellow hip generation people.

Sounds like you're doing fantastic!
Do watch the aerobics though, since high-impact activities may shorten the life of your implant. I've found similar cardio benefits by switching from a stepper to cycling (stationary or street) and an elliptical trainer, and walking, of course.
Best wishes.

I had a double total hip replacement in 2004 and, although it sounds like you're doing very well, I'm shocked at the lack of post-op support you received. Your level of activity really depends on the type of prosthetic you have, i.e. ceramic, plastic, metal, etc. I've done allot of research before and after my replacement and spoke to many doctors and therapists and I strongly suggest that you consult with a specialist prior to returning to aerobics.

The pounding of aerobics could damage your joint or disslocate it. Even if you modify your routine you could fall victim to a stress injury or fracture. After one year of a gradual return to exercise I increased my ski machine workouts beyond pre-op levels. Over the next few months I suffered severe thigh and knee pain that restricted my movement. Five months of limited leg activity has brought me almost back to normal.

You can be active after THR but you will not return to your pre-problem days. During your recovery you should be doing daily physical therapy and being watchful for signs of blood clots such as pain in the calves. Avoid anything that could cause an infection. Don't bend more than 90 degrees and never raise your knee up and into your chest as that could disslocate the hip.

This is a critical time for you. Do some research and be guided by recovery suggestions of medical professionals. Decisions made during the recovery process will effect the rest of your life. Be smart and be well.

I had THR in July 2005 I was 55, if you want to get back to your life again you need more than just walking, although good, it doesnt help strengthen the mussels. Ask the doc about PT and lots of luck with your recovery.
PS - I had PT and walked and exercised and I was home for 4 months and then returned to an office job with reduced hours and slowly got back to normal.
keil

HI,
I had knee pain for a long time after my hip replacement. My friend the pain doc said it was in the area of the meniscus. From some things I read, I think it was damaged when they pulled my hip out of joint to work on it or how it was held during the surgery. The knee didn't hurt before the surgery, so it must have been damaged somehow. It took almost a year before I was pain free in that knee.

Hope you do better.
Legtoolong

Its possible that before the THR teh knee was compensating adn now that the hip is working the way it should the knee has to "adjust" to your new walking gate
keil

I had my hip replaced 2 years ago. It is great !! If I had it to do over I would have taken 6 months off instead of 3. You need to heal. My new hip does not have cement holding it. The muscles and body tissue has grown around it to hold it in place. It is suppose to last longer but.... Just follow the instructions of your doctor.

Hi, I am a 57 year old Canadian retired to Co. Cork, Ireland and had a thr on October 25th. I have always been disgustingly healthy and I thought fit but for 2 years prior to thr was in pain and limping quite a lot. Had op, out after 5 days, using 2 crutches, reduced to one after 14 days, like yourself had trouble sleeping on my back - have still not gained the sleep pattern back yet - age a possible factor. Am now approx. 13 weeks post op and use a cane. Am experiencing a stiffness when getting out of chair, but after a couple of steps, it softens. Also, am still limping. Do not use the cane around the house but do when walking our dog - I walk approximately 3 miles per week. What I seem to have discovered is that after limping before the op, the muscles are quite delibitated - I have been doing all the exercises and visiting the physio, but am running out of patience like yourself. I can now do all the housework again and bits of gardening - but fed up not being able to wear any pretty shoes and walk properly instead of like a drunken sailor. Let me know how you are doing. Mind yourself, and as they say in Cork, keep in by the wall and mind the buses. Jan.

Hi everyone, three months since THR feel fantastic. Back at school teaching full time, swim once a week, 1000metres in 30 mins, walking 3 kms in half an hour twice a week, and particitpating in very low impact aerobic classes.
Pain what is that!! People have said I look years younger now that the pain on my face and body have gone. That is a real buzz.
Happy days.

Hi
three and a half months after THR fantastic. No pain, no meds, back at work teaching secondary school full time, teaching basic low impact aerobic classes, life is wonderful.

Congradulations, keep up the great work and continue the exercises to maintain the hip and mussel strength
keil

Had hip ball replacement on the 07-21-2010 having a lot of groin pain. Been water walking . and walk about a helf a mail two to three times a week.

Originally Posted by gayle18

Had hip ball replacement on the 07-21-2010 having a lot of groin pain. Been water walking . and walk about a helf a mail two to three times a week.

You should be fine with after a few months in water walking.

it just takes time and the weather can cause pain too! more the barometer up & down than rain,
keil