Hip replacements do and don't?

Question

I've had both hips replaced. And am read to get back out there. Is any one awhare of the amounts pressure which can be put on the joints. like weight barring. claiming. YA YA I asked the doctor, And many other ones also. I'd like to here it from some one who has gone through it.

Answer 1

I have had both hips replaced. When you have fully recovered, you should be able to bear all of your weight on your hip. It is wise to follow your surgeon's instruction about how heavy a load you can carry - e.g. such as no more than 50 lbs. or whatever. (I can't even lift 40 pounds, so this is not an issue for me but it could be for some persons who are male or are stronger than I am.)

You may also have been given some precautions about positions or movements to avoid (such as twisting, internal rotation of the leg, avoiding bending the hip past 90 degrees, etc). These precautions may vary according to the type of procedure that you had and the surgical approach used. So it would not be possible for me to say for certain what things you must avoid. Also, these precautions aren't always given for life, but rather for a few months. Surgeon's prescriptions may vary and you should follow theirs, not mine!

As for me, I still have a couple of lifetime precautions that are really no big deal and come second nature by now. The reason I must follow these is to avoid dislocation. I had posterior approach surgery and I have both hips replaced. Therefore, I avoid bending past 90 degrees and internally rotating the leg at the SAME TIME. When I pick something off the floor, I do not keep my knees together. Rather, I keep my feet about 18" apart, abduct my hips slightly, bend my knees, and pick up the item much as a FB quarterback would by dropping my hand to the floor between my feet. Not exactly ladylike but it's a safe position for me and at this point, I couldn't care less!

During the several years before I had THRs, I had increasing difficulty with putting on socks, tying shoes, grooming feet, and gradually lost the ability to cross my legs at the knees, sit "indian" style, and place my ankle on the opposite knee. I have slowly regained some of these abilities but it took a long time, especially with reaching my feet. It has been 4 years and I have given up trying to sit "indian" style. I can do everything else. Crossing my legs at the knee really does technically violate one of my precautions and altho I can do it, it isn't that comfortable. The ankle-on-opposite-knee position is a very safe one for me but isn't really that comfortable. I think I lost a lot of flexibility during years of osteoarthritis that, at my age, I may never regain completely.

No matter. I'm so happy with my new hips that a few limitations do not bother me. I am pain free and can walk miles and have my life back and for these things I am grateful. These are only my own personal experiences and YMMV [your mileage may vary].

Answer 2

If you've had hip replacement surgery, you've also had physical therapy. They've probably given you a set of guidelines you should follow for care of yourself and your new joints. Joints are sometimes replaced to provide increased mobility and independence in people who are quite elderly. Barring weight may simply mean walking and being able to carry a grocery bag due to a patient's general musculature and the condition of remaining bone.

Try to remember they are not BIOTIC joints, just because they are made of steel. Talk with your orthopedist and physical therapist. They know the condition of your bones, joints, and general strength.

Answer 3

I have not had it done, but with the way I'm going it will happen some day.

I would think start off lightly, and work your way up, regarding the amount of stress and pressure you can put on the hips.

Good Luck>>