I had total hip replacement in July and I am still not able to walk right without pain any sugestions?

Question

I had my hip replaced in July and I am worried that I might not be able to walk with out a limp and some pain that I have now.Any idea how long it takes since I need to go back to work and I walk all day 8 1/2 hrs or more.Has any one had the same problem of it taking a long to get back to walking good? Worried I might not walk good.

Answer 1

I've had both of my hips replaced in separate surgeries several months apart. Here's my experience.

My math says you had surgery about 8 wks ago which isn't all that long in the whole scheme of things. It took me about 3 months to get rid of my limp. During that time I continued to do my PT exercises 3 times a day which really helped me get the muscle tone and strength I needed to enable me to walk without a limp and without a cane or other walking aid. But as long as I limped, I was advised to keep using my cane or crutch as long as necessary so that my body wouldn't "learn" to limp.

The pain issue is a little different. Was your implant cemented or uncemented? I ask because those who were implanted with an uncemented stem (shaft) may have longer-lasting pain in the femur (that's your thigh bone). See this for more:
http://totaljoints.info/cemented_and_cementless_thr.htm#6
Mine was cemented and I really had no pain except around the incision.

Answer 2

Grit your teeth and bear it and take pain pills if you have them, just to keep the pain level down as much as possible. Don't expect immediate results with any transplant. It takes your body several months to adjust and the pain is something that comes with it. Continue to walk when you can to help the area heal and take 8 to 10 garlic capsules every day to ward off any infection.

BTW, did you know that after a replacement, anytime you go to the dentist, you need to take antibiotics first? I wasn't aware of that until my dentist told me about it so check with your dentist before having any dental work done. The garlic capsules will help some but they will probably want you on something else, too, just to play it safe (for their peace of mind actually).

Take your time and take this a day at a time. I had a knee replacement and it was about a year before I started feeling "normal" again, even though I continued to do all my exercises and everything. Good luck to you

Answer 3

my dad got a total hip replacement a while back. It took him 8 months to fully 100% be normal. He was off the walker and cane within 3 months, but he limped for another 4. but, my dad's surgery had some complications, so Yours may take a few less months. and my dad was 44 when he got the surgery, if you are younger it will not take as long.

Answer 4

I have talked to other friends who have had the procedure done and the recovery time is about 4 to 6 weeks in length. I would recommend getting back in touch with your doctor to let them know what's going on so that they can evaluate the situation further to see what they think is going on.