Hip Replacement Recovery: What to Expect, Timelines, Outcomes
91Any surgery brings its worries but hip operations are routine and the techniques are well tested. Around 300,000 operations were performed last year in the US, alone. There is a very low rate of complications and hip replacement recovery is usually very good. For many people, a return to simple activities like walking a dog without pain are the gift of a lifetime.
As long as you have chosen a reputable hospital you should be able to let your medical team conduct your aftercare with full confidence. They know what is normal and expected during recovery and what is not. As long as you keep them fully informed of how you feel, they can take the best steps to reassure you or tackle any problems.
Hip Replacement Recovery Forum
There is a forum at the bottom of this page with over 1000 contributions from all kinds of people. If you are looking for very specific information about aspects of recovery, it is a great resource. Many people also benefit from the support that it offers,
The Remarkable Improvements for one man who had both Hips Replaced
Some Decisions to be made before Surgery.
Minimally invasive hip surgery or standard? Minimally invasive surgery is quicker, causes less bleeding and trauma and offers quicker recovery time. It is a relatively new procedure so it might be worth enquiring how many times your surgeon has operated in this way.
Epidural or General Anesthesia? Some people are worried by the very small chance of paralysis from an epidural. Others hate the grogginess of waking from general anesthesia and the constipation that follows.
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Typical Hip Replacement Recovery Timeline
- The operation. This takes up to 3 hours.
- You will be monitored in a recovery room until you wake up.
- Once you are awake and ready to move, you will be taken to your hospital room.
- From the first day after surgery until you leave hospital, a physical therapist will introduce you to various exercises to speed up a return to full mobility in your hip.
- Returning home- you can travel in a normal car, though you will need to keep your leg straight. Some people with smaller cars remove the front passenger seat of their car and sit in back. Usually this isn't necessary. Your nurse can advise.
- After you return home (usually between one and three days after the operation) a physical therapist will work with you 3 or 4 times a week.
- Staples closing the incision (or incisions) will be removed after 14 days.
- You will be encouraged to gradually build up the amount of exercise as the weeks pass, though it is important to avoid falling and stairs will be a problem without the help of crutches or a walker.
- You can start driving again about six weeks after the operation unless you are still using pain medication.
- Follow up visits to your surgeon are typically at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.
Full Recovery
For many people, their new hip is a joy to use after only three months. They can walk long distances, cycle and even hike up mountains. For others, recovery might take longer- perhaps even a full year. This depends on many factors like pre-operation fitness, age, weight, discipline in following exercises routines etc. Certainly, the more closely you follow medical advise and the more you talk to your doctor, the more likely you will recover at an optimal rate.
Lifetime of Replacement Hip
Technology is always advancing and hip replacements are lasting longer and longer. A recent study found that the majority of hip replacements installed twenty five years ago are still fully functional. The life time of new prosthetics is expected to be even longer.
Complications of Hip Replacement Surgery
Blood clots in the leg need to be carefully managed by the medical team with medication and special stockings.
About 2 percent of patients will suffer a serious infection. This usually results from bacteria entering the body after the operation, sometimes from dental work or sometimes from skin or urinary infections. Any dental work should be preceded by a course of antibiotics.
Things Patients find most difficult after Surgery
Shortly after surgery
- A burning sensation around the area of the incision. This can be treated with icepacks. The incision area should be kept dry, though.
- During sleep you shouldn’t cross the operated leg over the 'center line' of the body for a few weeks to avoid stressing the muscles and ligaments of the hip. Use plenty of pillows to support the leg comfortably and keep it in place.
- Pain in areas around the hip not previously affected. Trauma to various tissues during surgery can result in temporary pain- always mention any discomfort to your doctor.
- Clunking sounds from the prosthetic. In the first few months after surgery, the muscles that normally keep the hip joint tightly in place may be too weak. This can cause partial separation of the ball and socket, resulting in strange sounds. These should disappear with time. If there is any pain, talk to a doctor as soon as possible.
- Emotional impacts. Some people have unrealistic expectations of the amount of time it will take to recover. They feel bad that they are letting people at work or home down or that they are a burden afer the operation. There are some great, candid discussions in the forums linked to below. Thinking- and talking- issues like this through before your operation could save a lot of upset.
After a few months
Stiffness after sitting down for a while, which might mean using a stick to start walking.
Sudden jarring of the foot (produced by jumping say) can cause pain
The joint may squeak during prolonged exercise.
Hip replacement recovery after a year or so
The vast majority of people simply forget they have ever had a hip replacement.
Other Forums
There are many forums dedicated to helping people exchange experiences and information about hip replacement recovery. The forum on this page is not the only one available. You could also try these:
http://www.bonesmart.org/public_forum/forumdisplay.php?f=30
http://www.medicinenet.com/total_hip_replacement/discussion-276.htm
Exercises after Hip Replacement. Many Videos Here.
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Billy, thanks for the quick reply and well wishes, but of course, now I'm really curious to know if my OS was THE GUY to see at NE Baptist, LOL. Ah well, too late now; what's done is done, and I do believe he did a great job. I am convinced if I had just gone in one year sooner, my recovery would've been smoother. Unfortunately, I waited until I really couldn't even enjoy swimming anymore, and in hindsight, I know that was a huge mistake. I was much more active the prior year and somehow duped myself into believing that I could put things off because I could still swim, cycle and strength train. I discounted the fact that I couldn't walk any distance, couldn't drive any distance, hurt after all exercise and even found sitting uncomfortable. I guess my focus was mostly on what could do and that gave me a warped reason to postpone the inevitable. Live and learn!
Regardless of some setbacks, I am well on the road to full recovery, swimming laps again, (just 12-15 right now, but that's much better than zero) doing some cycling and continuing with strength training. My walking has improved dramatically, both in duration (almost up to an hour now, from 15-20 minutes pre-surgery) and also in speed, so really, I've no complaints that won't resolve with time and effort.
Hallega, how nice to see that not only did you enjoy dancing again last night, but this morning, your hip isn't the primaryu achy part! I think it's progress when other body parts might actually be complaining more, LOL.
The day after the party.......I'm so tired, there is no need to go to the gym ladies and gents, just dance!!! We managed a few jives with the hubby doing most of the work hahahha but today I ache, not the hip just all of me which shows how unfit I've become.
I think it's a great idea the re-hab unit, wish we had it here in the UK, it's a bit depressing being in a ward with new patients being wheeled in from their op and seeing all the tubes etc, my ward was mixed op's not just hips.
I'm intrigued....do you have to pay for you op's, I did get a quote and thought £14,000 was slightly out of my pocket!
Hi Maggie......my surgery was done at MGH. A certain OS was recommended to me from an associate who is also a surgeon. He had a THR done about a year before me. There are essentially two hip experts in Boston. One at MGH and one at NE Baptist. Those are the two places I recommend. I also did about 6 months of PT before my operation so I went into tit as strong as I could. I think that has a lot to do with my uneventful recovery. My pre-op PT was wonderful.
I wish you a speedy recovery !
Billy, you've been a *Rock Star* with your recovery from the beginning, so I'm not the least bit surprised to hear how well you are doing; woot!
I'm curious where you went for your surgery because I'm in the Greater Boston area and chose NE Baptist. I felt my surgeon and the facility were top-notch, but despite that, I have had some difficulties and setbacks. I attribute that to my underlying weaknesses pre-surgery, specifically almost useless adductors and perhaps waiting a bit too long (3 years) to bite the surgical bullet.
Dee, you've brought up some really good points about choosing to go to a Rehab Facility and it obviously worked out very well for you. I have a single friend who chose to go that route and said she'd also do it again when the time comes for Hip #2.
bj,
The choice between going straight home and rehab center is up to you and your OS. my OS prefers a few days in a rehab center after three days in the hospital post-surgery. I went along with that (spent 6 days there) and don't regret it. When I have my other hip replaced in April, I plan on doing the same.. For me, it was the right choice because it got me going from day one with PT/OT and it was a great inspiration to be with others who went through the same procedure and were at different stages of recovery. We actually had a "hippy" party at the center the day myself and two of my buddies were being sent home! Plus, my house is really not the best setup for this( lots of narrow hallways and steps). In the end, choose what is best for you and your lifestyle! Best wishes and hoping for a speedy recovery!
Dee
Good afternoon to all....on Monday I will reach my 12 week post-op day. I am doing quite well on the operated side. Occasional stiffness in the AM but otherwise the operated side feel very, very good. My OS in Boston was very pleased when I saw him at 6 weeks. I will see him again in May. I graduated from PT this week but will of course still do exercises. I have no restrictions other than external rotation and crossing the midline. I just listen to my body when I want to do something.
There are still good days and not so good days, but the good days are more frequent. I will have to get my left side done someday....perhaps next fall. It's amazing to compare the operated right side (which was the worst side) to my unoperated left side. I still take daily Advil in the AM.
I agree with all others that this is a journey that goes at different paces depending upon your age, disease, etc.
Have a great day to all from Boston!
PS I am a MD....make sure you all get good opinions from OS and make sure they operate on hips ALL THE TIME. My OS was a hips specialist....and it shows !
Hi BJ, you've definitely come to the right place.:-) Is your husband available all day? Is he able to handle all the domestic duties for several weeks? If so, and if all goes well, you should be able to come home and avoid a rehab facility. In general, you will not be discharged from the hospital until you can walk a bit with either two crutches or a walker, climb some stairs, get in and out of the bathroom and shower safely, and get dressed. An OT person on the hospital staff will teach you how to manage showering and dressing and you'll most likely be given a "Hip Kit," with handy tools for reaching, grabbing, showering and sock mastery. That last is quite challenging, but manageable once taught how.
I spent just one night in the hospital and was discharged the following day straight to home. My visting nurse and physical therapist were at my door the following day and they were a fabulous team. The PT came here until I had my 6 week, post-op, check-up and was pronounced ready to drive. I immediately switched to Outpatient PT for the next 6 weeks and have since "graduated," from that scene.
The first 2 weeks at home are the very roughest, but you'll have plenty of powerful pain medication to see you through. Sleeping is a huge challenge at first, but the pain meds also come in handy for that!
Hope that helps, and remember, someone is "here," at all hours of the day and night, and we know exactly how you feel, so pop in frequently for support. Best of luck!
Good afternoon fellow Hippies!
Barbara, as always, your note did bring me much to cheer about! How exciting to hear you've been out dancing and are now able to live in the real world as a "covert," Hippie, LOL! This is such great news.:-)I think adapting to a new work situation is always exhausting, don't you? Even if the chnage is positive, it's stressful, and that takes an energy toll. I *think* my leg is a bit improved today, but I'm still proceeding with great caution and ice until Monday. I'm doing NoRmAl activities, but no strength training or pool and gym for right now; just some walking. The kidney stone business is unfortunately, "status-quo," so that makes me a bit reluctant to stray too far from home at present; pbft!
Toots, aha, another who struggled with Clam Shells! I just knew I couldn't be alone with that, LOL.
Hallega, wow, kudos on being able to do all that prolonged kneeling! Maybe some dancing tonight will loosen things up a bit, eh? I found myself making hula movements the other night and thought of you, LOL!
Lisa, wow, you ARE doing very well in all other areas of your recovery; woot!!! I endured my hip nonsense for 3 years prior to surgery and know exactly how liberating it feels to now do some of those fun things that had become totally impossible. Best of all, we'll just keep improving! Yep, that's the Pot 'O Gold at the end of the recovery nightmare.:-)
Limpy Walking: I still limp sometimes, generally when I've done too much. However, even if I'm not actually limping, I walk like a "stiff." Just this week, I realized I somehow tend to automatically "brace," all of my lower back muscles and hip muscles on the operated side in negative anticipation of....what? Pain? Leg collpase? Probably both, but this behavior is not doing my back, leg and hip any favors and I need to stop this misplaced, protective response.
Upon realizing this, I disussed it with a friend who underwent knee surgery two years ago. She knew exactly what I meant and gave me a new mantra: "Walk freely." She said I really need to let my shiny new hip swing freely in concert with the other one. It's odd to realize that what was formerly a natural, unconscious act now takes conscious thought, but for me, it does. So, since that discussion, each time I stand-up, I stretch for moment and mumble my mantra before I take a step. The dogs look at me with inquiring, tilted heads, but that's ok. They've become very used to "Mum's" strange condition over the last several months and have been most considerate of my limitations and quirks.
When I DO "walk freely," (loose and relaxed) I do NOT limp. I think it's a matter of coming to "trust," my new hip, strange as that might sound to non-hippie ears.
Toots, great point about looking ahead when walking! I know I tend to look down, clearly searching for any and all obstacles that might trip me up. Paranoia runs deep, LOL.
Very interesting and informative forum. I feel as if there are many questions I should have asked my surgeon before I scheduled the surgery. Not too late. I'm schedule for THR March 1st. I have the option of at home PT or to go to a rehab center from the hospital for PT. I live with my husband so won't be alone but I want to be sure I do my rehab correcty. Any advice?
Thank you.
Hi Bonnie, it must be such a relief to know that at last you are going to be taken good care of! I hope you are able to get admitted for your op very soon and get sorted out. It must seem daunting to have to go through the whole first days of recovery thing again, but have a good read of the posts on here to be reassured that when it's done properly it is very much worth it in the long run!
Maggie, that clam shell exercise was the one that caused me the worst problems in PT. as I said to my physio, it was more like 'the very stubborn bull dog clip exercise' for me. Meanwhile he said he was very pleased that there was air to be seen between my knees (I managed to get them about 1 inch apart). I guess the physios are used to it being like that! I gradually improved and can now raise my knee about 6 inches, so he's had to give me some more new and challenging things to do. These physios don't let you rest on your laurels for a moment.
Lisa, I hope your problem with the exercise is similar to what I (and,I think, Maggie) felt about the clam shell thing. Your brain tells your body to do it, but your body won't cooperate, until one day, your body eventually gives in. I hope it gets sorted anyway. It sounds as if you have made an excellent start to recovery in all other respects.
Kaye, I am also still walking with a limp, I wish I knew how to get rid of it. Note to self to ask physio next time. My physio is very insistent on not looking down at leg when moving, but looking straight ahead, and I think that might help a bit.
Kaye UK, I had the false impression (before surgery) from what others had told me that I would immediately feel better after the surgery than I did before. Boy, was that off base!! I'd say it took about 5 months until I actually felt better than before the surgery, but admittedly I was a slow healer. It's well worth it in the end, but it takes patience. Good that you're following up with an appointment. Hopefully you'll soon see one of those leaps forward that many of us experienced (after weeks of discouraging progress).
Lisa1743, congrats for all that you can do at this stage!! I think that's awesome! Hopefully it's just as Maggie said, that you have a muscle that is slower than the others to wake up. You are inspiring me to push myself a little more... I'm now approved to do the elliptical, but I'm only doing 15 minutes, so maybe it's time for an increase!
Barbara
Thank you Barbara and Maggie for your quick and comforting response. I can't tell you how helpful these boards are when our doctors seem so out of reach. I am almost at 10 weeks, and short of this issue have really been feeling great. I walk for 30 minutes every day and ride the bike for 3 miles 3x per week at PT. Do you know how amazing that feels after two years of walking in pain? So, so, so many people on this board do know how amazing it feels. And those that don't yet know, have faith that it is coming. That's why this board is so awesome. I am hoping I will have some information on Monday about how to approach it. Thanks again and happy healing to all!
Chris
I'm now 14 post op, and only last wk found out I have had a trident/accolade uncemented THR, I'm not as strong as people on here, I'm still walking with a limp, I've started to get pain at the side of my hip feels like when you have knocked it and it's sore and throbs a bit, I was walking from the word go with crutches, and they very soon wanted me to walk around the house without any cains, I have now been walking about 2/3 weeks without anything, I'm back taking pain killers, and now wonder if I've done some sort of damage to it, I've managed to get an appointment with the consultant that did the op in a few weeks time to see what he has to say, I don't feel as good as I was before the op, perhaps it's just early days, but my doc don't think so! So I think it's just a matter of wait and see ?,
Thank you Barbara for your kind wishes, I've been spraying T shirts on the floor for a forthcoming event in July and it's been really difficult up to Thursday not kneeling!
Bonnie, I'm so pleased that things have progressed quickly for you, you've been through the mill and back haven't you. I wish you every success with the surgery and look forward to hearing that everything is A OK.
Another party tonight..not sure about dancing the night away this week as well, bit sore on the scar and a little in the groin...all that kneeling!! PMA everyone. (positive mental attitude)
Bonnie, this is the very BEST news I've heard this week! I am truly delighted for you! I can certainly understand your having some mixed emotions, but,... this is your ticket to ending the lengthy nightmare! It's the beginning of finally getting your life back, and in your case, it's so long overdue.:-)
It sure sounds to me as if you've found the right surgeon, and that makes all the difference.
I wonder if you'll actually find the whole post-surgical recovery experience in hospital a little bit easier, if for no other reason than that you know just what to expect; experience is valuable. Let's hope so, and also hope that you can be discharged to home this time because you'll be doing so much better than last time, eh? Cheers!!!
Lisa, I didn't experience difficulty with that particular muscle, but did with my adductors. I began outpatient PT at 6 weeks. During my second week, the therapist tried to get me to perform the side-lying, "clamshell," move. I couldn't do it at all, not even an inch. I tried and I tried till I was blue in the face, but absolutely nothing budged. It wasn't even painful, it simply wouldn't move, and my leg just layed there like a log, rather than living tissue. My therapist had a great sense of humor and I actually thought she was "putting me on," by giving me something to do that's physically impossible. Each time I tried, I dissolved in laughter, because I really thought it was a joke. I kept asking," Are you seriously telling me that people in their 60's, 70's and 80's can actually do this move 8 weeks post-op?"
Well, apparently most people can do this particular feat without problem at 8 weeks; I just wasn't one of them. Did I worry? Yep. Did that change anything? Nope. But time did. Three weeks later, there was "magic." When I was asked to give it a try again, I groaned, and asked her to give me something I could actually do instead. Despite my negative attitude, she insisted I try "just once." Imagine my shock when I found I could do it with absolutely no difficulty whatsoever.:-) I actually shrieked with elation, war-whoop style!
I guess the take home message from me is, try not to fret too much, and don't give up. It's still very early in the recovery process and a lot of positive changes occur each week. Just be really diligent about doing your home exercises and your rest. For what it's worth, my surgeon told me that all of our muscles, nerves, ligaments and tendons need time to "wake-up," after THR, and they each have their own, very "private schedule." They don't necessarily behave in lockstep with our efforts or the wishes of our therapists and doctors. I'm sure many here have similar stories to share about totally uncooperative muscles that eventually came back to life. Hopefully, just knowing that will help to ease your mind a bit. Please keep us posted on your progress and I'll send some really strong *LEG LIFTING VIBES* your way. Hang in there!
Maggie, no I've been working full-time for awhile, but I started a new job at the beginning of January, and the demands have been ramping up. But I find that the commute (only half hour, but intense traffic) is exhausting, and I still don't feel like I have the same energy level as before surgery. I'm so sorry to hear about all the trouble you've been having, but I hope that resting will take care of the leg pain. I haven't experienced that, but it sounds terrible. To cheer you up, I'll give you a glimpse into your near future: At this phase (6 mos.), I'm walking quite normally once I get going (first few steps are rather stiff, and OK there's still a bit of a pinching pain with each step but it's relatively easy to ignore). Stairs, driving, and getting in and out of the car are no problem, and yes I even danced 5 times at a wedding I attended last month! People at my new job don't even realize I've had surgery! I can be on my feet (e.g., in the kitchen) for long periods of time, and I can wash the bottoms of my feet and put my socks on with no trouble or pain. Anyway, hope this helps. You'll be there soon!
Lisa1743, you were wise to get a good assessment of the situation. I can't remember how far post-op you are, but I couldn't lift my leg (lying on my back, trying to lift straight up) for about 6 weeks - felt like my leg was made of lead, but slowly I was able to build strength by sliding my heel toward my butt so my knee was up off the bed and lifting my knee up toward my chest (not as far as the 90 degree angle, but just enough to strengthen the muscles needed to lift the leg. At first it felt like it would never happen (my brain was telling it to move, but the leg just couldn't respond), but as things healed, it started to work again. I was also unable to move my right leg (surgery leg) to the left and had to use my hand to move my leg (the adductor muscle took weeks to start working again. I hope you'll see progress soon!
Rogue53 / Bonnie, I am so happy to hear that you have less time to wait! I know it is still not easy for you, and facing the surgery and early recovery period must be especially hard on you since you now know how tough it can be, but it's bound to be a better recovery than the last time with a surgeon who knows what he/she is doing! We will be cheering you on and thinking of you.
Hi Chris, welcome! (And by the way, Toots UK, you can't really say he is not Christ... how can we really know for sure? ...maybe he is and just uses Chris as his cover!) Yes, this must be the best forum, at least we have a sense of humor which helps us through. Yes, sleeping at first really sucks, to be blunt. But at 5 weeks post op it should be getting easier soon. In the first week, I could only sleep in the recliner with leg propped up on a pillow. I hate sleeping on my back but by the 2nd week was able to do so fairly comfortably by propping my leg up with foam and pillows so that it was at about a 30 degree angle but had support under it the whole length. My home PT told me that I could sleep on my side, showing me how the pillows needed to be placed between my knees so as not to violate the cross-legs restriction, but it was about 3 or 4 weeks before I could sleep on my side for any length of time because it would hurt after about 20 minutes or half an hour. Ask about pillow placement suggestions if you have a PT, and be sure you take your pain med before going to bed - that may help. I don't know enough about the different types of procedures (and cement vs no cement) to be able to explain the differences in instructions regarding weight bearing - sounds like a question to ask your surgeon. I'm sure others on this forum would be interested in hearing the answer since we all learn from each other. I hope you'll be allowed to put weight on your surgery leg soon because I think you'll find that you will start to see progress each week once you begin to strengthen those muscles again. Hopefully you are doing exercises that don't involve weight bearing to begin the strengthening now. So many of us have been discouraged in the early months because progress can be very slow, but I'm confident that in another month we'll hear about gains you're making! We can really appreciate the milestones you will achieve that others who haven't been through this don't really understand.
...Speaking of which, congrats to Hallega for being able to kneel!!
Best wishes to all, Barbara
It's been a few weeks again since I have posted. I started PT and just finished my second full week. Working with an incredibly nice therapist and have been feeling like I am making good progress in all areas except actually lifting my leg/knee. At first, didn't think anything of it except weakness, while I kept telling him it was broken (half joking). But on Wednesday, he spent a lot of time testing different muscles and movements and alas, he became concerned that there is some kind of muscle messaging disconnect which is accompanied by a ton of pain. Today, he and I met with an on-site chiropractor who did a bunch of prodding and poking and feeling. He determined that I am unable to activate movement using my iliopsoas at all. All of my other muscles are working, but that one is not. He is going to review my X-rays and surgical information (he is part of the same group as my surgeon). Has this happened to anyone before? If so, did the lifting issue resolve on its own?
Hi there all- Some progress on getting my right hip fixed- hopefully!! After six months and a shattered acetabulum during my original surgery back in August and severe sudden pain 3 weeks ago...I was able to get in 2 1/2 weeks earlier due to a cancellation...with the UCSD specialist. All the pins, screws, ball and cap need to come out and be replaced AND placed differently with different sizes too. If the stem down the femur is not stable, he will take that out too. Because of the placement of the hip components originally, my right leg is shorter than the left. The cap had slipped and was causing pain when it hit things- very painful. They are trying to get me in earlier than the usual 2-months-out surgery schedule, as I am "acute". I first need a Clearance from my general doctor that I am healthy enough for surgery- so I see her this coming Tuesday. So, timing is up in the air, and I cannot plan anything. I will be in the hospital for 3-5 days, and can "look forward" to 4 weeks of physical therapy, along with either 50% weight-bearing for the first month, or non-weight-bearing depending on how the surgery goes. I am praying that I can walk again in a couple months!! I know I have to go through the waking up in the hospital, being in pain and sore, and also wearing the drain, etc. I just hope I don't have to go into a nursing home again! The doctor at UCSD (University of California, San Diego) is a specialist and is the go-to guy for failed hip replacements. He was amazed at all I have had to go through so far, and said acetabulum fractures are very "uncommon". I feel like I will be in good hands, but I don't look forward to the recovery, and conversely, it is hard to wait! Thanks for "listening". Bonnie/ rogue53
well, thank you for the prompt replies they have been most helpful... what a nice bunch you all are :]
Thank you Maggie, I am pleased to say that the new exercises are powerful ones. I felt more flexible immediately after going through them for the first time, and that is highly motivating! They are focused on Those adductors.
Hi Chris, welcome to the best hip forum in Cyberspace!
I had an uncemented THR 16 weeks ago and walked with 2 crutches from Day One. After 2 weeks, I was down to one crutch, and next the cane, which I still use for longer walks. My surgeon proclaimed me to be "full-weight bearing," as of Day One, but explained it to mean that though the prosthesis could take the weight, I would not find it very pleasant. So, my instructions were to walk, every single day, 4-6 x a day, 10-20 minutes each time, bearing as much weight as I could tolerate. None of it would have been tolerable without the serious pain meds.
I have read a few stories here that have indicated no weight-bearing for the first four-six weeks, but I can't recall the specifics as to why this was so. I wish I could remember the names of those individuals, but I can't. It's a lot to scroll through, but might be worth your while.
I do know each surgeon definitely has their own preference for post-op care, but I suspect there may be more to it than just that factor. Perhaps whatever the pre-existing conditions were that led to the surgery make a difference? For instance, I had only OA and just in one hip. I had no osteoporosis, no fractures, no avascular necrosis, no congential issues. I'd imagine age, weight, and fitness level prior to surgery might also be a factor. I'd definitely ask the surgeon why you've been designated non-weight bearing and what exactly is meant by that in your case.
Sleeping is really rough for everyone initially. I had such difficulty with back sleeping that by day three I begged my home PT to show me a safe way to roll onto my stomach and toward the operated side which is my preferred sleeping side. It was a little bit dicey at first, but worth it for me. However, I went home with "No Restrictions," other than the standard "no crossing the midline." Again, this was my surgeon's preference for post-op care, but based on my personal circumstances.
Toots, I *think* the leg feels a bit better today, but definitely not back to square one. So, I'm not going to "push it," as yet. I'll give it the full week the doc suggested and see what develops. How are you feeling after your change in exercise at PT yesterday? Hopefully, good!
Chris, me again! I've just realised that you are actually using crutches at the moment, initially I thought you were not allowed to walk at all. I think you will find most hippies use crutches for quite a while, so should not think yourself too unusual for that. I used crutches to walk to start with, moving on to one crutch after about 5 weeks. I still use a stick when I go out, at 13 weeks. I was able to stand without support almost immediately after the op eg for a shower, but certainly not walk. I have not come across anyone who was recommended to walk unaided from the word go, and think most would find it impossible!
Sorry, Chris, the predictive text let me down, you are not Christ!
Maggie, thanks for info re your new pain, but wish you hadn't suffered it! Enough! It's time you had some good news! Hope it has resolved now.
Hi Christ, welcome to the forum. Hopefully you'll get lots off help from the hippies. I had a cemented THR, so can't help about the weight bearing query. It does seem that different surgeons advise different things. In my opinion, walking with crutches means you are not putting all your weight on the effected leg, but obviously there is some weight going through it. I would also hazard a guess that your lack of progress is related to your immobility, but it's worth it to be sure of not having setbacks. Presumably, when you get to 6 weeks, you will be ready to go for it. As regards PT, even with the cemented hip the PT was very gentle until I got to 6 weeks, then the hard stuff started!
With sleeping, I was told I had to sleep on my back for 6 weeks, which drove me crazy. Then I progressed to sleeping on good side with a pillow between my knees to stop me crossing the midline. From 12 weeks I could also sleep on my front and on my recovering side.
Best wishes hippies.
hi all, wow this is my 32nd..lol.. forum ive found and seems to be the most informative.
Ive been trawling the forums since my THR 5 weeks ago as i kept getting conflicting stories about post op care concerning walking etc.
With my uncemented THR i have been told no weight bearing and crutches for 6 weeks , but then you hear of others being told to walk straight away as this helps the healing process ?? How can two completely conflicting treatments be right .
Aftter 5 weeks i feel no improvement at all from the day i was discharged , pain in thigh and theres no way i can put weight on it at all, yet i hear of folk who are now exercising and driving.
im totally bemused by the differences.
How does every body sleep? on your operated side? to painfull ! on your back? to uncomfortable! and woe betide if you lie on your good side, because apparently like crossing your legs or bending past the 90degrees. your flipping leg will fall off !
Any way thanks for putting up with my grouse and good luck to all with your recovery
Chris
Hey Hippies, lots of chatter here today! Toots, I hope the new exercises don't have painful after-effects, but kudos on the progress.:-) Yep, I agree, I don't want kidney stones, but...I'll take them over having a serious problem with the new hip any day!
Hallega, OMG, you wee thrown from a horse? I think I've finally realized you are Lynn, LOL! I'm with you on the age thing; my mind says perpetually 39, but the bod seems to have other ideas.
Heather, those guys in the bar HAD to be joking, right? Good feisty comeback on your part though! I asked my surgeon about a flying card and his response was the same as Dee's. TSA will insist on a body search or a full body scan and we need to allow a LOT of extra time when traveling by air for that very reason.
Barbara, great to see you! Have you just returned to work? If so, you must be "up to your eyeballs in alligators," after this long absence. And lots of company as well? Yikes!
I forgot to mention something yesterday you might all be interested in hearing. I awoke on Monday morning with a very painful area on the side of my knee, going up about 4-5 inches, but nowhere near my incision. It felt as though I'd been kicked by King Kong during the night. I found it strange, because I hadn't done anything unusual the day before and I normally wake up just a bit stiff and achy, but not in that area.
So, I went ahead with my plan for the day which was to hit the pool for some water-walking and swimming. When I got into the pool, I decided to do a little stretching first as advised by my PT. Out of the blue, I had the most intense pain in the operated leg while it was elevated in front of me. Had I been standing on it, it would have buckled. Of course, I dropped the leg immediately and decided not to do any more of those.
I stayed there and did do the walking/swimming without any problem, other than that leg pain I'd had when I awoke. I thought the exercise would make it work itself out, but it didn't.
When I got home, the leg-buckling pain happened again, this time on my stairs. I decided this was my cue to back off any exercise for a few days and pull out the ice-pack. It happened once again last night, so today I called the surgeon's office just to see if there was any reason for concern.
After a lengthy conversation, she said what I had experienced is common. It's IT Band Syndrome, which is basically an inflammation of the entire tendon from hip to knee, and often occurs when we've had especially aggressive PT or we've simply done too much. She said I should rest it, ice it, and in general, not "push it," until the symptoms calm down. Once it's feeling better, it will need to be stretched daily, especially before any physical activity. If this solution doesn't work for some reason, it could mean the bursa is also involved and might require a cortisone shot.
Though I'm not exactly thrilled to have this particular problem right now, it's certainly far better than anything I had begun to consider, such as, possible implant failure, blood clot, or an infection.
At any rate, if any of you should experience this, it's good to know it's common and easily treatable, but also important to notify your surgeon's office so they can rule out other concerns.
Wishing everyone a Happy Hip Night, self included.:-)
Heather,
My OS gave me a card post-op for flying. However, the TSA doesn't acknowledge them. I've flown 3times post-op and twice the security check point told me to put the card away. I would have to go through, set it off and then have the full body pat-down:(. The third flight was at an airport that has a full body scanner and I just opted to go through that. It was much quicker and IMO, less invasive.
Dee
Maggie, in my mind I'm 26 in body 62!
I was pretty lively before the op but just couldn't walk too far and in pain, I could have left the hip for longer I suppose but my daughter suggested I have it done while still relatively young!
I'm as stiff as a board after sitting for long periods if that makes you feel better, and my knees are killing me, but I hope that my daughter can fix them a bit (Osteopath/chiropractor) treatment.
Kneeling was banned until today....Hoooray 12 weeks, but I have been a little naughty and had a go a couple of days ago, bit weird and difficult to get up, but again my knees are the problem, not the hip!
I really can't complain either about the NHS or the Op or the aftermath of it, other than sleepless nights and inconvenience of not being able to do what I usually do or did before the dreaded hip began to play up. I think it was mainly caused through falling off a silly horse that nearly had me over a bridge onto the motorway below! I'm hoping that's the case because I really don't want the other one done if I don't have to.
I feel very fortunate that I'm not suffering as much as some here and wish them all the best in their recovery.
PS. I am not going out in the snow...just in case...or riding another horse..EVER!
I am swamped with work and visitors so have not been on the site in awhile. But I've read through all the comments today and am so happy to see the helpful posts!
Maggie - so sorry to hear about your stones!! As if dealing with recovery from surgery wasn't enough to deal with! I hope that gets resolved quickly.
Jillian, the stiffness is common and the pain down the leg may be sciatica, which also seems to be common. I think that, because we are less mobile right after surgery, we are often in the same (seated) position for long periods of time, and I think that sometimes aggravates the sciatic nerve. It's good that your Dad will be consulting with a medical professional because that's really the best thing to do for a proper assessment of the problem. As you'll see if you read the posts, we have lots of different aches and pains that result from the healing itself, new exercises we take on, or possibly overdoing it!
To weigh in on the kneeling, I kneel whenever I need to (usually just when I'm getting on the floor to do push ups - can't neglect that upper body strengthening as well!), and it seems fine to kneel now (since about 4 or 5 months post-op).
Best to all!
Barbara
Wieman, yes people really can be rather inconsiderate and not think about what it is like for us "hippies." I was in a bar a couple weeks ago with my boyfriend, and I saw two guys standing but standing over an empty chair. I went over and asked them nicely, if they would mind if I sat, because I just had a hip replacement and I needed to sit down. One guy jokingly said, "Well you need to suck it up." I just looked at him and said, "Uh huh, YOU go get YOUR hip replaced, then please, come tell me all about sucking it up." He shut up and moved away, LOL!
Kaye, I too am unsure as to what kind of hip replacement I have. I've seen the post-op x-rays taken 2 weeks ago, but the surgeon did not say. I do want to find out though, and get a card, because if I have to travel, the security folks will need to know that it's a hip implant setting off metal detectors. I only know I had a set of x-rays the day I fell and went to the ER, a CT scan to confirm the fracture (the ER doctor who looked no older than 12, said, "I can't believe that you were able to walk for a short distance, with a broken hip." Stupid doctor, ever heard of adrenaline and shock???) and if the surgeon did an x-ray as soon as he was done with surgery, I have no idea. The x-rays done 2 weeks ago, looked good though and the surgeon said he was happy with how it was settling, and even better, that there were no other fractures, I was slightly worried that my femur might shatter during the operation.
Healing continues in its own weird way, because of the bad weather last night, I was in quite a bit of pain and had to curtail my home PT exercises. But, a nice hot pack on my hip, and a leftover Oxycontin was just what I needed and today the pain is more manageable.
Love to all my fellow hippies out there!
Maggie, the NHS isn't too good at communication! Well, to rephrase, each professional seems good to excellent at communicating their speciality, it's joining it all together into a coherent package that seems to be the difficulty. And I know what you mean about surgeons - they're not necessarily that happy about talking. There's an old joke where someone asks a surgeon how the operation went and he says "the operation went perfectly. Unfortunately the patient died." Mmm not always the best person skills!
I was sorry to read that you have a kidney stone problem, but pleased that your pain didn't indicate anything bad about your THR recovery. I hope they can sort it out quickly and reasonably painlessly. I don't know if you'll find a forum as good as this for people with kidney stones :-) I reckon "The hippies are the greatest". And thanks Will Apse, whoever and wherever you are, for setting the ball rolling.
I have just been to physio, and was told that it's fine for me to kneel and sit on the floor. New exercises - ouch!
Love to all.
Wieman, standing still for a prolonged period is absolutely the worst; ugh! I try to avoid it as much as possible, but, it's not always possible. Glad to hear you found a solution for your recliner! I also find seating that is too soft uncomfortable, but then, so is too hard. It's a challenge to find a happy medium! Love the T-Shirt idea, LOL!
Just curious, were you told not to kneel or sit on the floor or ground? I've been kneeling and sitting on the floor for weeks now with no ill effect and hadn't been told to avoid it. However, you've still got the "other," wonky hip, so it might not be a great idea for you. I think because of that issue it would be very difficult for you to get up.
Kaye and Toots, I can't believe the poor communication both of you have experienced in the NHS. Wait...yes, I can! I've been very fortunate in that regard, but that's not always the case for many here. It's very often just the "Luck of the Draw." And in general, surgeon's are not the most communicative of doctors. Let's face it; their patients are unconscious for the most part, LOL. If they wanted to be *chatty* they'd have become shrinks.
Well, I found out today what's causing the perineal pain and it's not my hip. It's kidney stones; aaarrghhh!!! On one hand, I'm relieved it isn't my hip, but really unhappy about this turn of events.
Kaye, I honestly think you are progressing normally. Your aches, pains and experiences seem to mirror that of most of us. Remember, there's a very wide margin in the timeline for total recovery; 3-6 months is very average, and some still have problems at a year post-surgery. The PT exercises do hurt for awhile, but that's because everything is so tight and atrophied from lack of use. I really hope you can gradually ease your way back into them. Even if you can't do all that are recommended, do some, or do them in a less extreme position. Anything you can do will be beneficial, but if you don't do any, everything will remain tight, weak and painful. Why not try one set of each, 3x a week and build from there?
Good wishes to all tonight!
I forgot to mention, I solved the recliner/sciatica problem. Actually, Properteez gave me the idea. I took a pillow from my sofa and used it on the recliner. Problem wasn't the recliner after all; it was the pillow. The pillow I was using before was a bed pillow and too soft. The one I am using now is not only a little firmer, but also a little bit more higher. Thanks Properteez!! Oh, I also ordered a custom made t-shirt reading: "CAUTION, I AM A HIPPY"
Toots, I know what you mean. This forum is such a god send. I never had surgery before I went in and had my THR on my right side, last October. Needless to say I was SCARED!!! I had so many questions and fears. Then I found this forum and everyone here put my mind at ease and was there for support. And now this March, I am going to have my left hip done too. Who know that the word hippy had a new meaning in our generation. Thank God for the Hippies. We should have t-shirts made, reading: "I AM A HIPPY"
Sorry, Kaye, I misunderstood your post. I wonder how many patients who have had THRs your doctor sees? It's possible he may not have enough experience to really know about different rates of progress afterwards.
I agree about the lack of information before the op. I was told I would be walking a mile with a walking stick at 6 weeks, and back to normal at 12 weeks. I am 13 weeks now, but could not work in my normal job yet, although maybe I could sit at a desk. I'm still walking using a crutch if it's for any distance. Walking is still uncomfortable and slow. I think the doctors talk about the optimum recovery so we don't get put off. My doctor certainly wanted to make me feel good about my recovery, I think because I was in a bad place. He was very upbeat.
Maggie, I forgot your question re private bits. I haven't had any internal discomfort but I have had definite soreness right down under the groin, in the crease on the bad leg side. It seemed to strike after stepping exercises, but has gradually improved over time. Don't know if this is anything like the pain you are experiencing. I would describe it as a stinging pain.
Toots uk,
The doctor never said to me that something had gone wrong, he asked me if something had gone wrong because of my slow recovery, I said because of my age (49) I should quicker, I asked him if he knew what type of THR I had had, he didn't know, all that on my records (letters that have come back from hospital) is an uncemented type, i think I've had I trident/accolade uncemented as that's what the nurse wrote down on a leaflet , so now this afternoon I've had to ring the consultants secretary, I still don't know as there computers were down, the Great British NHS, how unorganised , the only good this I know is it isn't the THR that's metal on metal which is in the news at the moment , that's giving off metal fillings due to rubbing against each other, but I still feel left in the dark, I just feel very disheartened bout all this, all I got before the op was, it's the best thing, you will be up and running in no time, no one said anything about the recovery or even how long it takes for everything to repair, ie muscles which is well over a yr, I just can't believe how they forgot all of this, because I know I won't!
Wieman 351, I didn't realise it could be a yr before kneeling, I'm 14wks tomo, and once the 12wks were up I've been kneeling on the floor, I think about 7/8 times I've done so,it was a bit weird trying to get up, but thought with practice I will improve, I've also had about 4 baths and that's like sitting on the floor!!, not sure now weither I should stop? ;/
Weiman, I was interested in your question about kneeling. So often recently I've nearly knelt down (not praying - just making the bed!) and pulled back at the last minute because not sure it's advisable. I'm going to ask when I go for physio tomorrow.
As regards X-rays and check ups. I had an X-ray immediately after op, then nothing! I had a six week check up, except at 8 weeks because of Xmas, and will not be checked again until July. I have to say communication hasn't been the strong point in my treatment (NHS), I had to phone for PT guidance, and ask specifically for out patient PT. I was sent for a CT scan, but not told what for, when told by technician it was lungs and liver I went into the shakes (realised they were checking for more cancer secondaries). No one came and told me the result of that scan or to talk to me about how the operation had gone while I was in hospital, despite me asking in the ward. I found out 8 weeks later that the scan was clear (phew). Kaye, I feel for you as you seem to be suffering from the same lack of communication. Why did your doctor say the op had gone wrong! You need answers. But take heart,it sounds as if your recovery has been pretty much the same as others on here. It's certainly hard work!
Heather, I like the sound of your shower arrangement. Good luck with work!
Maggie, I hope your sore area is on the mend. There seem to be such peaks and troughs with recovery! Maybe it's nerves getting back into gear :-/
Weiman, I sympathise so much! I find standing for any length if time the worst thing. And people just don't have a clue, do they. They are good in theory but don't seem able to put their consideration into practice. But I guess that is why this forum is so handy. We all know what it feels like! These poor non-hippies just don't have the expertise, despite good intentions (and that goes for the medics too, in my experience).
Best wishes everyone!
Happy hump day, my fellow hippies. 15 weeks post-op and all is well. My the time does fly by, but not fast enough. I do have one little grip, though. I just met with my landscaper for the spring color change out and my legs are so tired and sore from the standing. He left me standing outside waiting for him. I finally had to come inside and sit down for a moment. One thing I don't understand is that even when certain people know about your physical condition, they don't take in consideration how hard it is for us to do certain things. Some people can be so inconsiderate. I always have to remind them that I can't stand for a long period of time and ask them if I can sit down.
I am still suffering with the sciatica, but it is usually in the evening and after I have put my legs through a lot. Oh and when I am sitting in my recliner for a certain period of time. I can't sit for a long period in my recliner. I have to get up a walk and stretch my hips. But does anyone else have kinda like a cold feeling in their lower legs or feet sometimes? I notice it after I have been sitting for a long period. I guess it is just the sciatica. I know the circulation in my legs are fine, my doctor checks it every time I see him. Oh, how long does it usually take before we can kneel or sit on the ground? I think about a year or so post-op, right?
Maggie,
I will be 14wks post op on Thursday, I've only had the six wk check-up, and consultant didnt want to see me then till April which will make it 22wks, so what I've read about appointment after op isnt what my consultant does!, I was doing the exercises but was having a lot of pain in the groin + top of leg erea for quite a few wks, so laid of that and just concentrated on walking without crutches or sticks hoping that would do, I work for the county council and they are providing me with physio, my first session is next week, as the nhs only gave so many sessions,
Kaye, good grief, who wouldn't feel disturbed after that doctor's comments? Talk about a poor bedside manner and he also sounds rather uninformed; bad combo for a doctor in my book.
According to my surgeon and what I've read here, lying on the operated side can and does cause pain for a lot of people, so perhaps if you tried to avoid that for awhile you'd see the pain diminish? It's definitely worth a shot. If your hip was actually dislocated, you wouldn't be able to stand or walk, so just put that scary thought right out of your head, ok?
How many weeks are you post-op? Have you had Physical Therapy? Do you perform stretching and strength building exercises at home or are you walking for exercise? The post-surgical instructions do seem to vary a bit by country, but walking, stretching and strength building do seem to come into play for most everyone.
If you're afraid the prosthesis has shifted or some other problem has developed, can you request an X-ray just for reassurance? I've had X-rays in the hospital and then again at my 6 week, follow-up exam, but not at my 3 month follow-up exam. Unless I develop a problem, there won't be any additional X-Rays until net October which is a full year from my surgery.
I'm also wondering whether or not you can re-schedule that April appointment and get in there sooner? If so, I think it would be a good move for you.
Maggie, another thing I forgot to say is since leaving hospital, I've not had an xray at all to see how things have gone, and don't see consultant till april,
Maggie, yes I am concerned because ive started getting pain at the side of my hip feels like I could have knocked it, but I know I havnt, unless that's because I'm trying to sleep on it, but I'm still having a lot of muscular problems, and im not sure if it could be linked, I saw the doctor today (1st time since op,) and that was only to get new sick note, he thought I would be fitter than I am, and asked if I had problems due to the op going wrong, I feel as though I'm in limbo as with not having this done before,I don't know what is a good op, and what's a bad op, or if this is the norm, I find the medical people her not very good with information thankyou for your help
Kaye, I have a Stryker, uncemented appliance and was weight-bearing "as tolerated," from day one with the use of two crutches. After 2 weeks, down to one crutch, then a cane the following week. That said, when using crutches and canes, we are not really 100% weight-bearing. I *think* this is actually typical, but have read of a few instances here where weight-bearing is not allowed for the first 4-6 weeks.
Are you experiencing something unusual that's making you concerned about the early weight-bearing?
Wow, Toots, Lynn and Heather, you are all rockin' your recoveries with these great milestones!
Lynn, please, please tell me you are younger than I (59) just to make me feel good, LOL. There's no way I am ready to "dance the night away," though I'm 16 weeks post-op. *Big Applause* for you though!
Heather, look at you! You're shaving your legs AND getting excited about returning to work soon! Who would've thought so just a few weeks ago, eh?
Toots, kudos on the successful foot washing! I'm with you there in that I can do it, but...yeah, it's still a bit uncomfortable.
I had a scary experience on Monday that I hope was a total "fluke." Inexplicably, I woke with a very sore area, about 4-5 inches long, just above my knee and along the outside of my leg. Twice that day, I had a very sudden, very intense leg pain that almost made my leg "give out." The first time, I was just standing in the pool and lifting my leg straight up for a simple stretch as taught by my PT. Upon coming home, I was on the stairs and it happened again. The intense pain went from hip to knee, along the IT band.
As a result, I took it easy yesterday and iced it. It's still very sore in that small area and I've no idea why, so it looks like today will be a repeat performance of yesterday with "babying-it."
I've a question for our female Hippies and my apologize in advance if this is TMI for our male readers. Do any of you experience pain or discomfort in the perineal area when bending over or performing stretches? I do, and it's stressing me out. I am seeing my PCP today and hoping she can give me some reassurance, but still, I'd love to know if anyone here has actually experienced what I'm feeling. It may be totally unrelated to the hip, but I don't recall feeling this prior to surgery. I mentioned it to my surgeon at my 3 month visit, but he seemed dismissive of it. Hopefully, it will just go away on it's own, but in the interim; ugh!
Hi, I wondered if anyone could answer my question, I'm 13wk post op, I've just found out what type of THR I've had, it's a Trident / Accolade Uncemented Total Hip Replacement, i was told from day 1 of the op that I was to weight bear,and within the first few weeks to walk with 1 crutch , I've looked on web sites and read that NOT to weight bear until after 6 wks, has this happened to anyone else as I'm wondering that I could have caused damage due to weight bearing and not using any sticks, I'm asking on here as I've asked my doctor and he's not sure and have got to wait till April to see consultant
Toots,
Congrats on getting to wash the foot! I was using that long handled sponge thing too, til a couple weeks ago. I have a shower that has these marble "shelf" things in it, and one is just high enough for me to put my foot on, so I can wash my foot without bending, AND I can use it to shave my legs. WOOHOO!!! I'm getting better at balancing in the shower to do it, but I must admit most of that help is due to having a big grab bar on the shower wall. (Previous owner of the house had them installed, she was developing Alzheimers and her kids wanted to protect her from falls)
Tomorrow marks 9 weeks since my accident, Friday will be 9 weeks since surgery. I'm walking so much better, pain is less except when it's about to rain or snow, and we are getting snow today so my hip is very cranky. I am hoping to be released back to work on the 20th and we'll see how it goes.
Happy Wednesday, fellow hippies!
Hi Lynn, I am just 1 week ahead of you-13 weeks on Thursday. It's been hard work! Recovery seems to go in peaks and troughs. Several times I have felt that no progress is being made only to find, perhaps the next day, that I can do something new. I am now able to at last wash my right foot without the aid of long handled brush. It hurts, and I have to contort myself into a funny shape, but I can do it! You sound far ahead of me in terms of mobility - no parties for me just yet. I'm impressed and I'm sure it was worth having a sore day the day after. All the best!
Rogue53,
So sorry to hear about the pain and suffering you are going through! This is a surgery that has many bumps along the way, but seems you have had a really tough,tough run. Please, try to get that appointment moved up! With all the pain you are in, your doctor must squeeze you in. Keep us posted and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dee
BarbaraNC 61 minutes ago
bj, my two cents is to go home if you have someone there to help you out (and I mean someone there all the time) because you'll definitely need assistance. (I was unable to get out of bed on my own for the first few days after the hospital stay.) It's just a comforting thing to be home, and so many of us are very emotional/weepy in that first week (I'm told it's caused by both the after-effect of the anesthesia and to the trauma to our bodies) so it's nice to be home where strangers aren't seeing you cry! But I'm assuming you can get a PT to come to your home, which is another reason to be home because the sooner you acclimate to your home environment (which the PT helps you to do), the better. But others have brought up good points, so basically, you should do what seems right for your situation!
Maggie, I really can't believe all that you do at your stage - that is a LOT of exercise! No wonder your body needs a bit of a rest! Glad to hear that you're feeling some improvement in the leg - I wouldn't rush back to a lot of exercise too soon, especially with the stone situation. Sometimes "less is more" and this may be one of those times! Hadn't thought of myself as a "covert" hippie except perhaps in the 70s sense of the word hippie ;-) but I like the idea! I must admit that I would have "blown my cover" if anyone had seen me walking last evening because after my bi-annual clothes shopping (something I truly dread) and being on my feet for 2 hours, I was limping back to the car! But my husband was almost as bad off as I was last night, so I guess the mall situation will test anyone's legs!
Hallega, I doubt that you're unfit - I just think dancing uses very different muscles than other forms of exercise! It's great PT, though, isn't it? Yes, in the US, even with private health insurance, most people have to pay at least part of the cost of surgery. It's different for every type of insurance, but mine cost about $3,500 out of pocket, and I paid $52 co-pay every time I went to physical therapy which was twice a week in the first few months, so it really adds up.
Billy - Congrats on reaching the 12 week mark! The next 3 months things are so much better than the first 3 months. Sounds like you're still moving along on one of the fast tracks, and that's great!
Be well, everyone!
Barbara