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Had hip replacement, wondering about topical numbing agent
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Apr 6, 2023 | Replies (17)Comment receiving replies
What you are experiencing '"..My thigh is achy and sore in the morning until..." is absolutely normal at this stage. My friend and daily walking partner just passed 3 months, and she has the same.
And here is the most common complaint we get here, "I was expecting a faster return to normal. I have returned to the gym, but my muscle strength is greatly reduced as is my cardiac endurance."
I always remind people that joint replacement or any major ortho surgery "ain't for sissies" - let me describe what happens. You have been cut open, had everything - muscles, tendons and nerves, moved around or cut into. Then they brought in the reconstruction tools - essentially saws, drills and hammers to put in new parts made of foreign materials. Oh, yeah, and you lost a fair amount of blood. Finally, they sewed or stapled you back together, sent you home and told you to get moving.
Now tell me, if the doctor explained all that before surgery, in those terms, would you have run away? No surprise that your body wants some time to recover!
It sounds like you are doing great - keep walking and be kind to yourself when you are tired and achy. And remember, you can still use ice when you overdo it.
Sue
Replies to "What you are experiencing '"..My thigh is achy and sore in the morning until..." is absolutely..."
I realize I would have been afraid of surgery if the doctor told me how much pain there would be after the surgery. I might have waited longer. I should have had it earlier but circumstances were different because of my home situation. The reason I finally decided to have it no matter what is because of the pain. I have far less pain now, even though I am still limping and having some pain, but not in my hip rather by the knee which is no good. However I'm almost 80 and so probably will live the rest of my life on this side 🙂 with the knee problem. Or -- maybe I'll go through with it, don't know. I am using a walker quite often, sometimes a cane sometimes nothing. I am pushing myself to go to the pool by our apartment and moving gentle really does help. I appreciate the comments on the boards. Thanks, y'all!
Thank u. I needed this today. 9 weeks in from TKR and I’m doing pretty much everything that needs doing but having trouble getting getting my ROM past 90 degrees. Probably some patience is needed 🤪
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Thanks, Sue . Prior to the surgery I heard so many anecdotal reports of people “back to normal” in 4-6 weeks, that I think my expects were higher than they should have been. My physical therapist who is great, hears a lot of my whining. He did say that the body’s ability to recover is much slower after the age of 60 . Since I am 71 , I am guessing that is one of my issues! 🤣 I am hoping to be able to return to jogging.