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I was told by my NP I could walk without the walker after walking around the hospital during my husband's stay, but to get a cane if I felt I needed it. I'm being more diligent with PT home exercises they gave me. I don't know why I wasn't assigned professional PT and when I called surgeons care line yesterday the nurse said she wasn't sure THR people were given that option! I haven't been happy with some of the conflicting info I've been given. I see the surgeon assistant Thursday for 6 weeks checkup and I intend to ask a few more questions. I know I dropped the ball while caring for my husband and then the company from Tennessee kept me busy but didn't get to squeeze in my exercises. So, I guess I deserve to be scolded 😞
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Hip granny,
I wouldn’t dream of scolding you! I’m shocked that you weren’t referred to PT. I had hip replacement on a Monday and was at PT clinic on Thursday.
It used to be that you needed a referral from a doctor for PT, but I don’t think that’s true anymore. You can call up a PT clinic and refer yourself. The PT would contact your doctor for information, but would take you as a patient with a self referral. PT has really helped me and I started before the surgery to strengthen my body for a better outcome.
There’s more to PT than I knew before my hip replacement!
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Ah, yes - Grrr... If you have struggled before hip surgery, as most of us have, with limited mobility and pain, PT should be mandatory. Too many surgeon's think the job is done when the prosthetic is in, and the incision heals.
Now is the time to be your own best advocate - be as pushy as you need to be, either with the surgeon or your primary to get referred for at least 8-12 sessions of PT, with emphasis on strengthening and balance.
Are you ready to do that?
Sue