Post hip replacement problems

I am 2 weeks out from surgery. Have not been able to get off walker, as I still wince a little when putting full weight on my leg. Dr said he could prescribe some anti-inflammatories, but not quite yet. When were your steroids prescribed?

Headed back to the gym —I hope

8 weeks out post right THR, posterior insertion. Doing a post op this week, asking these questions:

Can I go back to the gym and resume my workouts? In the past, I did squats, bench press, overhead press and deadlifts.

Can I cross country ski this season as long as I stay on easy trails?

What about golf? I’ve never played but contemplating learning.

Are there any activities I am not supposed to attempt under any circumstances?

I’ll let the group know the answers!

Bill

To expand—I’m 70 yrs, turning 71 in December.

BP

Aah, Bill - Patience please. Yeah, we are in that same aging athlete category, always impatient.

At 8 weeks, even with permission, you need a qualified trainer to establish safe exercises for you in this healing phase (yep- your bones and muscles are going to be healing yet foe the next several months.) I was allowed to resume modified leg presses, overhead presses and a few others at either 3 or 4 months as well as elliptical and upper body work with free weights.

As for cross-country skiing, easy trails sound good, BUT...if you fall, you still have limitations on the angle of femur to pelvis (less than 90 degrees) and twisting, or you risk a dislocation. Trust my experience, you do not want to experience that - especially out on a trail. Maybe you can take up snow shoeing instead for this year?

Lots of people with new hips golf. Again, waiting until the implant is fully healed in is probably a good idea. My friend, a daily golfer, tried the driving range at 8 weeks and put the clubs away for another month. His surgery was in March, and his doctor very explicitly told him no downhill skiing this season.

Let us know what your doc says.
Sue

Certainly is. The surgeon splits the muscle so it needs time to heal and repair. I am finding Prodeinextra three times a day is magic

Hi all!

Had my post op visit yesterday. Here’s what my surgeon said: “Go out and live your life!”

I’m cleared to lift (even squats), XC ski (easy trails), and any other activities that don’t involve impact, like running, basketball or tennis.

I wasn’t doing those anyway. I will pass on golf for now.

Overall, very good news!

And no pain.

Hurray! I love when doctors tell us that!
I'm still a little skeptical about squats, but you know how to listen to your body.
As for cross-country skiing - I'll leave that to you, my old bones love the warm weather, so I'll just head to Texas next month. But I will snowshoe with the grandkids when we come home for Christmas - and build a snowman or two.
Enjoy your new pain-free hip!
Sue

Hi Sue,

For some background, I was a consistent lifter for 25+ years before my hip got too painful to work out. The long training history has strengthened my bones so I think squats will be fine—listen to the body and adjust accordingly.

Starting light and short. I’ve got the experience.

Thanks!
Bill

Hi again,

I’ll wait a week for the gym. That will be the end of my PT prescription.

Most likely just one set of squats with an empty bar, 3 sets of bench presses, and 3 sets of barbell rows with 10 lbs loaded.

It’s been 7 mos since I’ve worked out.

Hi all!

Had an open house yesterday (I’m a part time realtor). No issues getting in and out of the car setting up and taking down signs. No issues walking around with prospects, no limping to speak of, no pain.

Earlier this week went to some networking events. No issues standing for 2-3 hours each evening. Again, no pain.

I’d have to say the operation is a success. Next step, selling the house and paying off my medical bills.

Onward!
Bill