I’m going to let you know the real deal about hip replacement surgery and how it affects movement.
I just had it done. I’m now 10 days post op. This blog post will be the first of three, each done a month apart, and each one relating my own key learnings as I try to reclaim strength, mobility and confidence. I hope it’s useful.
First, let me say how humbled I am and how grateful for the skill and attention that every one of my doctors, nurses and carers gave me. I’m healthy and was in pretty good shape going in, tolerate pain reasonably well and am ready to do the work. But MAN, this procedure is epic. Shocking, actually. It’s basically a controlled amputation and reconstruction. Pain is acute for the first day or two and movement is limited. You’re on opioids and there is notable blood loss. My BP dropped to a precarious low. You need help with basic toileting and feeding. You’re bruised and swollen. Not fun. I was under the illusion that these surgeries are slam dunks now. Nope.
Then, the body starts to heal. It is quite miraculous to observe how rapidly things change. Everyday, something is stronger or easier.
Here’s what I’m learning, so far. My top five.
- Healing is 100% on me. The medics do the fixing. They gave me a great new joint, then offered magical drugs and exercise plans. Then I went home. And I realized that the healing is my job. I’m on my own.
- Movement is mandatory. Non-negotiable. The research I’m reading (a little obsessively) on pain reduction, tissue repair, strength building, coordination and control and side-effect prevention – such as blood clotting – is clear and consistent. And true! Movement accelerates all dimensions of healing. First it immediately reduces pain. It gets the bowels moving and circulates the blood faster. On day one post-op I could not stand without help, roll over or lift my operated leg in any way. It felt like a block of cement. Ten days on, I’m walking evenly and smoothly (with my walker). I can move my hip joint in all planes. I climb and descend stairs with a cane. Bruising is down to minimal. It’s quite amazing.
- Go small. Every movement has to be done in teeny tiny baby steps and at 1/10th my normal speed. Frustrating, and I’ve overdone it once or twice. Ouch. My body tells me exactly where my limit is. I’m blotto by day’s end.
- Rest and ice. My stamina was looooowwwww. The body is sending every soldier it has to the arthoscopy site. Move then rest, then ice. Move then rest. Then Ice. Move. Then rest. Ice.
- It’s a whole body thing. It’s not just about the hip and leg. I find I have to move my spine, stretch my upper body parts, animate my ankles and toes regularly. It helps my mood and gets the kinks out because I’m spending a lot of time on the bed and couch. Breathing fully and deeply feels great. And so does keeping busy reading, learning, occupying my hands. This lying around stuff is boring. It really is. Thank god for the internet and all my electronic devices. Seriously.
So, practicing what I preach. A great reality check.
Next time: Exercises that really helped. Pro tips on assistive devices. Work arounds and hacks for everyday chores.
This is quite the journey and I’m happy to answer any questions if you’re curious. Email me or DM any time.
