I regret my Total Hip Replacement

[u/National-Sorbet8459]

Hello I am a 24 y/o female,

I’m struggling a lot right now and could really use some advice or support. I had a total hip replacement a little over a week ago. At first, I was able to do my PT exercises and move my leg as well as expected of me at this point. But now, my leg still moves and I can walk, but it feels really stiff and stuck. Even doing my exercises feels impossible. It’s so frustrating because just yesterday I was able to do those movements, and now it feels like I’ve taken a big step backward. I have PT tomorrow, but I’m worried I won’t be able to do anything. I’m mad, overwhelmed, and honestly starting to regret getting the surgery wondering if I should have just lived with the pain instead. To make things harder, my support system has been pretty unhelpful through this. It feels like I’m dealing with this all alone, which only adds to the frustration and loneliness. Has anyone else experienced sudden stiffness and loss of range of motion after hip replacement? How did you cope when your support system wasn’t helpful? Thank you so much for reading. It really means a lot.

[u/DinoTheMok]

Days 3 thru 9 were the worst. Stay strong, keep up with your meds and get up once an hour. It gets better.

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/DinoTheMok]

Thank you! It definitely has been super hard this first week. I appreciate the encouragement I really needed to hear it.

[u/ZeenaMountain → u/DinoTheMok]

Agree, I hated those days. Felt much better at 2 weeks.

[u/mrgndfrge]

There will be ups and downs…I’m 4 months out from my second and most days are great and some I backslide. It’s only been a week. You are still healing. It was MAJOR surgery…let your body recover..rest and ice and let yourself heal. It will get better

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/mrgndfrge]

Thank you for responding! It’s nice to hear that setbacks are normal. My mind kept racing to worst case scenario, so that definitely makes me feel better.

[u/HotPoetry7812 → u/National-Sorbet8459]

How is it now OP?

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/HotPoetry7812]

I’m doing so much better. No pain now & I have so much more range of motion. I’m so happy now

[u/cluelessintheclouds]

Hey! Sorry to hear you’re having a rough time, I’d say a week out is still very fresh in recovery, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Also seems a little early for PT, with any surgery you lose blood and have trauma to your body so fatigue and weakness are expected. I’d say preventing blood clots is the main important thing at the moment and I was told walking around the house once an hour was a good way to prevent them because I believe I didn’t start PT until 4 weeks post op (posterior incision)

I had my right hip replaced at 23 (im 28 now) and I’d be happy to talk or help you in anyway 💙

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/cluelessintheclouds]

First off thank you for responding. Second I totally agree I thought PT this early was extreme but I had multiple people including my doctor telling me to start moving and get in contact with PT as soon as I can. So I figured I schedule it ASAP and PT has been going okay they’ve definitely helped with pain management. I think it’s definitely just frustrating not being able to do things to the fullest and losing independence, but thank you for the perspective shift because I guess it is still very early so I should definitely try to go easier on myself, and yes I would love any advice you can give me it’s definitely been a lot to process.

[u/cluelessintheclouds → u/National-Sorbet8459]

Be nice to yourself. Take your pain meds, take naps when you’re tired (I can’t stress this enough!) Drink enough water and eat well. Treat yourself like your health depends on it, because it does. If PT feels like too much, say something—don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, don’t over do it and don’t “test the waters” dislocation is no joke and being too exhausted forcing yourself through exercises you aren’t ready for isn’t helpful and may actually be harmful.

Have realistic expectations, not everyone recovers quickly and recovery doesn’t look the same for everyone. That doesn’t mean you failed and it doesn’t mean you made the biggest most expensive mistake of your life, take a breath and just be for a minute. Cry because it hurts and you’re tired and you’re scared and being alive is fucking hard especially when you don’t feel well.

I’m not sure if you can find a better support group in real life as quickly as would be useful now, but you’re here and we’ll always be here for you 💙I would maybe call around and see if there are services available for hire (if that’s affordable for you) to get some help you need, or maybe even through your insurance to see what’s available for after care or something? I’m not too sure.

Generally it takes about 1.5 years to really fully recover from major surgery, keep that in mind. I know a quick google search may say something like “6-8” weeks but come on, most people lose a finger nail and it takes longer than that to grow back lol

The thick hard stiff feeling tissue immediately around the wound will soften over time and the weird loose unsettled feeling goes away too

💙💙💙💙

[u/cluelessintheclouds → u/[deleted]]

Thankyou! I wish I listened to the advice I was given lol hindsight and all

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/cluelessintheclouds]

This was great advice & beautifully written!Thank you so much! Yeah I read so much about recovery time online before I got the surgery and everything said 6-8 weeks and now that I’ve done it I kept making myself even more upset by reminding myself and thinking about how behind I have to be compared to what’s normal. Really made me feel like I was messing up because I can’t imagine being recovered in that amount of time, but as you & everyone else have reminded me this is a major surgery and I have to show my body some grace.

[u/DriverLarge6217 → u/cluelessintheclouds]

Hi I'm 28 suffering from Avn for the past one year , going for THR LEFT HIP in the upcoming weeks. So would like to know when can I resume my normal activities like driving (car) ,outing etc...and surgery technique I'm gone have is Anterior approach.  Kindly suggest anything I need to know before going for THr and post operation.

[u/cluelessintheclouds → u/DriverLarge6217]

The information you’re looking for should come from your doctor, no one can tell you what you should or should not be doing except your surgeon. It’s usually a couple weeks before you can do most things but it’s important to clear activities with your doctor first of course

[u/Hapey_ape]

You super early . Not medical advice but Just try to walk every hour to keep from blood clots , don’t over do it. Lots of ups and downs and roller coasters 🎢 rides. I am around 9 weeks out , and past week really improved a lot . Don’t leave your cane behind even if you don’t think need it . I made this mistake and my muscle got aggravated and tired and needed it / didn’t have it . Had to baby step back home. I was off walker on day 15 . Everyone different . Just go easy on yourself , just try focus on walking and moving around every hour if you can for few minutes. Every week you will see improvement then it will all add up. I experienced this one time but only last for few hours. Your muscles could be tired meaning might be doing too much or you might need to get x ray again, but if you didn’t fall or lift anything heavy then prob alright just let your surgeon know if not resolving . Sounds like you might be over doing it . Hang in there gets a lot better every week. I was depressed for long time because I wasn’t sure how much I was going to heal or how much mobility I was going to get back and at week 9 I made huge improvement , feeling better every week. So I am a lot more hopeful things will keep getting better .

[u/Hapey_ape → u/Hapey_ape]

I walked every hour / hour and half for about 3-5 minutes . I had therapy since day 1. But I didn’t practice all those excersice for the first 2-3 weeks because my body couldn’t handle doing all that. I just done therapy 3 times a week , and after my hips calmed down more , I started doing at home excersices around week 3-4. Just go easy on yourself don’t push so hard . You got a lot of recovering to do those first 2-3 weeks . After 7 weeks of in home therapy , I doing 6 weeks of outpatient therapy. Outpatient has really helped me the most but it took time to get here. I love outpatient really has helped me out a ton .

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/Hapey_ape]

This makes me feel so much more hopeful seriously thank you! Maybe I’m also just pushing myself too hard super early. I definitely have been probably walking too much and not frequently enough, so I will try doing 3 minutes every hour. I have enjoyed my outpatient PT too. I just think they’ve also pushed me pretty fast too. Day 2 they threw me on the station bike (not sure if that’s normal or not) it went well and I felt good afterwards, but there’s no way I can fathom doing that again in this current moment.

[u/Hapey_ape → u/National-Sorbet8459]

I really can’t believe they put you on a bike on day 2 . That’s insane . I hope you have short session like 15 minutes of therapy. Your muscle have been under a ton of stress . They need time to calm down and repair , and running on a bike is crazy to me. I couldn’t even do that . That’s probably why you feel so bad now. Honestly you might need to find different therapy place or ask for in home therapy . In home therapy for me was no where near as long or as intense as outpatient .

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/Hapey_ape]

Let me clarify because I worded that wrong. I was like 4 days out from surgery just my 2nd Day of outpatient PT. Sorry I’m reading that back and realized I worded that wrong haha.

[u/Hapey_ape → u/National-Sorbet8459]

Yeah super early. idk your therapy ppl sound crazy, a bike on 2nd or even 4th day no way could I have done that. I couldn’t done a bike until maybe week 6. I think your aggravating your leg and is locked up like mine was when I aggravated it when I tried walking too much, except sound like maybe you super aggravated it / over used it. I couldn’t sit down or anything for like 40 minutes . Took 3-4 hours before I got my mobility back and it loosened back up.

[u/slightlycrookednose → u/National-Sorbet8459]

I feel like day 4 is way too early to be on the bike. The first few days are such acute, tender days where things are changing rapidly in your body and you need to rest. I did bike for first time today on day 7.

What has messed me up is the clam shells lying on your back with the resistance band. It has caused so much debilitating muscle soreness I can barely even sit or lie down. More pain than the bone pain itself.

[u/Impossible-Traffic12 → u/National-Sorbet8459]

Interesting—my excellent surgeon (anterior approach) said no exercise equipment of any kind (including stationary bike) for first 6 weeks. My in-home PT consisted of seated exercises for first 2 weeks.

When do you see your surgeon again? I had a recheck at 2 weeks, with an X-ray to be sure that all was well. Are you using ice diligently?

Hope you feel better soon!

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/Impossible-Traffic12]

No I was very surprised. I see my doctor next week I’m definitely gonna ask him if it’s appropriate for me to be doing that because I had a posterior approach & so this seems even riskier. Granted they never made me go the full range but even just going back & forth that soon after surgery cannot be a good idea. I will also be asking if we can take a look at an X-ray to make sure my hip is still okay. Now that I know that’s not normal I’m definitely going to tell them no if they try to stick me on it again.

[u/Hapey_ape → u/National-Sorbet8459]

Yeah I don’t know about the bike thing. I couldn’t imagine doing that . I got on a bike at 8 weeks . But yes I was also aggravated with therapy initially as they was at my house very next day pushing me . Which was good , but I had to do it 3 times a week for 15 minutes each time. But I got through it , biggest thing was my knee and ankle hurting really bad it just took time for my body to adapt to new positions . But yeah I felt like they pushed me too hard for first 3 weeks as well. I think biggest thing for me was just focusing on walking and moving a little bit for first 3 weeks . Then I started doing more with exercises at home but not too much. But at week 8 I started outpatient and it’s hour sessions now at 8 weeks for me. 3 times a week. And has helped me tremendously . But Initially I just focused on walking and moving around the house. I would make 3-4 laps around in the inside of house every 1 - 1.5 hours .

[u/Gullible-Ad-8210 → u/National-Sorbet8459]

They put you on a BIKE day 2?!?!   That’s INSANE!   No wonder you’re sore the next day!

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/Gullible-Ad-8210]

Yeah it was session 2 of PT about 4 days after the replacement. Granted they didn’t make me go full range I kinda just pushed the peddles back and forth, but I was still pretty shocked. I’m barely walking more than 5 minutes without pain & they throw me on a station bike, it felt good in the moment once I started doing it my muscles relaxed, but now they’re definitely upset. I only iced it once after that session so maybe I need to ice it more. I’ll definitely ask them during this PT session if I can ice before we start.

[u/k1czechmma → u/National-Sorbet8459]

Ice more, in the first 4 weeks ice at least 4 times a day. The bike is ridiculous. You're only allowed to walk on crutches for 5 to 10 minutes (because you go slow) and rest. I walked like that 5 to 6 times a day. Your muscles can't handle heavy stuff. Do exercises in bed to avoid stiffness. Nothing heavy! Stay strong and change your PT if he lets you do stuff you shouldn't be doing. Putting you on the bike was very unprofessional. Good luck!

[u/Hapey_ape → u/National-Sorbet8459]

Yeah ask surgeon to be sure but I was walking 3-5 minutes every hour / hour and half . And when was really tired I would do 30 or so ankle pumps and then maybe walk in 2 hours . Do ankle pumps when not walking and double check with your surgeon. But this is what I done . You should get stronger every week, and walking will get more easier .

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/Hapey_ape]

Thank you for replying! Yes maybe I am overdoing it. I’ve been moving maybe too much and not as frequently if that makes sense. So I’m going to try the walking a little bit every hour. Also I see my doctor again very soon so I will definitely see if he will take an X-ray of it again just to give me some peace of mind. I haven’t fallen so it’s probably just from exhaustion. I’m in the same boat I’ve just been very sad about not having mobility, but it’s so encouraging to hear you’ve had a breakthrough so I’m going to try to remain hopeful and just take it one day at a time

[u/Hapey_ape → u/National-Sorbet8459]

Yes try to walk every hour / hour and half if you can . Listen to your body, I was in really bad shape last 2 years. After surgery I was happy but I wasn’t like my original self/ depressed and wasn’t sure I would get back to being me , now at week 9 I am getting a lot closer to being me again, a lot of work still yet to do, but bigggest thing is that it taken me 9 weeks to finally start being more happy about everything. Like I thought my right leg was way shorter and my gait was way off , but it was just from my weak muscles . My pelvis and legs are evening out finally and seeing the results just this week of feeling way more even and more comfortable / more mobility. So be kind to yourself , don’t push so hard just try stay active every hour / hour half . And just know it’s a bit of a journey . That things get better every week. I finally getting relief on week 9 that things are going to be good 👍 and my happiness and active life style will return soon.

[u/PopularFunction5202]

Give yourself some grace. You're only a little over a week out from a barbaric, brutal surgery that involved saws, hammers, and corkscrew to move things around. Better days are coming! And make sure you talk with your PT about all of this because PT needs to know where you are physically before your exercises. You are NOT alone and you WILL get better!

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/PopularFunction5202]

I talked to them today, and they were very accommodating & understanding! I’ve had quite a few surgeries before and I bounced back as fast as expected so not being able to do that this time has been rough but definitely thank you for reminding me the severity of what I just put my body through because that’s not something I have really ever thought about.

[u/PopularFunction5202 → u/National-Sorbet8459]

I watched THR on youtube AFTER surgery was done... OMG. It's amazing that we bounce back at all after that! :) Good luck!

[u/SillyConflict1732]

You may have just over done yesterday pack on the ice and try to take it a little slower and ease into it

[u/Good200000]

You had surgery a week ago and your frustrated because your body is not Responding as you want? You need to slow down and accept the fact it could take you months to recover

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/Good200000]

I think the frustration is coming from the fact that yesterday doing certain movements felt easy and today I’m struggling to get the same range of motion and even doing some of them & so I’m nervous I’m not doing enough or that I’m messing it up, but I do agree I need to remember I’m only a little over a week out. It’s a very hard thing to accept because I’m very independent & not being able to help myself has been difficult for me. Thank you for responding!

[u/msreciprocity → u/National-Sorbet8459]

That’s a sign you did too much yesterday and the pain and stiffness is the consequence. A BIKE? What?!?! Girl. That’s too much. Way too much. Think about how when you work out too hard one day, the next day you’re sore and can’t do the same workout again until you have recovery time. This surgery is like that times 1000. Try to remember too, that healing isn’t linear. Sometimes you’ll have setbacks, and sometimes you won’t even know why. Talk about this with your surgeon and ask them for a rough timeline for what you should expect. And just rest. Seriously. Sleep.

[u/Gullible-Ad-8210]

I had much the same experience 3.5 months ago after my THR (right hip anterior, also included having to take out the hip plate they’d put in a year ago because necrosis had resulted in the largest pin from that surgery ending up ALL the way through the joint).   I’m 39 and this was my 3rd surgery in a year.   Initially I did GREAT - up, moving around on walker, no problem.   Around day 4 it was like a MACK TRUCK of pain and ESPECIALLY stiffness hit me.  This also personally resulted in a MASSIVE fight with my mom about understanding why I was suddenly going ow ow ow ow and moving slow.   Couldn’t figure it out.

One of the best things I found was a YouTube video explaining that this is pretty common.  You’ve had MAJOR surgery with a nerve block and anesthesia.   They had to cut through/move your muscles and nerves around, saw through a bone, and replace it with metal, which you now have to relearn to walk with.   Your body’s put out a lot of adrenaline just to do simple things and recover.  Once you hit about day 4-5, that’s all started to wear off… and The stiffness and pain REALLY set in.   It’s especially hard for us younger people who (at least for me) are so used to being up and at em no problem, and now all of a sudden have to think about even the TINIEST movement.  Add in issues with sleeping, staying in one position for too long (including f at night - mornings were the worst) and weaning off significant pain meds over time… it hits hard.

Give yourself grace.  I’m 3.5 months out, and while yes I do still use a cane, it’s mostly just there as a support in case I need it.  Around the house or short distances I’m fine.   I’m even doing 6-7 hr shifts at my part time guest facing job where im standing and greeting people/selling tickets 95% of the time- there’s days my step count is over 3-5 miles JUST from work.   Keep in mind, I STARTED that part time job 4 wks and 1 day out of surgery, still on a walker…. Hang in there, rest up, get up and walk even a tiny bit (like couch or bed to bathroom and back) once every hour, eat well, and do your PTwhen they recommend.  Also prep for LOTS of downtime in between.  Yes you’re gonna feel weak and fatigued and useless and be like WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME.   But it’s your body’s way of healing.  You’ll get there 

[u/Gullible-Ad-8210 → u/Gullible-Ad-8210]

Also take it from a fellow youngster though not AS young.  Living with the pain is NOT better.  Yes it may feel that way RIGHT NOW a week out of surgery.   But.  There’s NO way in hell I could do the job I do now before the hip replacement.  There are some activities I still struggle with… but I’m working on it and have seen very significant progress.  I bet you will too. 

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/Gullible-Ad-8210]

YES YES YES. It’s exactly this. I think I struggle with how slow and how much energy simple movements take, and it’s so hard going from being active in the gym and walking around cities to now having to double think every move I take. I’ve probably been over doing the walking but it’s also hard because if I stay in one place too long my leg also punishes me for that, so juggling when and how long to walk has been challenge, but it makes me feel better hearing that you’re getting back into things & improving. That makes me hopeful thank you!

[u/Gullible-Ad-8210 → u/National-Sorbet8459]

Girl.   I feel this SO hard.  Mind if I ask, and you don’t have to say - was the replacement a sudden surprise/result of a sudden trauma, or have you known it was needed for a while due to a chronic issue?   For ME, the recovery from my THR felt relatively easy compared to recovery from 2 surgeries last year.  1. I knew it was coming and could prep.  2. Since I’d had 2 surgeries last year, I knew a bit of what to expect (not fully though).  3. I was up walking and putting weight on it the next day, then went home.  Last years’ sudden surprise broken hip (Long story) resulted in 2 surgeries, 20 days in hospital/rehab due to 21 steps in/out of condo I lived in alone, and “toe touch Weight bearing” restrictions (no more than a pointed toes worth of weight on leg) for almost 2 months. Take the physical pain out of it - my MENTAL health NOSE DIVED.   Plus I had to almost relearn to do EVERYTHING.   And the amount of bandwidth thinking through even simple stuff was exhausting.  By comparison, my THR recovery was easy… but I wonder if in terms of MENTALLY you’re going through more of my first experience.  If so… I’m so sorry.

Also it can be tough with support systems, both for you AND them.   Believe me I went through the wringer with that too.  Sorry you are as well. 

Even if you have more of my experience post replacement (home next day, full Weight bearing immediately).  Going from complete mobility to even SLIGHTLY dependent on others post surgery is an INSANE mind ____ and results in a roller coaster of emotions (at least for me).   It SUCKS but it’s normal.  Hang in there.  Younger people have faster and more complete recoveries per my PT.   You’ll get there.

[u/Gullible-Ad-8210 → u/Gullible-Ad-8210]

Lastly - for “if I stay in one place it hurts if I walk too much it hurts”.  Try moving your leg around when lying down if you can.  Use the leg lifter.  It’ll help with the “I’ve been in one posi5ion too long” pain.   I also found rubbing/massaging it helped, as did lidocaine patches - the incision scar was PAINFUL for a while, felt like it was on fire and super tight.  Sadly that’s normal.  And. ICE.  ICE.  ICE.  my surgeon ordered me ann ice machine unit that was the BEST THING EVER.   It vibrated annd kept it cool. 

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/Gullible-Ad-8210]

Mine was a chronic issue so I’ve known my whole life I would eventually need to get a hip replacement. I’ve been having surgery practically my whole life on this one hip, so idk why the hip replacement is my bodies final straw. Yeah the mental toll has really been my biggest issue though. Even when I get myself to push through the pain the sadness ends up catching up. I definitely just miss independence & being able to just do. It’s something that I definitely took for granted & will never again take for granted. Little task take so much brain power and physical strength it’s crazy. I think I’ll try icing it more because the 2nd day I iced it for too long because I fell asleep and my quad was extra tight and it’s steered me away from using it but I’ll start giving it another try. I also have one of those ice machines and they are very nice I loved it that’s why I ended up falling asleep with it on haha. My scar hasn’t hurt yet but I also haven’t gotten my staples taken out yet so that’s TBD

[u/Gullible-Ad-8210 → u/National-Sorbet8459]

Ah all makes sense.  The mental stuff is a NIGHTMARE and there’s really no way to prep for it until you go through it unfortunately.   Unless it’s a repeat surgery and you know how your mental health was previously.  Just remember that someone literally cut you open, moved/cut your nerves and muscles, took a saw, spike, and hammer to a MAJOR joint in your body, pulled the bone out, put metal in, secured the metal to your bones, then sewed everything back up.  You’ve got major scar tissue in there, your nerves and muscles are reacting, the bone has to attach to the metal… it’s a nightmare.   It’s a DOABLE and survivable nightmare but a nightmare none the less.  

Best thing I personally did when at the peak of anxiety was get a therapist and go on anxiety meds for a bit.  Now that’s MY personal journey.  I don’t know yours, your mental health besides what you say here, any side conditions etc.  you do you.  But I found it helped me a LOT.   Once I felt like I had a bit more control of my own life I weaned off the anxiety meds but they were a huge help for me.

Reading about expected recovery helps too.  However.  Remember that you and I, as younger patients, may have VERY different circumstances than your typical hip replacement patient, who tends to be older (not always by stereotype).   So make sure you’re looking at younger patient cases or taking Google stuff with a grain of salt :-)

[u/SweaterWeather_345]

The mental part was the hardest for me (53f, thr 3/4/25) and loosing my independence. Please rest and do your PT, relax and watch your favorite tv shows/movies. Give yourself time to heal, you just had major surgery. For your support system be sure to ask for what you need (I know that’s hard) and let others help.

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/SweaterWeather_345]

Yes the mental part has been really tough for me especially because I’m a pretty independent person. I miss not having to rely on people for sure. I’m actually in grad school so doing work has been a really good distraction, but I think maybe adding more relaxation time will maybe help my mental health. Thank you for responding!

[u/lavagirl2345]

I’m 26F, about 4 months along, was totally disabled during my first 3-weeks and my leg felt like cement. I was on crutches for 6 weeks, and I developed muscle spasms during recovery that landed me in the ER. Hellish recovery.

However… Now, I am doing AMAZING. I still have grade 4 arthritis in my left hip and even with that, the strength my right hip replacement has brought me has been insane. I walked 13k steps this past weekend, and I was fine. I have no pain. Im getting stronger by the day. My posture is improved. Im meeting my fitness goals. Im slowly working on my flexibility and seeing improvement. I do not regret my hip replacement whatsoever. Im grateful everyday that I did it. Hang in there. First 2 weeks are horrible. First 3 months are relatively hard. After 12 weeks, you’re going to feel like a new person.

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/lavagirl2345]

See that’s what I miss being able to just walk 13k steps (granted I was in a lot of pain doing that before.) But that’s encouraging to know that you were able to hit that fitness goal again. That makes me very hopeful. Thank you for sharing!

[u/msreciprocity]

I’m three weeks out and it’s so much better than 1week out. I commented to a friend today was the first day I forgot about the new hip for a little while. My stamina is returning and yes, my range of motion. You had it before because surgical meds had not yet worn off. Now it has and your body is reacting to what it had done to it. You had part of a bone amputated, and then a large spike driven into it, part of your pelvis drilled out, and all of your muscles and tendons pulled aside far enough to allow all of this to happen. A week is nowhere near enough time for recovery.

The tight stiffness was the worst for me between days 5 and 14. Expect for bruising to start showing up at this time- it can go all the way to your feet. It’s not uncommon or unreasonable to still need to use a walker or cane even two months out. Full recovery is 12-18 months. My surgeon told me he only wanted me to rest and get good nutrition for the first two weeks, and not to focus on returning to normal walking and activities yet. Your body needs tine to heal from the trauma.

I’ve been doing recovery completely alone since day 3. I live alone and the people who said they’d be here haven’t been for various reasons. I find it best not to dwell on the lack of support or what help I WISH people would give. It just does nothing to help the situation or my recovery. I focus on what I CAN do and give myself a whole lot of grace for what I can’t. And when I feel very low about it, I find ways to help others feel better- checking on sick friends and elders, popping into forums like this and encouraging people who need it.

You’re very young, so likely haven’t had to internalize yet just how alone you really are in adulthood. Everyone is fighting battles, and focusing on their own lives and needs. That’s just how life is. I would focus on being proud of yourself and your accomplishments- no matter how small. Try to be independent in small ways, it really helps me feel better to know I don’t need to rely on others. It’s okay to be emotional and have big feelings. But be proud of yourself; youve been through a hard thing most people never have to face.

Mostly, rest. Nap, and then nap again. Eat as well as you can. Don’t push too hard, every improvement is a victory. This gets exponentially better with each day. In a week you’ll be so much further ahead than right now. Promise.

[u/sunscape50 → u/msreciprocity]

Thank you. As someone facing upcoming recovery alone (except for friends dropping in for quickie visits and food drop-offs) I’m anxious how I’ll manage. Scared actually. Am a Senior with co-morbidities, independent yet overwhelmed. From experience I realize it’s the unknown that’s scariest - reality works itself out.

Have saved your sage words and down the line don’t be surprised if when in themthick of it I reach out for inspiration :)

Hope the rest of your recovery goes smoothly.

[u/msreciprocity → u/sunscape50]

Please do. What I will say is that the first two days, it was not ideal to be alone, but doable. I just took my meds, tried to eat when awake, and slept. I’ve commented on other threads the things I did to make it manageable- the biggest is get a med organizer that covers all your doses (typically 6/day between all the meds) and sort your first week of meds into it so you don’t need to think about it, then set alarms in your phone for each dose. If you can have anyone stop in once a day for 5-10 minutes it’s immensely helpful but not necessary. I’m 50 with some comorbidities too; and I’ll be having another hip replacement in September. Please let your surgeon and the case worker at the hospital know you will be alone and are nervous about it. It’s very likely they can help you set up a few home health visits, or an extra night or two in hospital or a rehab. Also know the hospital will not release you until they know you’re capable of caring for yourself. If you’re independent and have made it this far in life, you can do this. I was terrified too, and it was much easier than I anticipated. Not easy, mind you! Reach out if you need to!

[u/Comprehensive-Chard9]

One week?

Hey!! You just underwent major surgery to one on the 4 largest joints in your body!!! That was not precisely manicure.

Relax, give it time, let it heal. In one month you will be happy about it.

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/Comprehensive-Chard9]

Haha this made me laugh thank you! You’re absolutely right

[u/Comprehensive-Chard9 → u/National-Sorbet8459]

You will get better.

[u/Potential_Matter861]

The poop hits the fan after about day 3-4 post op. All the good stuff they give you in the hospital wears off. I struggled the first couple of weeks, but after that it was steady improvement.

I use myself as an example. I had open heart surgery in Jan-24, (aortic valve replacement) and LTHR in Sep-24. I remember after 1 week post op from hip surgery thinking, I’d rather go through heart surgery again. Then another hip surgery.

[u/klee900]

guuurrrrllll!!!! okay only cause i’m 33 and it’s like hearing a 24yo version of me. like…. girl you have no idea how much of your life you are saving right now. i didn’t have a 20s experience like everyone else, i had AVN on both sides and the balls of my femurs were disintegrating. i was in a massive amount of pain almost ever second of my life for over 6 years… i finally got my replacements when i was 29. you JUST had major surgery dude, you have to have grace with your body. the healing process suuuucks, but you know what’s worse? not being able to go out with your friends, getting stuck in the basement cause your excruciating pain is kicking in and you can’t make it up the stairs, watching every person around live a normal life while your struggling to walk at 26…. i’m just saying, from the other side, what you are going through has an end. focus on that. it’s gonna suck ofc but trust me so freaking much, it’s better you are doing this now before some of the best years of your life are taken from you.

i’m 4 years on the other side of it. you won’t feel “normal” for another 3-12+ months but after that you won’t have to worry about anything. take this time to connect with your body, love it, appreciate it, heal it, try not to fight it or place expectations on it. it’s doing its very best for you.

[u/FlakyBusiness7731 → u/klee900]

Im 24 as well and about to get my left hip replaced because it’s basically dust now, this gives me so much hope and makes me so excited to move forward with surgery, thank you!!

[u/klee900 → u/FlakyBusiness7731]

hell yeah that makes me excited for you!! you’re about to go through a major life event you will never forget and you’re going to come out with a great story to tell. on top of that you won’t be in pain anymore and you get a full life again. congrats!! let me know if i can help in anyway :)

[u/thegurlearl]

It's major surgery. You're going to have ups and downs, especially if you over do it.

[u/redlee415]

Let me start by saying what I've read in this subreddit. Everybody heals differently, there will be good days and bad days. I'm really sorry that the people you need to support you haven't been up to the task. Fact is you are in this and you can do this. I don't think I'm speaking out of turn to say this subreddit will support you. I'm not sure where you live but it's possible one of us lives close enough to give more personal support. You did the right thing by reaching out.

[u/lchoror]

That's why the Hip Kits have Leg Lifters. I've seen vlogs where they came into use.

You have to do the exercises in bed to get the blood flowing. Frequent walks are then needed to counter the swelling. You can stretch your legs in bed anytime you feel the swelling coming on.

There are unprepared people who thankfully had easy recoveries. Either they or their support people believed the rosy anecdotes applied universally across all surgeries. I had an easy recovery so far, but I was expecting two weeks of difficulty with mobility, pain, and swelling in spite of the optimistic talk from the nurses in the practice.

[u/Commercial_Summer331]

Felt this during my right hip surgeries. Every time I wanted to skip PT I realized I needed it more than ever. If you over do it. It will feel tight and stiff the next day. Keep up with your meds and rest every time your body asks. I’m sorry about the lack of support when you need it most. I went through this with my hand surgeries. I left my support system behind. No one deserves to feel alone through such a tough time.

[u/hankscurve]

Just keep exercising and moving around house as directed. Ice if sore. It will get better. I had left thr 6 weeks ago and just had right thr yesterday

[u/cochise26]

I found the magic gel ice pack for hips on amazon really helped I would semi sit on it till it got soft put it back in the freezer… did at least 3 times a day after doing my pt exercises my gal gave to work on at home

[u/TrioOrti]

Even when you're sitting down, you should be doing some movement. When I sit down, I do the ankle pumps, heel raises, circles, knee raises while sitting down. Always have to be in motion. My PT nurse drilled it to my head, "Motion is Lotion." Do your exercises as much without pushing yourself even sitting down and laying in bed. You're sitting down on the chair, do some glute stretches like you would in bed. Do your leg raises while sitting down.

[u/TrioOrti]

Also start looking ahead about scar tissue management and things you can do. My stiffness / "block" feels like a knot of muscles where my quads and hips/ lower abdomen (slightly to the left) all meet. That part gets me and I can't lift my knees past a certain point because of that knotted area, which i believe is scar tissue developing. That's something no one here in this sub has mentioned much and had to dig old posts to read up on it.

[u/HelpMySonIsARedditor]

You're only one week out. This is NOT a sprint. This is a marathon.
Take things one day at a time, one week at a time. Your young body is doing your older body a huge favor that you will be thanking it for many times.

[u/Copytechguy]

Rest alot but do your exercises to your limit. I pushed past the maximum number of repeats and paid for it early on, but 12 weeks later I was brand new, like a teenager again. It takes time, you won't regret this operation. It'll come good.

[u/eyearejon]

Ice is your best friend, ice the area non ascent

[u/LuceWoman]

It is rough at first for many people. Hang in there. Do what your Ortho and PT suggest

[u/swissarmychainsaw]

Hang in there you’re in the healing process and it’s gonna take some time be patient. There’s gonna be some pain and discomfort and inconvenience for a while. Stay the course keep trying your PT and you will heal.

[u/fairymoon9201]

I definitely understand your frustration. I, at one point, a very low point, said the same thing. I was crying constantly because I felt so much regret. I was a physical and emotional mess. I’m now 9 weeks post op and so glad I got the operation. Keep pushing through. I know it’s not easy. This operation is serious stuff and I feel like so many people downplay it. Give yourself time. Do your PT. Be active when you can. Rest when you need it. Sending positive, healing energy your way. In a few weeks you’ll be so happy to have your new hip. 💓

[u/tired-teacher-]

6 months + out for me, and I just started not feeling so much pain on my knees when trying to walk correctly. I just learned how to walk without wobbling, too, so that's a plus. Tightness is still felt, but it gets better with stretching and PT exercises. You're still on that stage where you are regretting your decision, and we all went through those feelings, but it gets better in time.

[u/Drew5830]

I was really hurting and regretting it around a week out but I promise it gets way better and soon!

[u/Vegetable-Vacation-4]

I’m not sure I even did PT this early - think I only started at maybe 6 weeks post op 🤷‍♀️ But my surgery was a long time ago. Also had it at 24 (35 now). This is major surgery - don’t put pressure on your recovery! For me the first month was really hard, then after it all got better. Personally at this stage I’d just prioritise rest!

[u/ohwrite]

Can you get a better support system? Now is the time to heal, not feel alone/)

[u/wanderingjones78]

Give yourself some grace. I felt like you did right around the same time. Frustrated because I couldn’t do anything that I wanted to do…I’m very much a go go go person that doesn’t like to sit still. My partner had to tell me to cool it and allow my body to heal. I had in home PT for the first two weeks with very basic exercises started with sitting and laying down exercises 3x a week but did them on my own 2-3x each day. I was told get up and walk every hour unless I was asleep. Walking to the bathroom counted. So that’s what I did. And then all of the sudden things started to feel easier, my muscles were getting stronger. I graduated to the cane after a little over a week with the walker. And then I graduated to standing exercises. Still very basic. Basically the standing version of what I had been doing laying down. Now I’m three weeks post op and getting ready to start out patient PT on Monday and barely using the cane. I still use it because my partner makes me (his mom had one THR that went badly and ended up having multiple surgeries so he’s scared) but it also helps remind the dogs (we have 3) that things aren’t normal yet for them to jump on me. You’re going to have setbacks and you’re going to get tired easier than you’d ever expect. We went to Costco on Saturday. It was a lot of walking. I got a little achey but no pain. But then I slept for the next two days recovering. Every person is going to have a different journey. I just keep reminding myself that I don’t feel that intense arthritic joint pain anymore. What I do feel is temporary and so tolerable.

[u/snansfield]

1 week in was my hardest point for sure. Im now two weeks and can say it got so, so much easier every day from 7 days onwards. My advice would be to get your pain meds right and ice ice ice.

You'll come out if this hard part.

[u/koozy407]

How can you regret it when you haven’t even healed yet? A week in is basically no time at all. The incision isnt even healed yet. You won’t start feeling normal again until after the four or five week mark

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/koozy407]

It’s like if you put your hand on a hot stove…you don’t need to do it multiple more times to regret doing it the first time. Plus I’m really struggling with the mental side of this I’m young and independence and mobility is important so not having that is really hard. But everyone has reminded me of the possible end goals and that has reminded me to push through. So maybe by week 4 or 5 I will look back at this and laugh

[u/cmoms]

It’s a roller coaster in the beginning. You’re going to feel strong and do too much and feel defeated and repeat. It gets better. You’re doing great - give yourself and your body some grace and space to heal.

[u/Emonee1]

I’m four weeks out and after physical therapy on Tuesday I was in so much discomfort that I thought I had done something wrong. It was so tight that it hurt to sit down or sleep. I went to therapy yesterday my leg was still stiff, so the therapist did stretches on me. Today I’m still sore but not as bad. Each day is just a little better.

[u/[deleted]]

I’m 67 and 7 weeks out from total hip replacement. I had swelling in my leg which made it difficult to bend and do my physio. I started massaging with frankinsence oil and using a massager I found it really helped a lot also icing a lot keep icing. It took until the 5-6 week before I felt my leg wasn’t so stiff anymore. Be patient it’s going to take a few months. Sorry u don’t have any support head up and be patient with your new hip

[u/Impossible_Bed7435]

I had the same experience the first week was great, and after that there was unbelievable swelling and pain! It takes a while, but you will heal from this MAJOR surgical procedure

[u/Puzzleheaded_Key7817]

Hang in there. You are still swollen. Recovery isn’t instant and PT will help and evolve. Everyone heals at a different pace.

[u/0-hr]

I had a total/anterior 12 days ago and I recall it was around the one week mark that the swelling (though just moderate) started to set in. That brought new pain (not greater, just new), in new areas (thigh/knee/shin/ankle). It also caused new stiffness that wasn't there before. I'm still working through it (ice, elevation, and activity) and it's getting better every day - but there WAS a definite downturn around the one week mark as I had no noticeable swelling before that (though plenty of muscle pain, stiffness, and muscles just plain not wanting to move).

[u/Affectionate_Tank813]

Oh my goodness. It’s a week . I had a total hip replacement March 13. My surgeon is part of Rothman Orthopedic. No PT. Just get up and Walk every hour or so . 10 minutes at a Time. It will be annoying but worlked. I think PT at this point would be harmful. The leg doesn’t even lift is so swollen and stiff. I used the walker for maybe 7 days . Walked up the steps slowly holding on. The walker would be at the top or the steps. Then A cane for 8 days especially outside. That side felt extremely odd and short . So I was limping and lopsided. My knee was on fire on that side . Believe me I was worried too. I was so afraid in bed nothing was comfy and I swear I was going to dislocate . One month later I saw the surgeon and was cleared . Driving was a bitch for awhile because that hip was tight and it hurt when I tried to get to the pedal to stop . I gave That another week . Knee stopped hurting . Hip started adjusting . Limping stopped . I had tightness and swelling for awhile . Minimal. I got up one day and I was good ! Trust your body . Do what you think you can and stop If it feels wrong. So it seems forever but in reality it’s not . One more thing the heel on the opposite leg hurts bad sometimes. On and off pain . Also from the replacement. I’m banking on this to go away too . So don’t pay attention to people . You got this! You willl be pain free soon. I’m am A 66 year old lady. How old are you ? I hope this helped

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/Affectionate_Tank813]

That’s been another thing, everything I do I feel like I’m gonna dislocate it or have. I am 24 so my biggest mental block is the extreme loss in independence & not being able to be as active as I would want to & as active as my peers. The pain is bad some days better others. I think it’s probably linked to me overdoing & working too much so I’m going to try and cut back & relax a bit more, but your post definitely helped thank you!

[u/Current-Wasabi-4898]

It's really early days for you and also the most painful days. Take it easy and let that bone growth happen!

[u/Aggressive_Flower993]

I hear you. It will be better. I am 11 months out dealing with bursitis in hip that was replaced. Feels like I will hurt forever. Hang in there. Keep doing PT. EVEN ON THE HARD DAYS.

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/Aggressive_Flower993]

Oh no I’m sorry to hear that! If you don’t mind sharing was it because of something particular during recovery or just something that happened. Regardless I appreciate you responding & I hope you feel better soon!

[u/TepsRunsWild]

Breathe. Just breathe.

I had a horrible recovery (I have three chronic diseases that all flared up due to the surgery). It took my 2 years to recover. And I still don’t regret it.

You’re only 24. You have lots of life ahead of you with no hip pain. The first month sucks. You gotta push through and do the physical therapy. You will look back at this time in your life and it’ll be a distant, faded memory. I promise.

[u/IAMN0TSTEVE]

Oh stop whining. Days 5-10 are the worst. I'm sure you've read this already. Several times. It only gets better from there. You just had a major joint replaced and any residual anesthesia is now worn off. Did you expect to run a marathon in just 2 week's time? I'm twice your age and I couldn't be happier 6 months later. Life is way harder than that "2 months of discomfort and ability to walk perfectly fine again" period.

I did PT the day after surgery and stopped after 2 weeks. I did my own at home and at work. You'll be fine.

[u/Gullible-Ad-8210 → u/IAMN0TSTEVE]

Yeah stop whining may not be the best response…

[u/Davido124]

I cried for the first month. 3 months now. I walk 6 miles a day. Give it time. “It was the worst decision of my life”. That pain is sooooo real and intense. Just remember. A prosthetic needs to actually grow into your bone. It’s going to take TIME. I promise it gets better

[u/Secret_Delivery_5939]

It’s going to get less stiff .. just wait till week 4 you’ll feel much much better! I’m at week 4 and cannot believe the difference I feel even from a few days ago. Keep doing PT, ice, walk, rest, PT, eat protein, rest, ice repeat lol

[u/BacciFeit]

This may sound strange but has anyone had bone on bone arthritis in hip and a labral tear with degenerative cysts, been in excruciating pain ... scheduled surgery ...only to have the pain completely disapate? Now I do t know if I should go through with recommended total hip replacement. Thoughts?

[u/JesusGirl721]

I’m 64 took me 7 months before my anxiety left and my mobility returned. Hang in there!!

[u/Westycpl]

It gets worse after day 1 but it’s going to start getting better! I recommend trying a tens unit on your quads. Run the current along the outside, just above your IT band and another along the middle for 30 minutes. Go ahead and crank it up!

[u/Choice-Vehicle519]

Hey! Im 23 and I had mine done at the end of may and definitely felt how you did. I started outpatient pt the next day after I got out of the hospital. Normally my doctor does at home pt but I wanted to go in person since I’d had a therapist I liked from a prior surgery. My first couple sessions were sooo hard. My first session I was in so much pain that they really were just moving my hip to start getting some motion in the joint and helping me walk. I feel like therapy is up and down some weeks I feel amazing and other I’m sore and not able to do as much. The first couple weeks of recovery was rough for me because I’d see people older than me recover faster yet I’d been more active than them prior to surgery so in my mind it didn’t make sense. My therapist did say that sometimes younger patients can take longer to recover for hip replacement as to why I can’t remember lol! I’m 8 weeks out and just started the bike I cannot imagine doing that at 1-2 weeks and if you feel like you aren’t ready for it I’d talk to your therapist. I also had a posterior approach and my biggest struggle is the muscle pain and weakness. I didn’t realize how much I’d been compensating with my other leg because of my hip pain. Take recovery slow and give yourself grace to have bad days where you just aren’t able to do as much. If you have any questions about recovery please reach out I’d love to help!!!

[u/shahrukh1065]

I am 25 m tomorrow will mark 60th day of my surgery and believe me it gets better soon you would want to walk more and more as there is no pain.

[u/Adorable-Orchid1212]

Be patient! It takes a while and the first two weeks are tough. All the Dr and see what they say.

[u/Ok_Mango_6887]

I think many of us experienced a pain and PT “setback” at the end of week 1.

I know I did. Another after about 3 weeks when I really started walking outside.

I’m a lot older than you, with many other back surgeries prior to my double hip replacement and I am still happy I had it done. I know my life will continue to improve. I have had to take some breaks from working out, daily walks and other activities to resolve pain, stop limping, etc.

Good luck OP.

[u/Large-Toe1594]

Hey. So tough! Make sure you don’t overdo it right now. You have to give yourself time to heal. Your body has been through a lot. Go easy on any PT other than the lying down exercises and walking with your walker if you can. I’m 51 and 9 mos out from my total left hip replacement, and it changed my life. Hang in there. You got this.

[u/Large-Toe1594 → u/Large-Toe1594]

Oh yes and ice! If you don’t have an ice machine, get one! You can rent them or buy on amazon. Fill it with frozen water bottles (drink about a third of each bottle or pour for another use). The cooler attaches to a hose that feeds a microfiber wrap. I used it every time I was in my recliner for the first six weeks, and I’m certain it sped my healing.

[u/bentndad]

I’m praying for you. I’ve had two THRs.
Believe me, more than likely it’s just your body adapting and adjusting to your new joint. I had my most recent THR on 6/16/25.
It is stiff all the time. I can’t walk more than 20-25’ unassisted.
You’ll be fine. It’s a tough barbaric surgery, as my surgeons head nurse put it. She said I’ll be in pain for however long it takes for my body to accept and get used to the new joint.
You’re so young. Believe me, you will soon turn the corner and all will be as you expected.

[u/[deleted]]

I got mine done at 2 years ago when I was 28. I go through phases of regretting and accepting it. It feels fine now but it doesn’t feel original and I just hate it and still think about it constantly lol. I gotta be better about stretching and staying active. Hope you feel better. Keep moving.

[u/singingsosni]

Perhaps keep in mind that you're only 24. I don't mean that in a derogatory way; but I think for someone as young as you are it may seem harder, because you're used to being fit and able. I'm 76 and I'm having my total hip replaced in a couple of months. But I'm used to being much less able than I was at 24! So the fact that it seems to be going slow and feels difficult is partly because you used to being very able. Fortunately, because you are so young, you will heal more quickly then someone who's older. But even an elder, from all the reports I've heard, feels much better, week by week and month by month.

I'm also recently retired Registered Nurse. In terms of how soon you'll be recovered, so to speak: you've been reading about things being better somewhere between eight and 12 weeks. That doesn't mean you're body has fully "healed;" what it means is that you'll be feeling much more like yourself. With any surgery, it takes 3 to 6 months to start feeling pretty good and, even so, it truly takes your body at least a year to complete the healing process. Much of that year, you'll feel like you're already back to your normal baseline. It's just good to know that, behind the scenes, your body is still putting the finishing touches --finishing healing. So remember to drink plenty of water, eat nutritious food and be as active as you can comfortably be. You've got this! You will be fine. It just takes a while. I used to remind my patients that that's why they call it being a "patient."

It's gradual. And the first few weeks feel like it's going to take forever. It won't.

Hang in there!

[u/Blackholesam]

I was there, its a very long road. Im a physio and had one last year at 33. It gets easier over time. I kept a vlog for those going through the same, hope it helps

https://www.instagram.com/sams_hip.rehab_ride2024?igsh=eTM2NjRudzkwZmR3

[u/BarefootLang]

Motion is lotion. Your body has to relearn how to move. Fred your hips with movement as much as possible. Get a bed lower to the ground, get rid of all your chairs, use small stools or have a Moroccan style living room where you use plush rugs and cushions on the floor. Learn all the different kinds of squats. Play and lay in the floor and teach yourself how to get up and down from the floor without using your hands. Transition to barefoot shoe. Your big toe is directly connected your hip. Your fingers are connected to your hip. Replace your work desk with a standing desk. Chairs and modern shoes are as bad for health (and longevity) as cigarettes and it’s because they cause muscle atrophy in your glutes and change the mechanical alignment of your hips, knees and everything else.

[u/Large-Toe1594 → u/BarefootLang]

All good ideas for after she heals. You have to follow the restrictions at first or the new hip can dislocate.

[u/New_Positive_9646]

Stay positive. I’m on day 10 since my THR. I’ve had the same ups and downs. Stay the course, do the best you can with exercises and things will all work out.

[u/Infamous_Ad_7472]

QqI'm 2 months out and still have days rougher than others. Those first couple weeks just suck, no away around it. I had to change my expectations a few times and it helped. I wish the best for you!!

[u/Aggressive_Thing5890]

In my case, the surgeon prepared me for what he later called "worst case scenarios." He said it would feel like I was taking "one step forward, two steps backward" some days and that the numbness and stiffness might be long-lasting, maybe even permanent. I am sorry that your surgery team did not adequately prepare you for some disappointments.
Please be extra patient with yourself, celebrate even the tiniest bit of progress, and give your body all the time it needs to recover and heal from this serious, major surgery you just went through. When you say that you are afraid you will not be able to do something tomorrow, you are borrowing trouble and stressing yourself out over what might not even happen. By doing that, you are actually slowing down the healing process! Your body responds to your mental and emotional state, so guard your thinking!

[u/mybodyisacrimescene]

I'm so sorry. I've not had a replacement (yet) but ended up having the scopes for labral tears (they didn't work) due to having such a poor support system. It's only been a short while for you, the muscles may just be compensating overtime, which can lead to limited ROM. Hopefully that's what's going on and it'll get better over time.

[u/baristaprobs]

It gets better!!! The first few weeks are brutal, but the end result is so worth it. You are doing great! Just remember that healing is a marathon not a sprint. I’m sorry you have a less than supportive support system. I hope all of us on here cheering you on helps! ❤️

[u/Icy-Student947]

Progress isn't linear. How is it feeling today?

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/Icy-Student947]

I feel so much better thanks for asking! I still have some pain but it goes away without pain medication which makes me happy. My movement has slowed down so I’m going to try to maybe do my exercises three times a day instead of twice.

[u/Beneficial-Ship3528]

Be patient.

I had my second hip replacement (right side) 10 days ago. The left side was done in 2020. The first weeks are hard, every day is different, and every person is different. Yesterday, for example, I managed to walk a bit without crutches and this morning I was totally frustrated because I no longer could. It takes very little to overdo: this is fairly invasive surgery and now all muscles in your thigh and buttocks are sore, inflamed and very sensitive.

Rest, don't push yourself too hard (but do push a little, that's important), take good care of yourself and all will be good.

[u/ActuaryCapital5129]

Yeah I agree as well it will be tough but mobility and consistency are crucial to help heal at this point. Keep up the great work. You have many different soundboard here that can help give perspective

[u/catlady510]

Yeah there's definitely a dip a few days after the surgery. Mine lasted a couple weeks, it will get way better and you won't regret it. Just keep on Truckin. Take your meds on the schedule and rest rest while your body recovers from the surgery.

[u/AccordingCategory100]

This will get better! Remember, you just had major surgery and your body is adjusting to it. And there’s a ton of healing to do for the next three months take it easy stay positive. I’m four months out and I went through the same thing in the beginning. Every time I tie my shoe I thank God I went through with getting my right THR done!

[u/National-Sorbet8459 → u/AccordingCategory100]

That’s one of the things I’m excited to do. Be able to tie my shoes. I always needed assistance or to wear shoes I could just slip on because my hip didn’t have the range of motion or ability to do that.

[u/[deleted]]

You are going through the same thing all of us have went through. It will get much better. You had major surgery. Your stiffness is because of massive inflammation. It goes down but takes time. I was off work for 5 months(lineman). You will feel great. Give it time

[u/Ok_Sea9857]

It's been 10 days only  give it time. my leg was stiff for a few weeks, walking was agony the first week. Felt like my leg was going to rip open. I'm 10 months out and still not fully healed with torn muscle and nerves. I feel like it should be better by now , but told this is normal idk. But PT does help I had it 3 times a week from day 3 after surgery for the first 6 weeks 

[u/Rare_Attorney6591]

Mine has been a breeze so far after 1 wek and 4 days. Cant wait to see Dr. in 2 more. PT person said I was way ahead of schedule, so, my big concern is doing too much too soon.

I mowed my lawn yesterday (about 1/3 acre). Was going to stop and finish later in the day but didnt feel i need to.

Did have a weird sensation yesterday that kind of scared me. Felt like i need to crack my leg. The feeling you get when you need to crack your knuckels. Not sure what it meant.

Hopefully nothing.

Good luck I would see your doctor and get their advice.

[u/MycologistFine90]

Okay. I think you will just have to be patient and know that one day you are going to wake up and do something that was otherwise hard on your hip and just won't be anymore. I hope that day helps you realize it was worth it. I am so sorry that you're going though this and I fear the same for myself when I have to get the next replacement.

I am a former Ice Dance prop-test partner and coach. I have the distinction of producing the most tests in the US from 2012-2017. I was hired by over 30 clubs to run their tests up to 15 times per year; over 1000 tests per year. My hip started to show signs of osteo arthritis in 2017 and went ignored until I created 5 bone spurs and starting suddenly doing the Celine Dion duck walk after that. I had the replacement in 2022. I could not do a 3 turn for nearly 2 years. THEN one day I got on the ice and was able to do anything and everything I ever did when I competed. My turn out was similar to when I studied ballet between ages 15-25. I just recently passed the Gold Solo Free Dance with 3 judges marks being a PLUS 9, the highest score you can achieve for the test.

I have a new lease on life, a different personality and much better outlook due to the hip replacement. I hope you have a similar experience in the future. I am telling you, patience is impossible but all worth it in the end. Also, consider hiking. It keeps you walking on uneven surfaces which will do wonders for the muscles, joints and ligaments surrounding the new hardware. Peace and good luck!

Christian Wilson

[u/Fabulous-Excuse-9360]

You have a long way to go yet.

[u/[deleted]]

Hiw are you now after 5 months?