Question
I am 66 year old male; surgery was done January 23, 2008 after I fell and broke my femur.  At the present time I am still having problems.  Particularly after driving a car, getting out, and trying to walk.  It is difficult at first. Muscle weakness in my hips even after I have been exercising quite a bit.  The doctor who performed the operation told me 3 months after surgery that I would not ever be able to cross my leg or sleep on my stomach.  When I sleep on my side, my hip and leg hurt over time.  I can do set ups; however, getting down on the floor and up-again presents problems since I am apprehensive about doing this.  Do you have any suggestions?  I have never had physical therapy.

Answer
Hi Frank

I've got several suggestions.  The first of which is to go to Bed, Bath and Beyond and get a body pillow.  If you sleep with a body pillow that will ensure you don't cross your legs while sleeping and put yourself in a position to dislocate.  That's the first thing.

I would also cut back on the exercise, especially the situps.  That exercise puts a lot of pressure on the hips and can be causing you pain, plus I don't like the idea of you getting up and down from the floor.

I would concentrate on letting up on the exercise and only do water walking or swimming or cycling.  I would also ask your doctor to give you a prescription for physical therapy and have the PT give you an exercise program that you can follow safely.  

If you do not get any relief in pain, have the doctor do a follow up X ray to ensure there is not a problem with the prosthesis.

Best of luck to you.

Sharon