Question
Dear Sharon,

I had a right hip replacement 4 weeks ago.  I was released to come back to work (at my urging) after 2 1/2 weeks on a part time basis.  This week (4th week after) I am back full time.  I am an Insurance Agent and can sit all day.  

I was released from the hospital on the 5th day with full weight bearing.  I was released from physical therapy after 1 1/2 weeks because I am doing so well.

My question is how long should I feel so sore.  I am afraid I may be doing harm to my recovery.  I still need a cane and limp badly without it.  I limp slightly with it.  I need to take a pain pill once a day still.  Shouldn't I be free of those by now.  Please tell me how I can know I am doing fine.

My pain is in my right thigh, tender in the groin area and sometimes the hip itself feels painful - certain ways I move really hurts.  I hope this is all part of the normal healing process.  I would like to get rid of the cane but I don't feel like I'm even close to that.  Is that normal?

Please respond.  And Thank You very much.  (I can go up and down stairs, go shopping, etc...)

Donna

Answer
Hi Donna

You are doing great for 4 weeks post op.  Wow!  Back at work in 2 and 1/2 weeks is pretty much unheard of on my end.  You are going to feel sore for awhile.  You will probably need the cane for at least 3 months.  That's my take on it, but the way you are going, I'd say less time on the cane is possible.  One pain pill a day after a month is great.

Just take it slow, you are ahead of the curve.

Sharon