10 weeks update
I thought I'd updated more recently than this!
I got some 1.5 kg ankle weights, and worked on weighted leg extensions on my paralysed leg. At first this was impossible, then difficult, then I added both weights and extended 3 kg... and so on. Incremental gains, just working with the range of motion available to me. According to my physio, the more I asked of the femoral nerve, the quicker my body would reroute the communications.
At a point about 5-6 weeks post-op, I started leaving the crutch behind when I walked short distances. Not long after that I tried (very carefully) to go up the stairs one leg at a time. It took concentration, but my operated leg was able to lift my body weight. From then on I ditched the crutch, and improved rapidly. I went up and down stairs as many times as day as I could.
Now I don't think the crutch was holding me back- it was simply a matter of waiting until I could weight-bear safely on the operated leg. Walking without the crutch - even though I limped- was a much more natural gait and it took a lot of strain off my knees, which were being trashed by walking with my knee locked (I had to do this so my leg didn't collapse).
It's been a rapid road to what I would estimate is about 95% recovery, since then. I got back on the elliptical soon after mastering the stairs, and starting with 5 minutes have worked my way back up to 45 minutes/day + 15 on the bike. Last week I barbell squatted (only a half-squat) for the first time in years. My gait is almost normal- I don't feel like I am limping but occasionally someone will ask me if I am limping, so I guess I am, a little.
At my 8-week checkup with the surgeon, the reflex in my left leg was a twitch (before this, it was completely absent)- so there is still some damage yet to repair itself. However I am now pushing 12kg on the leg extension machine and will keep working to improve.
I can now say that I am in better shape than I was before surgery. The new hip is great, and the femoral nerve palsy has resolved to an extent that I could live with it even if there are no further improvements.
Hopefully this diary will help anyone who has an anterior hip replacement; and especially if you experience femoral nerve palsy afterwards.
Key points for me are that I worked with what I had, from the very beginning. Can barely lift your foot? Lift it over and over again. Can barely extend your knee? Barely extend it, over and over.
Do the desired range of motion with the 'sister' leg, to help your brain understand what needs to be mapped. Gradual improvements will add up over time.
I will update again when something new happens or I learn something- good luck and healing vibes to all.
I got some 1.5 kg ankle weights, and worked on weighted leg extensions on my paralysed leg. At first this was impossible, then difficult, then I added both weights and extended 3 kg... and so on. Incremental gains, just working with the range of motion available to me. According to my physio, the more I asked of the femoral nerve, the quicker my body would reroute the communications.
At a point about 5-6 weeks post-op, I started leaving the crutch behind when I walked short distances. Not long after that I tried (very carefully) to go up the stairs one leg at a time. It took concentration, but my operated leg was able to lift my body weight. From then on I ditched the crutch, and improved rapidly. I went up and down stairs as many times as day as I could.
Now I don't think the crutch was holding me back- it was simply a matter of waiting until I could weight-bear safely on the operated leg. Walking without the crutch - even though I limped- was a much more natural gait and it took a lot of strain off my knees, which were being trashed by walking with my knee locked (I had to do this so my leg didn't collapse).
It's been a rapid road to what I would estimate is about 95% recovery, since then. I got back on the elliptical soon after mastering the stairs, and starting with 5 minutes have worked my way back up to 45 minutes/day + 15 on the bike. Last week I barbell squatted (only a half-squat) for the first time in years. My gait is almost normal- I don't feel like I am limping but occasionally someone will ask me if I am limping, so I guess I am, a little.
At my 8-week checkup with the surgeon, the reflex in my left leg was a twitch (before this, it was completely absent)- so there is still some damage yet to repair itself. However I am now pushing 12kg on the leg extension machine and will keep working to improve.
I can now say that I am in better shape than I was before surgery. The new hip is great, and the femoral nerve palsy has resolved to an extent that I could live with it even if there are no further improvements.
Hopefully this diary will help anyone who has an anterior hip replacement; and especially if you experience femoral nerve palsy afterwards.
Key points for me are that I worked with what I had, from the very beginning. Can barely lift your foot? Lift it over and over again. Can barely extend your knee? Barely extend it, over and over.
Do the desired range of motion with the 'sister' leg, to help your brain understand what needs to be mapped. Gradual improvements will add up over time.
I will update again when something new happens or I learn something- good luck and healing vibes to all.
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