broken hip recovery advice needed...............
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Well Dan... i was never given a time period for driving..... i think it was about 3 months before i drove .... but it was my right leg so no clutch pushing for me..... think i had a little trouble lifting my leg from accelerator to brake pedal and back so this was what determined for me what was safe! Tim0
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Hiya Dan!
I'm about 18 months on from the same injury as you. Broken neck of femur with 3 screws.
I'm fully back on the bike & even rode the Pico de Veleta in August for my local Cancer hospital.
Now, next week I'm back to the hospital. They are going to take the screws out. As the bone has calcified the screws have backed out.
They started doing this from about 6 months.
The discomfort has got gradually worse as as you can imagine it's constantly rubbing on the tendons, ligaments & skin. It's not nice.
Earlier cycling was fine bit the stairs were a killer. Although cycling has gotten worse as I've gone along.
Still can't lay on my side without pain as the screws are so far out, it just causes pain.
So, I'm hoping to have them out in the next month or so.
Other than that, the surgeon is really happy & I'm just relieved to be able to ride again!
I'm a bit older than you pal, 42 last week. My advice is get a specific physio with experience in this field (mine was fantastic), keep positive but keep pushing yourself towards recovery.
It's hard, but you will get there pal!chris0 -
Hi Dan
My break was left side so couldn't push the clutch down. Driving after 11-12 weeks,. Though I did drive an automatic on holiday and that was fine.
Paul0 -
Thanks again for the updates guys. I did suspect it wouldn't be until around the 12 week mark that I might be able to think about driving again. Hopefully at my next appointment with the consultant which is at the 12 week mark they'll give me the green light to get a bit of independence back.
Drummer- that's interesting to hear about needing the screws back out the consultant did mention that as potential complication so it would interesting to hear how you get on.
I've just been about able to grab a nap sleeping on my non-fracture side which is the first time I've been able to do it in 7 weeks so that's good progress its been murder constantly sleeping on my back!
I'll say it again though thank god I found this thread because there is a scarcity of information out there regarding peoples experiences with this type of injury. Especially given its supposed rarity in people aged below 65.0 -
Dan, like you I was so glad to have found this thread and interacted with people who had experienced this type of injury. As you rightly say there is virtually nothing out there and it's like groping in the dark.....
I have the same injury. But different method of fixation but these other guys will be a great wealth of info. Anything you need to know I'm sure we will try to answer!
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daninexile wrote:Thanks again for the updates guys. I did suspect it wouldn't be until around the 12 week mark that I might be able to think about driving again. Hopefully at my next appointment with the consultant which is at the 12 week mark they'll give me the green light to get a bit of independence back.
Drummer- that's interesting to hear about needing the screws back out the consultant did mention that as potential complication so it would interesting to hear how you get on.
I've just been about able to grab a nap sleeping on my non-fracture side which is the first time I've been able to do it in 7 weeks so that's good progress its been murder constantly sleeping on my back!
I'll say it again though thank god I found this thread because there is a scarcity of information out there regarding peoples experiences with this type of injury. Especially given its supposed rarity in people aged below 65.
Dan, I found sleeping on my front the most comfortable & also took most stress off my legs!
Also, look at my prior posts, i did a thread that takes you through the first few months.chris0 -
Hi Dan, sorry to hear about your injury. Been a while since I posted but I found during my recovery the forum was a great comfort. Still keep in touch with some of the guys who seem to be going faster than ever, eh Mick. Just a quick summary of where I am up to if it helps. I had mine repaired with a DHS in February 2013 and after a long period of partial weight bearing on two crutches, 7 months, finally got back on the bike last December in anger. Cycling is no problem, not quite back to pre accident shape but good enough to be up there in my local Sportives etc. Walking can be a mixed bag, lot of discomfort after a mile or two, I drive long distances for my job and get very stiff around the hip/knee etc. if I don't stop regularly for a stretch. Consultant said it was probably cartilage damage in the joint rather than AVN however although they can x-ray for AVN it is never 100% reliable they tell me. I have been offered an MRI but they want to take the DHS out to do it then put it back in, yeah right pass the paracetamol! I am still having 3 monthly consultant visits for AVN until end of 2015.
The key for me was to get as much physio as I could, do the exercises and listen to the "experts". I still have some on-going pain with the implant but seem to have got used to it, bit like toothache in the hip and manage it with over the shelf medication and beer. Currently toying with the idea of another batch of physio.
Good luck with your recovery....0 -
Thanks again for the updates guys its good to get a handle on other peoples experiences and timelines.
Drummer- I checked out your thread and its very interesting to see my frustrations echoed your own. I'm starting to feel a bit more positive now I've got only another 4 weeks before I can start to do a bit more.
LeonF-Interesing regarding your recovery the DHS doesn't sound like a barrel of laughs at all and I can see why you wouldn't want it out then put back in! Regarding the pain with the DHS is it likely to be a permanent fixture or like the cannulated screws can you have it out after a period?
Had another session with the NHS physio this week and discussed hydrotherapy unfortunately the surgeon doesn't want to clear me for it yet and would prefer I only continue with toe-touch until the 12 week mark. The physio however is happy with the range of motion I have in my hip and apart from my external rotation (which is apparently freakishly good in my good hip) everything else is pretty much back to its original. So for now its continue with the stretches and wait for that 12 week mark.0 -
Hi Dan, Although people recover differently, in all honesty the DHS is a pain in the a**e literally. When I look back to where I was pre-accident things have changed quite a bit for me. I currently suffer pretty much permanent pain of some degree, walking any distance is uncomfortable, driving is a constant battle to find a good position and consultant says running is out of the question, tried it a couple of times, he's right.! Basically no impact sports at all.
Hospitals seem to have different views on removal, mine says leave it in unless they see anything that will interfere with future intervention, i.e bone grows around it causing problems for future hip replacement. Hydrotherapy worked well for me by the way which I had as the last physio before being let loose.
The main positive point is that I can still enjoy my bike as riding as this doesn't seem to cause the same problems as walking/running etc. I am due back at the hospital January for my next x-rays etc. so plan to push a bit harder to get to the bottom of why things aren't so good. So far I have just been happy to be where I had got to.0 -
Sorry to hear Leon.
My DHS has 'calmed' down now with the occasional discomfort, changed days from the months after it happened.
Can drive, walk, lie on it and run on it now no problems, And had a few offs onto it too!
Let us know how you get on0 -
UPDATE!!
Booked in to have screws taken out on Tuesday!chris0 -
Screws are now...... OUT!
Progress report later......chris0 -
Thanks to everyone who has posted on this thread. It was in full flow about a year or so ago and now seems to have been revived. Like many have said- its been the most useful set of information available where so often the advice given at discharge is typically for older less active patients.
Im 47 and 11/10/14 fractured NOF (intracapsular) after a fall on a steep climb 40 miles into local event -was clipped in but legs were immovable due to sudden onset of severe cramp...was otherwise going fairly well. Cycled back to start abandoning the ride after another 10 miles. First thought pain was due to after effects of cramp and a possible groin strain. Had surgery some three weeks later on attending A&E where fracture was confirmed with some displacement evident.
DHS and a one parallel cannulated screw were implanted. I was given mixed advice -immediately after surgery no weight bearing for 6 weeks then at discharge advised to partial weight bear for 6 weeks.
Most pain eased off after about 2 weeks and have not needed any painkillers now for last week. Mobility coming back more and more...am doing some basic exercises.
I have been partial weight bearing for three weeks post surgery- am on two crutches and fairly reliant on them especially for stairs ..can hobble with one and have tried without only a few steps but injured leg seems to have lost its memory.
I'm planning using the turbo trainer next week at low watts and hope to be driving and back to work in next 10 days. My first outpatient review is in about 2 weeks.
I had already booked accommodation for The Ronde 2015 ( April) and possibly very foolishly have since entered the cyclosportive on the day before...whether or not I'll be there in anger or just with a camera we'll see. Whatever its certainly acting as a great motivator.
Best regards to all of you with your recovery.0 -
Screws out 2 weeks ago and the difference...... AMAZING!
I can now walk the stairs, squat & lay on my side without huge amounts of discomfort.
I'm happy!chris0 -
Great news Drummer!
Did they put restrictions on you till the holes fill with bone?0 -
I found other riders updates helpful so here's mine...I'm sure there's some new members added to this select group every week.
47 year old..NOF mid october 2014 DHS and one parallel cannulated screw...partial weight bearing for 5 1/2 weeks, off crutches now and re building leg strength slowly. Medic says could be riding progressively from New Year onwards.
Will be kept under review for 3 years due to risk of AVN.
Long live the NHS!
The Ronde or part of it might still be possible!0 -
Keep at it PAC1967!
I've the same 'fix' as you - DHS with parallel screw. Mine was intracapsular, garden grade 3 (partially displaced)
Keep the positive attitude and go for it. Broken NOF in the Feb, did a 10hr race in the May (only actually did 6hrs), and the Kielder 100 in the Sept (completed it). I wasn't competitive, but I did them and they gave me focus.
As for any complications? They were going to happen regardless I thought. AVN? Could have taken 2-3 years to show. No point feeling sorry for myself! Might as well use my hip whilst I still had it!!
So keep your eyes on the Ronde, stay focused and positive!
Best wishes... Simon0 -
Cheers Simon,
Its that kind of example that spurs me on ....
Paul0 -
No problems Paul
Need to know any more about what I went through personally, Let me know!
As others have have said, get a good physio! Helped me a lot and they knew my goal of getting back to normal as quickly as possible. Push yourself if they say it's ok, hold back if they it's not.
The consultant said my positive attitude and level of fitness helped greatly in my speedy recovery.
If only he knew of my fears and cold sweats over thinking about a hip replacement/AVN etc in the early days
Cheers!
Simon0 -
+1 for a good physio, mine help me no end after my hip replacement last year. I had initially broken my hip in 1988 and 3 pins put in to keep it all together, had them taken out almost 2 years later. My hip eventually fell apart last year and I full replacement at the age of 42. I can honestly say it's been the best thing that's happened to me bar the birth of my kids.
I've now got a range of movement that I lost once my hip was broken back in 88, being able to move about pain free, being able to put on my socks by myself and tie my shoe laces makes the world of difference.0 -
Had my first outdoor ride yesterday since having the screws taken out of my leg.
And chaps, it felt...... FANTASTIC!!!!
None of the grating, rubbing & tearing of the last 18 months.
Just did 30 miles but it was BLISS!chris0 -
cabbageandbacon wrote:+1 for a good physio, mine help me no end after my hip replacement last year. I had initially broken my hip in 1988 and 3 pins put in to keep it all together, had them taken out almost 2 years later. My hip eventually fell apart last year and I full replacement at the age of 42. I can honestly say it's been the best thing that's happened to me bar the birth of my kids.
I've now got a range of movement that I lost once my hip was broken back in 88, being able to move about pain free, being able to put on my socks by myself and tie my shoe laces makes the world of difference.
Cabbage, Did the Consultant say what caused the hip to fall apart after that period of time?0 -
Great news Drummer! keep us updated! Are they going to check to see if/when/how long it will take for the bone to fill the holes?
Yeah Cabbage. Please tell us if it was arthritis wear and tear/ arthritis due to misalignment/AVN/ none /all of the above 0 -
DJ58 wrote:cabbageandbacon wrote:+1 for a good physio, mine help me no end after my hip replacement last year. I had initially broken my hip in 1988 and 3 pins put in to keep it all together, had them taken out almost 2 years later. My hip eventually fell apart last year and I full replacement at the age of 42. I can honestly say it's been the best thing that's happened to me bar the birth of my kids.
I've now got a range of movement that I lost once my hip was broken back in 88, being able to move about pain free, being able to put on my socks by myself and tie my shoe laces makes the world of difference.
Cabbage, Did the Consultant say what caused the hip to fall apart after that period of time?
My 1st condition was caused by a condition called a slipped upper femur epiphysis...
http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/slipped ... physis-pro
The doc never gave me an exact reason as to why it was just fall apart only that he couldn't believe that it had that I was still trying to ride the bike.
He did however look at my x rays from back in 89 after I got the pins out and said that he 'believed' that the hip wasn't aligned properly after the 1st operation. So over the years it wore away as it wasn't seated back properly I guess, all I know is that over the years the pain got steady worse until I was no longer able to do anything for myself.
Having looked at my hip he told me it was one of the worse he's ever seen in someone my age. He actually had me down as someone who was in the late 70's, early 80's.0 -
Thought I'd just pop on a give a quick update regarding my recovery.
Firstly though good to see more positive updates. Cabbage yours sounded pretty bad!
In terms of my recovery I'm at week 15 now post crash and I had my 12 week review with my consultant about 10 days ago. All in all my hip is looking pretty good and the consultant is really happy. Interestingly he didn't think my hip would heal as well as it has so far and he confessed that he had been quite concerned about recovery. However he's cleared me to start doing some weight bearing so I'm building up to half body weight in the next couple of weeks and then hopefully to fully body weight by the end of January. Its a bit frustrating that I'm still on the crutches and unable to drive through the festive period. More worringly the family aren't too sure what to buy an injured cyclist for Christmas so I'm expecting socks a plenty rather than a nice new jersey or bib shorts!
Have a good Christmas all!0 -
hi all just joined your club i come off on black ice on a cold winter morning in Devon i broke my neck of femur, intracapsular and displaced which I know puts the odds against me but I am only 36 and I was operated on within 6 hours of the injury operated on by one of the top trauma hip specialists. I am the start of week 4 so have a few weeks before my 6 week review, just wondered what mobility/activities you could do at 4 weeks after injury.
I am slightly concerned as my job involves standing all day, the main thing I am missing is being out on my bike.
Thanks0 -
Hi Hawkins sorry to hear about your injury.
In terms of exercises there was very little I was able to do at 4 weeks. I was given small leg raises (lying down then attempting to lift my leg), seated position then trying to straighten my leg out ,standing exercises which mainly concerned balancing on one leg and trying to bend my bad leg at the knee and so my ankle moved towards my backside.
Other those though I did very little it wasn't until the 12 week mark I was able to do some more exercises. It seems my surgeon was going very steady with my recovery and was perhaps being overly cautious.
In terms of long term everybody is different but this week I was able to stand on my legs for most of my 8 hour working day (I'm now 23 weeks post crash).
Its a very long road but stay positive it does get better I was going up the wall prior to the 12 week mark and things hugely improved when i could start to drive again.0 -
Hawkins6 wrote:hi all just joined your club i come off on black ice on a cold winter morning in Devon i broke my neck of femur, intracapsular and displaced which I know puts the odds against me but I am only 36 and I was operated on within 6 hours of the injury occurring by one of the top trauma hip specialists. I am the start of week 4 so have a few weeks before my 6 week review, just wondered what mobility/activities you could do at 4 weeks after injury.
I am slightly concerned as my job involves standing all day, the main thing I am missing is being out on my bike.
Thanks
Within a week I was down at my gym doing weights on my upper body & my good leg. I wouldn't say I was going as heavy as usual but I got straight in to it!
I was also in the pool doing rehab ASAP using the water to support my bad leg!chris0 -
Thanks for your comments just started to use exercise bike lightly getting a lot of pain around groin area so very worried about avn got two weeks for x ray :-(0
