Changing a tire at two weeks post op is not a good idea. We often forget that we are healing after major surgery and do things without thinking. Please think before doing any strenuous activities shortly after surgery. I think the people who do "really dumb things" realize it very quickly! Anyone that had major surgery and wants to do heavy work any time within the first six weeks is going to pay a big price including a possible revision due to a femur neck fracture or component movement. No matter how much you warn people, they just can't understand the impact such major surgery has on their bodies. You can't force your body to heal or be strong after it has been sliced and diced. I would caution people to be careful even beyond the six weeks up to six month period. Most surgeons will let patients do normal activities at six months, but warn that it takes a full year for the body to heal completely after a hip replacement. Why go through a recovery from major surgery and then take a chance on having a revision. Makes no sense, but neither do the actions of many people.

Please think before acting. Get help when you are faced with any problem that means you need to exert your new hip to lift a lot of weight. One man recently posted that he fixed a flat tire when he had surgery two weeks before. Fixing a flat tire to be on time to an appointment is not as important as going through another surgery for a revision because you fractured your femur neck. Please think before performing strenuous activities. There is nothing more important than your own health if you want to continue to be active and be there for your family.

Often parents are tempted to lift their children after hip surgery. Lifting could mean that you are going to crack a femur, dislocate your hip or move an acetabular cup component. Any injury to the femur bone, surrounding tissue or muscles could result in a revision. Each revision surgery after your first hip replacement becomes more difficult than the original surgery.

THR Revision Information

We need to remember that the time to recovery and let our bodies heal is actually very small when compared to a lifetime. Healing and becoming strong again will allow you to be active with your children once again. They will understand that you are healing and will look forward to the time when you are able to be a full-time parent without pain.