working after hip replacement

grannynurse FNP · Jun 18, 2005

Need info re: working the floor, standing on my feet 7 to 8 hrs qd after having a total hip replacement. I went to m.d. this a.m., THR definitely in my near future. I work LTC as med nurse, four med passes each day, so I am on my feet most of my workday. I'm just wondering if anybody out there has been through this and if, after surg. the pain will be better or if standing on my feet this long will be painful. The only experience I have had with this type surg. is with my elderly pt., we have had pt. rehab and go home, but they weren't in the work force. TIA

My dad has his hip replaced when he was in his seventies. He returned to work at a chain supermarket, where he had been employed previously. His job required him to do a great deal of walking and pushing. He started working only a few hours and then gradually increased until he was back to full time. He retired, for the third time, eight years later.

Grannynurse :balloons:

dekatn · Jun 18, 2005

Thanks for the input. I was afraid that I would have to change jobs or quit and I really can't afford that right now. I really don't want to change jobs. I like what I do, (most of the time anyway!!).

grannynurse FNP · Jun 18, 2005

Thanks for the input. I was afraid that I would have to change jobs or quit and I really can't afford that right now. I really don't want to change jobs. I like what I do, (most of the time anyway!!).

Talk to your DON prior to having the surgery. And speak with the doctor doing it. At great many will say one can return to their usual things after three to six months. Explain to him the physical aspects of your position-the number of actual minutes or hours you spend standing in one position(drawing up or pour meds); the amount of walking you do, again in time-up and down the hall, in and out of patients rooms; the amount of time you spend sitting, again in time; the amount of time you spend bending at the hips and waist; any lifting you do; write in all down for him. It will give him a better idea of the physicial demands of your position. I wish I still had the work anaylsis forms I use to use in my WC case manager position. I am trying to recall the major points on it.

Good luck

Grannynurse :balloons: