Hi all... Bit late writing back to everyone but better late than never I suppose!! Thanks all for your lovely messages of support, they really did help before the operation.
My 2nd stage was a big success - felt the relief immediately after the op. The sturdiness is brilliant! The joint itself has given me little trouble, my main pain seems to be muscular now. Because I was lying up so long, I've a lot of muscle death on my right side, which will take a while to build back up.
I was kept in hospital for 4 weeks after my op on antibiotics, and got home just before Christmas. OS told me not see a PT until week 6 (2nd Week of Jan). Up until that point, i was great... Walking with a walking stick, more for balance than anything, as I COULD walk without it... But was really twinging and leaning on my operated side (kind of centering myself over the hip,if you can imagine)... The PT gave me a serious of static exercises and told me go for the pool. After about a week of that.. I had INCREDIBLE pain in the operated groin. Of course, thought the worst, and went back to IS for an X-Ray.. Hip is 100%, no issues.. My OS recommended seeing an acute pain specialist as the pain could be nerve related coming from the back..
Sure enough - went to see a BRILLIANT one who was able to diagnose me straight away, exactly the way I was feeling, the pain, not sleeping etc. basically, he has told me to STOP all exercises for a couple of weeks, as I'm exercising the wrong muscles... Essentially, my abductor/hipflex and glute are not contracting correctly at all. It's because I've been compensating for so long that I'm subconsciously keeping the muscle contracted because I'm afraid of the new implant!! Mad stuff, but he did 1 hr with me, releasing muscles, pressure points etc... AND PAIN WENT!!! So a few more sessions with him and I should be good to continue rehab, and with a better starting point this time!
I've been googling the sleeping issues people are having - and I'm the exact same. No pain per say, but just restless and uncomfortable. Constantly flipping from back to good side etc. I've found a couple of pillows under my knee on my back really helps - but I couldn't recommend a chiropractor highly enough - slept like a log the first night after seeing him!
I went back to work on 4th Jan full-time, which in hindsight was a bit too much too soon, as the tiredness does catch up with you.. (also, planning a wedding and doing a masters doesn't help either!!). I could only suggest that if anyone is in a similar position to me, then give it time... I'm the most impatient person I know, but it really is baby steps, and even tho I hit a speed bump in the road, I'm still progressing nicely. Going to work from home one day per week (Wednesday) for the next few weeks, purely so I can have a day of from wearing shirt and slacks and relax! Think it's important to recuperate when possible - and not go too fast!!
On a separate note - I just want to thank all of the people who have commented and helped me through the last few months. There were a few low points during the 2 stage (especially with the spacer) - and all of helped me so much, in terms of coping and rationalizing what was happening to me. It's an amazing little community on here - and I only hope I can be in a position to help someone as much as you all have helped me.
I'll keep a posted more frequently on how it's all going. Thanks all!!
United States
Welcome fellow Irish person. You will find some wonderful support here.
