2 weeks post //not as big a CRYBABY anymore

[crybaby2]

Hello all! I really have not been a cry baby. I have decided it is ok if I want to though, It is one of the few things that feel good to me. My story is kinda long but here goes.

I decided after working on a job that I only kept because of the economy, it was time to quit and start over. Happy Happy Joy Joy!!!! I did it. I decided I was going to have a surgery done, go to Hawaii, come home and start looking for a new job. No Problem Happy Happy Joy Joy. I went to my favorite Doc whom I used to work for for 7 years. He advised me that he did not do Arthoscopic Labrum tear repairs, FAI or anything like that. He was a hip replacement only guy and referred me to someone else. OK no problem I trusted his word.

Jan 2013 had outpatient labrum tear repair, also cam/pincer repair, psosas release. Great! for 4 weeks. then nothing, things just got worse. I kept telling doc. It isn't right, for months I told him this. He just said it is still healing. no problem.
3 months post op I insisted on x rays, he replied with haven't we already done that? Quite perplexed I advised him no! only used my MRI. He did xray and advised me he was surprised! I asked why and he said I have severe OA. I had none 3 months earlier..was biker, hiker, runner.

I needed a new hip. Never did he ever tell me this could happen and he never explained why. So I cannot help but to think HE did something wrong and that I will never have the answer. Life goes on.... he was ready to revise the surgery 1 week after results of x ray.

I went to another doctor... the original would not see me now because it would be a conflict of interest. New doc great! I like him and still do. He made me wait for surgery. 6 months post op 1st surgery and 2 months post injection April. Well I have been in pain for 6 months, I have been bitchy, tired, sad, should I go on. I get phone calls to go paddle boarding, hiking , biking etc... can't walk!.. I can ride my bike though. No pressure on hip with bike riding. Rode 4 to 5 x weekly 18 to 22 miles. Not always what I wanted to do but I could and did. I got STRONGER in the legs...

I live by myself. I have family 200 miles away, a son 30 miles away, a boyfriend and other friends too. My son is adventurous and I would never ask him to stop and help unless he had nothing planned. He is a hard worker and deserves his down time. I love my family but I don't love stress. I love my friends and they can visit whenever they want. I love my boyfriend but he hates cats and I have 2.

The doctor asked me if I have help... when I get out of hospital. I said I really didn't know. Big stress. I opted on if I needed to go into rehab after hospital I would do that. Well, they kicked me out of hospital a day early. I was doing too well and they never mentioned rehab. My son stayed with me a couple of days which just having him was wonderful. I have neighbors, and lots of flowers.

My biggest dread was... the INTENSE pain I would feel after surgery. I knew it would get better unlike the OA. I hate pain meds and did not take with the repair. Well reality is... I NEED THEM. IT HURTS like hell. I think because I am so tired of pain.

I am so feeling sorry for myself.. and of course I start crying now as I write this.. NO MORE HIP PAIN! I had referred knee pain before surgery and still do. My ankle is swollen, not sure why, and of course my butt hurts! I AM TIRED OF THE PAIN!

I think I am just venting, I know I will get better, I love my doctor, family and friend and flowers. I just need to get happy now. Can anyone help me? I understand surgery takes a lot out of you.. sleep, rest, ice, rest, exercise, rest, sleep some more. I do it all.

 

[anniemg]

Hi crybaby2, What date did you have your surgery? Did they send you home with meds?
You are right, you do need to keep on those meds...by clock...You need to get ahead of your pain by using the clock method. Ice needs to be your new best friend. Give in to all the naps during the day. Exercise to the bathroom and kitchen and back to bed. (more ice)..
If you can't get ahead of the pain, call your drs office and let them know. They will be able to help you.

I had RTHR on March 25. The first 6 weeks are a struggle, but each one of them gets a little bit easier...The swelling is normal too. My butt still has some tenderness to it...
Go ahead and have a good cry...it's good for you...I've had them too... Keep posting...

 

[Josephine]

My biggest dread was... the INTENSE pain I would feel after surgery. I hate pain meds and did not take with the repair. Well reality is... I NEED THEM. IT HURTS like hell.

NOT taking pain meds can seriously hamper your recovery.

My ankle is swollen, not sure why

Swelling is a type of pain.

I have some questions to ask you:
1. what are your pain levels right now? (remember the 1-10 scale: 1 = no pain and 10 = the worst you can imagine. And don't compare this with the bone-on-bone pain you had before surgery!

)
2. what pain medications have you been prescribed, how much are you taking (in mg please) and how often?
3. how often are you icing your knee and for how long?
4. how high are you elevating your leg, how often and for how long?
5. what is your activity level? What do you do in the way of housework, cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc., and
6. what kind of PT are you doing? How much and how often?

I'll be back!

Also read these articles, they will give you all the information you need to manage your recovery and post-op pain better

First is the BoneSmart mantra
- rest, elevate, ice and take your pain meds by the clock
- if it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physiotherapist - to do it to you
- if your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again
- if you won't die if it's not done, don't do it
- never stand when you can sit, never sit when you can lie down, never stay awake when you can go to sleep!
- be active as much as you need to be but not more than is necessary, meaning so much that you end up being in pain, exhausted or desperate to sit down or lay down!

And here are the hip recovery articles
Pain management and the pain chart
Healing: how long does it take?
Chart representation of THR recovery
Dislocation risk and 90 degree rule
Energy drain for THRs
Pain and swelling control: elevation is the key
Activity progression for THRs
Home physio (PT)
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds

 

[crybaby2]

Thanks so much for the reply. I have been getting better at taking my meds by the clock. There are sooooooo many though. 3 different menus for pain to choose from. MAJOR pain, MODERATE pain and getting off pain meds. I have mentioned to my home health people. I have thrown in the towel and admitted I need them for now. I have been home for a week now. Surgery was on 7/22. Mini posterior, on one crutch with no limp. When the drugs are wearing off, I become a mess. That does worry me. Just can't think about that at this time. All say I am way ahead of most. Good/Bad not sure.. both have their problems. I could easily drive if not for meds. I was mentally distraught before surgery, I knew I may have a little of that after too. I am hoping on sleeping thru most of this. Thanks again. I am just one BIG PAIN IN THE BUTT but! not for long. Thanks again

 

[Poppet]

Welcome crybaby2, you have come to the right place to get answers...

 

[nmscienceteacher]

crybaby2 make sure you answer the questions Josephine sent you and read the articles she sent. The articles contain a wealth of information and Josephine has a crazy amount of experience she can draw on to help us all out. Hang in there. Time is very healing.

 

[sharonslp]

It's really simple, CB. Right now, you're at Major Pain. Take the full dosage of your prescriptions as often as allowed. Don't wait for the meds to wear off. (If it says take one or two tablets every 4 to 6 hours....take two every 4 hours.) Keep this up for another week or two. Don't worry about not being able to drive. Stay home and nap instead.

Towards the end of the third week or so, start VERY SLOWLY cutting back and see how it goes with each tweak before you tweak again. But your job right now is to be patient and give yourself the gift of time to heal. Hawaii is not going anywhere. It will be there when you are ready, and you WILL be ready.

Getting off pain meds......many/most of us are on them for a good 6 to 12 weeks. Somewhere in that time, you'll cut back even more. It should be done so gradually that one day you suddenly realize you hardly need more than some tylenol anymore. You might need that tylenol or an anti-inflammatory a bit longer than 12 weeks; remember that full healing takes at least a year and upwards to two. You will see happiness and joy again....truly.

Sharon

 

[crybaby2]

Swelling is a type of pain.​

​

I have some questions to ask you:​

1. what are your pain levels right now? (remember the 1-10 scale: 1 = no pain and 10 = the worst you can imagine. And don't compare this with the bone-on-bone pain you had before surgery!

)​

​

If i am good and do not let my drugs wear off my pain level is 0 with laying around and a 5 if i am getting up. Toilets are not my favorite spot to drink coffee and read the news paper. I have really decided I do not like hard chairs or toilet seats... that they are hard and hurt my butt cheek a lot.​

​

2. what pain medications have you been prescribed, how much are you taking (in mg please) and how often?​

​

I have 3 cocktail menus...1). (1-2) Percocet 325mg...2).1percocet 325 and 1 diazepam 5mg every 4 hours. 3). 2 Tramadol 50 mg four times day as needed and taper off over 4 weeks. 3). 1 tramadol and 1 diazepam 4x daily if needed. They took my off my Warafen today to be replaced with asperin. and stool softners.​

​

​

3. how often are you icing your knee and for how long? ​

​

ice has been my best friend for many months but don't do it as often as I should 3 times maybe a day. I have to get up to get it. ( not too much help and want to save it, I may need it more later)​

​

4. how high are you elevating your leg, how often and for how long?​

​

I lay around a lot and always have leg up. Too high is not comfortable. too much pressure on tail bone. I do have a nice bed movable with memory foam matress.​

​

​

5. what is your activity level? ​

​

Well since I am on my own... too much probably. Haven't cleaned house much. Need to water my tomatoes and clean kitty box. Have those set up and is very easy. cleaning kitchen is easy. paper everything. I walk to my mailbox with 1 crutch or 2 if i want. No limp. I visit my neighbors every evening to have a good laugh. I have all the food I need for a long time. done before surgery and i don't have much appitite now.​

​

What do you do in the way of housework, cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc., and ​

6. what kind of PT are you doing? How much and how often?​

​

I have home health nurse and PT for now. Then off to my favorite boys soon.. I really have it made but.... if i am late on my meds I have noticed I CRY!!! everyone is learning when it is time now. Getting better at this. Tierd of pain. It will get better this time I hope. Home health said they really have never had many that are doing this well. But... I do not want to over do it! I try to do what is comfortable. Not much. my exercises. meds, rest, ice, sleep. a good cry ​

​

I'll be back! ​

​

Also read these articles, they will give you all the information you need to manage your recovery and post-op pain better ​

​

First is the BoneSmart mantra​

- rest, elevate, ice and take your pain meds by the clock​

- if it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physiotherapist - to do it to you​

- if your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again​

- if you won't die if it's not done, don't do it​

- never stand when you can sit, never sit when you can lie down, never stay awake when you can go to sleep!​

- be active as much as you need to be but not more than is necessary, meaning so much that you end up being in pain, exhausted or desperate to sit down or lay down! ​

​

And here are the hip recovery articles​

Pain management and the pain chart​

Healing: how long does it take?​

Chart representation of THR recovery​

Dislocation risk and 90 degree rule​

Energy drain for THRs​

Pain and swelling control: elevation is the key​

Activity progression for THRs​

Home physio (PT)​

Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it​

Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds​

 

[bsilvers]

crybaby2 , what is your pain level that you are feeling on a 1-10 ? I agree with everyone here about staying ahead of the pain.. If you don't want to take them like every 4 hours then if your pain gets to a 4 or 5 then take one.. I know somebody asked already but I didn't see you answer when you had your surgery?

 

[zauberflöte]

crybaby2 welcome to BoneSmart! You're about 10 days out now-- if it were me, I'd be taking those 2 percocet every 4 hours-- that's exactly what I had, and what I did. I started tapering the percocet and adding in regular tylenol in exact substitute amounts (tylenol 325's, not the 500's) at about 2 or 2 1/2 weeks. I tapered very very very slowly, half a percocet at a time, so sometimes I was taking just a bit more percocet than my head wanted to deal with, but it was worth it in pain management! The bedtime dose was the last to go, which I've noticed is common here. I'm 10 weeks and am still taking 3000mg tylenol every day, and some advil for the other arthritic joints...
My ankle swelled up also, even after the hip and knee swelling went away. I'm pretty much back to normal now, but I think that's relatively early in the game to be able to say that.

Keep taking care of yourself--

 

[crybaby2]

hello all you wonderful people!!!!!!!!! I love you all. Funny thing is... i seem to be on this i love everyone kick right now, and truly I have spoken to some people that have raised my spirits so high that I hope I can do the same some time for others. I have found that it is ok to cry. Now that I tell the perfect stranger that anything they say could make me cry, they seem to laugh and so do I. hmmmm. funny to me.

I truly think the hardest thing for me is the 2 surgeries in 6 months. Had I known anything ( like doing my homework and research) before neither may have happened this year anyway. BUT this is now my reality and the worst is behind me now I hope. I am getting into a good place. I am not fretting about the lack of exercise. I am not fretting about cleaning, working, sleeping, eating or anything. I am totally excited that my 91 year old father asked if I wanted to go on a Canadian cruise with him. Perfect speed for both of us. ( it is the end of October) I have never been past Montana.

My home pt person is being nicer now. I told him I cried after he left the other day. He is bringing coffee tomorrow. My poor little Butt seems to be getting A LITTLE better. Rome was not built in a day. I am 1 week and 2 days out of surgery. July 22 2013. They took me off blood thinners today. Not sure if that is significant or not but 1 less drug. I have never had such low blood pressure ever but it is so nice to see. Soooo. I guess today is good. And best of all I have someone I can share my small accomplishments with..

 

[Poppet]

Well said crybaby2... "Rome was not built in a day"... You got that right babe

 

[anniemg]

My home pt person is being nicer now. I told him I cried after he left the other day. He is bringing coffee tomorrow.​

crybaby2, That a girl! Anyone who brings coffee is a keeper in my book!
Hope each day gets better for you. Take care.

 

[Audball]

Crybaby you're doing great. Cry if you want to, you've been through a lot. Xxxxx

 

[Poppet]

Love my coffee

 

[crybaby2]

Hello to all my fellow hippies, Today it has been 2 weeks since surgery. I have had good days and the dreaded bad days. Not so much because of the pain but more because of the upset stomach. I have called my home health 3x now and they just said to wait and see what I feel in the AM. I think I have finally figured it out. My body hates Diazepam. I spit up blood the other night and my gums have never bled so bad. Home help said to stop taking the aspirin but I think it is the diazepam also. I have quit them. Yesterday was a bad tummy day. Was afraid of all meds yesterday. I took a pain at bed last night and decided if I got sicker I would get myself to the ER. I feel asleeep and felt better today then ever so far. Cleaned house. Did all PT exercises 5 times and went on a walk, and now writing. Happy Happy. Tomorrow is my 1st follow up. I am kinda anxious. I think I am doing well in healing. It is the tummy that worries me a bit. My knee still hurts as much as anything but the swelling is gone. I can walk perfect with 1 crutch no limp but do not like my cane. Too wobbly. I have a girlfriend going in for a revision on Weds. I am more afraid for her them me. She hasn't much upper body strength do to 2 shoulder surgeries in the last 2 years. Her hip lasted 18 years. I will be there for her though. I will sit with her and help her to the potty and give her real food in the hospital. I just hope the doc lets me drive after tomorrow or I will not be too much help except by phone. Well you all have a great night. bye for now crybaby.. oh... I still cry when I feel like it.

 

[crybaby2]

Hello Poppet and all. Today was my 1st post op appointment. Happy Happy. I can drive again. Still no water sports, no sleeping on side or stomach but I can drive. I am doing well. Can walk with no crutch but not ready yet. It is my buddy. I am probably crazy but.... I want to start a crazy wheel chair club.

When I was told I would have to do in home PT I was very disappointed. I wanted to rent a wheelchair so I could push 1½ miles there and back. I can't the ride the bike yet so...... Why not we all get strong!!! have fun doing it... ride the bike half time and push the chair half the time. Have beautiful legs and arms and the core... well that will just fall into place with the bike and the chair. Am I crazy??? Probably, but it does sound fun to do with others. Maybe some good laughs. It isn't zoomba or yoga... but I'll think of a good name. Anyway again today was another good day. Love to all CRY BABY2

 

[tashia]

You sound like you are doing great. Do remember to go slow. I am so glad you had a wonderful day. Tashia

 

[Josephine]

​

One thread for your recovery please?​

 

[tracycharli]

Hi Crybaby.

I like you was an extremely active person. I was diagnosed with FAI and labrum tear and had surgery last may (2012) and within about 4 weeks, i knew that something was badly wrong. My doc told me the same as yours did "it's healing, it's fine, i consider it a success" a year later, and i'm house bound and am still on the sick and have lost 2 of my 3 jobs. I've gone to another consultant, who like yours doesn't want to do anything because "its another doctors work and they know your hip better." I'm pleased you got answers fairly quickly, and managed to get yourself sorted out. I know it must be a real nightmare for you at the minute, BUT a couple of months of what you're going through has to be better than the pain before the surgery, right? Keep your chin up, keep plodding through, and soon enough, you'll be out the other side.

Tracy
xxx