4 weeks pain

Tulipgirl

new member
Joined
Jan 29, 2023
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Age
59
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United Kingdom United Kingdom
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I broke my hip on 3 January with surgery 48 hours later. I am 57 and have had ME for 15 years (7 years severe) and have been treated for osteopenia for 7 years. The surgery was for a partial hip replacement.

I knew my recovery would be longer with the ME so factored in with my physio a sensible approach for the exercises. What I am concerned about is the still high pain level. Last week it regally was severe needing morphine over 2 days and strong pain killers. The pain has lessened but is sharp and at about a 6 to 7 but flaring to an 8 plus if I even try to do a small amount of the exercises and it stays at a strong 7 the rest of the time. I’m trying to only use the pain killers when I am really needing them.

The pain is mainly focused on a smaller area when at rest to the top of the surgery incision. This is also an area where there is about a 2 cms of slightly inflamed red puffy skin which had this morning looked slightly as though it would have a small head of white. I had the post surgery dressing off a week ago and the stitches trimmed only this weekend so there was a long bit of “thread” that maybe caused some irritation after the dressing was off as it was not held in one place anymore.

Attached is a photo although it does not reflect the redness of it. I’m going to take another photo tomorrow morning to compare. All advice welcome. Thank you.
 

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@Tulipgirl Welcome to BoneSmart! I am so sorry you broke your hip and are experiencing so much pain. Reading your post it looks like your surgery was on January 5, 2023, is that correct? And which hip is it? We will create a signature for you with that information. Have you sent the picture of the redness to your surgeon? If not I suggest you do so. While it does not look infected to me it would be best for your surgeon to take a look and give you his opinions on what should be done.

We have found that applying ice packs and elevating the leg can help with pain following any joint replacement surgery. And for many people vigorous PT is not necessary. Walking is usually the best exercise for a new hip particularly since this surgery was done because of an injury rather than progressive deterioration from arthritis or other degenerative condition.

You also mentioned you had a partial hip replacement ... do you know which part(s) was replaced?

Here are our suggestions and articles for post op recovery from hip surgery.

Hip Recovery: The Guidelines
1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now, they are almost certainly temporary.
2. Control discomfort:
rest
elevate
ice
take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)
3. Do what you want to do BUT
a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you
b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.
4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of these
BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy
5. At week 4 and after you should follow this
Activity progression for THRs
6. Access these pages on the website
Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications
Wound Care In Hospital

The 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

Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it

Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

BIG TIP: Hips actually don't need any exercise to get better. They do a pretty good job of it all on their own if given half a chance. Trouble is, people don't give them a chance and end up with all sorts of aches and pains and sore spots. All they need is the best therapy which is walking and even then not to excess.
We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery.
While members may create as many threads as they like in a majority of BoneSmart's forums, we ask that each member have only one recovery thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review history before providing advice.
 
I knew my recovery would be longer with the ME so factored in with my physio a sensible approach for the exercises.
Are you doing PT? What exercises if any are you doing? Maybe take a few days off and see what happens?
As far as the red spot I had one at the end of my incision on my right. It turned out to be an internal stitch working it's way out.
 
I’ve stopped doing the physiotherapist exercises for now and sticking to making sure if frequently move around on the crutches. The ME means for me that any minor exertion makes me sicker whether physical, emotional or mentally. I was probably over enthusiastic at the start and pushed myself which I should know not to do but am paying for it. I know I can do all the exercises and will start them again once I’m in less pain. The pain is all inside where the incision is as well as the thigh of the operated leg. I need to give into the painkillers but am reluctant as im on such much medication. However it was such a joy to be doing exercises again and I just forgot about the ME!
 
Hi, @Tulipgirl. Don't despair! I had to dial PT waaaay back after they pushed me beyond my limits. When I was ready to resume PT, I told my therapist to begin at a lower dosage. Dosage is key when it comes to the early days of PT. Ensures you don't overdo. Hang in there!
 
Hello and Welcome to BoneSmart. I am sorry to read of the unfortunate circumstances necessitating surgery and also for the pain you're struggling with.
I was probably over enthusiastic at the start and pushed myself which I should know not to do but am paying for it. I know I can do all the exercises and will start them again once I’m in less pain.
If you're suspecting this is the reason for your pain, it's likely so. It is not necessary to exercise your injured hip to promote healing. The controlled trauma sustained through THR will heal on its own. Often though, we're impatient and want to move the process along. In doing so we run the risk of struggling with pain and setbacks stalling the healing process. The best therapy for recovery is walking, but not to excess. Start slowly increasing time and distance incrementally in an effort not to overdo it. Give yourself the TLC you deserve and reap the benefits of a successful recovery.

Please identify ME in medical terms for our members so they have a better understanding as to how this may be affecting your recovery.

We will calculate your surgery date as January 5th given the information you provided. If we're wrong, please let us know and we'll edit accordingly. Also, the name of your procedure will be helpful for those stopping by to read or comment.

I hope with some rest your pain eases soon. Best Wishes!
@Tulipgirl
 

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