A huge thank you to my fellow Californian for the informative and very helpful information.
Everything I’m dealing with is like an ongoing mysterious puzzle with many clues and wishing I could finally have a resolution. I now realize I’m probably dealing with multiple issues and the one question that I would love answered is this: did the THR activate all the problems that I know already existed and were dormant until disturbed by my surgery? An MRI I had right before surgery also noted gluteus minimus tendinitis and trochanter edema; yet another pre surgery clue that was never mentioned by my surgeon.
I did have an SI injection on January 27 to rule out the cause of pain. I felt a little better for awhile but again, uncertain if that was the main cause of all the problems.
A month ago, after yet another lumbar X-ray, the urgent care orthopedic practice I visited suggested an epidural of my L4-5, L5-S1 to rule out nerve root impingement which was worse on left side. I do have stable mild to moderate degenerative facet arthropathy in those areas. Again, immediately felt relief from the lidocaine but corticosteroid didn’t help that much. And two weeks ago, the corticosteroid for trochanter bursitis which was definitely diagnosed and didn’t offer relief.
What is maddening is the realization that multiple injections may be required in each joint, up to three to see if I get results. Dealing with side effects of corticosteroids caused many side effects which made me ill for several days.
Could nerve pain also be caused by sciatic nerve and SI joint?
So many unanswered questions and I’m weary of hearing the words”rule out” but I guess that’s how it’s going to be until the pieces of the puzzle all fit into place. I know it’s counterproductive to look back but I really wish I had left my labral tears and moderately arthritic hip alone. Surgery was definitely not critically needed but I thought, based on what my surgeon also told me, I would be doing great after a few months. I obviously was totally unrealistic.
I also believe I went back to work too quickly, after only four weeks! My job requires being on my feet each day, standing and walking, and since he gave me clearance, I also was walking to the beach a few days a week thinking I was fine. Now I do recall, all the problems started around November, two months post op. Glutes, tight hip flexors and all the rest of my unhappy muscles and tendons.
As I mentioned earlier, I was convinced that since I had an anterior approach, and initially was doing well, it wasn’t really a major procedure. I have learned the painful truth and honestly, my surgeon also contributed to my ignorance.
So tomorrow will visit a new hip surgeon, next week a visit to my spine surgeon who is also chief of neurosurgery. I’ve never seen a neurologist before. If my surgeon thinks that will help, I’ll certainly schedule an appointment. I sure hope I’ll have at least a few answers to the many issues I’m dealing with. I’ll be bringing my increasing cd library with me; what a cruel joke!
I do hope other patients who read this will learn from my mistakes in judgment. It’s awful to be feeling miserable and limited by pain and unable to do simple things each day. The whole purpose of having surgery was to feel better; not worse! Also so important to choose a surgeon who is not dismissive or evasive when you ask why you’re having pain after so many months. Maybe that’s wishing for the impossible but again, how do really know until you’re faced with a difficult situation. I based my selection on his CV, background, hospital and amazing patient reviews.
Thanks again for the valuable information; really appreciate your insight and caring.
Be well and I’ll keep you updated.
United States
) as well as trying the med protocol and see if this helps any.
you get some answers with you new consult.
