THR Ausman gets a new hip!

[Josephine]

I wouldn't recommend a surgical remedy. It can cause more problems than it resolves. Usually a cortisone injection is more than enough to sort it out.

 

[Marvy]

@Ausman how are you doing? Have you been back to see your OS????

 

[Ausman]

@Ausman how are you doing? Have you been back to see your OS????

Thank you Marvy! My apologies- I'd been meaning to check in with you to see how you are doing as well...the return to work has been a bit of a whirlwind.

I did indeed see my OS, and as Josephine recommended, I very strongly indicated my desire to try Cortisone shots in the two inflamed bursae. My wife even annotated them with a Sharpie pen. So I got the cortisone shots, and I have to say I had a relatively good week after that. But I seem to be regressing back into the pattern of sharp hip pain when sitting.

I also asked about an MRI, and my OS indicated he would be willing to go that route. But between you and me, I don't think he has even a hunch what to look for.

The really frustrating and disappointing thing is that this pain while sitting is EXACTLY the same as I had BEFORE my THR. Absolutely exactly the same (yep- that's that icepick in the hip that you and I talked about). My OS attributed it to OA in that hip, as well as a torn labrum. Well, I no longer have that hip nor that labrum. And nothing is better.

Good lord at the worst times I start to question whether I needed the THR at all! But I'm not going to go down that rabbit hole.

Well, just a quick note. Best thing I can do is to not sit in front of the computer- going for a walk and stretch.

Ausman

 

[Marvy]

@Ausman - I'm still working from home. It's been nice - wish I didn't have to go back to the office!

I'm doing pretty good! Although going up stairs, I can still feel the weakness in the bursitis area, but it is the best it has been since the original replacement. Like you said before, our stories are so similar it's almost scary! I too "started" with a torn labrum and some OA. Due to my age, my surgeon said that it really wasn't worth fixing the torn labrum as I would only end up with a hip replacement, so we may as well go for the replacement. I found many medical journal articles supporting this theory. I put off the replacement for a couple years. I too have questioned whether I really needed the replacement or not. But, we can't go back. I even told my surgeon that I would give almost anything to have my original hip bones back. He didn't appreciate that comment too much!

I really hate the fact that you are dealing with all of this. I agree with you in the fact that the surgeon really doesn't know what to look for. Unfortunately (and you know what I'm going to say) you probably should seriously start looking for a hip preservation surgeon and one who specifically mentions that they are experienced in the muscles and tendons of the hip. The sooner that you can get an appointment with one, I think the sooner you will have a course of treatment. I would also look for one outside of the same practice/system than your current OS. I really have no clue as to why a "normal" orthopedic surgeon can't look beyond hardware and bones.

In the meantime, keep walking - and NO LIMPING!!!! Keep that cane around (or get a pair of walking poles). Limping will only make things worse. Are you doing any stretches for your IT band?

 

[Maryluibel]

Your stories are like mine. Had THR 12/19/18, for OA. But I had trochanteric bursitis on and off for a year or 2 before. Did all the research and put that surgery off. So now, I have that whole darn “ trochanteric syndrome” and had a cortisone injection after months of the NSAIDs, resting, icing, etc. I ended up going to a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician (couldn’t get into my OS for 6 weeks and my son, senior radiology resident strongly suggested this type of physician). It’s been a week since the injection. Walked yesterday for 10 minutes and the burning was back, NOT AS BAD, but I felt it. I guess I should be grateful for 10 minutes but I’m getting sooo discouraged, so I totally understand your frustration. It’s been four months post op for me. I don’t consider 59 old () so I have decided this is not the way it’s going to be!! I’m going walking again today, but I can tell you my limp is back...actually never went away completely. I think the hardest part of this journey is who to turn to that can help. If pain continues, despite an injection, I’m thinking an MRI is needed. Then there’s that fluid that’s been behind and around my knee since surgery, and the fact I cannot kneel on it.... but I will wait on that one. At least it doesn’t hurt my knee to walk. Good luck. Let’s hope we find the right path!!

 

[linette333]

My experience also seems relevant here. I suffered from what was finally diagnosed as trochanteric bursitis in my right hip for around 2 years, during which time I went through countless rounds of physiotherapy - all to no avail! I eventually got a cortico-steroid injection, which worked for 3 months or so - sheer heaven! I was then advised that further injections, although possible, would be less and less effective and that I should have a PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection. I had this injection in March last year and it has been 100% effective. Perhaps relevant here is the fact that whilst in the hospital, I met several people also getting this injection who had had THR and had subsequently developed the problem. So I would definitely recommend this treatment.
The downside to my story is that after having the PRP injection I had to spend 6 weeks non-weight bearing. was told that this was important for the injection to be most effective. Whilst this may be true, the fact is that I since starting to walk normally again, I have never been without pain! Now I am told that I need a THR and I am waiting for a surgery date. Obviously I can't help wondering if my OA would have developed in the same way without these 6 weeks....

 

[Ausman]

Your stories are like mine. Had THR 12/19/18, for OA. But I had trochanteric bursitis on and off for a year or 2 before. Did all the research and put that surgery off. So now, I have that whole darn “ trochanteric syndrome” and had a cortisone injection after months of the NSAIDs, resting, icing, etc. I ended up going to a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician (couldn’t get into my OS for 6 weeks and my son, senior radiology resident strongly suggested this type of physician). It’s been a week since the injection. Walked yesterday for 10 minutes and the burning was back, NOT AS BAD, but I felt it. I guess I should be grateful for 10 minutes but I’m getting sooo discouraged, so I totally understand your frustration. It’s been four months post op for me. I don’t consider 59 old () so I have decided this is not the way it’s going to be!! I’m going walking again today, but I can tell you my limp is back...actually never went away completely. I think the hardest part of this journey is who to turn to that can help. If pain continues, despite an injection, I’m thinking an MRI is needed. Then there’s that fluid that’s been behind and around my knee since surgery, and the fact I cannot kneel on it.... but I will wait on that one. At least it doesn’t hurt my knee to walk. Good luck. Let’s hope we find the right path!!

Thank you for sharing that Mary. Like many of us, I had never even heard of Trochanteric Bursitis before my THR. So I had come to understand it as primarily a consequence of THRs. Clearly that is not the case.

We are the same age and I am also determined that this "is not the way it's going to be". I'm overdue for a followup with my OS but waiting until I am again eligible for a cortisone injection. Meanwhile I am seeing a Chiropractor who is primarily focusing on the alignment issues I probably induced with the past year of limping. If there were enough hours in the day (along with being back to work full time) I would also still be doing PT, but something had to give for now.

Wishing you the best and let's check in on each other from time to time!

Ausman

 

[Ausman]

My experience also seems relevant here. I suffered from what was finally diagnosed as trochanteric bursitis in my right hip for around 2 years, during which time I went through countless rounds of physiotherapy - all to no avail! I eventually got a cortico-steroid injection, which worked for 3 months or so - sheer heaven! I was then advised that further injections, although possible, would be less and less effective and that I should have a PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection. I had this injection in March last year and it has been 100% effective. Perhaps relevant here is the fact that whilst in the hospital, I met several people also getting this injection who had had THR and had subsequently developed the problem. So I would definitely recommend this treatment.
The downside to my story is that after having the PRP injection I had to spend 6 weeks non-weight bearing. was told that this was important for the injection to be most effective. Whilst this may be true, the fact is that I since starting to walk normally again, I have never been without pain! Now I am told that I need a THR and I am waiting for a surgery date. Obviously I can't help wondering if my OA would have developed in the same way without these 6 weeks....

Thank you Linette for your insights and experiences. I had never heard of the PRP injection, and I will add that to the list of questions for my next visit with my OS. I know this is all scary and frustrating. And we both know too well that there are no guarantees, but wishing you healing and relief with a THR.

Ausman

 

[Maryluibel]

Oh how interesting. Thank you for thinking of me. I had actually looked into PRP a year before THR (all these initials!), but it was too expensive and still considered aexperimental for my situation. It would not fix the bone issue only soft tissue. I knew that it COULD fix the soft tissue issue, but then after THR I wasn’t sure if that whole thing would mess up the healing that took place. Too bad insurance doesn’t cover it.

As for the steroid shot, it’s been 2 weeks. I’m not sure if the pain is coming back or if this is overuse (don’t see how), bad posture, purse being too heavy etc. But it’s a little sore and my lower back right, side of THR hurts. Not sciatica. I don’t know. Trying to stay hopeful that this is one of those odd pains that go away the next day. Please keep me updated on your healing journeys @Ausman and @linette333 I’ll be thinking of you!

 

[Debru4]

Steroid injections are so unpredictable---it seems so many us have had the kinds of experiences with them that have been described in your thread. Years ago when I had back problems, I received an injection that lasted for close to 3 months---it was wonderful, and as a result of it, I was able to enjoy---even dance at, my daughter's wedding. The next one lasted about 2 weeks, and the 3rd only 3 days and that was minimal. They always say that a tiny percentage of people received long/longer terms relief, and I always hoped I would be the one. In truth, I'm not sure I've ever known anyone who was one of the lucky ones. But for temporary relief, IF it lasts a few weeks or months, and gives one a chance to catch their breath, it definitely is worth it. I always felt like I wanted to try .......just in case.

Prior to my hip surgery I had a 3 week trip already planned and paid for to Europe. I had 2 steroid injections in the months before the trip. Once again, the relief from the first shot lasted longer than the 2nd, and both alleviated some of the pain....but nothing long term. I always felt so disappointed when the pain returned---just once, I wanted to be in that tiny percent who were given long term relief. I hope you all find answers, and relief as you try to solve the mysteries of your pain.

 

[Marvy]

There are journal articles comparing cortisone & PRP injections. From what I've read, the PRP injections (in the tests/studies) have provided better results (ie: longer) than cortisone injections. I think (and just my opinion) the downsides are that not all doctors believe in them and do the injections, and not many insurance companies will pay for them. Depending on the situation, more than one injection may be needed to provide any relief. But, I would seriously consider PRP if given the opportunity....

 

[linette333]

As I think I have already mentioned, I had a PRP injection over a year ago now for hip bursitis and I have had no bursitis pain since - amazing! I only had the one injection. I previously had a cortisone injection which only lasted around 3 months. Here in the UK, they are still quite rare, but my surgeon had no hesitation in recommending it to me.

 

[Mojo333]

Hi @Ausman
Just wanted to pop in and say hello and ask what is up on the hip front?
Hope the bursitis has calmed and you have been well!

 

[Ausman]

Hey gang-

Yes I've been away from Bonesmart, but I think of my hippies here all the time.

Last month was the two year anniversary of my left THR. Unfortunately my pain level is increasing monthly. The extreme burning sensation in my left hip is a 100% nightly occurrence. Most days I start out with pain level around 2 and always hit 6 by bedtime. Any prolonged sitting ramps it up very quickly. For that reason I am keeping this brief.

Three different orthos in the past 12 months have insisted that this is NOT Trochanteric Bursitis. They based this on Xray, MRI, and Ultrasound. Cortisone shots this past June and July didn't help for even 5 minutes.

I'm starting with a new PT this week but I've gotten my hopes up so many times that I know better now. I'm out of work now because of this. Sorry no better news.

Ausman

 

[Marvy]

Oh @Ausman - I really hate to hear this!

Were you ever able to see a revision specialist?

Did the ortho doctors actually look at the MRI images or just the report? The reason I ask this is that the reports from all the imagining I had done (x-ray, CT, Ultrasound, MRI) none of the reports mentioned that the screw was protruding into my psoas.

Has anyone mentioned having a bone scan done?

Don't give up - there has to be an answer as to why you are still in this much pain at this point.