THR Craftdee's Made It Through

[beachgal]

Just a word of encouragement and a little observation. If you are not consistently resting well at night, your recovery will suffer. Please ask about some Xanax from your GP just to help you relax enough to get to sleep and STAY asleep through the night. If you're doing everything else to help yourself sleep, this might be the extra push you need. You're doing great but will be so much happier and optimistic with good rest. Hugs!


Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum

 

[craftdee]

Hi @Josephine I'm tagging you to see if you can offer any advice about the pain I'm experiencing in my operated leg... it's driving me crazy. It's not agony but I'm losing so much sleep, and I'm not getting that much to start with, lol. I just thought you might have an idea of what I can do for it
It runs down the outside of my leg... well between the front and the side, from my hip to my knee. Not high in the hip more groin level. It's a throbbing/pulsing/burning/aching (obviously hard to accurately describe!) feeling. It never gets above a 3 or 4 but it doesn't ever go away completely either. I'm stiff in the morning, better once I get going, but have noticed if I'm sitting for a while I'm rubbing my leg; if I press quite hard it feels better, but stops feeling better as soon as I stop rubbing/pressing. If I stand too long it starts up as well!
I'm only taking Paracetemol during the day and I've cut my Targin to half at night only (I stopped the morning dose yesterday, I want to be able to drive soon so want to be clear of the "heavier" drugs) with some Paracetemol to (try) to get to sleep. I have been taking the Paracetemol only at breakfast, but I'm definitely going to have to take some during the day today, it's throbbing like crazy and seems to be involving more of the leg (heading towards the back of the leg as well) I have been on my feet quite a lot, but having rest breaks, I'm doing basically no PT as I feel I'm doing plenty of walking
So if you get a chance, could you give me your thoughts

 

[craftdee]

Hi @beachgal... thanks for your encouragement; I appreciate it, truly. I am feeling a bit despondent. Not being rested doesn't help, I've taken your advice and am going to pop a valium for a couple of nights (I've got some to hand that were for my pre-op nerves) I guess the worst thing is that while I have this level of discomfort and I can't "test" my new found mobility because of restrictions I don't feel like I've acquired anything other than the booby prize I know it will all pass, I'll get there in the end, it's a marathon not a sprint, etc etc etc but when you read here about people who had their surgery two weeks after you already tying their shoelaces and you can't pull your underwear up if it falls to the floor without a dressing stick,(musn't bend down) and that's the situation for the next two months, it gets you down
I am usually such a positive person, I don't understand why this is getting to me so badly. Maybe I should just stop reading all the crazy success stories on here for a couple of weeks and then I won't feel so ripped off

 

[toohip]

Hi @craftdee - Yes, stop kicking yourself, it's only been about 4 weeks...i sorta felt this way as well at 4-6 weeks...i still had the 3 restrictions. but I kept telling myself well 2 out of my 3 wants for this operation were met so far...one, i was no longer having horrific arthritis pain...and two, my legs were even and pointing normal...so hey, if i can never bend again so be it (crazy thought, huh?)...well, now it's about 12 weeks today and for the first time in years (and I mean many many years!!!!) i was able to shave my legs without contorting my body in various ways and last night i was able to sit on my couch and bring my feet on the coffee table, sorta bending my knees to my thighs. I have my 12 week follow up this week and i still can't accomplish crossing my operated leg to my unoperated knee...but hey, i'm just going to keep up with PT and my gym/yoga/swim etc until my range of motion is better. It might take the rest of my life, lol. Both my OS and an RA doctor told me it could take a year or more til my body and muscles could have full range of motion!!! For now, 2 out of 3 ain't bad, lol!!!

 

[toohip]

Hi @craftdee - P.S. The outer thigh pain you are feeling might be your IT band muscle. If you were going to PT, they could massage and stretch it out to feel a little better, and also work on that muscle group with you. It gets manipulated plenty during surgery and tightens up.

 

[beachgal]

I will be 15 weeks Friday and am sure hoping that my OS lifts my restrictions on 11/10. The delay in scheduling my "12 weeks" check-up was my idea since I knew I'd have to travel to the Jackson area to meet with him and also knew we'd have to be there this week for a few days of tax seminars, so I'm "killing two birds..." I can tie my shoes but it's not graceful at all. I can get in and out of the bathtub but wouldn't dream of letting hubby see me as I contort myself around as needed. Every week I do notice a bit of improvement in my ROM but I'm not setting any records here. I'm just so grateful to be without pain, I could dance!

Resting well at night will improve your outlook and your ability to reason your way through your issues as they appear. When I'm tired, I'm cranky and very unhappy. It makes a world of difference. Don't think of taking a valium to help you sleep as "digressing". You probably should have been taking a bit of something all along rather than trying to go it alone. Give your body what it needs...listen to what it's telling you....you'll be amazed at how it pays you back!

 

[Hoppy Nanny]

Sorry you are feeling despondent @craftdee

Afraid there is always someone doing a half marathon two weeks after THR when you are struggling!! From my point of view you are right where you should be at circa 4 weeks. I've seen people who are 'winging it', rushing around and suddenly bam....they are caught with IT band pain, etc from overdoing it.....so many times. It seems sooooo long I know....I took some diazepam to help out my 'Blues' ...just a few days...took them at night so I slept too....they really helped. Hang on in there Hun.....it really will get better....xx


Sent from my iPad using BoneSmart Forum

 

[craftdee]

Well first of all @beachgal, @toohip and @Hoppy Nanny for your messages and for sending positive vibes my way, I'm not sure I deserve them for being such a Sooky La La
I had a better night last night, probably courtesy of the valium and the higher dose Paracetemol I took, but what the hey, I'll take it. I'm going to take the Panadol Osteo (Paracetemol 625mg) through the day for a couple of days, it does feel like a bit of regression in that it was what I was taking pre-op, of course if it takes this thigh pain away it will be doing more than it was doing for the arthritis pre-op
I suppose I am where I thought I'd be (except for this horrible beeping thigh pain) at 4 weeks, getting frustrated at the restrictions, of course I didn't find out until the eleventh hour that they would be in place for 12 weeks instead of 6 so I kinda paced myself for weeks 4 to 6 being frustrating, not weeks 4 to 12. I'm seeing the OS on Friday 14th so I may get some lifted... with any luck
I'm getting some Physio tomorrow @toohip and @Hoppy Nanny, I liked her honesty when I asked her if there was any real value in getting her to come and she replied that if it were a knee, yes, but that the hip would probably do okay on its own... so I asked about this muscle (I presume its muscle) pain and she has said the same as you, that it could be IT band or some muscle ending in laterelis (?) and could benefit from massage. If it does I'll get it incorporated into my weekly massage without delay! Here's hoping because with that alleviated I could almost forget about the leg, I can do steps (a flight of stairs is a bit more of a challenge, but I don't encounter that too often so it could always have been a challenge) and I can turn my foot outwards which I haven't been able to do for so long. I can also abduct enough to get onto my exercise bike... with which I have a love/hate relationship, I love to hate it!) which became impossible even with assistance over a year ago.
I sooooo wish I could test out my shiny new toy, I don't know if I can bend, shave my legs without looking like a deranged contortionist or get up from sitting on a low chair without assistance, I just feel if I could achieve any of those things I'd see some benefit and having to wait to even try is like, killin' me man
I'm going to the hospital now, with my Dad to pick up my Mum. I'm tellin' ya my hip is a homing hip... it's been to or near that hospital five times since the op!
Enjoy your day, or night, thanks so much for the support. I promise you I'm not ALWAYS such a whinger,
Donna xx

 

[xtina16405]

I am so glad you got some sleep. I am in heaven that I sleep well. Before surgery was awful. I would wake up every two hours because of the bone on bone pain. Just think no more bone on bone. You have come along way. You walk further. You take the doggie "roo" chasing. You have had a massage. You mostly use a cane no crutch or walker. You have made some huge milestones. I hope you get an answer on the sore muscle. It is no fun. All my best.

 

[Hoppy Nanny]

Hope you get your Mum home OK @craftdee

A gentle massage might help that pain...but I bet the painkillers help more....sometimes you have to go back a little to solve the problem....getting a good nights sleep helps a lot I know! It helps you cope too when that little ' mind chattering' starts.

Loving the 'sooky la la'!! Not heard that one before...have a good day! X


Sent from my iPad using BoneSmart Forum

 

[craftdee]

Oh @Hoppy Nanny glad you like the Aussie slang, they have so much that is very descriptive, I love it still. It's a really common saying (about being childlike) ... though it's more Sooky Sooky La La, you know in that sing song voice
I'm looking forward to the Physio tomorrow, though I did cut my activity right down today (except for going to the hospital with my Dad to Pick up my Mum... she was in the room directly under the room I was in for my Hip Replacement!) it's a really good walk from the carpark to the room and back... literally the last ward in the furthest wing. I went to see her in there last night, and went there again this morning to pick her up (my Dad would have got hopelessly lost, so I'm glad I went or she'd still be there) so I figure that's enough exercise. I did very little around the house today, I did mop earlier this evening, but just a quick lick (though I was questioning the wisdom of changing most of our living areas to tiles last year in our super renovation, lol) It didn't take too long, and I do feel better when the place is clean.
I've taken my pills, starting to relax now so I'll be off to bed soon. I've been icing this evening too, it does help. I hope I get a decent bit of sleep again, I know I only got two lots of about three and a half hours last night, but that was fine as I got straight back off after taking more pain relief at 3.30 I also had a sniff around the web and sussed out some ideas re the thigh pain... culminating in my hubby rolling on my leg with a wooden rolling pin like so much pizza dough for about 15 minutes earlier, and it actually felt pretty good after and still does
Have a lovely day, or whatever it is in your neck of the woods
Donna

 

[MajorHeidi]

Well @craftdee glad you are feeling better about things.
Most all of us felt like that, too.

I am a postergirl for the IT band pain since I was one that overdid it and got bursitis. Bummer!

 

[Josephine]

Sorry I'm late getting to your tag.

I'm going to ask you some questions and it would be very helpful if you would answer each one individually - numbered as I have done - in as much detail as you can then I'll come back as see where you are ....

1. what approach did you have for your surgery? Anterior, posterior, lateral? You can look here to see the various types THR approaches or incisions

2. 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!

) Also don't forget to include other forms of pain such as soreness, burning, stabbing, throbbing, aching, swelling and stiffness

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

4. what is your activity level? What do you do in the way of housework, cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc., and

5. what kind of PT exercises and exercises at home are you doing? How much and how often? (and detailed details would be appreciated, please! Reps, sets and session and all that)

Note:
If you're not familiar with this, it goes like so:
1 lift of a 500kg bell bar = 1 rep or repetition.
Doing 5 reps and then a brief rest = 1 set of 5.
And doing 5 sets and finishing = a session.

6. can you tell me the exact site of your pain using this chart?
Please note the instructions in the smaller image

 

[PhatTxDiva]

Sorry, all I have to offer are hugs. {{{{ @craftdee }}}} Hope you're feeling better.

*I'm also cracking up at "sooky la la".

 

[craftdee]

Hi @Josephine, thanks for getting back to me.
1) I had Posterior Approach

2) At the moment my pain is a 2-3, I haven't long medicated and it will drop more but not go away. It is a throbbing/aching/burning sort of pain as opposed to a stabbing pain (without medication it gets up to 4+ and certainly the highest pain level I've reached post op, and worse than much of my pre-op pain though different)

3) I am taking Paracetemol 625mg, I was taking that only twice a day last week and it was adequate; now I am taking it every four to six hours, I have been waking in the night with pain, so I'm now taking it around the clock and it's only really taking the edge off (quite well for the first hour or so)
I have Oxynorm Oxycodene 5mg dose "2x 4 times a day as required" and Tramadol 50mg dose "as required" (as well as Targin brand name for Oxycodone HCL/Naloxone HCL slow release dose "one twice a day") in the cupboard, I am loathe to take the Oxynorm, don't like the side effects and really didn't need it from about day 10, I have a limited quantity of Tramadol which I tolerate well and a few Targin left, I was trying to dispense with the Targin so I will be able to drive next week and want to be well clear of the oxycodone. I am, at this point open to your thoughts on reintroducing the Targin and/or Tramadol - if you think the Oxynorm is the answer, so be it... but if it's just masking the problem and I have to to keep taking them I'm really not keen on starting them up again. I have added a Valium (Diazapam 5mg 1x at night) to the mix, it is helping me get off to sleep I think, I've only done this for the last two nights - so far so good

4) My Activity level was quite high; I was walking for about 20 - 30 minutes at a time, having a 20 to 30 minute rest in between ; Doing most of my usual chores, except vacuuming and scrubbing floors, or anything involving breaking restrictions. The last two or three days I have cut right back, unfortunately the pain is much the same

5) I was doing some PT: Thigh Squeezes (bed), Hip/Knee bends (bed), Hip Abduction (bed), Bridging (bed), Seated Knee Bends, Seated Knee Extensions, Leg Lifts Forwards/Backwards, Leg Lift Sideways (standing), Standing Marches, Mini Squats, Hamstring Curls (standing) 10 reps of each. I was "supposed" to do three sessions a day, occasionally did two sessions usually did one session... if at all. Figured I was doing plenty of walking and general movement

6) The main problem area is DL6F to HL6F Sometimes it feels more to the front sometimes more to the side (side of the front rather than the outer edge of my leg, if you know what I mean) I have what seems to be a separate pain, more tugging, intermittent (though still an ache rather than a stab) to the other pain which is that "deeper" throbbing/aching/burning and more insistent pain, at CL4/5F to D/EL4/5F which has been present longer. It is quite uncomfortable but not as debilitating as the outer thigh pain

I have no more swelling than I had last week, probably less, the wound is sensitive to firm touch, but not light touch, there is no redness or warmth

Anything else I can tell you, just ask
Thanks in advance,
Donna

 

[craftdee]

Thanks @PhatTxDiva Hugs are good

 

[craftdee]

I do have a horrible "new IT Band Poster Girl On The Block" feeling @MajorHeidi ... the thing about overdoing it is you don't realize you are until you have
Physio'll be here in a few hours see what she has to offer. Otherwise hope for an improvement or some solutions with the OS next week

 

[craftdee]

Physio just left, she was lovely -so NOT pushy! She basically ditched my exercise regime as not helpful, added some Quad stretches and abduction stretch type thingys and gave me acupuncture - about which I was skeptical, but having reached the point of desperation, went ahead with... definitely feels better, less "heavy" and not throbbing. She showed me a little massage too, easy peasy - very low tech. Now she has released some of the tension in the IT band and Quads it should be easier to keep on top of the pain... I hate using that word "pain" it really is "strong discomfort" but that takes too long to type
She asked what my activity level was and started shaking her head about half way through a typical day, so I guess I HAVE been overdoing it... said my leg was good considering what it had been through, and I did need to consider what "it" had been through not just what "I" had been through; I got what she meant... so I will cut back. She also said to lift the medication (at night in particular) , like @Hoppy Nanny said massage will feel good but painkillers will feel better, she added a thought to what I (and probably most BoneSmarties) already knew about the value of a full night's sleep; If a traumatized (as in operated on!) area can get an extended period of time without having to deal with pain it can build on repair work done earlier in that particular "pain free" period, so there's more value in one six hour period than in two three hour periods, makes sense!
She was happy with my gait, didn't see why I was using the cane if I didn't feel the need so told me not to... until I feel that need, usually about 3pm, lol. She did also find some issues with my knees for me to follow up later, when I get the be-bothered, and said I could do with orthotics, again... be-bothered
She doesn't want or feel the need to see me again (though I do have an appointment with the Hospital Physio after my OS appointment next Friday, may keep that one just to see if the information correlates!)
Feeling much better, I'm in less pain, feel less concerned about the seriousness of the pain site, and after her glowing praise on my balance and gait feel much more accomplished for a Five-weeks-tomorrow THR-er

 

[Hoppy Nanny]

Sounds like a good physio session @craftdee

Glad you are feeling the benefit.....sometimes we just need validation that we are doing the right things at the right times ( or indeed overdoing it!!!). My only gripe during my THR recovery was that you got all the pre op info but very little post op! They say......Just walk as far as you can...do the exercises but soon realised one size doesn't fit all.....it's listening to your own body & cutting back.
If you've got pain cutting back & taking the meds is truly the best thing to do... It's hard because you want to be 'progressing' faster but a great lesson learnt for me was that this is a slow & steady recovery....some weeks I felt invincible so I pushed myself too much & then spent the next week almost back to square one..back on the icing ( the best) and pain killers.

But, it's not forever....a very short time in the scheme of things! Take it easy now @craftdee.. You are only 5 weeks out & doing fab! Chrissie x


Sent from my iPad using BoneSmart Forum

 

[MajorHeidi]

@craftdee I think your physio visit really helped you mentally to acknowledge that you are doing 'just fine' and you are an accomplished 5 weeker.
That's big!
And, the pain relief periods helping healing is real, and helpful. I think so many people want to run away from using pain meds when they do actually provide profound help to us early on.