Hip Arthroscopy Frustrated 5 1/2 weeks post hip arthroscopic surgery

[roseynosey]

I am feeling so frustrated right now... I need advice and kind words:

I had left hip arthroscopic surgery 5 1/2 weeks ago: “chondral and labral debridement, capsular closure/tightening of a radial only capsulotomy.
"Grade 5- FAI with isolated chondral loss and adjacent labral loss with acetabular osteophyte formation”- that’s what my surgeon wrote on my post op paperwork.

I had severe uncontrollable pain after surgery, so instead of being released the same day, I spent 3 full days in the hospital for pain control. It was the most painful surgery I’ve ever had. I have had several for many different issues..but none on my hips or legs.

So I was discharged with a walker as I cannot manage crutches. I was told to only apply “toe touch” weight on my left leg. I was provided with only 3 post op home PT visits, which were very short visits as for the first 3 1/2 weeks my pain was at high levels.

I was provided with Norco, could use up to 6 times a day and another stronger med for breakthrough pain.
Last week, I was able to put a little more weight on my leg, surgeon said light and work my way off walker to crutches then one crutch, then none in the next two months.

During all this, pandemic happens and surgeon says absolutely no outpatient PT for me because I am high risk due to compromised immune system.
UGH- I was so looking forward to having a PT teach me how to walk, sit, turn my leg, use my foot..

I can’t sit more than 10 minutes-is this normal?

I'm doing basic PT, foot and thigh movements but I can’t do 10 repetitions of any- my leg feels too weak. It feels like dead weight—and when I do PT, I spend the night with ice on my hip and groin area the whole night.... I am barely getting 4-5 hours of very interrupted hours of sleep a night because of the pain.

My hip gets extremely hot and swells at night, plus sometimes my skin on outside of hip burns like a sunburn. Is this normal?

I feel so frustrated because now I can’t get an PT, even at home due to pandemic.

I’m going crazy - going on 6 weeks not being able to leave the house. My post op appointment had to be done via telephone with me sending pics of the incisions to my surgeon-

My surgeon is a Dr Jekll and Mr Hyde type- he’s the only ortho in my health plan area that does these types of surgeries. One minute he says to take pain meds because my surgery recovery will be long and painful and then another day he’ll say that I should not have this much pain and need to get off pain meds. So what am I supposed to do???

Is my pain levels normal?

Am I supposed to be having more PT?

I am feeling helpless, frustrated and angry and sad- my pain these last two days has been off the chart because I started to work online.

I need my income, and being able to work online was the only reason dr released me, otherwise if I had to go back he would not have. So I’m sitting at my computer, hurts too much to sit.....I don’t know how to sit because my hip feels so uncomfortable...

Any suggestions, words to help me deal with this???

Sorry for the long text, I have not been able to write about all this...until now.
I sustained the injury to my hip when I stepped off a train 4 years ago. No orthopedic would help, I got two cortisone injections two years ago only to be told after I should not have had the shots because I have severe osteoporosis.

Then last year I finally found and Ortho that then recommended me to the only ortho surgeon that would perform soft tissue repair-my MRI last year showed labral tear, bone spur, ligament tear and gluteus minimus tear...so after enduring one shot into my hip joint of lidocaine and another pain medication, I begged for surgery.

I could not walk anymore...surgeon said he usually makes patients go through two joint injections but fast tracked my surgery because of my pain level- it still took 5 months to have surgery....
So here I am, it’s about 2 am and after another pain med, I am frustrated and can’t sleep and keep crying.

Please any advice, kind words...is what I am experiencing normal?
I’m a 51 yr young lady.... I need help and support

 

[Jaycey]

@roseynosey Welcome to BoneSmart! So sorry you are having so many issues post op.

First things first - do not worry about not having PT or doing any of those PT exercises. Your hip is injured. What it needs is a bit of TLC - not training. I would stop all those repetitions and focus on ice and elevation. Everything you are feeling is normal for this soon out of surgery.

Unfortunately the sleep issue are also a part of this process (see the article below). Nap during the day if you can. All this will ease with time.

I'll leave you with some guidelines. They refer to hip replacement but your recovery is very similar.
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 this BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy
5. Here is a week-by-week guide for Activity progression for THRs
6. Access these pages on the website

Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications​

Wound Closure​

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.

 

[Hip4life]

Hello @roseynosey.
You’ve found a great place to share and be supported. I had my hip replaced then arthroscopic tendon release afterward. Not the same experience you’ve had but I can relate to the ongoing pain and frustration.

It seems like simple advice that Jaycey has shared with you but it is some of the most helpful I ever received. The trick is consistency for as long as you are experiencing pain, which is different for each of us.

Once I started icing and elevating for 45-60 mins at a time consistently day and night, the swelling and pain was much better.
Up and moving (walking) frequently also helps with the soreness and stiffness - just don’t overdo. Change over to the different assistive devices per your OS as you are able and comfortable.
It's not a sprint here: you may have to stay with one longer than anticipated to be comfortable and to gain your strength.

Both my specialists did not order PT saying increasing activity, especially walking, as tolerated was all that was needed. Emphasis: as tolerated.
Pain meds: consistency is key. Find what works, in whatever combination you are allowed and be consistent with it. Once you get on top of this, then you can start cutting back. You’re still early in the healing. Be kind and patient with yourself. We’re here for you. Keep us posted. ❤

 

[Layla]

Hello and Welcome! Thanks for joining us, I’m happy you found BoneSmart. You’ll find great support and encouragement here, so stay connected. My advice would be the same as what you’ve read above. Step away from PT, ice / elevate and try to be patient.
All the best as you continue the journey.
@roseynosey

 

[roseynosey]

Thank you for the kind words and reinforcing that what I am going through is normal.
I slept much today, did no PT and hardly walked. I don’t have crazy pain, so I feel better.

 

[Layla]

Wonderful news! Sleep is a good thing now as our body does it’s best healing while we’re asleep. So take advantage and sleep / nap when you’re able.

Wondering if you’d leave the exact date of your Left hip surgery so it may be applied as your signature? It’s helpful to those who come along to offer support, or advice, to be able to quickly glance at that info and understand how far along you are in the healing process. Thanks in advance.

Wishing you a peaceful weekend!
@roseynosey

 

[roseynosey]

I had my surgery on 02/13/20.....

 

[Joeml430]

My hip gets extremely hot and swells at night, plus sometimes my skin on outside of hip burns like a sunburn. Is this normal?

You may want to order a couple of these for the swelling and burning sensation.

 

[FCBayern]

I didn't personally experience this issue @Joeml430 but I've seen many posts on the sight referencing this issue. You are definitely not alone in having this issue as I'm sure you will hear from other that have suffered the same issue.

 

[CricketHip]

@roseynosey and

I’m so glad you found the forum! It’s so helpful to talk to people who’ve hobbled along the same path.
Happy that you’re feeling a bit better after some decent sleep.

 

[Debru4]

I really feel for you going through recovery from your surgery at the same time so much is going on in the world---it likely adds to your worry and stress. As mentioned above by others, don't push anything. Just gradually resume the functions of daily life, increasing your walking but not trying to do PT type exercises. A former teaching partner of mine had the same surgery you did, and she actually had a harder, more painful recovery from it than I did with my hip replacement. Her doctor said that was pretty typical, so just be patient with yourself. And do keep reaching out to the kind, compassionate folks here on the Forum. Take care.