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Has anyone else had problems with tailbone?

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rhondavous

rhondavous

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I was wondering if anyone else had problems with their tailbone after TKR. I found some exercises on internet but am still sore after sitting. I am new to the forum but have been lurking for 6 months. Finally had hubby show me how to join forum so I am new to posting. Thanks:bow:
 
Im sorry no I havent........Im sorry i hope you feel better ........Im glad you joined.........Someone will post soon that may be able to help.........WELCOME.............post anytime...........)
 
Hi and Welcome to Bonesmart,

I have had problems with my tailbone for the last 25 years, since carrying my firstborn. It still bothers me now, especially after some of the strengthening exercises I am currently doing. I don't think its related to my TKRs, since this has been ongoing for so long. I do ice my lower back while icing and elevating my knees on my knee wedge. This helps.

Also, my massage therapist has me to lay on my side with the bottom knee bent and she sort of twist me while putting pressure on the upper leg. This helps relieve some of the pressure. I know Jo goes to a chiropractor. They could probably also help you.

Could be the problem stems from the cyatic nerve. Mine has bothered me in the left leg since my surgery. Doctor says due to spinal block and it should disappear on its own. I sure hope he's right!

Check with your OS and PT and see what they say. They are the experts and know your situation best and can probably give you the best info to help.

Blessings,
 
Hi, Rhonda....welcome and we're thankful your hubbie showed you how to join BoneSmart!

Your pain may also be from a lessening of activity during recovery. Sometimes your core muscles can use some strengthening. Strong abs and core muscles really improve back pain. Look for exercises you can do for your abs. There are many where you use an exercise ball....try a Google search and see if you can find some to try.
 
Thanks for all the advice. I went to chiropractor several times, didn't seem to help. I ice back occasionally maybe not enough. Icing back right now. I'm afraid of the core ball, what if I fell and couldn't get up :) I still do leg lifts and stretches on my bed and ride bike at gym whenever I get there. After 20 min on bike it kills me. I am able to garden so I spend alot of time outside planting flowers and pulling weeds.

This has been quite an experience and I swore I would wait till next TKR but will be seeing OS on Mon. to schedule next one before end of the year. Wish me luck. I will be posting instead of reading on the sidelines. I read every thread ever since RTKR in April.
 
Rhonda, can you get your doctor to authorize some sessions with a therapist who could show you some core exercises? Maybe some balance ones too... :hehe: Can't have you falling and not able to get up!
 
If the problem is actually with your tailbone, also known as the coccyx (pronounced coc-sicks), that's not an uncommon condition. I would have a talk with your doctor and see if he can suggest an orthopaedic surgeon who deals with such issues.

The treatment can be as simple an injection of local anaesthetic and cortisone but on the rare occasions that doesn't work, then they can manipulate the coccyx under a very short general anaesthetic.
 
rhondavous, I like your name!

I had problems with my tailbone after my first tkr and I would classify it as sciatica. I noticed the pain as soon as the anesthesia wore off after surgery and even now, two years later, have problems with it from time to time. The pain in the butt was actually worse then the pain from the tkr. I was in PT for 5 months, partially because of the back pain and sciatica.

Between going to PT, exercising, using a heating pad, and time, it eventually got better. I wish I could tell you exactly what to do to make it better but this is about all I have to offer. Good luck.
 
Oh yeah, I had the shot in the butt (actaully coccyx) under local anesthesia that Jo was talking about. It helped about 8-10 days. You never know if it will help you though.
 
rhondavous said:
Thanks Josephine. I will mention this to my OS when I see him on Monday. I appreciate all your advice.
Click to expand...

I very much doubt your present OS would be much interested. 'Other' specialists usually aren't. That's why I suggested you get your own doctor/primary care physician/gp to refer you to a generalist orthopod.
 
Hey 1jt@atime did the shot in the coccyx hurt? Was it worth the 8-10 day relief or should I just wait it out? I have been using the heating pad and icing. I also take naproxen but it still hurts.

How are your knee replacements doing after all this time. I am anly 6 mo on RTKR and still feel stiff and some swelling.
 
The shot in the coccyx actually didn't hurt at all. I think they can give the shot right in the office but I'm allergic to latex and because of that, for whatever reason, I had to go to the same day surgery place to have it done. My neurosurgeon gave me the shot. I say if your doctor offers it, by all means give it try. It may last you a lot longer then it did me.

My knees are pretty good. I still have some pain when going down stairs and getting up from sitting. They sometimes get stiff from walking but really don't hurt otherwise. No swelling. I think the continued knee pain is just a matter of needing to stretch and strengthen the quads more then anything. It's really hard for me because I have so many other joint problems that I can't seem to get out from under it all. Maybe one day. I try to stay optimistic.
 
Now THAT wouldn't work too well no matter what orifice it was, would it Jo? :sct: he he he...
 
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