THR Heterotopic ossification, not what I expected

[Constanze]

Hi @Mr.fun , I liked your update and found it very interesting to read. Tell me how going back to work is when you do go back to work.
About kids being mean, I hear you. My youngest daughter was embarrassed at school because I looked so old (apart from that, I didn't actually). But then again, that was 20 years ago. As Hippie Chick pointed out, kids can have empathy now. A few months, when I tried to pickup a heavy object at the supermarket - a bag full of flower earth - this teenage boy helped me.
And as far as your pain and impingement, and the hip bein incorrectly positioned in the cup, and all that , it really sounds as if you need a revision. I hope this can be put right one day. Do keep us up-to-date. Best Constanze

 

[dnordo220]

@Mr.fun i just read through your entire thread. I’m so sorry you are going through this. Continue to advocate for yourself. Not only are you dealing with physical issues, this is very frustrating and if it were me, I’d be consumed with figuring out the solution.

I’m not familiar with the healthcare system outside of the US, but it sounds like it takes a long time to get appointments. Are you able to chose your own physicians ?

While I don’t love the expense that comes with my healthcare, I’m happy I am able to find the best providers and see them timely. With my first hip, I went to the orthopedic, thinking it was my back in April, made an appointment with a surgeon in May, and had my surgery in June with one of the top surgeons in the Philadelphia area. Yes, it cost me almost $10,000 in deductibles and co-pays, but we do get to write that off with taxes. And luckily a lot of the providers will set you up with a 0% financing payment plan.

I’m praying that your issues resolve quickly.

 

[Mr.fun]

@Constanze. hey thanks for checking in. I'm still waiting for MRI (5 MONTHS) CT SCAN waiting a week.
I am back to work. My coworkers think I'm 100%. I dont say different. I just say I'm good. Lets be honest, No one really cares about others peoples problems, unless you are in a simular position. Plus I hate when I say to someone how are you. And bam the list of problems comes your way. lol no thanks. I walk normal but im still in A lot of pain. I hide my limp. lots of swagger. lol hip flexors are sooooo tight. impingement the same. I can't get shoes or socks on. whether I sit and Bendover my knee Or if i try ankle to opposite knee while sitting. Impingement still a massive problem and pain pain pain. but still I wait. I am feeling down but I will keep doing my best to keep a smile. My family depends on me for strength. I am the lone male in our house of 5. I'm still waiting to wake up from this nightmare. No one will be invited into my body until I know what is going on. but still hoping 12-18 months and a miracle of healing happens.

 

[Layla]

I wish you felt more comfortable saying you're better, but not where you hoped you'd be at this point so your co-workers are aware that you are dealing with pain and that you're not 100%. The thought of you suffering in silence, hiding a limp, and thinking people don't really care makes me sad, because people do genuinely care. Maybe not everyone, but I am certain some may care more than you're giving them credit for.

I can't get shoes or socks on. whether I sit and Bendover my knee Or if i try ankle to opposite knee while sitting.

Something you may want to try that helped me early on with socks was to sit on the bed, or sofa and raise my leg onto the bed so the outside of my thigh and calf were on the mattress and my foot was close enough to easily put the sock on. see if it helps.

I am sorry you're down and struggling. I hope the day comes when you're no longer in pain and living life to the fullest. Until then, wishing you enough comfort to get through each day.

 

[Eman85]

I had troubles putting shoes and socks on with my right. With socks I could get them started, then I would lay on the bed and do a heel slide so I could reach them that way.

 

[Mr.fun]

Not sure if I said this in any of my previous posts. The way I explain my pain would be to put your forearm skin in a door frame and close the door.
That is the sensation I get in my hip flexor when going up the stairs or any knee to chest flexion. It feels like it won't heal because it continues to become inflamed from that sensation.

 

[Layla]

That's pretty intense. I'm sorry. Chronic pain cain can cause stress and stress can exacerbate pain.
Rather than struggle through each work day in pain, there must be a few empathetic people in the work place that will be willing to lend you an ear in support. Obviously you're not going to give a daily update on your pain level, but knowing that you have some friends you can talk to and share that you're having a bad day, may help emotionally to lighten the load. They could be encouraging you on tough days and will cheer you on as you seek answers and resolution. Reach out, people care more than you think.
Hoping you have a good week.
@Mr.fun

 

[Constanze]

So sorry @Mr.fun , I hope you'll at least get your MRI done as soon as possible.
All the best - take care
Constanze

 

[Hippielife]

Most hip replacement pain after surgery is due to the fact that the surgeons do not take the time to tell their patients that there is considerable pain during the many phases of the healing cycle. And they do not break down the different phases thru healing in weeks and months. Leaving patients on their own to cope with indescribable pain and discomfort for months without giving them the smallest hint of what’s to come after surgery and before healing is complete. And most importantly,as we age we can help our new implants last while following some common sense guidelines.

In my experience I think it is extremely selfish of surgeons to not at least express the healing pain/difficulty or additional coping mechanisms in terms for patients to cope better. Or offer a small booklet explaining the various healing stages and the many changes surgery has on the body , bones and soft tissue. The not knowing adds additional stress and energy patients need to heal. If a patient does not want to know before surgery then don’t read the booklet. But I guarantee that after surgery they will be curious enough to want to understand the process they are going thru after surgery. That is the purpose of the booklet for patients to have understanding an less stress.

Pain related to the surgery itself can be associated with the implant components. In some cases they can be an issue. The many bone alterations involved , as well as brain-memory and reaction to pain. Soft tissue damage and healing , swelling or nerve injuries. When a patient experiences painful movements and responses 10 -12 months after surgery with zero explanation there is very little recourse than to wait for more healing and time. The situation complicates when history, clinical examination, and plain radiography fail to locate the exact origin of hip pain leaving the patient in limbo and unnecessary stress.

Sometimes the many reactions our bodies experience in response to pain is normal during the many healing stages. Yet it can become alarming to many patients when wondering why they are in more pain after surgery than before . When simply put a booklet prior to surgery with reference pics could help resolve many worries patients experience while coping with the ‘pain of healing’.
I have been a patient advocate for hip surgery in the PNW for 24 years. The best guide for healing is understanding the pain, never hurry the healing process, follow surgeons instructions , stay ahead of the pain directly after surgery by taking meds a prescribed, eat a good diet, never try to rush the healing process, prepare the home properly, allow helping aides, and simply allow time to recover properly -18 months max total. Know that you are moving forward to a better quality of life and mobility. THR surgery is a life changer and a lifestyle changer.

 

[Spongebob]

I think sometimes hip replacement surgery has the misconception that it‘s just a joint replacement in and out of surgery like the million dollar man. We are not robots we have human tissue ligaments muscle and nerves that require time to adjust and recover. Our bodies have been thru a tremendous trauma.

Most people do not realize the extent of how complicated it is removing bone, the whole hip ball joint while replacing with metal components and what it really encompass. Also the impact the implant component has in the femur joint, all these components are new to our bodies . The assault on the areas surrounding the new joints takes time to adjust and recover. Patience is important , it takes the body 8-10 months for short term healing that’s walking going about normal daily tasks. In some cases up to 12-16 months for long term healing , when there is little to no pain or adjustments. General body movements are back to normal.

Normal reaction and recovery to THR surgery is painful which includes nerves, tissue, tendons, muscle and swelling , to name a few. The new components need time to realign with our bodies. Some times many patients over think what they are experiencing and feeling. Mostly due to the surgeons inability to have a conversation to prepare patience ahead of time about the importance of totally explaining each recovery phase and process after THR. And there are many. This also sets the patients up for disappointment when they don’t feel they are healing fast enough and discover that they are coping with all types of pain and recovery issues. Not realizing that it is generally normal recovery after hip replacement phases and unaware of what they are experiencing is normal.

There are new signals that are sent to our brains which are delayed at first response while adjusting to the new hip and femur components. Walking helps train the brain to recognize the new function and reestablish new brain pathways . Also important to establish a good heel to toe walking gate during recovery.

Usually after 12 months most patients are glad they had THR surgery . The pain and recovery is long forgotten. Mobility and lifestyle has improved 100%. And life is accepting what we can change and knowing what we cannot one day at a time.

Hi this is really encouraging to read as I'm 9.5 months out from left THR and 2 months ago I had a dull hip ache probably a 2 but now the ache is probably a 4 on the scale and I was getting concerned about it to the point my doctor has ordered a mri scan to see if there is anything going on infection,tendinitis, or whatever I was just thinking well I'm 9.5 months out and surely should be feeling better not worse but reading this and you saying it could take up to 16 months for my body to fully heal and everything to adjust and the ache to fade I'm really hoping the Mri reveals nothing wrong and it's just more time with my body healing and in a few months time (past the magical 12 months mark) I start to feel alot better physically and mentally

 

[Hippie Chick]

@Hippielife that was very well put- some of the experiences during recovery sound impossible until you mention it to another hippie. This forum is a must!

 

[Mr.fun]

I wish I could just sit on a toilet and have a comfortable poop. Or even just sit on a chair with out that pinch, pull, stabbing feeling In to my hip flexor/crease of my leg. Nov 9th is 9 months. I should be able to do these things comfortable. Hip flexor is so tight causes me to limp. Never had that pre surgery. 2nd opinion Nov 9th. It is his colleague. yes I know he will be biased but I have many questions ready for him. I will be ready for his slick mouth as well. still I wait for MRI and CT SCAN.

 

[Mr.fun]

I wish someone on hear would say. I had those crummy impingment problems and bam woke up at 12 months and gone forever. Lol

 

[dnordo220]

Good luck at your upcoming appointment @Mr.fun. I hope they can figure out the issue.

 

[Layla]

Best Wishes for your appointment next week. I sure hope this second opinion is able to get to the origin of your pain. Please update us afterward.
@Mr.fun

 

[Mr.fun]

Had appointment today with my surgeons colleague. He said to me that it is appears to be (HO)Hetropic ossification (abnormal bone growth into the soft tissue) He can see it on the xray. Says it happens almost always from trauma of surgery but patients do not complain and would not even now that it has happened to them. It usually is just a very small amount and does not fuse the joint together. He said it happenes all the time in his practice. However in my case I have a large amount that has formed and that is the reason for the impingement symptoms. He also said that my hip replacement is not moving freely from my pelvis because it looks like the HO has fused together restricting ROM. The Reason why my back is sore is because the hip and pelvis are moving as one instead of independently. Surgeon said I need a CT scan and to be the squeaky wheel to get in faster. Essentially stay on top of it and be a bug. CT scan will show how bad the HO is and the exact location to make it easier for removal. He also said that it looks like it has matured and should not get any worse and I might still see a little bit of improvement pain wise but no likely. So keep pushing for a CT scan and get referred out of the area to a HO specialist. He said my surgeon could do the surgery but I would want someone who specializes in this procedure. He explained that orthopedics surgeons can do HO excision but with the large amount that I have I would want someone who is more skilled and does these surgeries on a regular basis. Essentially if it was just one little bone forming in the soft tissue and casuing pain my surgeon could do it but as he looks at the Xray it is a large amount and should be treated by someone who sees this everyday. They only see the tiniest amount of HO that usually is not even symptomatic and patients do not complain or know it has occurred.

 

[Finallydone]

Always reassuring to know that your hip pain is in your hip and not your head!!! Now to mull over the physician’s suggestions, push for the CT and research to find the surgeon you want to do the excision and get the new hip free to move with you. Do “lean” a bit on the females in your home, they are stronger than you know and can definitely help when you’re especially down and also to keep on the system to get your scans and appointments. Prayers for treatment and healing.

 

[Butterfly77]

Had appointment today with my surgeons colleague. He said to me that it is appears to be (HO)Hetropic ossification (abnormal bone growth into the soft tissue) He can see it on the xray. Says it happens almost always from trauma of surgery but patients do not complain and would not even now that it has happened to them. It usually is just a very small amount and does not fuse the joint together. He said it happenes all the time in his practice. However in my case I have a large amount that has formed and that is the reason for the impingement symptoms. He also said that my hip replacement is not moving freely from my pelvis because it looks like the HO has fused together restricting ROM. The Reason why my back is sore is because the hip and pelvis are moving as one instead of independently. Surgeon said I need a CT scan and to be the squeaky wheel to get in faster. Essentially stay on top of it and be a bug. CT scan will show how bad the HO is and the exact location to make it easier for removal. He also said that it looks like it has matured and should not get any worse and I might still see a little bit of improvement pain wise but no likely. So keep pushing for a CT scan and get referred out of the area to a HO specialist. He said my surgeon could do the surgery but I would want someone who specializes in this procedure. He explained that orthopedics surgeons can do HO excision but with the large amount that I have I would want someone who is more skilled and does these surgeries on a regular basis. Essentially if it was just one little bone forming in the soft tissue and casuing pain my surgeon could do it but as he looks at the Xray it is a large amount and should be treated by someone who sees this everyday. They only see the tiniest amount of HO that usually is not even symptomatic and patients do not complain or know it has occurred.

Sorry to hear this, but I always say knowledge is power. Now you know what is going on and you know something can be done to help. All the best and I do hope you don’t have to wait too long.

 

[Mr.fun]

If I am to be honest. I do not speak to my children about this. They see me limp but I do not complain to them. My wife can see I am not myself but I do not talk about my hip with her. This hip issue is getting old. I keep my wife posted on up coming
appointments so we can address any scheduling conflicts with our routine/children. She knows It is difficult but I do not complain. Speaking to her is not going to change how I feel and would much rather talk about other things at this point. I'm guessing I'm still 1.5yr-2yrs away from any resolution. 6 moths for a CT scan if I'm lucky. 6 month to wait for referral and who knows how long waiting for a surgery date might take. Welcome to free healthcare.

 

[mature mama]

I am so glad that you have a diagnosis and plan for moving forward. I wish you could get this process started sooner, so you can improve your quality of life. I know being the spouse to someone with a physical condition that has become chronic is difficult but I would think knowing can help in her compassion and support of you. I know you are very stoic about your recovery and pain and some family, friends and colleagues may not care but if they don't know what is going on, they can't help support you. I know the support won't change where you are physically but it could help with your mental health which affects all parts of your life.

Hopefully your wait is shorter than expected. Be the squeaky wheel!