Hip arthroscopy done - not good
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Hi all,
Just to let you know - I was in A & E this morning due to the continuing and increasing all over pain. The main reason I went was that last night I stood with my hip stuck out ( like you would if you had your hand on your hip and your weight on that leg .... make sense ????) and the ball part of the socket stuck right out like a bulbous tennis ball under my skin .... its revolting and really painful. Like I said before the ball and socket seem to keep popping out too. My husband said 'Well seeing as no one else will examine you go to a & e and see if they will x-ray' .... so I did, early this morning. They didn't x-ray it. The doctor there said my hip joint is very loose (in fact - it popped out on examination) and has probably had some more soft tissue damage so there is no point in x-raying. She also lay me down on the bed and pushed my leg up and rotated it etc. - I had hardly any range of movement in my leg due to pain. I was told to take coedine and ibruprofen and phone the surgeons secretary to see if he could he could see me a bit earlier than 3 months. I then went to the information point to enquire about getting my records and have been told to contact Mr Whites secretary to arrange this hopefully - I can getthis done after work today. My husband (who doesn't normally get involved) - has said - 'Right we're going back to the doctors and we're going to kick up a stink' I'm at a loss right now and actually starting to worry was has happened inside my body. The doctor at the hospital today also said that they probably wouldn't do the operation again as it could increase the problems I'm already having. Advice, anyone????? please .......
Just to let you know - I was in A & E this morning due to the continuing and increasing all over pain. The main reason I went was that last night I stood with my hip stuck out ( like you would if you had your hand on your hip and your weight on that leg .... make sense ????) and the ball part of the socket stuck right out like a bulbous tennis ball under my skin .... its revolting and really painful. Like I said before the ball and socket seem to keep popping out too. My husband said 'Well seeing as no one else will examine you go to a & e and see if they will x-ray' .... so I did, early this morning. They didn't x-ray it. The doctor there said my hip joint is very loose (in fact - it popped out on examination) and has probably had some more soft tissue damage so there is no point in x-raying. She also lay me down on the bed and pushed my leg up and rotated it etc. - I had hardly any range of movement in my leg due to pain. I was told to take coedine and ibruprofen and phone the surgeons secretary to see if he could he could see me a bit earlier than 3 months. I then went to the information point to enquire about getting my records and have been told to contact Mr Whites secretary to arrange this hopefully - I can getthis done after work today. My husband (who doesn't normally get involved) - has said - 'Right we're going back to the doctors and we're going to kick up a stink' I'm at a loss right now and actually starting to worry was has happened inside my body. The doctor at the hospital today also said that they probably wouldn't do the operation again as it could increase the problems I'm already having. Advice, anyone????? please .......
Hi Sarah. So sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. It must be very difficult for you when you dont get any help from your doctors. I agree with your husband!!! I think you must keep up asking questions until you get some satisfactory answers and some help. Will be thinking of you.
Cathy
Cathy
lisanewmc
post-grad
Oh Sarah, I really feel for you, it sounds like an absolute nightmare.
I agree also that you absolutely MUST be insistent until you get things sorted to your satisfaction.
Best wishes
Lisa
I agree also that you absolutely MUST be insistent until you get things sorted to your satisfaction.
Best wishes
Lisa
Josephine
NURSE DIRECTOR EMERITA
I really think you should get yourself referred to another hip surgeon. If you can manage the journey, I recommend The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital at Stanmore in N London. Any of these surgeons would be good:
- Miss Sarah Muirhead-Allwood, hip revision and reconstruction.
- Mr John Skinner, primary and revision hip and knee replacement, hip resurfacing and cartilage transplantation, bone tumours.
- Mr Jonathan Miles, primary and revision hip and knee replacements, hip resurfacing, cartilage transplantation, knee surgery, arthroscopy and ligament reconstruction
- Mr Richard Carrington, primary and revision hip and knee replacement, minimally invasive primary hip and knee replacement, hip resurfacing, cartilage transplantation and knee surgery
- Mr Rob Pollock, bone tumours, soft tissue sarcoma, primary and revision hip and knee and cartilage transplantation
- Professor Tim Briggs, bone and soft tissue tumours, comprehensive cartilage transplantation, primary and revision hip and knee replacement and rehabilitation
- Mr Will Aston, bone and soft tissue tumours, primary and revision hip and knee replacement and cartilage transplantation
What you need to do is to ask your GP to refer you to Stanmore, to the Department of Joint Reconstruction. If he needs a name to quote, I would pick either Sarah (though she's greatly in demand so difficult to see) or John Skinner.
Remember, it's your legal right to have a second opinion so make good use of it.
- Miss Sarah Muirhead-Allwood, hip revision and reconstruction.
- Mr John Skinner, primary and revision hip and knee replacement, hip resurfacing and cartilage transplantation, bone tumours.
- Mr Jonathan Miles, primary and revision hip and knee replacements, hip resurfacing, cartilage transplantation, knee surgery, arthroscopy and ligament reconstruction
- Mr Richard Carrington, primary and revision hip and knee replacement, minimally invasive primary hip and knee replacement, hip resurfacing, cartilage transplantation and knee surgery
- Mr Rob Pollock, bone tumours, soft tissue sarcoma, primary and revision hip and knee and cartilage transplantation
- Professor Tim Briggs, bone and soft tissue tumours, comprehensive cartilage transplantation, primary and revision hip and knee replacement and rehabilitation
- Mr Will Aston, bone and soft tissue tumours, primary and revision hip and knee replacement and cartilage transplantation
What you need to do is to ask your GP to refer you to Stanmore, to the Department of Joint Reconstruction. If he needs a name to quote, I would pick either Sarah (though she's greatly in demand so difficult to see) or John Skinner.
Remember, it's your legal right to have a second opinion so make good use of it.
Hi all,
I went back to a different G.P. this afternoon (before I got your message Josephine
) However I finally had some sympathy and steps forward - He tested my leg and looked at my hip and told me that it was 'subluxating' - partially dislocating. He was astonished at the treatment and care I have received so far and said he is going to refer me to a different specialist for further opinions. He is on the understanding that I will need further surgery to repair this. So at least I feel I am on the road to maybe sorting something. He advised me to keep on with the painkillers for the time being. Thanks everyone again 
I went back to a different G.P. this afternoon (before I got your message Josephine
) However I finally had some sympathy and steps forward - He tested my leg and looked at my hip and told me that it was 'subluxating' - partially dislocating. He was astonished at the treatment and care I have received so far and said he is going to refer me to a different specialist for further opinions. He is on the understanding that I will need further surgery to repair this. So at least I feel I am on the road to maybe sorting something. He advised me to keep on with the painkillers for the time being. Thanks everyone again 
Sarah, I'm so glad you are finally being taken seriously!! Hang in there and don't be afraid to advocate for yourself if needed. You've done the right thing so far. Good for you!!
Josephine
NURSE DIRECTOR EMERITA
It happens because either the muscles are too slack or because the joint is malformed and not seated properly - or both. I would think the answer is most likely a hip replacement which I also think should probably have been suggested in the first place.
Thank you my dear, also do you think it is the arthroscopy that has caused this? Is it a commom complcation? and do you think this may be causing the burning lower back pain I'm getting just above that hip ?? Sorry to bug you. Should I use a crutch again? Feel free to tell me if you can't answer all of my questions
Josephine
NURSE DIRECTOR EMERITA
Oh for certain it's responsible! What you are experiencing (in my opinion) is simply post-operative pain. But the weak muscles and subluxing are more likely just due to the progress of the hip disease.
Most certainly use a crutch or a walking stick if it helps.
As for questions, perhaps you haven't noticed yet, but I thrive on them! :WINK1:
Most certainly use a crutch or a walking stick if it helps.
As for questions, perhaps you haven't noticed yet, but I thrive on them! :WINK1:
I've a holiday booked with a 4 hour flight on 15th April ..... please tell me this won't get worse and that I will be ok to go ........ are there any measures I can take to help this get better myself as I haven't a clue how long I will be waiting to see someone again ?
Josephine
NURSE DIRECTOR EMERITA
Oh I really, really wish I could tell you that, Sarah, but I'm afraid my crystal ball is at the cleaners! :WINK1: Best things you can do is plan to not do very much walking and take your crutches and plenty of pain killers with you. I also suggest you arrange for wheelchairs at the airports and see if you can get a seat near the emergency exit as I understand they usually have more leg room.
Can't think of anything else much - unless anyone else has anything to suggest.
Oh yes - have a wonderful time and try not to worry about it all. Where are you going?
Can't think of anything else much - unless anyone else has anything to suggest.
Oh yes - have a wonderful time and try not to worry about it all. Where are you going?
lisanewmc
post-grad
I'm pleased that you are getting sorted now. Must be a relief for you. Hope it doesn't affect your holiday, at least you have something to look forward to.
Hi Sarah. Hope you are feeling a bit better today. Where are you off to on your hols? I am also flying out on the 15th April on a 4 hour flight to Northern Cyprus. I cant wait.!! I'm sure a holiday is just what you need. As Josephine has said plan to do as little walking as possible and enjoy yourself.
Cathy
Cathy
Gum168
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Sarah, I'm so sorry you are having this trouble. I can't add any wisdom to the other posts, Josephine is certainly one of the best placed for that role, however, sharing my experience may help to you know you aren't alone.
As someone who has had the same procedure as you and is at roughly the same recovery stage as you, I can confirm I also get the severe pain over the rear of the same hip although I've not got any signs of subluxing. My physio said it's very important to avoid a limp and I should always use the crutch to keep me straight and upright, her guidance is I'm allowed to go without a crutch if I can walk normally, but if I limp, I must use the crutch. She told my husband that the family must watch me and tell me if I'm not walking normally so I can correct myself, and if that's not possible without too much pain, I need to pick up the crutch. Some days I think that the limping upsets the alignment of the spine and sacroiliac joint, causing the pain, other days I think It's referred pain from the joint, who knows what it really is but I definitely do get the same pain in the rear that you are describing. It's a screaming burning pain at it's worst, a sore ache when it's mild. What sometimes makes me think it is related to the joint is the way it screeches louder, like a shot, when I put my full weight through that leg.
I've given up trying to go solo without the crutch for now, when the pain had been so bad I could barely walk about a week ago, I started to just use it from getting up in the morning, even if it wasn't painful at the time. Pain built up throughout the day, but gradually improved after the first few days. After about a week of this, it has settled considerably, and I managed a fairly long trip to the supermarket yesterday without any major ill effects (with the crutch of course).
I'm by no means pain free yet, but my surgeon has said it can take up to a year to fully reap all the benefits of the operation, In fact he said although we will need to talk about a replacement at some point, even if I was on bended knees begging in his office, he absolutely won't consider it within this first 12 months, as we won't know how well the procedure has worked until that time.
I must say I think I've had very good physio support, and I've been keen on Pilates for years, as I find it easy to modify to avoid my pain, but still keep reasonable muscle tone. I'm not sure where I'd be if I hadn't had that physio support, she's not only assessed where I am at each visit and adjusted the exercises, she has provided emotional support by being understanding and listening to me. If there's anyway you can get a physio appointment, I would recommend you try that. Not all physios are the same, but it's worth a try.
As for using the crutches again, what have you got to lose except some pain? My excrutiatingly painful week was enough to get me over my pride and embarassment issues, the crutch goes everywhere I do for now.
How funny also you're going on holiday in April, so are we. The week after you, to Disneyland Paris, which is going to involve a lot of walking and standing in queues for 4 days. The morning after my op, we told the surgeon and physio about the hol, and they both said that if I have trouble, there are wheelchairs there to hire and joked I might even get to the front of the queue that way. They said by hiring the chair at the beginning of the day, I can push it most of the time, but I'll have an instant seat for when I do need it. Oh I really didn't take them seriously at the time, silly me. I think I might just do that now. If I have trouble, it could be a long walk back to the entrance to get a chair. I'm definitely taking a crutch.
Since I also have the SI area pain, and so do some others who've had THR's, I wouldn't worry too much that it's due to the subluxing, it seems to be one of those things we might have to go through during recovery. It is extremely painful. I have found heat to be very soothing, although ice is also good as it numbs out the surface area nicely. And using the crutch and resting more than moving too much has also helped. I concentrate on non weight bearing exercise, so I don't get too weak.
Sorry this is so long, but I hope it helps you knowing you aren't alone and we understand.
As someone who has had the same procedure as you and is at roughly the same recovery stage as you, I can confirm I also get the severe pain over the rear of the same hip although I've not got any signs of subluxing. My physio said it's very important to avoid a limp and I should always use the crutch to keep me straight and upright, her guidance is I'm allowed to go without a crutch if I can walk normally, but if I limp, I must use the crutch. She told my husband that the family must watch me and tell me if I'm not walking normally so I can correct myself, and if that's not possible without too much pain, I need to pick up the crutch. Some days I think that the limping upsets the alignment of the spine and sacroiliac joint, causing the pain, other days I think It's referred pain from the joint, who knows what it really is but I definitely do get the same pain in the rear that you are describing. It's a screaming burning pain at it's worst, a sore ache when it's mild. What sometimes makes me think it is related to the joint is the way it screeches louder, like a shot, when I put my full weight through that leg.
I've given up trying to go solo without the crutch for now, when the pain had been so bad I could barely walk about a week ago, I started to just use it from getting up in the morning, even if it wasn't painful at the time. Pain built up throughout the day, but gradually improved after the first few days. After about a week of this, it has settled considerably, and I managed a fairly long trip to the supermarket yesterday without any major ill effects (with the crutch of course).
I'm by no means pain free yet, but my surgeon has said it can take up to a year to fully reap all the benefits of the operation, In fact he said although we will need to talk about a replacement at some point, even if I was on bended knees begging in his office, he absolutely won't consider it within this first 12 months, as we won't know how well the procedure has worked until that time.
I must say I think I've had very good physio support, and I've been keen on Pilates for years, as I find it easy to modify to avoid my pain, but still keep reasonable muscle tone. I'm not sure where I'd be if I hadn't had that physio support, she's not only assessed where I am at each visit and adjusted the exercises, she has provided emotional support by being understanding and listening to me. If there's anyway you can get a physio appointment, I would recommend you try that. Not all physios are the same, but it's worth a try.
As for using the crutches again, what have you got to lose except some pain? My excrutiatingly painful week was enough to get me over my pride and embarassment issues, the crutch goes everywhere I do for now.
How funny also you're going on holiday in April, so are we. The week after you, to Disneyland Paris, which is going to involve a lot of walking and standing in queues for 4 days. The morning after my op, we told the surgeon and physio about the hol, and they both said that if I have trouble, there are wheelchairs there to hire and joked I might even get to the front of the queue that way. They said by hiring the chair at the beginning of the day, I can push it most of the time, but I'll have an instant seat for when I do need it. Oh I really didn't take them seriously at the time, silly me. I think I might just do that now. If I have trouble, it could be a long walk back to the entrance to get a chair. I'm definitely taking a crutch.
Since I also have the SI area pain, and so do some others who've had THR's, I wouldn't worry too much that it's due to the subluxing, it seems to be one of those things we might have to go through during recovery. It is extremely painful. I have found heat to be very soothing, although ice is also good as it numbs out the surface area nicely. And using the crutch and resting more than moving too much has also helped. I concentrate on non weight bearing exercise, so I don't get too weak.
Sorry this is so long, but I hope it helps you knowing you aren't alone and we understand.
Thank you so much everyone ..... it really does help knowing I have some support. We're off to Fethiye in Turkey on 15th April for a touch of 5 star all inclusive do nothing time ....... can't wait. It's nice to hear your stories and updates Kim, especially as you are only 1 day behind me in recovery. I notice you had your right hip done - mine was my left and I must admit by the time I've driven into work, as it's my clutch leg, this pain really notices. It's really hard for me to rest at all at work as absolutely none of my duties involve sitting and I have nowhere to sit. I know they were desperate for me to get back as was I so I don't really know what to about that situation. I have lost a lot of weight since my op - have you??? Size 10 is too big for me now ... bit of a worry..... but maybe I can tuck into all that free food on holiday and make up for it!!!:cocktail:
I will try to use my crutch at work as much as I can but unfotunately in my school there are lots of stairs and no lifts ..... could try sliding down the bannisters maybe .... aka - Mary Poppins!!!
Thanks everyone again .... lovely to read your words of wisdom, help and encouragement!!!!!
I will try to use my crutch at work as much as I can but unfotunately in my school there are lots of stairs and no lifts ..... could try sliding down the bannisters maybe .... aka - Mary Poppins!!!
Thanks everyone again .... lovely to read your words of wisdom, help and encouragement!!!!!
lisanewmc
post-grad
Sarah to me it doesn't sound like you should be doing your normal job at work. If I was you I'm not sure that I'd even be at work st all with what you are describing!!! Your manager ought to at least be organising some kind of occupational health review and/or a phased return. As a manager myself I have a duty of care to my staff and would expect that in a school there would be similar. From a management point of view I would much rather have a staff member fully recovered before they come back so they don't further time off- that way you can plan cover and its easier to manage the dept.
Please think about how you could end up worse off in the long run. It's not worth it to your health. Be kind to yourself . Take care.
Please think about how you could end up worse off in the long run. It's not worth it to your health. Be kind to yourself . Take care.
Gum168
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I could be wrong here, so don't quote me, but isn't there something in law about health and safety and also accessibility (disabled access) that should cover you? No lift in school? What happens if they have a pupil who needs to use a wheelchair?
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