Hip arthroscopy done - not good
- Thread starter Sarahs
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As you will se from ym thread on here, my arthroscopy failed, my surgeon was happy to have another look and in the end went back for more surgery approx 4 weeks ago, he had a look arthroscopically to begin with then moved to an open procedure to get to some more bone and gain a better view. Turns out that further surgery was worth it. (only had the first surgery back in November 2010!)
But as he explained, any surgeon would want to try the least invasive option first if he thought it would do the trick, as in my case.
This time round all is well so far, I have a small 4" cut to my groin which has now healed and the usual 3 holes in the side of my leg from the arthroscope. And honestly not an ounce of pain since the day after surgery! Obviously as i am not weight bearing yet then I cant say if it has worked.
I also experienced more pain in my right side, I have the same impingement on my right but without symptoms as yet, it makes sense that while you were on crutches that you had been putting a lot of extra load on the right compared to normal and if anything like me, then a lot of hopping about occurred, again more load. While laid up for so long then muscle wastage occured, so you have less muscle protection while moving about than before, I can really feel how much weaker my legs are now, I have gone from being told by the physio the first time around that I had 'exceptional quads' to virtually having none! ( i carry 50kg boilers about a lot at work, yes yes H&S but i enjoy the workout)
This, luckily has settled down a little now though.
But as he explained, any surgeon would want to try the least invasive option first if he thought it would do the trick, as in my case.
This time round all is well so far, I have a small 4" cut to my groin which has now healed and the usual 3 holes in the side of my leg from the arthroscope. And honestly not an ounce of pain since the day after surgery! Obviously as i am not weight bearing yet then I cant say if it has worked.
I also experienced more pain in my right side, I have the same impingement on my right but without symptoms as yet, it makes sense that while you were on crutches that you had been putting a lot of extra load on the right compared to normal and if anything like me, then a lot of hopping about occurred, again more load. While laid up for so long then muscle wastage occured, so you have less muscle protection while moving about than before, I can really feel how much weaker my legs are now, I have gone from being told by the physio the first time around that I had 'exceptional quads' to virtually having none! ( i carry 50kg boilers about a lot at work, yes yes H&S but i enjoy the workout)
This, luckily has settled down a little now though.
Oh and as for being off work, i run a plumbers merchant and generally work 60+ hours per week and love my job, while i am away the lads will undoubtedly take it easy and ruin my chances of a really good bonus for the year but i have a 20 month old daughter and my quality of life going forward comes first. So last year I had 6 weeks off just before Christmas and I will have had 9 weeks maybe more off this year, luckily my boss has been good about it and has provided some cover while I am away but even if he didn't like me being off then it would have been tough, I am entitled to 90 days company sick pay so shall be using it, especially as I am very very rarely off work, even with the worst of colds i am there so I don't feel guilty. Oh and I am pretty sure that you can have a doctors note outlining what you are allowed to do/not do on your return to work, i.e no heavy lifting (luckily I have staff to lift for me until given the 100%ok) and your employer must abide by this, I also heard that you are not actually insured as normal if performing duties that your doctor has ruled out.
Hi all,
Sorry it's been so long but my laptop broke and had shell out for a new one - so had to wait a bit to get the money together. Well, had the MRI and the consultant said it show arthritis in the joint but thats all. I never had any arthritic symptoms prior to the arthroscopy so don't know if it has been accelerated by the op??? I been in a lot of sharp pain today (not the 'dull ache' as described by my consultant in his report - don't kmow where he got that from????) But am still waiting for my 'urgent priority' steriod injections with flouroscopy - I was put on the 'urgent' list 16th March !!!! How's everyone else???? :rolleyespink:
Sorry it's been so long but my laptop broke and had shell out for a new one - so had to wait a bit to get the money together. Well, had the MRI and the consultant said it show arthritis in the joint but thats all. I never had any arthritic symptoms prior to the arthroscopy so don't know if it has been accelerated by the op??? I been in a lot of sharp pain today (not the 'dull ache' as described by my consultant in his report - don't kmow where he got that from????) But am still waiting for my 'urgent priority' steriod injections with flouroscopy - I was put on the 'urgent' list 16th March !!!! How's everyone else???? :rolleyespink:
Paignton
member
Sarah reading your story, I honestly thought that you were telling mine
YOur symptoms are exactly the same that I suffered for eighteen months after havng my arthroscopy.
I had two of those injections and I had to wait twelve weeks for each one, every time that one was suggested. I hope that you get some relief from them, i didnt really. Keep on badgering them on a daily basis as this is what I did!
How is your husband by the way now?
Debbie:biggrin:
YOur symptoms are exactly the same that I suffered for eighteen months after havng my arthroscopy. I had two of those injections and I had to wait twelve weeks for each one, every time that one was suggested. I hope that you get some relief from them, i didnt really. Keep on badgering them on a daily basis as this is what I did!
How is your husband by the way now?
Debbie:biggrin:
lisanewmc
post-grad
......and how are you getting on at work? Have they made some reasonable adjustments for you?
Sorry to hear that you're still in pain.
Sorry to hear that you're still in pain.
Gum168
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I'm confused, what exactly was the surgeon doing during the arthroscopy, was he asleep? Shouldn't he have seen the arthritis while actually in the hip with a camera? The MRA didn't show anything wrong with my hip, but they found arthritis during the HA. I have photos of the inside of my hip and it's very clear, after it was pointed out even I with an untrained eye can see the arthritis damage. Did you ever get any more information about the operation? Can you ask to see the notes?
Well, anyway, what you are describing, the sharp pains, that's what I had before the op and for a while after, although gradually over the last few months it's lessened considerably (I had microfractures to try and help with it). I do still get it, but only a few times a week now, and mostly because I've moved awkwardly, twisting through the hip most times. I also had frequent really bad lower back pains and SI joint area pains and soreness, either caused by the limping, or partly defered from the hip joint itself. I think in my case the microfracrures are doing their job now, so although it's not any comfort to you, I'm feeling in really good shape at the moment.
I feel so sorry that your HA didn't work out well. To be honest, I'd be inclined to start asking questions about who did the surgery, what was their experience in this procedure, and why weren't you told about the arthritis afterwards (they really must have seen it). There can be a fairly high conversion to THR within 2 years after arthroscopy if arthritis is found (my surgeon told me that), so I'd keep asking for help with the pain and if it's still too much after the injections, bang on doors and ask to be refered back to the surgeons.
I really do hope things do turn around for you.
How's your husband?
Well, anyway, what you are describing, the sharp pains, that's what I had before the op and for a while after, although gradually over the last few months it's lessened considerably (I had microfractures to try and help with it). I do still get it, but only a few times a week now, and mostly because I've moved awkwardly, twisting through the hip most times. I also had frequent really bad lower back pains and SI joint area pains and soreness, either caused by the limping, or partly defered from the hip joint itself. I think in my case the microfracrures are doing their job now, so although it's not any comfort to you, I'm feeling in really good shape at the moment.
I feel so sorry that your HA didn't work out well. To be honest, I'd be inclined to start asking questions about who did the surgery, what was their experience in this procedure, and why weren't you told about the arthritis afterwards (they really must have seen it). There can be a fairly high conversion to THR within 2 years after arthroscopy if arthritis is found (my surgeon told me that), so I'd keep asking for help with the pain and if it's still too much after the injections, bang on doors and ask to be refered back to the surgeons.
I really do hope things do turn around for you.
How's your husband?
Hello people,
I'm off for my corticosteroid injections today with live fluroscopy. Will let you all know if I get any relief from it. Still having trouble understanding why I, all of a sudden, have arthritis when I had absolutely no symptoms of it prior to the arthroscopy. I have continuous pain when walking and laying down in bed, find it very difficult to lift my leg in the shower (so may have to just leave one leg hairy - lol!!!!) ,My surgeon did say, on my first post op appointment that he saw the arthritis in my hip, so, I presume he noticed it when he performed the operation. Not quite sure how painful today is going to be but will be taking some painkillers with me and I have booked tomorrow off work. My husband is slowly getting better, but still has bad days, but his limp is much improoved nowand of course, being a man, he wont go to the doctors to get it checked!! Thanks for all your messages- I will try to get on tomorrow to tell you how it went.
I'm off for my corticosteroid injections today with live fluroscopy. Will let you all know if I get any relief from it. Still having trouble understanding why I, all of a sudden, have arthritis when I had absolutely no symptoms of it prior to the arthroscopy. I have continuous pain when walking and laying down in bed, find it very difficult to lift my leg in the shower (so may have to just leave one leg hairy - lol!!!!) ,My surgeon did say, on my first post op appointment that he saw the arthritis in my hip, so, I presume he noticed it when he performed the operation. Not quite sure how painful today is going to be but will be taking some painkillers with me and I have booked tomorrow off work. My husband is slowly getting better, but still has bad days, but his limp is much improoved nowand of course, being a man, he wont go to the doctors to get it checked!! Thanks for all your messages- I will try to get on tomorrow to tell you how it went.
Gum168
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Good Luck Sarah. I was just thinking of you when I was out walking the dog earlier today. Caused myself a bit of grief with a little jog after the dog (see my other thread for details) and then I remembered your troubles as I walked home thinking that maybe the injection might be useful after all.
I hope the injection works for you. Please let us know how it goes.
I hope the injection works for you. Please let us know how it goes.
Hi Jeosephine, Hi Kim,
To answer your question Joesephine- I'm not quite sure. What I have remembered though - is at my first MRI I was told I had 2 tears. But ever since the op have only been spoken to about 'a' tear being repaired. I will check this out at my follow up appointment in about 6 weeks. Glad to hear you're up and about and even 'jogging' with the dog Kim!!! Well done you !
As for yesterday it was quite a revolting and slightly painful proceedure - more uncomfortable I suppose as it is quite quick. I'm noticing the pain getting worse and worse today which I wasn't really expecting - I feel like I have a very dead, heavy,achy leg. But on looking up the proceedure - it says the pain may increase in days 2 -5 due to the anaesthtic wearing off and the cortisone not working yet. What was nice was being labelled as 'the baby of the ward'!!! Shall be attempting work again tomorrow - wish me luck - a desk and comfy chair would be ideal - but not in the nature of my job - I'll just take it easy if it's hurting like today. So............ let's watch this space
To answer your question Joesephine- I'm not quite sure. What I have remembered though - is at my first MRI I was told I had 2 tears. But ever since the op have only been spoken to about 'a' tear being repaired. I will check this out at my follow up appointment in about 6 weeks. Glad to hear you're up and about and even 'jogging' with the dog Kim!!! Well done you !
As for yesterday it was quite a revolting and slightly painful proceedure - more uncomfortable I suppose as it is quite quick. I'm noticing the pain getting worse and worse today which I wasn't really expecting - I feel like I have a very dead, heavy,achy leg. But on looking up the proceedure - it says the pain may increase in days 2 -5 due to the anaesthtic wearing off and the cortisone not working yet. What was nice was being labelled as 'the baby of the ward'!!! Shall be attempting work again tomorrow - wish me luck - a desk and comfy chair would be ideal - but not in the nature of my job - I'll just take it easy if it's hurting like today. So............ let's watch this space
Paignton
member
Sarah after I had those injections my pain was worse for about seven to ten days I am keeping my fingers crossed for you that it does help. Mine never did, and I had two.
I was put under a GA when I had my injections as my surgeon said that they can be really painful if awake:skeptical:
I am keeping my fingers crossed for you that it does help. Mine never did, and I had two. I was put under a GA when I had my injections as my surgeon said that they can be really painful if awake:skeptical:
Hi Sarah,
I have had four steroids into my hips while awake. A bit ouchy but bearable. I had nasty steroid flares each time. On one occasion it was 10 days before it settled and then it was great for a few weeks so that should give you some hope!
I too had FAI - Cam and Pincer pretty bad in both hips. Had an Open Debridement on the right followed by an arthroscopy and on both occasions I had severe labral damage - part of which was resected and reattached and second time around another part was removed. I had arthritis but it was what is described as 'Focal' on the acetabulum rim and this was caused because the socket was too deep - the acetabulum was trimmed down twice but unfortunately it seems the hip continued to deteriorate. I had the added difficulty of a retroverted femur and couldn't turn my hip out which added to my woes. I also had what is known as a Contra Coup arthritic divot on the femoral head which was directly caused by the Cam impingement. The theory being that removal of the impingement should prevent further damage although this is not always the case and depends on the amount of damage already caused.
I had an arthroscopy on my other hip where the anatomy was similar to the right. This time the labrum was found to be completely shredded - I felt it with almost every step for 5 years! This hip seems to have stabilised following removal of the impingements and so has hopefully delayed a THR for a few years.
I hope this helps. The Cornwall Hip Fundation website is slow to load but has loads of info on FAI. My surgeon lectures all over the UK as he has led a lot of research into the problem and also understands when hips are generally saveable or the arthritis progression can be slowed and when they can't.
I hope this helps.
I have had four steroids into my hips while awake. A bit ouchy but bearable. I had nasty steroid flares each time. On one occasion it was 10 days before it settled and then it was great for a few weeks so that should give you some hope!
I too had FAI - Cam and Pincer pretty bad in both hips. Had an Open Debridement on the right followed by an arthroscopy and on both occasions I had severe labral damage - part of which was resected and reattached and second time around another part was removed. I had arthritis but it was what is described as 'Focal' on the acetabulum rim and this was caused because the socket was too deep - the acetabulum was trimmed down twice but unfortunately it seems the hip continued to deteriorate. I had the added difficulty of a retroverted femur and couldn't turn my hip out which added to my woes. I also had what is known as a Contra Coup arthritic divot on the femoral head which was directly caused by the Cam impingement. The theory being that removal of the impingement should prevent further damage although this is not always the case and depends on the amount of damage already caused.
I had an arthroscopy on my other hip where the anatomy was similar to the right. This time the labrum was found to be completely shredded - I felt it with almost every step for 5 years! This hip seems to have stabilised following removal of the impingements and so has hopefully delayed a THR for a few years.
I hope this helps. The Cornwall Hip Fundation website is slow to load but has loads of info on FAI. My surgeon lectures all over the UK as he has led a lot of research into the problem and also understands when hips are generally saveable or the arthritis progression can be slowed and when they can't.
I hope this helps.
Oh dear people - cortisone and I don't get on!!!!!! Day 2 post injection - back to work - hmmmm???...... didn't feel too bad. Came home and started to get lots of achy pains in lower back and down leg again. That's along with massive palpitations and bright red flushed face. Well, could not, for the life of me get to sleep last night. Itching skin, pounding heart, sweating - feeling angry and upset ?????? Still feeling the same now. Have done some research on these injections and so many people seem to get these adverse effects - why I didn't check this out before I'll never know - stoooopid me!! I'm wondering if it may be affecting me strongly due to me being so slight??? But by reading other people's stories - I won't be staying 'slight' for too long after this injection and the impending weight gain. Wish doctors had told me about these side effects -I would certainly have not had it done. Wish me luck trying to sleep tonight
No - I didn't think you could put weight on from injections - however alot of people are reporting it. That is not my concern really. I feel so unwell - and like I'm a total hypochondriac. My heart feels like its gonna jump out of my chest and I'm having to catch my breath, I can't sleep, have chest pains, stomach pains, pain in one foot and believe it or not - pain in the opposite hip. Honestly, I am not a hypochondriac and I feel a fool writing all these things down but I just feel so absolutely 'wrong' since having this proceedure on Tuesday - any help or advice would be so greatly appreciated. We saw some friends todat who said to my husband they thought I just didn't look or sound right 
Hi ya,
Havent got to the docs yet as one minute I think I'm fine then the next these bloomin palitations take hold again - feels like the blood is stuggling to get through. Have decided to get an appointment tomorrow. I have a totally new theory now - but won't bore you with it. The good news is that the pain in my hip has been dramatically reduced with the steroid injection. I was back clearing sculptures artwork and heavy boxes at work - cleared our a hige mezzanine full of students old work on Monday - have been a little sore since, but prior to the injection I wouldn't have been able to even attempt this- So, as far as I can see - this treatment has been a success - even though I'm still not sure as to weather I will do it again. Thabk you for all your messages - hope everyone else is doing well too!!!:wink1:
Havent got to the docs yet as one minute I think I'm fine then the next these bloomin palitations take hold again - feels like the blood is stuggling to get through. Have decided to get an appointment tomorrow. I have a totally new theory now - but won't bore you with it. The good news is that the pain in my hip has been dramatically reduced with the steroid injection. I was back clearing sculptures artwork and heavy boxes at work - cleared our a hige mezzanine full of students old work on Monday - have been a little sore since, but prior to the injection I wouldn't have been able to even attempt this- So, as far as I can see - this treatment has been a success - even though I'm still not sure as to weather I will do it again. Thabk you for all your messages - hope everyone else is doing well too!!!:wink1:
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