Fractured Neck of Femur/Pinning Hip Pinning after ski accident

[Layla]

Thanks for the update. Good to read you’re taking precautions and balancing activity with rest. Stay safe and enjoy!
Hugs back at ya.
@Snoopy55

 

[Klassy]

What a great update. Your flight plan was genius. Enjoy the rest of your holiday!

 

[Snoopy55]

Thank you @Klassy and @Layla! I will post more updates if there is anything to report!

 

[Snoopy55]

Hi again-
All went well on the tour. Unfortunately as I attempted to get on a tuc tuc I must have sprained or pulled something because as of last night I am in loads of pain. I had to stop at a gas station and buy a bag of ice but this being Europe its only 1/4 of the size of the bag in the US so it fit nicely on the hip area lol. I also woke up in the middle of th night last night wanting ice and taking another Tramadol. Today I was taking it easy until this afternoon but went out to the beach area and walked some and started having pain and sat down. Pain got pretty bad so came home and took a tramadol and a Celebrex combo which I only do at night but I figured its okay since my hip is throbbing. Family is making sure the ice packs are always coming and the rest of the afternoon evening will be laying down and icing and elevating while i read or give you guys updates. I guess the story is that 8 weeks post op is still not long enough And I know I am pushing it. A surgeon friend told me that surgery is not linear and there is lots of ups and downs so I am taking that into consideration. I think I will be okay and I know this is temporary but it sure can get frustrating that 3 pins in your body can cause this much pain and discomfort. The actual bone has healed as my surgeon said but I’m guessing tissue and muscles still have ways to go. Thanks for reading and hopefully I will be better by tomorrow.

 

[Stephen1989]

Hey Snoopy55,
Sorry I’m late to the party!
So sorry to hear about your pain problems. Sounds like you’re being very sensible though and taking precautions.
You’re still early days in your recovery from major surgery. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I had hip pinning after a fracture just over a year ago and unfortunately am still not entirely pain-free. So patience really is the key. Best of luck Stephen

 

[Klassy]

Whooo, between tuc tucs and beach walks you are really pushing it. But it’s understandable that you want to enjoy your holiday. It sounds like you are doing all the right things to recover. I hope the pain settles down, and you can have a good time with your family. Yummy food I hope. I did smile at your comment about the size of the ice bag!

 

[Snoopy55]

Yikes @Stephen1989! Here I am questioning why I’m still having pain at 9 weeks! Oh boy I’m so sorry. What kind of pain is it? Is it sharp or throbbing? Is it after you e exercised?

 

[Snoopy55]

@Klassy I know! Pushing it is my strong suite. I am not good at missing out on things and resting. But then I have to suffer the circumstances. Anyway I am literally icing all day long and keep getting ice from restaurants and cafes.

 

[Snoopy55]

@Mojo333
@Layla
@Klassy
Hi ladies has anyone ever used a hip brace as a compression and for pain relief? I was wondering if it would help!
Thank you!

 

[Klassy]

I’m sorry that I don’t know about braces, and I’m guessing from your question that you are needing more relief from pain than the ice is providing. Are you taking your pain meds at the full level that was prescribed? I am sorry that I don’t have any helpful suggestions, can only hope that you feel better tomorrow.

 

[Layla]

I’m sorry you’re struggling while away from home. I have a feeling you may be overdoing it, then not giving yourself enough time to recover. I’m thinking after the incident getting on the tuc tuc, which resulted in “loads of pain” as you described, necessitating the Tramadol overnight, then walking at the beach so soon thereafter probably wasn’t the best idea. I’m not sure if it involved walking on sand, but if it did, it’s more of a workout. Beach sand provides an unpredictable and uneven walking surface. This can place increased stress / strain and loading on your joints. Walking in the softer sand requires increased energy expenditure, forcing you to work harder, compared to walking on an even, firm surface. The foot will sink slightly into the sand. This will provide the least amount of stability, which forces you to use muscles throughout your legs more.

It is understandable you don’t want to miss out, but the more you push yourself while not completely healed the longer your recovery will take. You want to let your body heal and it will if you take it easy and listen to the cues you’re receiving in the form of discomfort and pain. “Pain Is Your Body Asking For Change”, so please stop challenging yourself to do more before it’s safe to do so.

I can not advise any type of hip brace as compression for your hip. The best medicine will be rest, ice and elevation if you have swelling. I hope you’re able to do this and feel better soon.
@Snoopy55

 

[Snoopy55]

I didn’t walk on the sand but I think you’re right. Tomorrow is a free day so all about rest and more rest. Appreciate all your comments. Today was okay. I’ve been in bed the last four hours elevating and icing.

 

[Snoopy55]

Hi @Klassy i am taking the tramadol every four hours religiously and I read something about ones body getting used to the tramadol so I’m taking a couple of Advil as well and that combination seems to work quite well since I’ve been more active these past few days. Being in the car also has been hard on my poor Hip as well but I’ve been icing regularly in the car! Tomorrow is a rest day. th you for your reply about the brace as well.

 

[Mojo333]

Yes, I'd say you may have cracked the door into the O.D.I.C. (Overdid It Club)
Hard to avoid sometimes as it never seems to hurt until we stop.

Riding for a period of time in the car was definitely something that "annoyed " my hip for many months.

Hope today is restful and restorative @Snoopy55

 

[Divipops]

Hi Snoopy 55 sorry to hear you are still suffering discomfort, I had a nasty fall September 2020 and broke my hip right on ball joint, had pinning done and plate. As covid was rife at the time didn't have physio for 11 months after, by this time quad muscle was wasted. Still in a lot of pain and having to use a stick whilst walking outside as my knee buckles under me and don't want to face plant the floor again . All the PT says it is muscle damage and inflammation of tissue damage and injuries like this take time to heal, 17 months down the line thought things would have improved. Enjoy your holiday

 

[Snoopy55]

@Divipops im sorry you are still experiencing pain after so long! I’m sure it’s beyond frustrating. I am amazed that people on this forum who have had THR are doing much better than those who have had bone breakage through an accident. I definitely feel that my surgeon didn’t set my expectations as he kept telling me I would be bikini ready in no time! Didn’t mention anything about pain or walking with a cane or being tight and achy for months and months and having to keep taking pain killers! Physical therapy initially helped me I have to say tremendously but then set me back as I pushed too hard. I’m on vacation now and of course I’m over doing it but that’s to be expected although to be honest I’m not doing anything other than walking with my cane. And even then I do take frequent breaks. Obviously we can’t compare my 9 weeks post op to your 17 months but jeez! Someone please tell these OS they need to do more patient mental management! End of rant

 

[Divipops]

Before this accident I was quite active playing badminton, swimming, cycling, fell walking, working in an infant school as welfare assistant and looking after my grandson so being reliant upon a stick to walk has become very frustrating. I actually fell hard on my knee and that shunted the bone up and snapped at the ball joint of hip. When I questioned surgeon why he didn't do complete hip replacement he said the pinning was best option as because I was quite active and that your own hip fits your body and the outcome would be better. I am beginning to wonder as when you hear of people that have had complete hip replacement they are up and running within months. I have also decided to resign from work after umpteen meetings with HR as there is no way I would be able to look after infant children while unsteady on my feet, looks like I will just have to carry on with PT and hope things get better in time as he promised.

 

[Jaycey]

Someone please tell these OS they need to do more patient mental management!

Now you know why BoneSmart was created. So many members report the same issue. Expectations are just either not set or set unrealistically. Patients become frustrated and feel let down. I like this graphic - it says it all!

 

[Snoopy55]

Hi friends! Just a quick note to say that I am traveling back home to the US tomorrow. I feel pretty good today. I took only one tramadol and have taken 4 Advil’s and it is after 9pm. I did some light walking today and was in the car for about an hour (my hip hates car rides) but I did end up wearing the compression socks (i actually cut them so they are really just compressing my hip area) and wear it when I am in the car and it seems to make a big difference. I think since most of my pain is muscular it fakes my muscles into thinking they are stronger and keep things in tact if that makes sense? I feel more comfortable walking a more normal gate as well and I feel my hip is more supported by the brace.
Tomorrow is a big travel day and although It was a great vacation I cant wait to get home to my own bed and my big yellow lab (who is 13) and my daughter’s cat who we are watching whilst she does some traveling. I plan on doing the icing again on board and have the wheel chair service going and at home at the airport so that is sure to help. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying more pain free days! I will update you once I get home. Thanks for being here and listening to me moan and groan.

 

[Layla]

(i actually cut them so they are really just compressing my hip area)

Hmm, not sure I’m understanding? At any rate, glad you’re feeling good. Safe travels home! Give us an update on your travels home once you’re settled in. I hope it’s not too uncomfortable of a journey.