Hip problem now ?

[Anthi]

Hello. I had bi-lateral knee replacements just over three years ago and have been very happy with the results. However, for the last couple of months I have been having pain in my left hip which sometimes goes into the thigh, knee or calf but I suspect it's caused by the hip. How common is it for people to get problems with the hip after knee replacement ?

 

[Pumpkin]

@Anthi,
You'll notice that I have moved your newest thread, and moved it to hip pre op where you are more likely to find others with the same question.
So please post any updates, questions or concerns about your hip here. If you prefer a different thread title, just post what you want and we'll get it changed for you.
If you need an urgent response to a question, just tag a member of staff.
How to tag another member; how to answer when someone tags you

Here are the instructions on finding your thread, How can I find my threads and posts? . Many members bookmark their thread, so they can find it when they log on.

 

[Pumpkin]

It is not uncommon for members to have both hips and knees replaced.
You will want to see your OS to determine what is causing your pain, it may be your knee referring pain to your hip.

 

[Jaycey]

How common is it for people to get problems with the hip after knee replacement ?

I think the question is better phrased how common is it to have other joint problems. And the answer is very common. For those of us unlucky enough to have inherited joint issues there can be several joint replacements in the cards.

The good news is that technology is on your side. Joint replacement is one of the most performed surgeries now. Get that hip seen to. Recovery from THR is much easier of you don't wait too long.

 

[leejaa]

As you can see from my signature, osteoarthritis was my genetic inheritance. Had knees done in 2013 and then one hip 2017 and then the other 2019. It happens but we are lucky that the technology is so awesome now that we can get our pain free lives back.

Hips for me progressed to extreme pain and limitations on my life much faster that the knees. Have you seen your OS to get x-rays and see what he/she advises? My first hip took forever to diagnose as I did not start with my OS and was very physically and emotionally debilitating. The minute the second hip started I called my OS and started on the path.

 

[Anthi]

Thank you Pumpkin, Jaycey and Leeja for your replies which I have only just seen as I was having computer problems but have now got a new computer so contact is restored. Good to hear from you.
I had an XRay last week and got the results over the phone yesterday: mild to moderate arthritis in both hips: no more details and I cannot get a further appointment with my GP for two weeks (I am in the UK).
However, I do have private cover so I should be able to get this fixed, once I have the OK from my GP. The surgeon I will use is the same one who did my knees and is very good. I am experiencing a fair amount of pain in my left hip which travels down to the thigh, knee and calf sometimes. It's not excruciating but is interfering with walking which I like to do daily. Standing for any length of time is very painful. I have only a tiny amount of pain in the right hip. Two questions:
Would it be better to get the left hip replaced sooner rather than later?
I know nothing about this so can you tell me if the having arthritis in a hip would make it more liable to break? I have some osteoporosis for which I take Alendronic Acid weekly.
Many thanks

 

[Jaycey]

Would it be better to get the left hip replaced sooner rather than later?

In my experience getting THR as soon as you can means an easier recovery. Waiting means more limping around which impacts other parts of your body. And breaking habits is very hard.

I know nothing about this so can you tell me if the having arthritis in a hip would make it more liable to break?

It will certainly make a hip weaker. In my case my left hip finally collapsed.

Hope you don't have to wait too long!

 

[leejaa]

In my case it just kept getting worse and more debilitating to the point that I could not walk without extreme pain and sitting hurt and sleeping was iffy at best. It all makes one very tired and weak. I would say get it done sooner than later and get back to living your life on your terms. I found it interesting that your x-rays were mild to moderate OA. The radiologist read mine the same way and yet my pain was such that life was not fun and after the replacement my OS said the hip was really bad and good thing it was done. It was wonderful that right after surgery I could stand on it without pain.

Keep us posted with what you decide.

 

[Anthi]

Many thanks Jaycey and Leejaa for your very helpful replies. Best wishes.

 

[Anthi]

OK I have an appointment with the surgeon next week and just waiting for a referral letter from GP.

Now, could someone please tell me how painful it is having a replacement and how long is the recovery - driving etc. I realise having been through all this with my knees that this information may be easily accessible elsewhere on this site. If so could someone please point me in that direction to save you having to type too much. Many thanks.

 

[Jaycey]

Here are the guidelines we give all our hippie members in recovery. The activity progression and chart representation of recovery might give you an idea of how long recovery can take. But each and every THR recovery is different - even on the same person. Full recovery can take 12 months or more. But many of our members are back to doing normal activities just weeks out of surgery.

You will not be able to drive until you are released by your surgeon to do so. This is usually about 6 weeks post op.

And pain levels vary from person to person. But the good news is post op pain can be well managed.

Hip Recovery: The Guidelines
1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now, they are almost certainly temporary
2. Control discomfort:

rest​

elevate​

ice​

take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)​

3. Do what you want to do BUT

a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you​

b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.​

4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of this BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy
5. Here is a week-by-week guide for Activity progression for THRs
6. Access these pages on the website

Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications​

Wound Closure​

Pain management and the pain chart
Healing: how long does it take?
Chart representation of THR recovery

Dislocation risk and 90 degree rule
Energy drain for THRs
Pain and swelling control: elevation is the key
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

BIG TIP: Hips actually don't need any exercise to get better. They do a pretty good job of it all on their own if given half a chance. Trouble is, people don't give them a chance and end up with all sorts of aches and pains and sore spots. All they need is the best therapy which is walking and even then not to excess.

 

[Anthi]

Thank you Jaycey. That's very helpful.

 

[CricketHip]

Another point is that many of our members were told moderate arthritis but had extensive pain. The OS told them after the surgery that their hip was far worse than the xrays showed.

Good luck with your Dr visit.

 

[Anthi]

Thank you CricketHip for your reply. That's useful to know.

 

[leejaa]

I found that for me the pain pre op was worse with hips than my knees and more limiting and yet the recovery was easier with the hips and I had good recoveries with my knees and was back at work part time (sitting position with ability to ice and elevate some) in 6wks after my knees.

 

[Anthi]

Hello Leejaa and thank you for that information.
I'm so pleased to hear from you, and indeed from all of you. I'm feeling a bit isolated right now. This is a difficult stage to be at and it's good to hear from people who've been through the same thing.
Take care

 

[Jamie]

You'll feel more at east once you've met with a hip surgeon. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to post any specific questions or concerns you have. It would be good to read through some of the threads in the recovery forum so you can get a feel for how people get along with their new hips. I think you're going to be pleasantly surprised. This is wonderful, life-changing surgery. Your surgeon can help you decide if it is time to have your hips replaced. And, if that's what needs to be done, don't worry. We'll be right here to help guide you through everything.

 

[Anthi]

Hello Jamie and thank you for your very encouraging message. Take care

 

[BruceH]

Now, could someone please tell me how painful it is having a replacement and how long is the recovery - driving etc.

Hi Anthi,

I can relate my experience so far. It's recent in my memory because I'm living it right now. I'm 17 days out from THR. The pain was managed well in the hospital. They used a combination of things to do it, not just narcotics. Pain level went down fairly quickly for me. Narcotics use was halved by day 3, halved again by day 5, and has been as required low dose (very infrequent) since day 7. I was prescribed enough for 4 days at max dosage and there are still some left. I didn't request any more at yesterdays follow up appointment as there is no need.

The worst of the pain had left by day 3. As of right now I'm taking 500mg tylenol twice daily, 300mg gabapentin twice daily, and 200mg celebrex once daily as required along with 81mg aspirin twice daily for blood clotting.

I'm driving but not more than 10 miles at a time due to my incision starting to complain if I go longer (I wouldn't dream of getting in a vehicle if I didn't think I was 100% capable behind the wheel).

As I understand it everyone has a different recovery, I think I've been blessed so far in this recovery.

Bruce

 

[Anthi]

Hello Bruce and thank you for your reply. Driving 17 days after the surgery albeit for short distances ? That's pretty good. Great to hear you can do that and I appreciate hearing the details of the pain relief they gave you. I hope the rest of your recovery goes well too and many thanks again.