THR Hitch & Get Along<

[helenium]

Hi @NanaKP. So sorry to hear that left side is still not good for you. I have been following your progress along with that of BionicButt and JoeKnows. I think of you as my cerclage cable buddies! I wonder whether removal of your claw plate as well as the cerclage cable caused extra disruption to your soft tissues. Perhaps a little less activity (if possible) as well as more time to heal is what it needs.

I had cerclage cables put in five years ago and they stayed in place until my recent revision (I have a new set now!). It was at least three years before I could lie on that side at night, I certainly underestimated how long soft tissue takes to heal. I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't check with your OS, but if all turns out to be ok then you might find that it just needs even more time and pampering. Take care.

 

[NanaKP]

Oh my @helenium - 3 years???? That's a bit disheartening to read but at the same time, a little comforting because maybe I do need to be more patient. I had a super ROUGH night last night, my left hip and leg ached down to my toes the entire night. Now it's raining here so maybe that's it. I also did quite a bit more grocery shopping trips the last 5 days in getting my husband ready for his big hunting trip. I don't honestly know how that group of guys will EVER eat the amount of food I ended up getting but they'll have it. I was hoping to be off this next week to R&R while he was off chasing Elk and deer but we are open so here I shall be. The downside of being self-employed.

Hey there @BionicButt - good to hear from you friend!!! I have been chatting with Hipster's right hand gal the last few days but more about when we can meet for a coffee/glass of wine and also the antibiotics I needed for a dental cleaning today. I actually have checked into a few rec centers around and sadly, the nearest one with saltwater isn't that convenient with work and such (that darned job thing sure cuts into my fun!) I may need to take a 'leave of absence' again for a few weeks to see if I can get back on two solid feet! In the meantime, I have a lovely quilt top that I finished piecing and am very anxious to start the quilting (or the icing on the cake as I tell my husband).

I did have an evening planned with old friends but have had to postpone it. The reason for rescheduling it is now not necessary so I will have an evening of laziness to enjoy. I may spend the evening with a glass of wine, the recliner and Hallmark channel! LOL I know that I will NOT be grocery shopping for the next 8 or 9 days!!!!

Thank you all for the encouraging words/sentiments. I will give it some thought about requesting an MRI. Hipster suggested a cortisone shot last Spring but I declined. For some reason that I cannot pinpoint, the thought terrifies me.

Kim

 

[Debru4]

I had cortisone injections for my back about 11 years ago, and my hip a couple of years ago. In both cases the procedures were set up in a way that did not involve a lot of pain. I had mixed results with the injections, but am so glad I decided to do them. In both cases they bought me some time---with my back, to be able to enjoy---even dance at, my daughter's wedding. With my hip, they enabled me to take a dream trip to Europe that has been planned, and paid for long before my hip flared up.

They also wore off, and showed me that I had tried all i could, and needed to proceed with the surgeries. In your case, they might reduce both pain and inflammation, and give you some direction. Or they might do nothing, and give you a different direction to follow. I understand your apprehension, but might urge you to reconsider so you have more information, and a possible chance to alleviate your pain. Purely my own opinion of course.....

 

[BionicButt]

HI @NanaKP,

Was thinking about you today and thought I'd pop on and see how you are doing now?

 

[NanaKP]

Hi @BionicButt - thanks for checking in. I actually had a miserable night two nights ago, woke up from the pain (left 'broken' side) and when Aleve wouldn't touch it, finally gave in and took a pain pill that I still have left-over. Boy was I sick to my stomach all morning (had our grandson's birthday party then baking day to get through after that). Thankfully, I slept much better last night. I really don't know if there's something wrong with that hip or what. I don't even give my other hip a second thought, it's rare that it's even sore (usually weather changes impact it a bit). I can't make a single move 24/7 without thinking of that darned left problem hip. It pops, I can feel "grinding" when I try to walk side to side or sometimes, just lifting that leg will trigger it. If I make any sudden move, I am instantly in tears. My husband is convinced something is WRONG, because I still can't lay on that side for more than a few minutes at a time. This weekend was a definite set back and my mood is currently reflective of that. My one year anniversary of having that miserable wire taken out was yesterday. WHY am I still struggling so much? Wahhhhhhhhhhhhh . . . sorry, a little bit of a pity-party going on. My lower back on that side has also been joining in with its own aches and pains. Any thoughts?

 

[NanaKP]

PS I have been having some pretty bad shoulder pain as well. I noticed after standing out in the cold talking with a customer for close to an hour, my shoulders hurt soooooo bad that I drove part way home with no seatbelt because I couldn't do it. I also sleep a lot on my good hip side and find that the shoulder on that side, aches a LOT through out the day.

Don't mind me, just falling apart here at the end of 2019. I need to be "ME" again - our youngest daughter and soninlaw are foster parents and they currently have 3 darling daughters. I get baby holding in as much as I can (she's 3 months) then the other 5 including our grandsons are ages 2-11. They NEED Nana to be able to chase them around and be able to get down on the floor to play games!

 

[Debru4]

I don't think it sounds like you are having a pity party at all, so don't even give that one thought! It sounds to me like you are trying hard to live your best life and that left hip is really making that hard.

If it were me, I would probably follow up to have some xrays and perhaps even lab work done to rule out some sort of autoimmune disorder (women our age, and women in CO where we both live) have higher rates of those and since your should is also bothering you, it might be a relief to rule that out.

Last year I had a lot of discomfort when the cold and snowy weather hit. This year I haven't had much at all. But a couple of days ago, out of the blue, I was aching and throbbing even in joints where I've been told my arthritis is minimal---not sure what that was all about.

I recall that you are working full time in your family business----so I have a couple of questions for you about that. Are you standing on slab/concrete flooring (even with a carpet over it)? Are you wearing "good shoes"? Are you sitting on a "good chair"? I know those questions make me sound like such a "mom".

I taught elementary school for 38 years, standing and walking on industrial carpeted concrete, with many years in poor quality shoes, and sitting on a cheap chair, as did many of my coworkers. It took a tole on our feet, backs, hips, necks, shoulders....you name it. My last 10 years teaching I invested in multiple pairs of good shoes and was given a yoga ball chair which was wonderful. I am wondering if some adjustments like that might help, if you haven't already done them.

I hope you can find time to rest and rejuvenate over the holidays as you enjoy all those special people in your life! And I hope the rest of the winter goes quickly for both of us.

 

[NanaKP]

Thank you @Debru4 for your kind words. I have definitely thought of my work environment - it is COLD in the back of the shop (and all concrete floors, my poor husband). The front offices are bare minimum so could be adding to the discomfort. I will certainly reevaluate all of that as I'm entering my worst time of the year - year end bookwork, 1st quarter of the new year AND our software is changing so I have that to deal with that. (We function with the oldest of software, most basic because that is how my husband likes to operate the business - he handwrites the tickets, I enter everything into the computer). Yes, we are OLD SCHOOL but for 29 years, it has worked well for us so there's that.

I have had an ongoing pain that I dismissed a LOT until recently when it has become this more frequent nagging "punch me upside the head" type of pain. I never mentioned it because it was fleeting, it was so unpredictable that I figured it was a fluke. Well, it has now become a more daily nuisance - today I decided to write it all down and it has happened 6 times. It's a very brief but very painful episode of pain that has happened with a step up the stairs, step to the left, step behind me or just walking forward. It is always on my bad side - the "left-over" pain radiates into the stem of my leg, into my groin and sometimes into my rear end. When the episode happens, it's sharp enough to cause me to stop for a second. Two days ago I finally gave in after having "several" painful moments to the ice pad and a pain pill (which makes me really sick to my stomach so I really HATE taking them).

I don't even know what to do at this point. I have one really GREAT hip replacement done 11/2019. I never even think about that side. I feel like a broken record. I told my husband tonight that I guess I will call Hipster to see if I can get in. Ugh.

 

[Eman85]

Sorry to hear about your hip, I'd agree it's time to call the OS
As far as shoulders go I've had the same problems. I've been able to get relief with simple shoulder stretches and rotations. Mine grind when I rotate them, same thing with my neck.

 

[Layla]

Hi @NanaKP
Happy New Year! I hope you had a nice Christmas.

I'm sorry you're struggling with this new and increasing pain. I think you're wise to check in with your OS. Hopefully he can offer you some reassurance. Please keep us posted, you know we care.

I'm confused by a date you mentioned in the quote below. Is that a mistake?

I have one really GREAT hip replacement done 11/2019

Wishing you comfort and a pain free weekend.

 

[NanaKP]

Ooops @Layla - nope, that would be 11/2018! Here I've been priding myself in writing 2020 all day on files for the next year . . . the years all blur together.

 

[Layla]

No worries, just wanted to make sure your signature was right.
I've yet to write the date but I'm sure when I do I'll be writing 2019 a few times, lol.

 

[NanaKP]

Happy Saturday everyone - I wanted to say that I called Hipster yesterday, explained what was going on and I'm going in on Tuesday morning (xrays first). I have a question for anyone out there who had a revision surgery, were any of them done for the wrong size prosthetic? It's just a thought that has been gnawing at me as I have one side (that I know they used a smaller prosthetic because Hipster told me) that has given me ZERO problems. I know they told me when I had my post-op with the first LTHR that they had overestimated the size of my bone and were afraid they were going to "shatter my femur", which, ended up having a fracture. Sooooooo . . . do I ASK them point blank if this is why I'm struggling so much? Does that sound ridiculous/impossible? Do they even do revisions because of the wrong size or is it that once it's placed in there, it stays???? My mind is all over the place wondering if I will be told "all is fine/good" on Tuesday, that it's more or less in my head or I haven't done enough activity to get adjusted to it? I just don't want to go with my usual "all is great" smile on my face because I don't want to be seen as a whiner, complainer, etc. My husband is adamant that he is going with and even went so far as to say he thought he should go in first and speak with Hipster privately. Last night he asked me what I thought the quality of my life has been since the first THR on a scale of 1-10. Honestly I'm not sure I've gotten beyond a 5 in the last year and a half. That makes me sad not just for myself, but for my husband too.

Any words of advice for approaching the appointment on Tuesday would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[Layla]

Hi Kim,
I'm sorry to read of your continuing struggles. My heart goes out to you in the midst of your confusion and uncertainty. All you want is the result you were counting on and sadly that is not your reality.

I've heard of revisions due to the wrong size prosthetic, but can't think of any one member off hand. You may try searching phrases such as "wrong size prosthetic", or similar identifying phrases, through the SEARCH feature in the dark blue navigational bar at the top right and see what you find. It's good to hear you're going to meet with your surgeon once again on Tuesday.

do I ASK them point blank if this is why I'm struggling so much?

Yes! Ask him anything you want to ask him and take notes, record the conversation....do whatever YOU feel like doing. You're an unsatisfied customer still struggling 20 months after your LTHR. I think it's good your husband is accompanying you to the appointment and I would not let him go in to speak to Hipster without you first. You and hubs are in this together as what's going on with you, also affects him. You are a team and I feel you should present as a united front from the beginning. Strength in numbers.

Please understand, I mean no disrespect, but I wouldn't go in there with an "all is great" smile, because sadly that doesn't seem realistic given all you've shared. I understand you like and have trusted your surgeon, but in all honesty, given the fact that you feel you haven't moved beyond a 5, on a scale of 1-10, over a twenty month period, I'd be seeking a second opinion, depending upon what Hipster offers on Tuesday. I think I'd seek a second opinion regardless.

Do some research and if necessary our Admintrator, Jamie, may be able to help you locate a revision specialist within your area. I'm not saying I think you need a revision, because obviously I don't know, but if you're seeking a second opinion with that in mind, you may as well meet with a revision specialist from the beginning.

Possibly another member will come along who fits the profile you're looking for to offer insight. If not, please keep us posted because we're here for you to support and encourage, whether we can personally relate, or not.

Sending a hug and a prayer going up that you find answers to bring you resolution soon.
@NanaKP

 

[NanaKP]

Thank you so much @Layla - I appreciate your response so much. Always trying to be the "nice guy" isn't always the correct stance to take (especially in medical situations, perhaps?) I think my husband was joking when he suggested going in first but I do know he has talked to Hipster and his right hand gal when I wasn't at work (they brought their cars in for service). I think Jon told them then (back in June) that he saw me continuously struggle but also that I didn't want to talk about it.

I think I heard someone talk about a revision specialist before. I, of course, am not a physician so have no idea what is wrong, but I find comfort in knowing there are doctors out there who specialize in revisions, if that is necessary. I definitely HAVE been thinking about seeking out a second opinion, a set of fresh eyes on all of my xrays, CT scans, surgical notes, etc. Sure couldn't hurt at this point.

Thank you so much - your words have helped settle my nerves and my bouncing brain more than you realize.

 

[FCBayern]

@NanaKP I agree with Layla a united front is your best approach. Many of us tend to defer to the doctor because they are "supposed" to be the expert. However when thing are not right sometimes we need to really push back and demand answers. Lean on each other to ask the hard questions. This is not the outcome you or the OS expected and in order to move forward you need to understand why. I would also pursue a second opinion unless you get a really solid answer that you believe will lead a better outcome for you.

 

[NanaKP]

Thank you @FCBayern - I just relayed both responses to my husband and we're both in agreement on getting a 2nd opinion. He too was unaware of specialists just for revisions but also said that a fresh set of eyes might be what we need.

 

[Elf1]

So sorry you're still going through this. Definitely think another set of eyes might be needed and preferably someone not related in any way to your current OS.

 

[Mojo333]

Hi @NanaKP
I was glad to see you here but unhappy to see you are still struggling and have concerns about the components.
Who knows what the professionals will "cop" to...always the litigious concerns as you know.
I do hope you are able to get some answers and will be thinking of you.

 

[NanaKP]

You are sooooo right about the "litigious concerns" when it comes to the medical field @Mojo333 - I don't have the energy or desire to sue Hipster if something was done wrong to start with. I know that errors can happen, everyone is human. He is pretty arrogant (as is our family doctor) but he is so highly thought of among many in the medical field that we've spoken to. He also got to know us well through everything and knows that Jon wants things said straight out, no games. It is a definite fault of mine to go in with a happy face and avoid any type of complaint. I guess Jon and I balance each other out. He was the one who was most vocal when we discovered the fracture and Hipster responded by opening his office on a Saturday evening to meet with the two of us privately. I know he is fighting for me to return to a quality of life that is a "10" and Tuesday MAY be a "come to Jesus" appointment with Hipster.

I am not this wishy-washy (or soft) in any other aspect of my life. I will fight tooth and nail for my daughters, son-in-laws and grandkids, whenever I need to. I was also the more outspoken one when Jon faced his own medical dilemma last Spring. Not sure why I have such a hard time stating my unhappiness with the status quo to Hipster though. Ugh.

I'm going to go do some "sewing-therapy" for the rest of the day. It brings me much joy to quilt and I have been working on a baby quilt for a "bonus" grandchild coming February 2020 (driving to Arizona for the baby shower in 10 days which also has me in a bit of a panic - 12 hours in the car?) Oh, I don't think I mentioned it but we learned on New Year's Day that the 3 grandsons will be gaining a baby brother or sister this coming summer. Babies-Babies and MORE Babies!!!!