THR I had no idea how impacted I was

Good for you for taking a break after all that activity.
New hips don't like heavy lifting. I learned this the hard way. And at one month, my main complaint was the tightness.
Tightness is a normal occurrence after this kind of major surgery. Your surgeon did major carpentry work and disturbed every millimeter of soft tissue in this area. You aren't tight because your muscle is underused and needs to be stretched and rehabbed. You're tight because your tissue is healing... If a long full step right now is causing pain and limping, don't take long full steps. Take smaller steps. Take a short walk several times a day, instead of longer walks. Use your wake until you can feel ok with the cane.
Use ice. Rest a lot.

This isn't the time to do anything to excess. Baby steps now, and lots of patience, pays off big time later. Recovering from self-induced tendinitis can end up taking weeks or months. Consider yourself as still recovering from surgery and structure your return to your life as a slow, gradual process where you introduce very small increments in activity, and then give yourself time to see how you react to it.
All temporary, and worth the patience. I am certainly glad I am able to get back to a full happy life
 
Carrying anything heavy isn't good especially in the first few months. I remember with my 1st hip coming home from the store, we use big reuseable bags with handles, and grabbing a loaded bag and heading up the stairs. 4 steps and I knew I wasn't doing that again for some time!
I like the part about shaving time off of the recovery. I really enjoy when you tell someone you're 4 or 5 weeks into recovery and you're using a cane. They immediately tell you about their relative that ran a marathon days after having both hips replaced and then think you'll be on a cane the rest of your life.
 
Hello hip friends.
Hello, my dear hip pals.
Hello, my hips and holders.
Hello, my hip and hand holder friends.
After I flirted with the ODIC I took it easy for a few days then I had my second PT. I did some leg presses, very slowly and my other relatively gentle exercises. I felt so good doing them. My Pt was very complimentary. An old memory of how to work my body was remembered. I felt normal and excited. Because of my MS, I am a limited walker. I have something called neuromuscular fatigue. Basically any repetitive movement like walking (or PT) burns the neurons that fire my muscles out quickly. Still, I felt so good and strong using my body that instead of coming straight home and icing I went.....shopping at the Bay. (seriously I can not believe I did this but there ya have it). I have a handicapped sticker and found a spot close. I have my walker so I proceeded into the store. !0 steps in and I knew I had overdone my MS part, now in 10 more steps my new hip/leg would not be able to lift itself up and step through, even with the walker. !0 steps ahead was a 70%off rack of fancy exercise duds! I made it but with not enough juice to look and then I realized I had to pee. The kind of needing to pee you can not ignore. I double down and footdrop leg dragged my way to the far side elevator. My hip did not hurt, it was just a familiar MS thing. I was surprised my hip did not hurt and pleased. The bathroom was kitty-corner (far away) but I made it and back and down and out. I pretty much had three people run to open the door for me. One was just a little kid, bless her heart. I made it to my car, hoisted the walker in the back and rested for 20 mins before I drove home.

That was the 7th. I have been sore and so very stiff upon waking or standing. My spasticity at night is still very intense. Feels like I am doing some kind of plank exercise or butt extended clenching for the three hours prior to my full awakeness. I do get up stretch and pee as this does help. I am waiting to see my neurologist for some advice. I can not be the only person with my issues to get a new hip.

Now my walking has taken a step back. I am extra stiff and extra sore those few first steps. I am resting and icing lots. My nurse friend keeps telling me to get up and walk. I tell her to knock it off. Such a narrow path I need to tread. I am extra re-reading that hips don't need much PT to heal. That they can do it on there own. I am praying that by 3,4 or 6 months I am stronger than now even though I don't really know how to have my bodywork the best it can with my limitations.yet ugh and boo.

So this is a bit of a discouraging reality. I will be patient and adapt my recovery to my abilities but I am kinda scared that my limp or stiffness will never go away. I am just past 6 weeks so early times.

My goal is to still recover enough to get back to my beloved little island in Belize, ride my bike, float in the teal water, boop my island pupper pals, have a beer at the bar, wear no shoes, wiggle my feet in the sand and relax in the near 100% humidity and steady 85 degrees weather that pretty much eliminates my spasticity. Don't even get me started on my hammock in the breeze or my odd ex-pat pals and beautiful local people. My goal is to return late August or Mid September. I will be better than ever upon my return. Patience, faith and more patience.
 
I would imagine that it would be hard to try to differentiate between new hip issues and the MS symptoms.
Not sure if we have had a member with MS.:scratch:
However I can say, and will say, that limping and stiffness at 6 weeks is common and normal.
I think you are doing well and there is a balance to be struck between too much and not enough that we often find by overstepping the boundaries and learning the hard way.
Keep the faith, friend. Lots of improvement to come.
 
Hello @Chris1962
May all your dreams come true and you get back to your beloved, Belize in August or September. I understand the bike riding, floating in teal water, feet in the sand, but what is "boop my island pupper pals?" :shrug: Made me laugh, whatever it is.:heehee:

Have you tried an online search regarding recovery from THR with Multiple Sclerosis? Obviously you're not the first. Hopefully a quick search would be enlightening.

Your spirits seem good, humor intact even with the extra challenges you're facing in recovery. Your journey may take a little longer than the average bear, but I believe you'll soon be reaping the benefits of this miraculous surgery.

Wishing you only the best, always! Have a great week. :)
 
Hi all, I wanted to update my recovery. It is important to consider that my MS inserts a few extra hurdles. There must be others who for varying circumstances i.e cerebral palsy, spinal injury, strokes, and others In my situation, I have spasticity (very common with MS). My spasticity is predominantly in my limb affect with OA. I believe my OA was helped along by an old martial arts injury, my weakness in thy hip area and leg in general. These things combined to create a perfect OA situation. Prior to my surgery, the increasing pain of arthritis ushered in a sharp increase in my hip spasms (adductor and flexor). Needless to say, this was extremely painful as I had no control over the muscles putting themselves in positions that my ragged hip did not like. It was a circular thing, the pain triggered the spasms then the spasms increased the pain. My medical folk did hear me finally and I was able to have surgery in 4 months vs 6-7 months.

My surgery was posterior and successful. For the grace of God, my spasms stopped during my first three weeks. I have no idea why. Possibly the good drugs? Possibly the nerves were temporarily limited (I wonder if Josephine has any thoughts on this). My spasticity started up slowly two days before I finished my narcotics. Since then the spasms have increased.

I am seeing a Physiatrist (excellent knowledge) next Wednesday for botox injection that may well help. (very grateful).

My days are good, I still use my walker as my gait is crappy. I could not walk too far before the MS unresponsive leg stops working - but I can walk for a block before that happens, so that's good and that's how I have to do it. My arthritis pain is gone (miracle!). This can not be dismissed as it is a gift and a potential.

My nights are when the spasms come on (gurrrrr). However, the days are good and I can do my walking and light stretching. I am coming to terms with taking my time, letting my hip heal with a bit of help for my spasms (diazepam, baclofen, and soon the botox - the drugs I take at night at night). My hip feels well implanted, I have another x-ray next week and physio for gentle strengthening.

Ok, that's it. We are all different and face unique challenges. The important part is that so far I am able to move about without pain (minus the spasms which hurt my groin ligaments like hell when they occur but subside when it is over). As my hip heals the spasms will lessen. I look forward to updating you after the botox injections. Fingers crossed.

Much love to all my hip friends here. :ok:
 
The important part is that so far I am able to move about without pain (minus the spasms which hurt my groin ligaments like hell when they occur but subside when it is over). As my hip heals the spasms will lessen.

Glad you can move without pain, minus the spasms.
:fingersx: Hope the Botox injections work. It sounds like you are doing all you can and have a good head on your shoulders.
 
@Chris1962 overall you seem to be coming along pretty well. So sorry that the MS is causing you spasms, especially when trying to sleep at night. :yawn:. It's good to hear that you think the spasms will end when your hip heals. Also happy that you are aware this is going to take some time and possibly a little extra due to your personal health issues.

You really are keeping a sense of humor and taking things as they come. That good outlook can really be beneficial on this journey! :friends:
 
Hi @Chris1962
Wanted to direct you to My recovery thread at 13 weeks out post op.
I had the same complaint.
Maybe you will find comfort in looking through some of the posts before and after as the spasms did improve for me but took some time.
My arthritis pain is gone (miracle!). This can not be dismissed as it is a gift and a potential.
It is an amazing gift , for sure.
My nights are when the spasms come on (gurrrrr). However, the days are good and I can do my walking and light stretching. I am coming to terms with taking my time, letting my hip heal with a bit of help for my spasms
Keep the faith friend.
I know the MS symptoms complicate things and make it hard to know, but I am hoping time will ease these symptoms.
 
Oops...here is the referenced post.


Click on this and scroll back for my whines and forward for my improvements.:) :-) (:
 
A belated Happy Two Month Anniversary!
I hope you're doing well this week and that the Botox injection from the Physiatrist brings you relief. Best of luck with the x-ray and Physio this week.
Let us know how it goes.
Wishing you only the best!
@Chris1962
 
Thank you, Layla, I just received my botox injections (today) in the correct places with some kind of electrotype machine that made noise when it was in the muscle. It should work to reduce the tension in those muscles in a few days.
My Xrays are good, my new hip is setting well. I went to physio yesterday and the very kind kinesiologist/physio man said I am doing well and in a normal recovery state as most. or many. It made me feel better.
The physiatrist (spasticity specialist) is confident that as my hip heals and my tissues repair my hip will feel less pain and my spasticity will subside, until then the botox will ease things up and allow my joint to relax and do its healing thing.

Just out of curiosity did anyone else experiences their ankle aching? Mine does most of the time when I am resting, on the outside of my THR leg. I am gonna put some ice on it. I wonder if it is referred pain or a new gait? It is curious to me and nagging.

Thanks again all for your care and support. I will update on the groin, hamstring, adductor botox effects and my general progress. If this works, I will be able to sleep for longer lengths of time...ooh that sounds so good. :yahoo:
 
I sure did and still do at times! Lateral side of my ankle and foot. Early on, my achilles tendon was very sore, too.
I think for me it's the changes in my gait. My new hip has me walking in a much more correct way.
I used to toe in quite a bit on that leg and now I don't.
I can't recall names, but I've noted other members feeling this in their foot, also.

Wishing you continued improvements and hope the botox helps!!

BTW---You had me at Belize! Was there for 8 days and loved it. Especially traveling around in the golf carts.
 
Last edited:
Good Morning my dear hip fellows,
Day three after my botox injections. Success!
I am still taking my muscle relaxants at night. I woke up once with a full bladder ( a trigger) and definitely had the rigidity of my spasticity however it was greatly lessened and mostly manageable. I have some bladder issues (retention and then if too full no retention eek) but have an elegant pee pot from the early 19th century exactly for this possibility, so no problem :). I took my second dose of muscle relaxants and went back to sleep.
I could already feel the botox difference as I was able to move! I woke up this morning and could stretch out my leg, contract my lower torso and not contract every dang muscle in my new hip, groin and upper butt. I am able to move, this is such a relief.
I still have mild contractions when I engage my hip muscles to move or arise BUT!!!!! 70% better.
Oh my word, what a relief.
I have been feeling so much better in general as the time of healing moves along. Those first 6 weeks were challenging. To slide over and shut the window felt dangerous. Every move was careful and kinda scary.
Now here at 2 months, I can really feel my new hip is becoming a secure part of me. I am so grateful to have no pain - that awful grinding, debilitating arthritis is gone. I still use my walker around the house as I like the ability it allows me to practice walking with even weight ad good stride and posture. I use my cane for short jaunts and it is Ok. With my cane, I can go up and down 3 or 4 steps like a regular gal!!! (this gives me great pleasure). I still feel tenuous, my balance is a bit off but I can manage and practice smooth stepping (sort of). Longer jaunts I take my walker or attach myself to the shopping cart.
Before the surgery, my hip had deteriorated that I could not even use my walker for any real length of time. I couldn't do much at all and sleeping was so painful from arthritis and the subsequent trigger of my spasms as a result. Having thought my limping was my MS for 4 years I am very excited to retrain my gait and see if I can move about with much greater ability. I think I can and that makes me tear up a bit. I may never be able to hike a mile but I may be able to walk unassisted for half a mile. This my dear friends is very exciting. I can ride a bike for the longer excursions so my world is still very accessible and will be more so with every healing month ahead.
Last night was the best sleep I have had in 5 months.
I will still be moderate in my PT and general movements until I am really ready. I know my body will inform and guide me.
OK. Morning, happy darn morning update. :yahoo::happyfeet:
 
I am very excited to retrain my gait and see if I can move about with much greater ability. I think I can and that makes me tear up a bit.

Aww, so touching. :console2:
We're excited and happy for you too. May it only get better.
Thanks for the awesome update sharing the sweet relief you're feeling.
Have a great weekend! :SUNsmile:
 
Sounds wonderful. I dreamt about my return to St Lucia during my rather long recovery. But got there eventually and was so happy. I haven’t been this good for years . It can be done but I had to learn a LOT of patience. Best of luck and I am sure you will have the best time once you return to your beloved island.
 
SurreyGirl Thank you. I had a childhood friend whose very hippy ma, raised her from 3 to 12 on St. Lucia in the mid-'60s, early '70s. I believe they had a wee open hut on Diamond Head Mt.? It has fascinated me ever since and I often look at pics and check out accommodation just for fun. I am glad to hear you were able to return.
Yes, I will be able to return to Belize and be healthier than ever. Patience indeed and for me and a real appreciation for my abilities to be respected and honed at the best they can be. That darn hip gave me a glimpse into the impact of limitations or disability as I thought it was my unavoidable future. I feel so lucky to have realized my progressive pain and limping was something that was able to be fixed. I will need to limit my occasionally reckless abandon with that celebratory shot of tequilla and the subsequent wobbly bike ride home as it has resulted in a spill or two. My new hip is very precious and seems to have ushered in whole new care and love of my body in general. I still have a long way to go.
The advice and guidance here have been invaluable.
 
Stay in touch. I will be rooting for you. Despite a somewhat awkward recovery I can’t believe the difference now and I consider myself very lucky indeed. I owe it to the NHS to keep losing weight and to try to put off a potential op on the right hip for as long as possible. Btw I was careful not to drink too much on holiday as worried about falling. I did trip (sober) over a badly placed sun lounger and was picked up by the very apologetic member of the BA crew who caused the issue. A momentary scary moment but I was fine! I packed an ice pack just in case and used it then. That was the only time. No swelling after the flight and my feet back to their narrow aa size so my shoes fitted which gave me confidence. I truly hope the same for you. I couldn’t use fins one year out from the op but now I can.
 

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