THR Illiopsoas tendonitis and bursitis

[Flamingo]

I'm so sorry you are feeling so sad about this Butterfly. I'm glad you have found this forum to help you out. I too was expecting to feel so much better after just 6 weeks. This is what my surgeon told me! I've decided they really "sugar coat" everything ahead of time. I had posterior surgery on my right hip almost 8 months ago and still do not feel 100%. Of course I am 20 years older than you so I'm sure this will not be your case at all. I used a cane for well over 6 weeks and did PT at two different times in two different places. Just until recently I was still having pain in my hip when taking my right foot from gas pedal to brake when driving. I have been using my treadmill at home and I think that is helping with the strenghening. Like everyone has said we all heal at different times and I felt like I took forever to start to feel normal again. I hope you start seeing some improvement and I also think taking a PT break might help you quite a bit. I also felt like I had to change PT locations and therapists to get a different opinion on what would help me.

 

[dnordo220]

I’m so sorry to hear about your long recovery. It’s 13 weeks for me today. I have to say that my recovery hasn’t been too bad, except for my dislocation on day 18. But I have noticed that in the past 2 weeks things seemed to calm down. And I can do most things. Keep up the ice, otc meds and make sure you get up and move. It really helped me. Sitting too long made me feel stiff, achey and depressed. Celebrate the wins. Cutting my toenails was a win . Wishing you have some relief soon.

 

[Butterfly77]

So it’s been a little while since I posted, my last post at about 11 weeks where I was still limping and still struggling with some discomfort. I’m now coming up to 4 months, things are getting better, but very slowly. Still limping, although it is a bit less promenant. Been able to walk my dog a little, which has been great, but can’t do too much distance as my leg gets tired and get discomfort around the hip. Pleased to report i am at last sleeping better, which has made a great difference to my mental health. I can drive without pain, and returning to work gradually now. Still have an area of fluid collected under the scar tissue on thigh, had this checked with nurse and she said it may take many months more to go completely. This is the most annoying part for me at the moment as it doesn’t seem to want to shift. Anyone else experienced similar and any tips? Was told to massage it, ice it and elevate but none of the is seems to make any difference to it. Also told to drink some electrolytes which may help. Hope you are all well and in good health.

 

[Jockette]

Still have an area of fluid collected under the scar tissue on thigh, had this checked with nurse and she said it may take many months more to go completely.

Many of our issues take months to heal in this year long recovery. I’m glad other things are improving.

I merged your newest thread with your original recovery thread, as we prefer that members in recovery have only one thread.

This benefits you because all your information is in one place, easy to find, and maintains a nice journal for you.

This also benefits our staff, as your information is all in one place, and we often go back through your thread for previous details, so we know what you‘ve been through which helps us advise you better.

So, please keep all your posts in this thread. If you’d like a new title, let us know what you want, and we’ll change it for you.

Many members bookmark their thread in their computer browser, so they can find it when they log on.
How can I find my threads and posts?

Best wishes on your continuing recovery!

 

[Kazza22]

So it’s been a little while since I posted, my last post at about 11 weeks where I was still limping and still struggling with some discomfort. I’m now coming up to 4 months, things are getting better, but very slowly. Still limping, although it is a bit less promenant. Been able to walk my dog a little, which has been great, but can’t do too much distance as my leg gets tired and get discomfort around the hip. Pleased to report i am at last sleeping better, which has made a great difference to my mental health. I can drive without pain, and returning to work gradually now. Still have an area of fluid collected under the scar tissue on thigh, had this checked with nurse and she said it may take many months more to go completely. This is the most annoying part for me at the moment as it doesn’t seem to want to shift. Anyone else experienced similar and any tips? Was told to massage it, ice it and elevate but none of the is seems to make any difference to it. Also told to drink some electrolytes which may help. Hope you are all well and in good health.

Hi. I am nearly 6 weeks post LTHR and also have a rather significant lump by my wound. I've been to physio and GP today and both went concerned. Both said is fluid collected in the fat layers and should go by itself but may take anything up to 6 months. So, it sounds like you still have a while to go yet (and me, potentially several more months). I didn't have this with my RTHR which I had last November but they say it's pretty common and nothing to worry about

 

[Layla]

Still limping, although it is a bit less promenant.

Here’s a tip -
Try heel-toe walking when you're limping.
This involves striking the ground with your heel first, then rolling through your heel to your toe, and pushing out of the step with your toe.
It takes a concentrated effort, but I believe you'll notice a difference. Give it a try.

 

[Butterfly77]

Thank you for this, I try to do it but just still have a weakness when I walk. I’m concerned something is wrong in terms of my recovery, I was getting on quite well and managed to walk my dog last week without a cane a no pain, but pain is back and the limp too. I wonder if I just overdo it some days and knock myself back. Going to have a resting and icing day today. The pain isn’t terrible just niggling.

 

[Butterfly77]

Hi. I am nearly 6 weeks post LTHR and also have a rather significant lump by my wound. I've been to physio and GP today and both went concerned. Both said is fluid collected in the fat layers and should go by itself but may take anything up to 6 months. So, it sounds like you still have a while to go yet (and me, potentially several more months). I didn't have this with my RTHR which I had last November but they say it's pretty common and nothing to worry about

Yes this is what I was told. My swelling seemed to go down a bit but has come back again. Think I’m going to use a tape measure and keep and eye on it to see if it is going down even a small amount. It’s annoying more than anything, and uncomfortable especially when sitting in a car as the swelling is right where I sit . I hope yours soon settles down and your recovery goes well. Just shows how it can be different for everyone after your other hip you didn’t experience this.

 

[Jockette]

I wonder if I just overdo it some days and knock myself back.

Even at 4 months you can do more than you are healed enough to do. I had a huge set back at this point in my recovery from my partial knee and it took a month for me to improve.

Think I’m going to use a tape measure and keep and eye on it to see if it is going down even a small amount.

Swelling is going to continue to fluctuate, possibly for several more months. Try not to overthink it.

 

[Layla]

My swelling seemed to go down a bit but has come back again. Think I’m going to use a tape measure and keep and eye on it to see if it is going down even a small amount. It’s annoying more than anything,

It's not too late to be elevating on a regular basis, if you've stopped doing so.

Jamie from admin once explained that It is our lymph system that rids the body of fluid (swelling). So you want to get the fluid to the lymph nodes in your torso area so your body can more quickly process it. The lymph system works rather slowly on its own and much more efficiently with the assistance of gravity. The fluid isn’t draining into the hips, but contained with the lymph system and moving to the torso and lymph nodes located there.

BoneSmart FA, CricketHip, is involved in Therapeutic Massage and has shared this exercise to assist in manual lymph drainage. This gentle, yet effective therapy will help prime your lymphatic system to move fluid and inflammation away from your leg, which in turn will help your range of motion and pain - you may want to give it a try and tag her if you have any questions.

While lying supine, take deep breaths...deep, as in breathing in to a count of 5, 4, or 3 seconds, whatever is most comfortable for you. Hold that breath for another count of 5, 4, 3 then blow out completely, still using the count that's comfortable for you. A series of at least 6 reps may help get the excess swelling to move. To ensure you are taking proper deep breaths, place your hand on your naval and watch while taking in your breath, if doing this properly you should see your hand move up. Repeat this whenever you feel up to it during the day or night. Lying flat (supine) is best as the lymph nodes seated in your groin are less restricted, allowing for better lymph flow.

In addition, after the breathing exercise, place your hands lightly on your upper thigh, at the crease in your groin and lightly stroke upwards towards your naval.
Be patient because it can take the body time to respond.

I read this recently - After a sports injury or surgery, lymph vessels can become overwhelmed with the demand placed on them. When tissues are swollen, deep tissue techniques may actually cause damage to the lymph vessels and surrounding structures. Lymphatic massage is often the treatment of choice, because it helps the body remove proteins and waste products from the affected area and reduce the swelling. This helps reduce pressure on cells and allows them to reproduce faster to heal the body.

 

[Butterfly77]

This is very useful. The swelling is my outer thigh some way below the hip. I will give it a try though as will try anything. It’s hindering me somewhat and having trouble getting trouser on so living in slacks or leggins atm

 

[Layla]

I'm glad you'll give it a try. Stick with it for a time though.
If you have questions please tag @CricketHip and she may be able to help.
I hope you have a nice weekend!
@Butterfly77

 

[Butterfly77]

I had my right hip replacement early July and am concerned by an area of what appears to be fluid. It is located on my outer thigh well below where the new joint is in place. It was noted as a seroma by the nurse on my 6 weeks check and I was told to massage and ice etc and it should go down. Well here I am 5 months down the line and it’s still there and hasn’t gone down at all. I feel this is attributing to weakness I still have with the front of my thigh and subsequent limp. I have made 3 calls to orthopaedics about this and nobody gets back to me (the aftercare in the UK is non existent). Going back to see a private physio Monday to discuss, but anybody else had similar or know what else I can try. It’s really getting me down, I am struggling to walk properly and for any distance with this weakness and soreness presenting around the area in question.

 

[CricketHip]

Hi @Butterfly77 Sorry to read your post above about your swelling/seroma. What a shame you couldn't get in earlier to see your surgeon. that had to be so frustrating for you.
I would be very interested in what answers your appointment gives you on Monday.

I'm curious how large your seroma is? I'm guessing it is significant in size since you stated that it's interfering in your ability to walk.

From what I've seen in the last several years, most seromas diminish with time, but sometimes can take 2 years to do so. After the acute stage immediately after surgery, I would think you would want to apply heat to the area... dilating vessels to help move the fluid, but also think it's wise to wait until Monday to get a Doctors opinion after viewing it in person.

Wishing for you a good outcome and your questions answered on Monday!

 

[Layla]

I have read of the frustration over seromas here many times over the years. It‘s usually not a problem if they’re not large. I believe the body often naturally reabsorbs hematomas and seromas resolving the issue without treatment. Be aware though, It can take time. I think scheduling an appointment with a private physio for Monday is worthwhile and hopefully offers you some reassurance and peace of mind. Let us know how it goes.

Please notice that we have merged your newest thread with your original recovery thread. Having your recovery information contained in one place will make it easier for you to reflect back on. It is also helpful for those stopping by to be able to review your history before advising or commenting. Please post any updates, questions or concerns about your recovery here. Also, if you'd like us to change your thread title to reflect your current concern, let us know and we'll happily edit for you.
A peaceful weekend to you!
@Butterfly77

 

[Merrimay]

I’m so sorry to hear about your long recovery. It’s 13 weeks for me today. I have to say that my recovery hasn’t been too bad, except for my dislocation on day 18. But I have noticed that in the past 2 weeks things seemed to calm down. And I can do most things. Keep up the ice, otc meds and make sure you get up and move. It really helped me. Sitting too long made me feel stiff, achey and depressed. Celebrate the wins. Cutting my toenails was a win . Wishing you have some relief soon.

Hi dnordo220, just wondering when you were able to reach your toes! I had posterior THR 6.5 weeks ago and look like I belong on the set of Jurassic Park. OS said no pedicures for me til January.

Butterfly7, I really relate to your recovery-- the setbacks and consequent emotional distress. I'm sorry you're experiencing a delayed recovery but relieved that you've found this forum of lovely and encouraging people. I do so hope things improve for you soon. You've certainly hung in there! As a fellow hanger-in-there, I salute your strength!

 

[dnordo220]

@Merrimay it was about 12-13 weeks for cutting my toes. I’m 5 months post now. And 99% back to normal.

 

[Merrimay]

Fabulous!!

 

[Butterfly77]

Thank you for all your replies. I think I’m just finding it tough with the limping, the swelling issue and everyday life. I will update you all tomorrow on what the physio says, and will try to keep positive. Interesting point about applying heat to the seroma, I will certainly ask the physio tomorrow if this is worth a try. I think the lack of follow up care has shocked me hugely, and when I try to call and ask for advice or to be seen nobody ever gets back to me. I was literally discharged from hospital the day after my surgery, seen at 17 days for staple removal and at 6 weeks and that it. All my physio to date has been paid for by myself, the NHS offered me none except for half an hour in hospital after surgery. Whilst I appreciate the nhs is struggling, it certainly isn’t easy going through major surgery like this without any support afterwards. So thankful to have found this forum, made a huge different to me, so thank you all xx

 

[Butterfly77]

So the physio had a good look at my swelling. She thinks it is possibly my body reacting plus some surgical retention of fluid matter. Advised non weight bearing exercises and hydrotherapy sessions to try and build strength and get the area moving without adding weight bearing and causing the body to over react by keeping the swelling there. Substantial weakness in gluten and quad muscles most likely due to the swelling impeding strengthening and recovery. Written a letter for me to send to consultant suggesting a follow up in case some surgical intervention might be required. It’s not a typical swelling associated to the surgery and she has only seen it once before in a patient who sustained severe trauma from a road traffic accident and required hip surgery. Hopefully if I do the exercises and avoid the walking and use the stick as required it may start to improve.