THR Juanita's Hip Recovery

[Layla]

Hello, It's good to hear you enjoyed Thanksgiving. We have snow also which isn't unheard of for us this time of year.

Hang in there. I hope the month passes quickly. Let us know what you hear tomorrow on the MRI results on your back.
Wishing you a peaceful evening.
@Ryesgma

 

[Ryesgma]

Well I went and had my MRI done and then I got a call from my original surgeon's nurse telling me that he would be rescheduling my phone appointment for another 2-3 weeks out because he didn't have my results back . I'm thinking he could get them sooner but he really doesn't care at this point , being that he's refused to help me with anything . I know that there's no issue with my back but I did the MRI anyway so he would shut up about it and maybe start listening to me and hopefully other hip replacement patients in the future I did however get a call from the person who is handling my grievance case against my 2 os , I gave all the info in my testimony and hopefully some good will come out of it , if not for me then maybe for future patients so maybe they won't have to suffer through what I have had to . I honestly just want to be out of pain and move forward from all of this I have an upcoming appointment with pain management , I've never been before so if anyone has any experience with this, any and all info would be greatly appreciated

 

[SaraK]

Pain management seems to be an area that's all across the board. They are apparently used to dealing with drug seekers and working to get them off opioids. Mine said they required all patients to sign a form that they wouldn't take any pain meds not prescribed by them and wouldn't get meds from anyone else. I refused to sign it out of principle (told them I would when and if I ever asked them for a narc prescription).

I guess many of them deal with chronic spine/back issues. I specifically asked mine about a psoas impingement but she decided it was all in my back and that the back issue cause a twisted pelvis that was causing the psoas to spasm. She sent me to 3 different PT and did 2 injections into the psoas muscle in the back (which helped some but not as much as the later one in the psoas tendon) before I fired her.

Hopefully your experience will be better. If nothing else, your pain mgmt doc can probably give you the results of the MRI more quickly (the report may be available as early as same day or next - I could even get my report online the day after which was good because pain mgmt doc never gave me results and office didn't return 2 calls for appt for results.)

 

[Mojo333]

Pain management seems to be an area that's all across the board. They are apparently used to dealing with drug seekers and working to get them off opioids. Mine said they required all patients to sign a form that they wouldn't take any pain meds not prescribed by them and wouldn't get meds from anyone else. I refused to sign it out of principle (told them I would when and if I ever asked them for a narc prescription).

I agree with the "all across the board" and know some folks who have benefitted greatly from their pain management clinic however my experience was similar to SaraK's and I did take exception to some of the stipulations also.

No harm in the assessment but I would read any contacts CAREFULLY and consider what, if any, benefit you would receive especially since you have a procedure scheduled.
DO Ask questions about anything that is unclear to you. If you do decide to sign the contract, be sure you follow it to the letter.
You don't want to find yourself in a situation where you can no longer get pain medications for your condition.

There is a section on pain management on the blue navigation bar that might explain some strategies they may have.

 

[Wonderwine]

I have the same thing, but it comes and goes. Actually, your hamstrings go behind your knee and attach via another tendon below the back of your knee, so if you sit too much, it can get tight. Then that contracts other tendons/fascia/muscles that actually go down to your foot and your foot feels funny not from a nerve issue, but from tightness. I don't recommend stretching so much as movement. Walking walking walking. I spent 2.5 weeks in November teaching overseas and I didn't have a car and walked 5+ miles a day and rode a bike. the back of the knee issue disappeared. Back home, commute life, I get it again sometimes. Movement works. good luck.

 

[Hip4life]

on 12/31/19 for yet another arthroscopic surgery on the right hip again this time for psoas releaseim scared to death because I remember my last scope and it was painful (hip replacement surgery was a breeze comparitively)

@Ryesgma
Hello, Juanita. I saw this on another’s thread (and then caught up on yours) and thought maybe I could give some insights. I’m so sorry for all you’ve been through. I’m 9 months out from RTHR. I had ongoing pain and ROM issues early on in my recovery. Unfortunately, the rate at which investigation for issues happens can be exasperating at best and some of those delays are faulty intra-team communication to the right people. I was fortunate that my OS always listened (when he actually got my communication through his nurse) and never stopped trying to help me. But I had to be persistent and not settle for continued life interfering pain as my new normal. After a couple of follow up appointments, X-rays, and giving my hip time to heal some more (no PT, doc never thought that was necessary; just my regular exercise as tolerated) I saw a specialist in August for anesthetic/steroid injection into my iliopsoas tendon for tendinitis. Wonderful immediate relief. But it only lasted 2 weeks. Then I was sent to an arthroscopic specialist (albeit a less experienced one) for eval of tendon release. He did not think he could help me at my stage of recovery (7 months). Panic, despair. OS then offered revision as an option since the arthroscopic doc didn’t think I was a candidate for release. Persistence again with direct communication with OS and his referral to another service with an experienced arthroscopic doc and I had my psoas release a little over 3 weeks ago. Two tiny stab wounds on the front of my thigh (all healed now,) 5 hours in the outpatient surgery center including wait time, weight bearing immediately (for first 48 hours I used my walker then my cane just to make it easier for myself and less worry for my hubby.) Some muscle soreness and stiffness the first week and I’m now able to do all those daily activities and bigger activities that I struggled with all recovery. As I think I’ve said elsewhere, so this is how other THRs feel after their first stages of recovery. I’m glad I now do, too.
I still have some soreness and stiffness to varying very tolerable degrees that move around. It’s better everyday and I was told to expect that even with this procedure for 3-4 months. Coincides perfectly with my THR year anniversary. LOL.
A couple of things to note: since I had complete relief, even though short-lived, from the steroid injection, it was a definitive diagnosis for tendinitis. Second: it was a total release from the lesser trochanter. He did not have to enter the hip capsule and he did not just partially release the tendon up at the prosthesis. That is a more involved surgery as I understand. I am extremely happy with the results and can see the very bright light at the end of the recovery tunnel. Trust me. It has ALL been worth it. I hope the same happens for you. Sorry this was so long but I wanted you to know you’re not alone in your struggles and frustrations. Tag me any time. Prayers and blessings to you, Pat.

 

[VSlowLife]

@Hip4life
That was a wonderful summarization of your experience, which I believe will help many others. Wishing each day is better than the next, for you.

 

[Ryesgma]

Thank you so much Pat for sharing your experience with me , sorry it's taken me so long to respond I just got back home today from seeing my grandbabies in Georgia . I was in excruciating pain the entire time but I was not going to let that stop me from enjoying my little ones during Christmas . My pre op appointment is tomorrow and I'm so excited to finally be getting this ball rolling lol . I'm not sure what exactly my surgery will entail but I'm definitely asking a ton of questions . The closer the date gets the more nervous I geti will be posting an update as soon as I have all the info . Hope everyone is doing well . Oh I almost forgot I did go to my pain mgnmt class and it sounds really helpful but unfortunately I can't proceed with the program until I've recovered from my surgery (hopefully I won't even need it )

 

[Mojo333]

I'm glad you were able to go and see the grandchildren...even though you are hurting...
Super nice weather too. I'm guessing.
A few more weeks and hopefully you'll be rid of this pain.
Hope time flies for you @Ryesgma

 

[Layla]

Hi Juanita,
You're getting closer to obtaining relief. I'll bet you're excited to get on with life, minus the pain. It looks like you're gaining some helpful insight and support on your thread from those who've "been there, done that". I'll bet it's encouraging. It certainly is an advantage to being a member of a forum such as BoneSmart. Wishing you comfort as you wait out these final days.
I hope you have a good week
@Ryesgma

 

[Ryesgma]

My pre op appointment went good , my surgeon is doing a partial release of the tendon and he says it's a fairly simple procedure . My surgery is scheduled for noon on New year's Eve and I should be able to go home the same day they gave me a polar care cube to use after the surgery and said I should walk with crutches for two weeks , I have no weight bearing or rom restrictions (just as tolerated) so we shall see he did however tell me that it's a coin toss (50/50) that the procedure will work and if it doesn't that I will be referred to a hip replacement specialist because all he does is arthroscopic surgery. I will be needed as many prayers and good thoughts that you amazing people can send me

 

[Mojo333]

the upcoming procedure will provide you relief from your pain and though you will be recovering...you can go into the New Year happy and hopeful.
Continued prayers

 

[Fit4Family]

I will be praying your surgery provides you the pain relief you are seeking @Ryesgma Fingers crossed you are in much better shape in the New Year.

We will be sharing recovery together. Best wishes on the 31st.

 

[leejaa]

Sending positive vibes for healing and a solution to your issues.

 

[SaraK]

I’m going to take it as a good sign that your surgery is on the first anniversary of my psoas release! You’ve got this!

 

[Layla]

Hello and a Happy Friday to you, Juanita.
Prayers you're one of the successes of the 50/50 and you move into the New Year with a feeling of renewal. Not long now, you're almost there.
I hope you're able to enjoy Christmas as you await the 31st.
Wishing you comfort in the interim.
@Ryesgma

 

[Elf1]

Wishing you the best on the 31st, hoping this is the fix you need so you can get on with life! Hope you can enjoy the holidays while you're waiting.

 

[Hip4life]

Good news. One step after the other. That’s all we can do, right? I agree with Layla. I’m praying for the good 50%. From what I understand, success of partial releases depends heavily on the healing process.
Here’s to success and a pain free New Year!

 

[CricketHip]

Hi Juanita. Your surgery date is fast approaching! I'm so relieved to read that your pre op check up went so well.
I hope you are one that does very well with this release surgery and will wish for this every single day for you and continue even after your surgery for a complete and easy healing.

Glad you got to see family recently. It's such fun to see the grands.. mine are early in their teens now so maybe not as cute. but are developing a great sense of humor and I love when they tease me. I'm sure,at any age they will lift your spirits and give you the gumption to push on.

Wishing you the very best! Happy Holidays, too.

 

[Ryesgma]

Thank you to everyone for all of your kind words and well wishes , I'm really hoping that this procedure works and I'll be rid of this horrible pain it's becoming increasingly harder for me to deal with the day to day of life at this point and I'm getting really tired of pretending I'm okay when clearly I'm not I will however tough it out one more week and see what happens . Can't wait to see the 3 of my children that live close to me for Christmas!!! I'm very fortunate to have such loving and supportive children I also met with my physiatrist and we discussed all the anxiety and depression associated with what's been going on and I have my prescriptions to help me with the rough spots , I'm starting to feel very stressed about the surgery being only a week away and just not knowing what to expect after I'm going to try my best to hold it together , any prayers would be greatly appreciated . Wishing all of you amazing people a very Merry Christmas