THR Nanny’s recovery

[Nannyh70]

Hello all just a quick question over the last week I’ve been getting pain in my left leg thigh area and around the wound . The pain comes as soon as I put weight on that leg. It’s not unbearable pain but very uncomfortable when walking. I’m icing 3/4 times a day and getting plenty of rest. Not seeing my surgeon til 7th November any advice would be much appreciated as I feel as though I’ve swapped one pain for another and am quiet worried. Thank you

 

[Layla]

Have you been engaging in any new activity, or PT? You can ice more than three times a day if it helps ease the pain. Ice for at least 45 minutes each time you ice and make sure to always place fabric between bare skin and the ice source.
Since you're not meeting with your surgeon for another week and a half, is there a contact person at your OS's office you can speak with for advice? If so, consider giving them a call.

I will leave the Recovery Guidelines even though you're likely familiar. I hope the pain eases over the next few days.

 

[Layla]

HIP RECOVERY GUIDELINES
As you begin healing, please keep in mind that each recovery is unique. While the BoneSmart philosophy successfully works for many, there will be exceptions. Between the recommendations found here, your surgeon's recovery protocol and any physical therapy you may engage in, the key is to find what works best for you.

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.

If you want to use something to assist with healing and scar management, BoneSmart recommends hypochlorous solution. Members in the US can purchase ACTIVE Antimicrobial Hydrogel through BoneSmart at a discount. Similar products should be available in the UK and other countries.

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 these
BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy
5. At week 4 and after you should follow this
Activity progression for THRs
The recovery articles
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?

Nutrition is of paramount importance. Available here are dietary tips, nutrition basics and additional food supplements. These articles are both general advice on food and specific guidelines aimed at people both pre- and post-surgery.

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.

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery. While members may create as many threads as they like in a majority of BoneSmart's forums, we ask that each member have only one recovery thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review history before providing advice.
@Nannyh70

 

[Nannyh70]

Hi all been to see my surgeon today had X-rays which looked good but regarding the pain I’m experiencing after a thorough examination he said I have bursitis and I’m to carry on with pt and see him again in 4 months. He didn’t seem overly concerned and said it will all right itself . He advised regular icing of the hip area and anti inflammatory meds . I was very disheartened when I left his clinic but it is what it is and as I’m still only 7 weeks out of surgery it’s still early days. I’ve got this onwards and upwards .has anyone else had this ?

 

[Eman85]

Pretty common as the soft tissue is not happy and easily inflamed. Pain in butt and bursitis are just part of the deal for many.

 

[benne68]

he said I have bursitis

Yes, this is a fairly common problem for us hippies. You might find this article helpful:

Trochanteric Bursitis with THR

To explain about bursas - they are a natural little sac made by a) an extrusion of the joint lining (synovial membrane) in any joint or b) a natural pocket over a bony prominence. The little folds need to be there to allow for movement much like you need pleats in a blouse so it doesn't stop you...

bonesmart.org

 

[Nannyh70]

he said I have bursitis

Yes, this is a fairly common problem for us hippies. You might find this article helpful:

Thank you that really explained things for me

 

[Nannyh70]

Hey how’s everyone? I know this is only a small thing but today I managed to tie my own shoe laces I’m so pleased with myself I had to share it

 

[Gloucestergal65]

I thought it was quite a big achievement when I managed to tie my shoelace for the first time. Ditto cutting my toenails.
I think I also had bursitis and still do slightly I think, nearly two years out. As in a tenderness around the trochanter/incision area. Doesn’t stop me doing anything, only really tender to the touch. Means I sometimes have to wriggle around to get comfortable on the operated side when sleeping. A minor problem compared to before the operation.
Good luck with your recovery. ‍

 

[mendogal]

@Nannyh70 it is indeed these small milestones that let us know we're getting better and it's been worthwhile!!!!

 

[Hippie Chick]

Yay! It’s the little normal things.

 

[Layla]

I know this is only a small thing but today I managed to tie my own shoe laces I’m so pleased with mysel

Love it!
We really do have a new appreciation for those little things that we took for granted until we could no longer do them, or really struggled to. So...thanks for sharing you deserve a big applause!

 

[Layla]

Happy Two Month Anniversary!
Have a wonderful week, Nanny!
@Nannyh70

 

[Nannyh70]

Happy Two Month Anniversary!
Have a wonderful week, Nanny!
@Nannyh70

Thank you Layla

 

[Layla]

Happy Three Month Anniversary!
I hope you're doing well. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a great 2025!
@Nannyh70

 

[Nannyh70]

Thank you. I’m doing fine slightly slower recovery this time round but Im getting there. Hope you had a lovely Christmas xx

 

[Nannyh70]

Hi everyone sorry not been on for a while. I’m struggling with issues with my it band . My hip feels great it’s just the pain on my outer thigh. Has anyone else had this problem? I’m still having physio and soft tissue therapy but it’s starting to get me down i feel like I’ve swapped one pain for another

 

[Nannyh70]

Hello everyone I had my 6 month check up with my surgeon today he didn’t discharge me like with my last hip replacement . I’m still have lots of thigh pain mainly on the outside sometimes an extremely sharp pain. Walking is fine for the first 5/10 minutes but then intense pain. I’m to carry on pt and my sorting I will benefit from shock therapy and if that fails prb . I had x-rays today which showed both hips are fine . Has anyone on here had shock therapy? It sounds quite daunting

 

[Jamie]

Hi, @Nannyh70….I’m sorry to hear you’re still dealing with soft tissue pain in your hip after surgery.

You may not have seen our recent emails announcing a new 2-tier membership program for BoneSmart. When we implemented the program, all existing members were automatically placed in the Basic Member category. This means you are able to use BoneSmart’s search feature to look for and read threads that interest you. And you can post in existing threads on the forum. But to receive the personalized guidance and support you’re looking for (including assistance from our experienced staff of recovery counselors), you’ll need to join the Insiders Club. Please see our Guidelines for Posting and Membership Page for additional information. BoneSmart is still a non-profit organization and the small subscription fee to obtain this premium level of support is what will keep BoneSmart on the internet to help people around the world.

If you choose to remain as a Basic Member, you’ll either need to do searches of threads in the forum for this topic or hope that someone sees your post with experience in shock therapy and responds. As an Insider, our staff will be available immediately to comment, answer questions, and address concerns you may have about this treatment.

 

[Annekin]

Hello everyone I had my 6 month check up with my surgeon today he didn’t discharge me like with my last hip replacement . I’m still have lots of thigh pain mainly on the outside sometimes an extremely sharp pain. Walking is fine for the first 5/10 minutes but then intense pain. I’m to carry on pt and my sorting I will benefit from shock therapy and if that fails prb . I had x-rays today which showed both hips are fine . Has anyone on here had shock therapy? It sounds quite daunting

I've just completed a course of shockwave therapy for gluteal tendiopathy. I think I had 4 sessions. It made some difference but the affect isn't immediate & can take weeks. I also did physiotherapy alongside (which is advised for gluteal tendiopathy). I think you can have more sessions if needed but I've decided to have hydrotherapy instead.

I also have an MRI next month, because even though my hip xrays also looked fine, the issue seems to soft tissue damage. So depending on the outcome of the MRI I may adjust my recovery plan.

My physio did also suggest PRP, but it's more expensive than shockwave therapy, so I decided against it. I hope you get some relief, whatever option you choose.