Revision THR One year later and still pain in groin

[Josephine]

When do you think I will be ready to at least go on an interview? 4 weeks in person?

I'd say more like 6-8 weeks. Don't forget the Energy Drain!

I’m all fixed now.

Did you actually say if you'd had a dislocation because I didn't read it anywhere!

1) I was instructed to use a raised toilet seat. I was going to go to my brothers house for a change of scenery but his bathroom toilet is low and has nowhere to hold to get up. Should I not go there yet?

And elevated toilet see is a must.

2) have any women gone for a pedicure a few weeks out? It’s sandal time and I’m in desperate need of one

I'd say around 6-8 weeks minimum.

Does anyone know how or why this happened?

I dislocation occurs for a variety of reasons

1. over-extended the hip flexion
2. internally rotated the leg
3. a fall
4. possibility of a poorly oriented cup or stem
5. Loosened stem or cup​

 

[Onestepatatime]

@Josephine,
So when I wrote this post, I was in normal recovery mode. 3:00 a.m. Sunday I woke up in unbelievable pain....I had dislocated my hip in my sleep! I had to be taken to the ER, where they put me under and put it back in place.

I saw my surgeon this morning for a follow up, and the news was not great. He said because I had a prior replacement, plus a spine fusion last year, I am at extra risk for dislocation unfortunately. I am on "red alert" for next 5 weeks and, this could happen again, in which case I would need it surgically fixed.

I felt better after the surgery July 1st, then I do now. I feel so unsteady. He explained I tore stitches and tendons internally and it needs time to heal. UGH!!!!!!!!

 

[Mojo333]

Hi my new hippy pal.
Do try not to worry (yes, I know...easy for me to say)

I have no idea what issue caused it but I am sending all the good mojo I can muster your way.
Hope your weekend is easy.

 

[Elf1]

Sending thoughts, prayers and hugs too!

 

[Marvin L]

I am so sorry. I’m praying for you to heal and not have any more issues.

 

[Ptarmigan]

Oh, gosh, that isn’t my favorite kind of news to get from my doctor, that’s for sure, and I do sympathize! I am really hoping he made some suggestions about next-level precautions or aids to bubble wrap you and your hip for the next five weeks...or perhaps he could refer an occupational or physical therapist to have a look around your home and see if there are next-level tricks and tools to give you an extra level of support while you wait out this period of stabilizing healing.

It’s always hard for me to remember that just because there’s a risk of something happening, it doesn’t mean it will happen. And even though there are five weeks of one-tiny-step-at-a- time care ahead of you, the good news is that tendons will heal, your hip will heal, and you will recover - and this too shall pass.

I am only guessing about you, of course, but I would be ready for some anti-hip maneuvers at this point - which for me would be old romantic comedies. Or Beethoven. Or the Beatles. Or chocolate. Probably all of them.

 

[Layla]

Aww, I'm so sorry for the pain you suffered and to read this latest news. It's shocking you experienced a dislocation while you slept. I'm sure the situation has you second guessing every move you make.

Have they advised of any precautions you can take in an effort to avoid this happening again as you sleep over the next 5 weeks?

Prayers that you make it safely past the high alert period your OS has cautioned about. Please stay in touch, we're here for you.
Hugs
@Onestepatatime

 

[HipsterKat]

And I am on "red alert" for next 5 weeks.

Ughhh is right — so sorry you had to experience that. Hoping these five weeks go by quickly and uneventfully!

 

[Debru4]

So sorry this saga seems to be continuing for several more weeks. Did you mention earlier that you live alone? If so, be extra careful, and make sure your house is "hip dislocation-proofed".

I hope you can find ways to rest, and to distract yourself while you get through this next space of time. It's so hard when there's nothing you can do to make things go more quickly---and if you tore the internal stitches you must also be in increased pain which doesn't help either. You have really been slammed, and I feel for you. It's time things turned around for you---sending healing vibes and lots of positive energy!

 

[Fit4Family]

Came to see what your doctor said. I am so sorry about the longer red alert restrictions. @Onestepatatime

I had a very difficult time sleeping when I broke my hip after my first pinning surgery. I was told not to roll at all and stay in one position. I bought a 7” bed wedge memory foam wedge from Amazon and used it under my shoulders down to my waist. Then just rolled flat pillow under my neck. It helps me not break any rules and get some sleep. I am so sorry you are going through this.

The sleep deprivation doesn’t help with life worries, so protect your sleep if at all possible. I really hope you heal completely and that your restrictions are lifted soon. All the best to you. ❤️

 

[enoughpain]

Oh you poor baby! Your struggles are significant, but hopefully temporary, and we are all rooting for you. Please post often to let us know how you are. We are in lots of different time zones and there is always someone here to respond.

 

[Onestepatatime]

Gosh, I love the kind supportive community here. So touching and so appreciated!

I am going to line up a home health aide to stop by twice a day. It is covered by my insurance, and will help me get the brace on and off, make a simple meal, errand, etc. I am miserable relying on friends and family that are all back to their busy lives. Like the other day a friend said she will be over soon to take the brace off so I can shower and dress, and she never showed up. This stuff will kill my sanity.

I have been wanting to write a workshop for interview skills for a long time, so now seems like the perfect time to do that. And of course do my own job search. Romantic comedies do sound like a great plan!

 

[Layla]

It's good to read you've arranged a visit from a home health aid twice daily. While I feel most people are willing to help and even like to feel useful when a loved one is in need, I'm sure it's easy enough to be forgetful while engaged in their own life. I'm not making excuses for your friend because the lack of concern and forgetfulness must have hurt and been a real disappointment. I'm sorry you had that experience. It's sad to think of you sitting alone, patiently waiting. In taking matters into your own hands your expectations will be met leaving no room for discouragement.

What a perfect time to do your writing. It will certainly make you feel productive while you're temporarily incapacitated. Please know we're here also to visit with, or vent to. We're all rooting for you and ready to support and encourage whenever you are in need.
Sending a hug and best wishes for a peaceful relaxing weekend.
@Onestepatatime

 

[Josephine]

So when I wrote this post, I was in normal recovery mode. 3:00 a.m. Sunday I woke up in unbelievable pain....I had dislocated my hip in my sleep! I had to be taken to the ER, where they put me under and put it back in place. He said because I had a prior replacement, plus a spine fusion last year, I am at extra risk for dislocation unfortunately.

Oh my poor dear girl! I really, really feel for you. Personally, since this is the second dislocation, I think he should get on with it and fix your hip now and not wait for it to happen again. It's a really, truly nasty experience and he should pre-empt it. You'll be in my prayers.

 

[Onestepatatime]

This is the first time I dislocated, but since my surgery was a revision, it was explained to me this is one of the major complications that can be experienced. I feel scared of this happening again, and being super cautious.

I called several home health care agencies and not having any luck finding an aide. The agencies said it is hard to find a part time aide. Any suggestions from anyone?

 

[gertie]

Any suggestions from anyone?

That's a tough one. Our local senior center has a list of names of people who will do various kinds of home care--not necessarily health care but it doesn't sound like that's what you need except for help with the brace (although insurance might only cover a certified health aide). I've never called anyone on the list but my understanding is that they might well do part time stuff. Do you have a senior center or similar agency you could call? You're on the young side for senior center services--i think the bottom age here might be 55 (I think that's when I started getting their newsletter LOL)--but it would still be worth a call. And just start asking everyone you know who lives near you--I got the name of someone that way (turns out she was heading out on family vacation but it still was a good lead).

 

[Onestepatatime]

@gertie,

Yeah, I am just a few years under 55, I am too young for all these orthopedic issues! I think you are right, that insurance will only cover a health aide, I have been calling around today. And the other issue is I only need PT and that is hard to find. Maybe I should look on Angie's List.

 

[CricketHip]

@Onestepatatime, I opted for help with a part time aide when I had my first THR. I had to pay for them but only needed them a few days a week and for the minimum time.
I'm just one state over and used a company called Home Instead, they are fantastic and were fine with part time aides coming in. In fact we now use them for my 95 year old mother in law.
The day I came home from the hospital my husband literally had just enough time to drop me off in the house and leave for work! So the aide was there as soon as I arrived home and was so helpful to me. I think there are several locations where they are located and I believe they may service New Jersey too. Angies list or Craigs list may be less expensive but I felt safer with using a company. But the costs can be a big factor, for sure.
Girl you are really going through it. I can't even imagine waking up to the pain of a dislocation. Prayers for a smooth journey from this point forward.

 

[Onestepatatime]

@CricketHip,
Hi Carol, Thank you! I just looked them up and they have a branch in my county. Yeah, the cost is a factor...I am trying to think this through. If I sleep in a leg brace/abductor pillow velcro thing, can I bend over to undo the ankle straps? Do I feel comfortable showering alone? Walking alone? I am pretty self sufficient otherwise.Gosh this is so confusing.

 

[gertie]

The idea of you bending over to undo the ankle straps made me cringe. Maybe you could figure out a way to do it using a reacher/grabber but bending that far sounds risky given your current situation. And showering would depend on your shower set up I'd think. Walk in shower?