Same thing, yet so different

[Angie68]

I guess I will start with some background on me since I am new. My name is Angie & I am 40 yrs old. I was born with CHD that wasnt discovered until I was 3. I was walking on dislocated hips. I had tons of surgery all thru my childhood. Several yrs ago my Ortho told me I had to have bilateral THR and that I was about the worst he had ever seen.

I had my RTHR June 29 2009. Other then a horrendous spinal headache it went very well. My Dr said that due to my thin bones he wanted me to be total non weight bearing for 7 weeks. That was rough since I have kids, but we got thru. I never had a lot of pain in that hip. In fact I didnt even take my pain pills. When I started walking at 7 weeks (with my therapist) it went very well. I used a cain for a couple of weeks and then tossed it. For about 3 weeks I was walking without any aid and feeling great! I did have more then an inch leg length discrepancy so I was eager to get evened up. That really got on my nerves!

On Sept 28th we scheduled my LTHR. I refused a spinal because of fear of the headache. I did great on the general & thought life was grand. As soon as PT came to get me in the hosp I knew there was a huge difference. This hip hurt so much more! My husband said that the Dr told them (right after surgery when consulting with them) that this hip had more scar tissue then the other. I am assuming this is the difference? I know that no 2 hips or surgery is alike. But man! I cant believe the difference! Does anyone know if scar tissue would make the difference?

So I am definately taking my pain pill this time around. I have also been using ice because I am so swollen. So swollen that I can hardly fit into my pj bottoms! My incision looks great so I am not concerned with that at all. Thank God my husband took a 3 week medical leave & is getting kids on the bus & such. However I am 10 days out now & cant imagine how I am going to handle things when he has to go back. I am hoping for a drastic change between now & then. I just wanted to introduce myself. Ohhh! I should add, I had a metal on metal, non cemented thr.

 

[Josephine]

Well, that's some story to tell, Angie! Welcome to BoneSmart, anyway.

I think the 'scar tissue' he spoke of in your second hip was the deformed joint that he had to deal with. When it forms as it will over the years, it makes a lot of scar tissue and he would have had to cut and trim a lot of it in order to get to down to where he could create a new joint. In some CHDs it's almost like creating the joint out of a block of bone, making it from scratch. So I'm not surprised you have a lot of pain and swelling. It's likely the other hip was half-way normal to begin with which made it a lot easier for him and subsequently for you also.

Just keep elevating, icing and taking the pain meds to cope. It will go down eventually but will also take time. Don't be in a hurry with anything and don't try to cut back on the meds in anyway for the time being. You will need them.

Hope this helps but if you have any questions or worries, please post them and I'll do my best to come up with answers where I can.

 

[Angie68]

Jo you did help, thanks alot. I have been lurking on these boards for a while, so I already feel like I know some of you. I was eager to hear from you. While I am surprised at the drastic difference in the 2 surgeries. I am not totally surprised there was some difference. I have told everyone around me for years that my left hip was worse then the right. I asked my OS after my 1st x-ray if there was a diff and he said they both looked equally horrible to him. That really surprised me. I guess there are just somethings you cant see until you actually get in there. Anyway, I am not concerned that anything is wrong. I am feeling teeny, tiny bits of improvement every day. I know that if something were wrong I wouldnt feel improvements. It is just taking longer this time and that is ok. I keep telling myself it is going to be worth it. I have never known any other way of life. I have always had bad hips. I am so looking forward to the future! Okay, now I am crying! Have no fear! It is happy tears!

 

[Josephine]

I'm pleased to hear that! And it will be worth it, I promise you. I've seen many of you ladies with grossly deformed joints and how the surgeon had to craft them out of the bone to get the artificial one in place. I used to sigh with relief when we reduced the hip and think 'well, they're going to be okay now' never for a moment imagining what the recovery was like! Ah the innocence of youth!

I bet by the time the first anniversary comes around someone will ask you how your hips are doing and you'll say "Eh? what hips?"

 

[Jamie]

Hi, Angie. So glad you decided to join us on the forum. But I'm sorry to hear that this second hip is giving you some fits. But you are wise and know it happens that way sometimes.

But your future, even with a slower recovery on this one, is still bright and rosy. Try and keep that in mind....you WILL be better!

Would it be possible for your hubby to take a little more time off for you? If not, as soon as you're up to it, sit down with him and write out a plan for who does what and when with the kids. He can surely still share some of the duties. And what about friends or relatives who are nearby? Can they help until you are ready to assume the full role? These things always work out...you'll feel better if you have a plan in place. Then, even if things come up to disrupt the plan, it's not like your whole world caves in.

We'll always be here to help and support you to. Lean on your BoneSmart family when you need to!!

 

[Angie68]

It really isnt possible for hubby to take more time off. We really cant afford it. But we do have a plan in place. I have a 16 yr old daughter who can help with the youngest who is 6. It wont be as ideal as having hubby home, but we will make it work.

 

[shugaplum]

While I don't really have any advice in terms of a 2nd THR I would just encourage you to stay positive! I do know however that every surgery is different even if its the same procedure. Focus in on each little victory-on at a time-and celebrate each one as a step forward in your progress. We're all here for you at BoneSmart! Please keep us updated and I'll be sending you positive energy!

 

[Josephine]

tbh I really think you'll be able to cope just fine. It's not like your little one is in diapers.

 

[Angie68]

You are right Jo. Also, I have pretty good kids if I may say so. It isnt like they are out of control monsters. We will get thru this just fine.

 

[tonerika]

Damn Angie..
hang in there....it never fails...you think your life sucks then you read about someone that has it so much harder...my pain only started around Christmas and my kids are 8 and 10. It has been hell for them so cant imagine your baby....just be patient..it gets better!!! And listen to JO!!! she is a freakin ANGEL!!! now lets see how many words it turns into stars lol

 

[Texas]

Hey Angie I a knee but i still wish you the busy and hope that hip cooperates soon...Take it wasy......My kids did help out alot I know its not the same as hubby, I know you wish he was there all the time but he was there for you in the beginning and he will when he gets home...Please post an here anytime dont just sit we can surly cheer you up....Sometimes well I know I needed it............lol but great attitude it will all work out for you........good luck to ya .......we are all her behind ya..........