THR Sarak - There's Life After a Hip Replacement
- Thread starter SaraK
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United States
OP
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SaraK
Former BoneSmart Staff Member
I didn't hurt myself as far as an identifiable injury. I just started having pain in the psoas muscle (runs from front of spine down through groin area and attaches to femur). Even walking irritates it. I finally got my OS to listen (as much as they listen to soft tissue issues) and he referred me to physiatrist. She thinks pelvis is twisted and SI joint out of place causing sacral misalignment causing this. Muscle relaxants, NSAIDs, 2 cortisone shots and PT not made much difference though so will be asking questions and trying to ask her to look at other possibilities when I see her Monday.
Bone-obo
graduate
DANG! I'm so sorry this mess keeps coming up, SK - but I'm glad you got referred to someone else who maybe even gives a poo. I'm thinking about ya, girl.
OP
OP
SaraK
Former BoneSmart Staff Member
I had an MRI on Friday. I haven't heard back from the doctor but reviewed the report online earlier today. Essentially, it didn't find anything wrong. It noted a small amount of fluid in the iliopsoas bursa but didn't even mention the psoas at all! When I saw the doctor last week, I told her I was having some pain in the back in the few days before that appointment. She examined me and said the pelvic torsion is now anterior instead of posterior and the spine is all crooked as a result. She was suggesting I start down the path of two medial branch blocks and then radio frequency ablation. I've turned that down for the time being because it seemed a bit much for back pain that has only been severe for a few days (and has now started calming down). Personally, I'd prefer an ultrasound of the psoas to confirm the non-finding but I don't think that's going to happen (at least not until I go further with PT which will be 100% out of pocket soon since I've only got a few insured sessions left).
While she ordered the MRI (at my request), she also indicated that she wanted me to switch to another of her PTs. She even put her name and number on the referral sheet! I looked her up and saw that she is a back and spine specialist. Maybe I've had a back problem all along that wasn't hurting, but I didn't have any back pain doing anything, including dancing, until after I started seeing this doctor and had the unfortunate episode with the PT I now refer to as the Wicked Witch of the West. Now, while it's not bad most of the time, my back hurts at least a little most of the time now and hurts quite a bit if I stand for very long or dance more than a few songs. I keep feeling like I'm going backwards instead of forwards with both my back and my psoas.
I don't remember the author or the title, but I remember a short story I read in high school (which is why I don't remember much, probably) about a man admitted to a hospital for a dermatological issue. As you ascend the floors of the hospital, the patients are much sicker than the floor below. While he was admitted to the first floor, he continually caught something else until he finally ended up on the highest floor. This journey with the psoas and back has reminded me of that story for some reason!
I want to get to the point of being able to do the things I'd hoped to be able to do in the Spring and expected to do in the Fall! Now, I'm not sure what the timeframe is. No need to respond. This is just me whining (and also putting the timeframe on here so that I can see later when each change occurred).
While she ordered the MRI (at my request), she also indicated that she wanted me to switch to another of her PTs. She even put her name and number on the referral sheet! I looked her up and saw that she is a back and spine specialist. Maybe I've had a back problem all along that wasn't hurting, but I didn't have any back pain doing anything, including dancing, until after I started seeing this doctor and had the unfortunate episode with the PT I now refer to as the Wicked Witch of the West. Now, while it's not bad most of the time, my back hurts at least a little most of the time now and hurts quite a bit if I stand for very long or dance more than a few songs. I keep feeling like I'm going backwards instead of forwards with both my back and my psoas.
I don't remember the author or the title, but I remember a short story I read in high school (which is why I don't remember much, probably) about a man admitted to a hospital for a dermatological issue. As you ascend the floors of the hospital, the patients are much sicker than the floor below. While he was admitted to the first floor, he continually caught something else until he finally ended up on the highest floor. This journey with the psoas and back has reminded me of that story for some reason!
I want to get to the point of being able to do the things I'd hoped to be able to do in the Spring and expected to do in the Fall! Now, I'm not sure what the timeframe is. No need to respond. This is just me whining (and also putting the timeframe on here so that I can see later when each change occurred).
Bone-obo
graduate
Whine all you want. I’m so sorry and wish there were something - anything - I could suggest! Please try to stay on the lower floors!
1stSurgery
graduate
Harryn1
member
Hi @SarahK so sorry to hear your’e having issues.
I can sympathize with the horrible psoas trouble. I experienced it at 6 weeks post op (undoubtedly the result of my overdoing things). Luckily, the cortisone shot coupled with a mad dosage of arcoxia (an NSAID) for 7 days, plus ZERO exercise for 3 weeks, did resolve it. But in truth, i am only just starting to get my strength in the op leg now, so I think I should have held off on the ban on exercise for much longer.
I hope you get better soon and resume your dancing [emoji126] but be patient.
Ps. i also stopped all physio.
I can sympathize with the horrible psoas trouble. I experienced it at 6 weeks post op (undoubtedly the result of my overdoing things). Luckily, the cortisone shot coupled with a mad dosage of arcoxia (an NSAID) for 7 days, plus ZERO exercise for 3 weeks, did resolve it. But in truth, i am only just starting to get my strength in the op leg now, so I think I should have held off on the ban on exercise for much longer.
I hope you get better soon and resume your dancing [emoji126] but be patient.
Ps. i also stopped all physio.
Mojo333
Former BoneSmart Staff Member
I was going to say, we've got your back...dear friend...but that didn't sound right due to your aggravation with it.
Please let us know how things are going.
The short story sounds like an episode of the Twilight Zone
Thinking of you and sending Good mojo your way
Please let us know how things are going.
The short story sounds like an episode of the Twilight Zone
Thinking of you and sending Good mojo your way
OP
OP
SaraK
Former BoneSmart Staff Member
One of the wonderful things about this site is the support from folks near and far that you've never met (@1stSurgery ) but who UNDERSTAND (@Harryn1 ), those who are always there to support ( @Mojo333 ) and those who always have a quick joke ( @Bone-obo )! Thanks for lifting my spirits! 
OP
OP
SaraK
Former BoneSmart Staff Member
Happy weekend to all - may you find a way to enjoy it wherever you are on the path to recovery!
I saw the new physical therapist today and, while her office is inconvenient and I am sick to death of PTs, I liked her. She definitely took a more complete history on this than even the pain management doctor and did a more thorough exam. We laughed together at the fact, since it had been 2 weeks since my last PT session, my back was feeling much better. She had me move it various ways and no pain but said that one hip did seem higher than the other. Two interesting questions and a few related comments through the hour session: 1) has anyone check for a leg length difference and 2) have you had another orthopedic surgeon evaluate this issue.
She thinks part/all of the back alignment/hip torsion issue, which could be causing some of this is LLD (probably only about a cm or so) and gave me a heel lift to use. She did some measurements but said that a standing x-ray is the best way to check it. It sounds like she'll ask for a referral for a standing x-ray if the heel lift seems to help. If nothing else, though, she said it would help to further shut down the psoas during various movements. She also wants me to put the right knee (i.e., knee on painful side) forward before standing up to also keep it quiet.
She also asked about another OS evaluation and mentioned a few patients with similar issues that had been evaluated by a particular OS (happened to be the one that had initially diagnosed the hip but I had decided not to use for the surgery because of experience level). In at least a couple, he'd found a psoas impingement and ended up doing either a release or a lengthening. She said he's one of the few that really do that sort of work in STL (how awkward would that be going back to him?). She didn't say this was definitely an impingement but she didn't think it was a tight psoas from her examination so she could see why the psoas injections really didn't help much.
In any event, she also noted that I only had 4 insured visits (including today) and said she would be very stingy with the visits. She also felt that, by the 4th visit, we would know whether we were going in the right direction. I told her I'm willing to go out of pocket but would like to know it was for the right stuff. During today's 1 hour visit, the first 50 minutes were taken up by the history (including her pulling up and reviewing the results of last week's MRI) and examination. The other 10 were her showing me some different exercises she wants me to do instead of the ones I'd been given before. They are designed to turn on the glutes and, in the process, shut down the psoas.
I plan to go dancing tonight in the name of science - I really do need to test this heel lift, don't I? And work out with the trainer tomorrow (she was glad the trainer wasn't having me do anything that was problematic and said she may reach out to the trainer at some point to discuss particular exercises when they're ready to be re-introduced). But the weather is so delightful right now (high in the mid 70s today and tomorrow and low 80s on Sunday - I may have to test the heel lift with a long walk around the lake . . .
Happy weekend!
I saw the new physical therapist today and, while her office is inconvenient and I am sick to death of PTs, I liked her. She definitely took a more complete history on this than even the pain management doctor and did a more thorough exam. We laughed together at the fact, since it had been 2 weeks since my last PT session, my back was feeling much better. She had me move it various ways and no pain but said that one hip did seem higher than the other. Two interesting questions and a few related comments through the hour session: 1) has anyone check for a leg length difference and 2) have you had another orthopedic surgeon evaluate this issue.
She thinks part/all of the back alignment/hip torsion issue, which could be causing some of this is LLD (probably only about a cm or so) and gave me a heel lift to use. She did some measurements but said that a standing x-ray is the best way to check it. It sounds like she'll ask for a referral for a standing x-ray if the heel lift seems to help. If nothing else, though, she said it would help to further shut down the psoas during various movements. She also wants me to put the right knee (i.e., knee on painful side) forward before standing up to also keep it quiet.
She also asked about another OS evaluation and mentioned a few patients with similar issues that had been evaluated by a particular OS (happened to be the one that had initially diagnosed the hip but I had decided not to use for the surgery because of experience level). In at least a couple, he'd found a psoas impingement and ended up doing either a release or a lengthening. She said he's one of the few that really do that sort of work in STL (how awkward would that be going back to him?). She didn't say this was definitely an impingement but she didn't think it was a tight psoas from her examination so she could see why the psoas injections really didn't help much.
In any event, she also noted that I only had 4 insured visits (including today) and said she would be very stingy with the visits. She also felt that, by the 4th visit, we would know whether we were going in the right direction. I told her I'm willing to go out of pocket but would like to know it was for the right stuff. During today's 1 hour visit, the first 50 minutes were taken up by the history (including her pulling up and reviewing the results of last week's MRI) and examination. The other 10 were her showing me some different exercises she wants me to do instead of the ones I'd been given before. They are designed to turn on the glutes and, in the process, shut down the psoas.
I plan to go dancing tonight in the name of science - I really do need to test this heel lift, don't I? And work out with the trainer tomorrow (she was glad the trainer wasn't having me do anything that was problematic and said she may reach out to the trainer at some point to discuss particular exercises when they're ready to be re-introduced). But the weather is so delightful right now (high in the mid 70s today and tomorrow and low 80s on Sunday - I may have to test the heel lift with a long walk around the lake . . .
Happy weekend!
1stSurgery
graduate
"In the name of science" ... 
In the interest of keeping your scientific study accurate - you'll want to have a double blind placebo group wearing the identical heel lift... Who are not going out dancing, not walking around the lake and not working out with the trainer. Who are instead ....um... reading a dishwasher manual! As seen yesterday on these threads!
Let us know how the studies turn out @SaraK!
Enjoy and say hi to the ODIC doorman!!
In the interest of keeping your scientific study accurate - you'll want to have a double blind placebo group wearing the identical heel lift... Who are not going out dancing, not walking around the lake and not working out with the trainer. Who are instead ....um... reading a dishwasher manual! As seen yesterday on these threads!
Let us know how the studies turn out @SaraK!
Enjoy and say hi to the ODIC doorman!!
OP
OP
SaraK
Former BoneSmart Staff Member
@1stSurgery - we did conduct an ice cream as medicine study earlier on my thread. This one may be less fattening and (for me at least) more fun. The ODIC doorman and I are great pals - I expect we'll exchange Christmas cards this year (do I need to give him a holiday gratuity?). Even more sad may be the fact that my original PT and I have gotten to be friends and he's following the progression of this issue. Last time I started PT with him, I gave him the old line of "sweetheart, we have to stop meeting like this."
1stSurgery
graduate
I missed the first study @SaraK! Which is ironic because I had an "ice cream as depression cure" study at my thread in week five! "Great minds" and all.
My findings revealed chocolate ice cream to have the single strongest effect on the 60 and up group. Both sexes fared well. But dosage was an important component to results. A pint or more seemed the gold standard. Side effects were minimal with a slight but inexplicable shrinking of clothing waistbands observed several days following treatment. Depression symptoms cleared across the board at the one pint dosage and treatment could be repeated for long term as well. We should compare notes!
My findings revealed chocolate ice cream to have the single strongest effect on the 60 and up group. Both sexes fared well. But dosage was an important component to results. A pint or more seemed the gold standard. Side effects were minimal with a slight but inexplicable shrinking of clothing waistbands observed several days following treatment. Depression symptoms cleared across the board at the one pint dosage and treatment could be repeated for long term as well. We should compare notes!
BeBe
graduate
Oh @SaraK
I'm catching up on you because you and I are experiencing the same pains! Same leg!
I hyperextended second time today and it was a doozie!
I am so sad to read about your ongoing struggles especially since you've been diligent with
seeking remedy.
That is somewhat un-nerving for us... I want to read you're better than ever by leaps and bounds!
Let us know if your new exercises from the new PT help your psoas/hip/soft tissue issue.
I might want a copy...
As far as the LLD goes, when I had my second surgery and legs were evened up as best he could, I did find relief finally with some of my long standing psoas/R hip/bursitis issues. Not 100% but 75%?
This pain relief was no doubt helped greatly by the forced downtime from activity
due to the second surgery recovery.
Short lived though, 6 weeks?, due to my "getting busy" and spraining my ankle. First hip hyper extension.
After today's gymnastic stunt, second hyper extend, I have no choice but to
lay low in reclinerville, on ice, for a few days.
My OS called this "spraining the hip capsule".
Hope you're getting some relief with the new PT ideas.
I'm catching up on you because you and I are experiencing the same pains! Same leg!
I hyperextended second time today and it was a doozie!
I am so sad to read about your ongoing struggles especially since you've been diligent with
seeking remedy.
That is somewhat un-nerving for us... I want to read you're better than ever by leaps and bounds!
Let us know if your new exercises from the new PT help your psoas/hip/soft tissue issue.
I might want a copy...
As far as the LLD goes, when I had my second surgery and legs were evened up as best he could, I did find relief finally with some of my long standing psoas/R hip/bursitis issues. Not 100% but 75%?
This pain relief was no doubt helped greatly by the forced downtime from activity
due to the second surgery recovery.
Short lived though, 6 weeks?, due to my "getting busy" and spraining my ankle. First hip hyper extension.
After today's gymnastic stunt, second hyper extend, I have no choice but to
lay low in reclinerville, on ice, for a few days.
My OS called this "spraining the hip capsule".
Hope you're getting some relief with the new PT ideas.
OP
OP
SaraK
Former BoneSmart Staff Member
Oh, @BeBe - I'm glad you've gotten some relief but hope you get more soon. That spraining the hip isn't fun! 
I guess anyone could do that, whether hippie or not, but it's double not fun when you're having psoas issues already. Double !
For me, so far, another PT/another backache.
This heel lift has my back spasming by the end of the day. ![[Bonesmart.org] Sarak - There's Life After a Hip Replacement](https://bonesmart.org/forum/data/attachments/59/59409-8e55e82d089e56a8600de8f51ae0e14e.jpg "[Bonesmart.org] Sarak - There's Life After a Hip Replacement")
I had to leave yoga last night when I couldn't get it to settle down. I know that's because it's a sudden change and my back and all of my muscles need to adapt to it, but I take it out when I've reached my limit for the day. I can't tell any benefit from the new exercises yet, but it's only been a few days. If you send me a PM with your email, though, I can email you a copy of the ones so far (only 3 at this point).
I am still doing some stuff, though. I went dancing on Friday night. I probably danced about 1/2 of the songs (normally, I'd be out there the entire time the band was playing) and took out the heel lift after the first set because the back was spasming. That helped and I got another set out of it before I decided I'd had enough for one night (about 4,000 steps dancing instead of the 10,000 - 15,000 I used to do) - plus it was about time for my son's high school team to be back from an out of town swim meet. I worked with my trainer on Saturday and took a short (1 mile) nature walk on Sunday because the weather was just so gorgeous! So not all is bad - I try to find the good to keep from getting too down about all of this. More than one time in the last couple of weeks, though, I've wished I had just accepted the psoas issue as it was and not try to fix it! I'm in danger of getting thrown out of the ODIC!
Take care and get that hip sprain healed up. We need you dancing and cavorting (if you don't know how to do one or the other, let me know - I teach lessons)!
I guess anyone could do that, whether hippie or not, but it's double not fun when you're having psoas issues already. Double !For me, so far, another PT/another backache.
This heel lift has my back spasming by the end of the day. I had to leave yoga last night when I couldn't get it to settle down. I know that's because it's a sudden change and my back and all of my muscles need to adapt to it, but I take it out when I've reached my limit for the day. I can't tell any benefit from the new exercises yet, but it's only been a few days. If you send me a PM with your email, though, I can email you a copy of the ones so far (only 3 at this point). I am still doing some stuff, though. I went dancing on Friday night. I probably danced about 1/2 of the songs (normally, I'd be out there the entire time the band was playing) and took out the heel lift after the first set because the back was spasming. That helped and I got another set out of it before I decided I'd had enough for one night (about 4,000 steps dancing instead of the 10,000 - 15,000 I used to do) - plus it was about time for my son's high school team to be back from an out of town swim meet. I worked with my trainer on Saturday and took a short (1 mile) nature walk on Sunday because the weather was just so gorgeous! So not all is bad - I try to find the good to keep from getting too down about all of this. More than one time in the last couple of weeks, though, I've wished I had just accepted the psoas issue as it was and not try to fix it! I'm in danger of getting thrown out of the ODIC!
Take care and get that hip sprain healed up. We need you dancing and cavorting (if you don't know how to do one or the other, let me know - I teach lessons)!
Attachments
![[Bonesmart.org] Sarak - There's Life After a Hip Replacement](https://data.bonesmart.org/attachments/59/59410-7a3c90fedc5bff81cfe2df30253afd6a.jpg?hash=ejyQ_txb_4){kind=small}
![[Bonesmart.org] Sarak - There's Life After a Hip Replacement](https://data.bonesmart.org/attachments/59/59411-6683d67ceae8ce319e0aca9ec006b741.jpg?hash=ZoPWfOrozj){kind=small}
![[Bonesmart.org] Sarak - There's Life After a Hip Replacement](https://data.bonesmart.org/attachments/59/59412-a700764b5db6e47eb2b8ccf58ee17129.jpg?hash=pwB2S1225H){kind=small}
Mojo333
Former BoneSmart Staff Member
Okay, my little hippy heathen!
You know what I want...for all to be well with you too.
Please don't do anything that causes pain after.
Don't care how "far out you are"
Take that both ways.
You know I worry for you.
Sending all the best Mojo your way.
You know what I want...for all to be well with you too.
Please don't do anything that causes pain after.
Don't care how "far out you are"
Take that both ways.
You know I worry for you.
Sending all the best Mojo your way.
OP
OP
SaraK
Former BoneSmart Staff Member
I'm not sure what that leaves me @Mojo333 ! Walking causes issues. Sleeping does as well. The MRI almost killed me - by the time it was done, the back was spasming and I couldn't move! At least that gave me something to think about instead of my claustrophobia. I've decided to put the yoga on the shelf until we get this fixed somehow - I'm not getting much out of it at this point anyway. I WANT to be your Hippie heathen but I'm afraid I'm not living up to the title at the moment!
Mojo333
Former BoneSmart Staff Member
You are hanging in there and try g to get all of this sorted...
I don't mean to make feel like you are responsible for your struggles.
I am also sorry you are frustrated and dealing with the lack of sleep.
That was my pre-op stressor!
Personally, I am glad you let the yoga go for now.
I am sincerely hoping this all eases for you soon!
I don't mean to make feel like you are responsible for your struggles.
I'm so sorry you had to go through that.
I am also sorry you are frustrated and dealing with the lack of sleep.
That was my pre-op stressor!
Personally, I am glad you let the yoga go for now.
I am sincerely hoping this all eases for you soon!
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