THR Severe pain after 15 months<

I took a 3 week trip to Europe before my hip replacement that had also been planned and paid for in advance. Others were depending on me to travel with them as well. I do not regret taking the trip--it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I saw many places I may not be able to visit again.

Like you, I felt I needed to take advantage of being there, but I did opt out of some of the most rigorous things. I also did some things that were definitely too much, but in the back of my mind I knew the hip was going to be replaced when I got back so I was mainly limited by my pain. My family members were supportive on one level, but on another, they could not truly comprehend the pain I was in. It must have been especially hard for you, wanting to experience VietNam, and also knowing you had to protect the hip.

As Layla commented, it was so disappointing, and frustrating at times to be pushing through so much pain. My memories of the trip definitely include a lot of pain as well as all of the "travel wonder and joy". I had travel insurance but it was not as inclusive of a policy as needed had I cancelled the trip. Lesson learned. I will spend extra in the future to ensure I have a back door out in the event another body part decides to bail on me!

Given how long you have been dealing with pain and limitations, I can only imagine how weary you must feel. Hopefully there is a sense of relief now that you are home, and you can structure things to give yourself a much needed break and recovery period. :SUNsmile:
 
I am glad you were able to go ...and I do so hope you are feeling better every day!
I'm the resident sorry wart, I suppose...:unsure:
just don't want to see start of chronic issues as I've followed you for so long now @Dickie 1
Hope your weekend is restful!:ok:
 
Thanks, Layla. Sometimes my narrative seems like I'm going flat out. Vietnam is truly a beautiful place. I have learned to balance my life out. I've learned to suffer pain in silence at times, as it is always there. I guess distraction of exploring a country I haven't seen much of before helped.
I will take on board what you say, yes it is a lot of major surgeries in a relatively short period of time. I'm back at the heated pool again walking and exercising gently in the warm water. I can commit to a time period that you suggest. Being a former boot-camper I do have to reel myself back at times.
Thank you for the ongoing support, I really do appreciate it. I hope that you are right and can see improvement in time. I have a review with the surgeon next week. I'll update you then. Thanks again.
 
Thank you Mojo and Debru4, I do appreciate the ongoing support from you all. I don't regret going to Vietnam. It was a tad challenging at times. No, others cannot understand the ongoing pain issues, particularly my Husband. My days are balanced between doing jobs and then a rest. No, I am hoping that this pain isn't becoming chronic. I still feel it is inflammation in the soft tissues, I feel the implants are okay this time around.
Thanks again.
 
I travelled alot, as I'm an Air Force brat, although I'm long overdo for an adventure. It will be nice to go without those bad hips from two years ago.

I hope all eases soon, my friend!
 
I wish you weren't always in pain, Dickie, suffering in silence, it's sad.
You know we're always here for you if you feel like venting. I hope with continued rest
and gentle exercise in the warm pool water you'll gradually notice progress.
Stay in touch, we'll be here and we care.
I hope you have a beautiful Spring!
@Dickie 1
 
Thank you, Layla and Mojo. It is Autumn here in Australia, out winter starts in June. Autumn is a lovely time to be in Australia, as it is still warm, but not so hot, hot or hot.
I went to the Surgeon yesterday, he is happy with the hip implants. However, he is in agreeance with me regarding inflammation being present. He said that both Trochanteric bursas are inflamed, also have nerve damage which is numb or altered sensation down the side of the newer hip. He said it is still early days in orthopaedic terms and it is a time thing. He will review me in November. He wants me to have an MRI of my lower back, to rule out any issues there. He is happy for me to continue the pool walking and wants me to increase the land walking. However, I know that land walking only increases pain, as does too much pool walking. So I'll just stick to my usual routine for now, which includes the pool x 2 a week.
However, I feel that I won't see a lot of improvement, but I am hoping that is the case.
 
I sure do hope so my friend:console2:
Prayers for all to resolve soon!:beg:
 
Of course it's Autumn there. You're pretty much opposite of us. Sometimes I forget to double check where members are from. I love Autumn, it's may favorite time of year, so beautiful. I hope you're enjoying!
I think sticking to your normal routine for now, rather than pushing it is wise. After all it's your body and you are the one feeling the pain and the best judge of your limitations.
I hope your pain and inflammation continue to ease bringing you relief. Stay in touch and enjoy the beautiful Autumn weather!
@Dickie 1
 
It gave me a giggle though Layla. Yes, we are in the Southern hemisphere, so opposite weather.
I am back to normal routine again. I went early to the heated pool and walked for 1 hour. I am a bit sore and stiff today, from travelling by train/tram to the Surgeon's rooms in central Melbourne. It is a reaction I know well from extra walking. The pool however, doesn't react up, unless I go past the 1 hour limit. Thank you. I will keep posting as required.
 
@Dickie 1 - have you ever looked at any articles on psoas impingement? It may not be what you are experiencing, but some of what you have described reminds me of my symptoms and my review of articles. I had pain in the groin or top of thigh that calmed when I sitting or laying down (except at the end of the day when everything had accumulated). It was made worse anytime I activated the psoas (the primary hip flexor that allows you to move the leg forward when walking or raise the knee or leg). One of the classic symptoms is pain in trying to get in or out of a car. Walking didn't necessarily hurt me at the time (unless I walked a longer distance), but the more I walked or climbed stairs, the more pain I had that night. I would think that resisted walking (like walking in a pool) would magnify the issue. If you have a psoas issue and its related to the new hip, you might want to let the psoas settle down (can take a few weeks) and see if it's problematic when you restart activities. In my case, that wasn't enough and, after trying PT, NSAIDs and they did a steroid injection into the psoas tendon. It was heaven for a couple of weeks - no pain and I could do so much I'd had to give up because of the pain. But then it wore off (they said the injections work long enough for some people that they can just get a booster every 3 months and not have to do any more). So for me, surgery (or living with it) was my only option. I had a very successful surgery on New Year's Eve.

Despite psoas impingement being a known complication of THR (some articles said it affects 4% of THR patients), very few doctors look for it or seem to even want to consider it as a possible diagnosis. My original OS sent me to a pain management doctor that just wanted to look at my back. After she and 3 PTs messed up my back which hadn't hurt before, I found the name of the doctor to repair the issue from one of the PTs (each PT, after a month, told me they thought I had an impingement).

If you have any soft tissue issue after THR, it is difficult to get the right diagnosis - you have to be persistent and may have to do some of your own research. It may take multiple doctors to get to the right one. If your issue continues, consider consulting someone that specializes in sports medicine and/or hip arthroscopies. That surgeon may be more likely to find the underlying cause of your pain.

Best of luck!
 
SaraK, I appreciate you taking the time to contact me. Yes, I have considered it many times, yes it is possible.
I said to the Surgeon, last week that I struggled to lift my leg into a car and straight leg raise. Fibromyalgia isn't helping or nerve damage as it is in both thighs. The Psoas muscle I am aware is involved in this inflammation that I have. Honestly, I am over pain, I cried myself to sleep last night, because of the constant aching.
I gave up on Physio's a long time ago. I'm glad you found the cause and was able to sort out the pain.
Thank you. I appreciate your input. Perhaps it is time to see another Specialist that listens. I felt my current chap, who has been marvellous, was almost covering his ears, going La La la at the appointment last week.
 
I am so sorry that you aren't being listened to and the source of your pain is still unidentified!:sad:
I truly hope you can find someone who will exhaust all measures to get you back to healthy and happy.
Hugs @Dickie 1
 
My original surgeon was the same way and the pain specialist seemed to be focused on the back without really listening as well. She agreed the psoas was the problem but insisted it was my back causing it! Keep searching until you find someone that will listen!
 
Can I say that there was no doubt that I need the hip replacements for osteoarthritis pain, the diagnosis was correct. However, I did ask to have an over sized implant hammered into my femur cracking it, then telling me some people take time to get over these things. Because the implant was oversized, it never bonded to the bone and was loose. Then it was done as a revision by a second surgeon who has been terrific.
The left hip also failed, so it had to be replaced. I was in a world of pain with this one, unable to weight bear.
Now 4 months after this, I'm still to feel the joys of any hip replacement. The pain of severe osteoarthritis has been replaced by a strong ,deep aching, that is possibly due to inflammation and perhaps a touch of nerve damage.
My mobility hasn't improved much, pain 24/7 and I struggle with daily activities. Now that I have retired I am yet to find a day that I can enjoy. I am going to go to the GP and request a referral to a pain clinic. As I feel I cannot go on much longer. The revision hip isn't as bad, but that is 11 months now since the surgery.
However, in Vietnam just from the walking at the airport (the wheel chair was ordered, but failed to appear) going from an International to domestic airport, both thighs were like a fire was lit under them x 5 days. I can't do this and put up with this for life. Something isn't right.
 
I was able to get a referral from my GP for a pain clinic about 20 minutes away. I phoned them, number was disconnected. So I phoned the private hospital that was attached to this Specialist and got another contact number. All I could do was leave a message on their message bank. No one ever returned my call, I tried again, same thing so I wiped them. I went back to my GP last week and requested another referral to a dedicated pain clinic, but this one is based in Melbourne, a lot further to travel, but at least they answer their phone. I requested an appointment, but was told that the GP has to email a referral to them directly, then they will contact me. It is quite expensive, but I'm now desperate to receive some relief. I am still in terrible pain in both thighs, end of stem pain is awful, Lyrica, despite being increased is not helping a lot. I am still attending my local heated pool twice a week. My left (more recent THR) feels like someone is pulling on all the tendons and ligaments and the soft tissue remains inflamed, not to mention the nerve damage down the side of the thigh.
I'm still chipping away and will find some help. I am totally miserable.
 
Oh, Dickie.
I hate to hear this... I was so hoping you had gotten to a clinic and found some help.
I really don't know what to suggest to make this better for you except that I will be praying that you get an appointment soon and there will be relief in sight.:praying:
 
What a truly terrible situation you are in. I'm hoping you get some relief soon.
 
Aww, Dickie, I'm so very sorry. I hate to think of you struggling as you are.
Chronic pain is such a horrible drain on us. Prayers you find relief soon.
Big hugs
@Dickie 1
 

BoneSmart #1 Best Blog

Staff online

  • Jaycey
    ADMINISTRATOR Staff member since February 2011

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
65,181
Messages
1,597,066
BoneSmarties
39,365
Latest member
Dave4562
Recent bookmarks
0

Latest posts

Back
Top Bottom