Re: Total hip replacement problems - can anyone help me, please?

[Guest guest]

Elaine ~

I had bi-lateral THR two years ago. I was 41 when I had the surgeries done.

I had them done within 7 weeks of each other..I figured if I was already in

pain from the first surgery, why not get the other one done too. My surgeon

is the head of the orthopedic dept at the Mayo in MN. I also had blood

transfusions done after surgery, but they kept me in the hospital for 5 days

for each surgery. If your blood levels are low, that certainly would

explain why you are out of breath and tired.

It sounds to me like you just need to give the healing some time. You are

only one week out of surgery. I remember that I slept so much for weeks

after surgery. Your body needs time to heal and recover from such a major

surgery. When I went back for my check up at 7 weeks, I was walking with a

cane, but even then, I tired out much more easily than I normally would.

But the upside was, that one year after having had both hips replaced, I was

able to go to DisneyWorld with my kids and walked for 13 hours and never

tired out and never needed any pain relief like I would have prior to

surgery.

Mechelle

-- Total hip replacement problems - can

anyone help me, please?

Hello

I've just joined the list - my name's Layna.

I had a total right hip replacement last Friday; it didn't go too well and I

had to have 4 blood transfusions. I have a ceramic imlant and it's about 50%

attached as the bone was in a bad way. (Surgeon said it was never going to

be a straightforward operation and that I should expect 'agony' for 48 hours

)

Sent home Monday; within a couple of hours I have problems breathing - back

to A & E; have been scanned so it is not pulmonary embolism. Blood tests

showed I am more anaemic than usual. They think maybe low haemoglobin may be

a problem.

Today, walking a few yards leaves me out of breath - so bad I can hardly

talk. (I am 48 and very fit, not overweight.) I am also in a lot of pain

still. I'm not a wimp; I've had brain surgery and that was nothing compared

to this!

So, please can anypne tell me -

How long before the pain diminishes?

Any ideas why I am so breathless and exhausted? Is it normal?

Would really appreciate any advice as I really am worried!

Thanks

Layna

[Guest guest]

What procedure did the doctor use? Anterior or posterior? Dehydration can

cause heavy breathing after mild exertion. Are you taking an Iron supplement?

Did you donate a couple units of blood before surgery? Are you on a high

protein diet? What pain medication are you on and what is the dosage?

The pain and fatigue may take a couple weeks to subside. What happens during

the operation is that many of the tendons and ligaments of the hip are strained.

In a difficult operation the strain can become severe. Tendons and ligaments

are naturally slow to heal. Over half your blood supply has been replaced it's

going to take your body some time to recover from the shock of the operation and

transfusions.

R THR 3/20/2007

L THR 12/22/2009

Dr. Leo Whiteside

Mo. Bone & Joint Center

Des Peres Hospital(St. Louis, MO suburb)

>

> Hello

>

> I've just joined the list - my name's Layna.

>

> I had a total right hip replacement last Friday; it didn't go too well and I

had to have 4 blood transfusions. I have a ceramic imlant and it's about 50%

attached as the bone was in a bad way. (Surgeon said it was never going to be a

straightforward operation and that I should expect 'agony' for 48 hours.)

>

> Sent home Monday; within a couple of hours I have problems breathing - back to

A & E; have been scanned so it is not pulmonary embolism. Blood tests showed I

am more anaemic than usual. They think maybe low haemoglobin may be a problem.

>

> Today, walking a few yards leaves me out of breath - so bad I can hardly talk.

(I am 48 and very fit, not overweight.) I am also in a lot of pain still. I'm

not a wimp; I've had brain surgery and that was nothing compared to this!

>

> So, please can anypne tell me -

> How long before the pain diminishes?

> Any ideas why I am so breathless and exhausted? Is it normal?

>

> Would really appreciate any advice as I really am worried!

> Thanks

> Layna

>

[Guest guest]

So sory for your pain and discomfort Layna. What does 50% attached mean?

Can you help me to understand what 50% attached means. What was your

problem going into surgery?

Who was your surgeon, how many surgeries has he performed, and where did you

have it done?

Sasha

---------------------------------

From: Elaine

Date: 02/10/10 19:58:49

Joint Replacement

Subject: Total hip replacement problems - can

anyone help me, please?

Hello

I've just joined the list - my name's Layna.

I had a total right hip replacement last Friday; it didn't go too well and I

had to have 4 blood transfusions. I have a ceramic imlant and it's about

50% attached as the bone was in a bad way. (Surgeon said it was never going

to be a straightforward operation and that I should expect 'agony' for 48

hours.)

Sent home Monday; within a couple of hours I have problems breathing - back

to A & E; have been scanned so it is not pulmonary embolism. Blood tests

showed I am more anaemic than usual. They think maybe low haemoglobin may be

a problem.

Today, walking a few yards leaves me out of breath - so bad I can hardly

talk. (I am 48 and very fit, not overweight.) I am also in a lot of pain

still. I'm not a wimp; I've had brain surgery and that was nothing compared

to this!

So, please can anypne tell me -

How long before the pain diminishes?

Any ideas why I am so breathless and exhausted? Is it normal?

Would really appreciate any advice as I really am worried!

Thanks

Layna

[Guest guest]

Layna:

Each person reacts differently to surgery and some have complications while

others don't. It takes time for the bone to grow over the implant stem and

lock it into place so you can be fully weight bearing; it sounds like it

will take longer than usual for you.

The pain does go away, whether it's in a week (like mine--simple

replacements, no complications) and a couple of months (other extreme).

Don't forget that you've been through major surgery-- this was not a

sprained ankle or a couple of stitches on a cut. Learn to pace yourself, do

the physiotherapy and rebuild your muscles. The surgery takes a lot out of

anybody.

D. RTHR: 2003; LTHR:2004

No trees were injured in the making of this e-mail, but a considerable

number of electrons were seriously inconvenienced.

_____

From: Joint Replacement

[mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of Elaine

Sent: ä 11 ôáøåàø 2010 00:33

Joint Replacement

Subject: Total hip replacement problems - can

anyone help me, please?

Hello

I've just joined the list - my name's Layna.

I had a total right hip replacement last Friday; it didn't go too well and I

had to have 4 blood transfusions. I have a ceramic imlant and it's about 50%

attached as the bone was in a bad way. (Surgeon said it was never going to

be a straightforward operation and that I should expect 'agony' for 48

hours.)

Sent home Monday; within a couple of hours I have problems breathing - back

to A & E; have been scanned so it is not pulmonary embolism. Blood tests

showed I am more anaemic than usual. They think maybe low haemoglobin may be

a problem.

Today, walking a few yards leaves me out of breath - so bad I can hardly

talk. (I am 48 and very fit, not overweight.) I am also in a lot of pain

still. I'm not a wimp; I've had brain surgery and that was nothing compared

to this!

So, please can anypne tell me -

How long before the pain diminishes?

Any ideas why I am so breathless and exhausted? Is it normal?

Would really appreciate any advice as I really am worried!

Thanks

Layna

[Guest guest]

Hi Mechelle

Thanks so much for taking the time to email; I really do appreciate it.

Both hips in 7 weeks?!!! You are one brave lady!! After this experience, I

feel like I never ever want it done again - problem is that I know my other hip

and right knee are going to have to be done sooner or later.

I do think I was sent home too soon - but there were patients in the corridor

waiting to be operated on so those who were most recovered had to go to free up

the beds. I think if I'd had a couple more days in hospital I wouldn't have

ended up feeling so bad.

Today, although I don't feel great, I am definitely better than yesterday and

can believe that maybe I will be back to my old self one day - it's such a

relief to be breathing better; yesterday was very scary.

You are quite right that I need to give it time - I've always wanted to run

before I can walk

Thanks again for the advice and encouragement,

Elaine

Total hip replacement problems - can

anyone help me, please?

Hello

I've just joined the list - my name's Layna.

I had a total right hip replacement last Friday; it didn't go too well and I

had to have 4 blood transfusions. I have a ceramic imlant and it's about 50%

attached as the bone was in a bad way. (Surgeon said it was never going to

be a straightforward operation and that I should expect 'agony' for 48 hours

)

Sent home Monday; within a couple of hours I have problems breathing - back

to A & E; have been scanned so it is not pulmonary embolism. Blood tests

showed I am more anaemic than usual. They think maybe low haemoglobin may be

a problem.

Today, walking a few yards leaves me out of breath - so bad I can hardly

talk. (I am 48 and very fit, not overweight.) I am also in a lot of pain

still. I'm not a wimp; I've had brain surgery and that was nothing compared

to this!

So, please can anypne tell me -

How long before the pain diminishes?

Any ideas why I am so breathless and exhausted? Is it normal?

Would really appreciate any advice as I really am worried!

Thanks

Layna

[Guest guest]

Hi Sasha

Thanks for emailing.

I've had rheumatoid arthritis for some years now and my right hip has always

been very painful. The degeneration over the past 6 months or so has been

dramatic so my surgeon decided it had to be replaced now.

The surgeon said that whilst the bone in my leg was good, in the hip it was just

crumbling away. I know he doesn't cement in and it felt like he was banging it

into place with a hammer (the anaesthetist didn't do his job too well!) - I

guess there was only good bone half way round for it to be attached to. He did

say beforehand that he had a 'plan B' in case he couldn't attach. The makers of

the implant say that if it is 50 - 60% attached it will be OK - but I have been

a bit concerned that it may come loose.

My surgeon was Mr Lee at the Maidstone Hospital in the UK - don't know how

may he has done but the husband of another patient had researched him and he has

a very good reputation. I have total faith in him. He had made it clear all

along that it wasn't going to be a straightforward job.

Best wishes

Elaine

Re: Total hip replacement problems - can

anyone help me, please?

So sory for your pain and discomfort Layna. What does 50% attached mean?

Can you help me to understand what 50% attached means. What was your

problem going into surgery?

Who was your surgeon, how many surgeries has he performed, and where did you

have it done?

Sasha

---------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG - www.avg.com

Version: 8.5.435 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2679 - Release Date: 02/10/10

07:40:00

[Guest guest]

Hello

Thanks so much for this; today life does seem a bit brighter and I don't

feel so bad.

I guess the reality was a shock - especially as other patients seemed to be

getting on better and in less pain. Everyone else was sitting in comfort

after a day - I'm still finding it sore when I sit and it's been 6 days now.

But I will get there!!

I certainly don't feel so alone having asked for help on the list and got so

many kind replies.

Best wishes

Elaine

Total hip replacement problems - can

anyone help me, please?

Hello

I've just joined the list - my name's Layna.

I had a total right hip replacement last Friday; it didn't go too well and I

had to have 4 blood transfusions. I have a ceramic imlant and it's about 50%

attached as the bone was in a bad way. (Surgeon said it was never going to

be a straightforward operation and that I should expect 'agony' for 48

hours.)

Sent home Monday; within a couple of hours I have problems breathing - back

to A & E; have been scanned so it is not pulmonary embolism. Blood tests

showed I am more anaemic than usual. They think maybe low haemoglobin may be

a problem.

Today, walking a few yards leaves me out of breath - so bad I can hardly

talk. (I am 48 and very fit, not overweight.) I am also in a lot of pain

still. I'm not a wimp; I've had brain surgery and that was nothing compared

to this!

So, please can anypne tell me -

How long before the pain diminishes?

Any ideas why I am so breathless and exhausted? Is it normal?

Would really appreciate any advice as I really am worried!

Thanks

Layna

[Guest guest]

I bet you take the iron tablet with a glass of water. Being anemic and on iron

supplements already explains why they didn't ask you to donate. You might check

with your regular doctor about increasing your iron supplement because of the 4

units of transfused blood.

Your body needs protein to repair itself. I get skinned boneless chicken

breasts and either nuke em or put them in the electric skillet with a potato cut

in half. Set temp to 250F and cook for 45 to 60 minutes. I also cut up lettuce

and then add a can of tuna fish and dressing to make a kind of chef salad. A

can of tuna will make two real nice tuna sandwiches also. Just add your choice

of mayo.

I'm not familiar with paracetemol. I don't think Oxycontin is that good for

hard pain. Maybe it is supposed to work better with the paracetemol. Be

careful and don't mix too many pain medications. You shouldn't have to endure a

lot of pain, so nag your doctor about it.

Sorry to hear the anathesia was not adequate. I know how that is. I had to be

tested because my aunt didn't wake up after surgery for 10 days. I actually

breakdown anathesia about 20% faster the average person. I've been aware

numerous times during my 7 major surgeries. I've tried to talk with the tube

down my throat, I've tried to take the tube out of my throat, and I've

touched/bumped different people standing around the table with my hand.

Fortunately for me and them, most times they quickly push more anethesia thru

the IV.

Glad to hear that you are starting to feel a little better. Be patient, it

takes a different amount of time to recover for different people. Sounds like

your recovery is going to be slower than average, but it will all be worth it in

the end.

Curt

R THR 3/20/2007

L THR 12/22/2009

Dr. Leo Whiteside

Mo. Bone & Joint Center

Des Peres Hospital(St. Louis, MO suburb)

> >

> > Hello

> >

> > I've just joined the list - my name's Layna.

> >

> > I had a total right hip replacement last Friday; it didn't go too well and

I had to have 4 blood transfusions. I have a ceramic imlant and it's about 50%

attached as the bone was in a bad way. (Surgeon said it was never going to be a

straightforward operation and that I should expect 'agony' for 48 hours.)

> >

> > Sent home Monday; within a couple of hours I have problems breathing -

back to A & E; have been scanned so it is not pulmonary embolism. Blood tests

showed I am more anaemic than usual. They think maybe low haemoglobin may be a

problem.

> >

> > Today, walking a few yards leaves me out of breath - so bad I can hardly

talk. (I am 48 and very fit, not overweight.) I am also in a lot of pain still.

I'm not a wimp; I've had brain surgery and that was nothing compared to this!

> >

> > So, please can anypne tell me -

> > How long before the pain diminishes?

> > Any ideas why I am so breathless and exhausted? Is it normal?

> >

> > Would really appreciate any advice as I really am worried!

> > Thanks

> > Layna

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>

>

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com

> Version: 8.5.435 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2679 - Release Date: 02/10/10

07:40:00

>

>

>