Re: 9 months following a total hip replacement

[Guest guest]

My surgery was Feb.5, 2007 so right behind you. Sounds like you need

a bit more PT. There are certain muscles that need to be isolated

and rehabilitated. I don't see how they could have shown you the way

to recover this with only two weeks of therapy. I can stand all day

without even a twinge. If I sit too long it is still a bit stiff

when I get up. Where is the pain exactly? Might it be something

other than muscle related?

Deb

>

> I had a total hip replacement done this past Jan. (1/24/07) and

have

> 9.5 months behind me and still find it difficult to stand for

> prolonged periods of time. Walking isn't as bad and doesn't seem

to

> bother me quite as much now.

>

> I have often wished I knew someone that had had a replacement

done

> recently so I could ask them questions about the various things I

was

> going through.

>

> I had mine done right before my 55th birthday and came home and

> took care of myself. I had the VNA 3 times a week and a phyical

> therapist but neither felt the need to be here and after a week I

> didn't feel I needed them either so they discharged me at the end

of

> the second week.

>

> I have a 2 story house and moved my bedroom down to the first

floor

> months before the surgery. I am fortunate to have the washer and

> drier on the first floor, also instead of in the basement.

>

> I think along with the discomfort/pain the worst part of the

> surgery/recovery has been the loss of muscles and the climb to

regain

> the use of those leg muscles again. I still haven't regained all

the

> muscle use to the point of not noticing certain movements.

>

> I took a sit down job the beginning of May and gave up doing

what I

> like doing best (cooking). I was able to sit and walk around. At

> first it was a pain even to walk from the car to the desk where I

> sat. I didn't need a cane or a walker but I sure walked slower

than

> usual. Looking back now I can see the progress even though I

didn't

> notice it over the summer.

>

> I had 4 surgeries in 6 months which may have made my recovery a

bit

> slower.

>

> If anyone around my age had a total hip replacement around the

same

> time I did and you have time to compare notes or have questions or

> wouldn't mind answering some of mine, feel free to IM me on .

>

> Ms Carolyn

>

[Guest guest]

Deb,

My discomfort is in the thigh of the replacement (where the cone is

in the bone) and in my rear area (where the socket was attached with

screws). I was and still am over weight and gained 15 lbs since the

surgery which I am sure hasn't helped. I doubt the surgeon glued the

ball end into my bone which of course takes longer for the area to

heal.

Having had slight curviture of the spine since birth that was never

addressed and degenerative arthritis of the lower spine in yrs. since

then, this is what may be causing part of my pain. Since the prep for

the new joint replacement has put things more in line now that it is

done, the back (spine) has to get used to this correction after 54

yrs. of being out of line. I have been to the chiropractor many times

since the surgery who told me the first time he saw my spine x-rays

(before the surgery) that mine looks more like that of a 70 yr. old.

When I ask the surgeon why I still hurt he just dismisses it by

saying it is my back (probably being polite rather than honest) and

does nothing to find out why.

Perhaps you might be correct that further PT would help so I will

look into that since my insurance will cover it.

There are days when I ache all over and then there are days when I

seem to be more pain free until later in the day when I have taken

advantage of the time by getting lots of things done. It does hurt

less as times goes on but just doesn't seem like it should still be

hurting at all after all this time. I don't take anything for the

discomfort or pain... I just put up with it but it sure would be nice

NOT to hurt so much.

I get stiff,also if I sit too long or sit on a hard type chair

even now. So I am always on the move.

I was given a list of PT to do on my own here at home including

the advanced exercises after the therapist had been here those first

2 wks and knew I was able to do these exercises on my own. Most of

her elderly patients actually needed assistance and help to do their

exercises where as I didn't. She made sure I knew how to do each

exercise before she discharged me.

I didn't have the patiences to wait for the over loaded VNA to get

there (after the first time)to take the dressing off, get showered,

and put the new dressing on before getting dressed for the day so I

did these things on my own. She would check the incision each time

and it always looked good. All of my vitals were good and I was

advised what to be on the look out for. My next door neighbor is a

nurse so I knew if I had any fears or concerns about anything I could

always call her.

I just don't like the guessing and not really knowing what causes

the pain. I am not sure where to go to get answers.

Ms Carolyn

>

> My surgery was Feb.5, 2007 so right behind you. Sounds like you

need

> a bit more PT. There are certain muscles that need to be isolated

> and rehabilitated. I don't see how they could have shown you the

way

> to recover this with only two weeks of therapy. I can stand all day

> without even a twinge. If I sit too long it is still a bit stiff

> when I get up. Where is the pain exactly? Might it be something

> other than muscle related?

>

> Deb

[Guest guest]

Carolyn,

I read your post and you are the first person who has described the discomfort I feel everyday. My upper front thighs hurt often. I find myself rubbing them all the time...especially later in the day. My dr just sort of dismissed it and said it was because the bone has some bend to it and the metal rod going into it does not. I wonder how long they are going to ache like that. I had the pain in my behind area also. I had to sit on a foam cushion in the car for quite a while, but it is gone now. I had a LTHR the end of June and a RTHR the middle of August.

Mechelle

Re: 9 months following a total hip replacement

Deb,My discomfort is in the thigh of the replacement (where the cone is in the bone) and in my rear area (where the socket was attached with screws). I was and still am over weight and gained 15 lbs since the surgery which I am sure hasn't helped. I doubt the surgeon glued the ball end into my bone which of course takes longer for the area to heal.Having had slight curviture of the spine since birth that was never addressed and degenerative arthritis of the lower spine in yrs. since then, this is what may be causing part of my pain. Since the prep for the new joint replacement has put things more in line now that it is done, the back (spine) has to get used to this correction after 54 yrs. of being out of line. I have been to the chiropractor many times since the surgery who told me the first time he saw my spine x-rays (before the surgery) that mine looks more like that of a 70 yr. old.When I ask the surgeon why I still hurt he just dismisses it by saying it is my back (probably being polite rather than honest) and does nothing to find out why. Perhaps you might be correct that further PT would help so I will look into that since my insurance will cover it.There are days when I ache all over and then there are days when I seem to be more pain free until later in the day when I have taken advantage of the time by getting lots of things done. It does hurt less as times goes on but just doesn't seem like it should still be hurting at all after all this time. I don't take anything for the discomfort or pain... I just put up with it but it sure would be nice NOT to hurt so much.I get stiff,also if I sit too long or sit on a hard type chair even now. So I am always on the move.I was given a list of PT to do on my own here at home including the advanced exercises after the therapist had been here those first 2 wks and knew I was able to do these exercises on my own. Most of her elderly patients actually needed assistance and help to do their exercises where as I didn't. She made sure I knew how to do each exercise before she discharged me.I didn't have the patiences to wait for the over loaded VNA to get there (after the first time)to take the dressing off, get showered, and put the new dressing on before getting dressed for the day so I did these things on my own. She would check the incision each time and it always looked good. All of my vitals were good and I was advised what to be on the look out for. My next door neighbor is a nurse so I knew if I had any fears or concerns about anything I could always call her.I just don't like the guessing and not really knowing what causes the pain. I am not sure where to go to get answers.Ms Carolyn>> My surgery was Feb.5, 2007 so right behind you. Sounds like you need > a bit more PT. There are certain muscles that need to be isolated > and rehabilitated. I don't see how they could have shown you the way > to recover this with only two weeks of therapy. I can stand all day > without even a twinge. If I sit too long it is still a bit stiff > when I get up. Where is the pain exactly? Might it be something > other than muscle related?> > Deb

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.31/1128 - Release Date: 11/13/2007 11:09 AMI am using the free version of SPAMfighter for private users.It has removed 2528 spam emails to date.Paying users do not have this message in their emails.Try SPAMfighter for free now!

[Guest guest]

Mechelle,

Thank you for letting me know since there are times I have wondered

if this is unusal or if others have been bothered by this same thing.

I was told or read that it takes almost 2 yrs. to get fully past this

type of replacement surgery so hopefully time will bring us releif

one day. It would be nice if the surgeons would really listen when we

tell them these things in case there might be something wrong.

There are also times that I get a burning sensation in my lower leg

on the side I had the replacement. I take a few mins. to sit and then

it will go away. That seems to be something new that has developed in

the past 6 wks or so. It doesn't happen all the time, just once in

awhile. I have been on my feet working more often during this time.

When I complained to the VNA she explained it by saying that it is

like being beaten up. That is a lot of trama to the body and it takes

a long time to heal. I tend to forget this since the outside is

healed. I had other people say such positive things about having had

the surgery done so I expected a mirical, I guess.

Chances are if you and I are feeling this effect there have to be

others that do, also.

Thanks,

Ms Carolyn

>

> Carolyn,

>

> I read your post and you are the first person who has described the

discomfort I feel everyday. My upper front thighs hurt often. I

find myself rubbing them all the time...especially later in the day.

My dr just sort of dismissed it and said it was because the bone has

some bend to it and the metal rod going into it does not. I wonder

how long they are going to ache like that. I had the pain in my

behind area also. I had to sit on a foam cushion in the car for

quite a while, but it is gone now. I had a LTHR the end of June and a

RTHR the middle of August.

>

> Mechelle

[Guest guest]

Carolyn, I'm so sorry you have a lot more to deal with than I have.

I also find that staying on the move all day instead of sitting

helps with stiffness. I have also gained weight since the surgery

though I can't figure that out since I am more active now than when

I was in pain with every step I took. I am of course somewhere in

the midst of menopause which I'm sure has something to do with it.

Thigh pain I hear is common in some THRs. I have just a small stem

and no screws to deal with so really can't comment on that one.

Perhaps you need to see another surgeon if yours can't figure out

what is wrong. I hope you will keep us posted if you find out

anything. Physical therapy might not be in your best interest right

now if something else is going on like a loose stem that is not yet

obvious.

Deb

> >

> > My surgery was Feb.5, 2007 so right behind you. Sounds like you

> need

> > a bit more PT. There are certain muscles that need to be

isolated

> > and rehabilitated. I don't see how they could have shown you the

> way

> > to recover this with only two weeks of therapy. I can stand all

day

> > without even a twinge. If I sit too long it is still a bit stiff

> > when I get up. Where is the pain exactly? Might it be something

> > other than muscle related?

> >

> > Deb

>

[Guest guest]

I have the same pain in my thigh and groin and pulling feeling in my behind. November 17 will be 3 years for me since I had my surgery and I'm still in pain. I will go to my family doctor and have her order an x-ray of my hip and have a different doctor look at it. My surgeon says it's just taking me a long time to recover.CarmelDeb <cocoisland58@...> wrote: Carolyn, I'm so sorry you have a lot more to deal with than I have. I also find that staying on the move all day instead of sitting helps with stiffness. I

have also gained weight since the surgery though I can't figure that out since I am more active now than when I was in pain with every step I took. I am of course somewhere in the midst of menopause which I'm sure has something to do with it. Thigh pain I hear is common in some THRs. I have just a small stem and no screws to deal with so really can't comment on that one. Perhaps you need to see another surgeon if yours can't figure out what is wrong. I hope you will keep us posted if you find out anything. Physical therapy might not be in your best interest right now if something else is going on like a loose stem that is not yet obvious. Deb > > > > My surgery was Feb.5, 2007 so right behind you. Sounds like you > need > > a bit more PT. There are certain muscles that need to be isolated > > and rehabilitated. I don't see how they could have shown you the > way > > to recover this with only two weeks of therapy. I can stand all day > > without even a twinge. If I sit too long it is still a bit stiff > > when I get up. Where is the pain exactly? Might

it be something > > other than muscle related? > > > > Deb >

Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk email the boot with the All-new

[Guest guest]

Carmel,

I was dismayed to read your posting since it has been 3 yrs since

your surgery. That doesn't sound very encouraging. If anything is

determined be sure to let us know.

Even though there is this discomfort/pain now it is certainly

nothing like what I was dealing with prior to the surgery. I had to

take drugs just to be able to function at work. If it weren't for the

strong pain pills I wouldn't have been able to work at all. I don't

even take ibeprofins now and I was taking 800 mgs. 3 or 4 times a

day, plus the pain pills prior to the surgery. So when I compare

things I am better off now.

Ms Carolyn

> > >

> > > My surgery was Feb.5, 2007 so right behind you. Sounds like

you

> > need

> > > a bit more PT. There are certain muscles that need to be

> isolated

> > > and rehabilitated. I don't see how they could have shown you

the

> > way

> > > to recover this with only two weeks of therapy. I can stand

all

> day

> > > without even a twinge. If I sit too long it is still a bit

stiff

> > > when I get up. Where is the pain exactly? Might it be

something

> > > other than muscle related?

> > >

> > > Deb

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

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

> Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk

email the boot with the All-new

>

[Guest guest]

Carmel

I had a THR done on Sept 7, 2007 and was walking in two weeks

without any support, it has been great...I would find another Dr if

I was you.

Gene from Oklahoma

> > > >

> > > > My surgery was Feb.5, 2007 so right behind you. Sounds like

> you

> > > need

> > > > a bit more PT. There are certain muscles that need to be

> > isolated

> > > > and rehabilitated. I don't see how they could have shown you

> the

> > > way

> > > > to recover this with only two weeks of therapy. I can stand

> all

> > day

> > > > without even a twinge. If I sit too long it is still a bit

> stiff

> > > > when I get up. Where is the pain exactly? Might it be

> something

> > > > other than muscle related?

> > > >

> > > > Deb

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

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

> > Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk

> email the boot with the All-new

> >

>

[Guest guest]

My doctor said my surgery was complicated, he had to do more work on my hip. That's why he said I would take longer to heal but three years is a long time and the pain isn't getting better, it seems worse. Perhaps I've overdone something along the way. I don't know. I try to be careful when I'm doing things. I couldn't put any weight on my leg for the first six weeks. I was using a walker for about three months, then two crutches for awhile, then down to one, then down to the cane. It was a long process before I felt comfortable walking on my own. I was 46 when I had the surgery done and I worked out all the time. Before my surgery I was on anti-inflamatories which raised my blood pressure so I had to stop using them. I couldn't walk too far because my hip was bone on bone. I took some Tylenol Arthritis to help with the pain. I can walk now but my leg gets very sore and heavy feeling. I had the

surgery done at one of Toronto's best hospitals for people with arthritis. The doctor said to go back next year for my x-ray but as I said, I will ask my family doctor to order one. I think at times the surgeon won't tell all. Carmelgeneknouse <geneknouse@...> wrote: CarmelI had a THR done on Sept 7, 2007 and was walking in two weeks without any support, it has been great...I would find another Dr if I was you.Gene from Oklahoma> > > >> > > > My surgery was Feb.5, 2007 so right behind you. Sounds like > you > > > need > > > > a bit more PT. There are certain muscles that need to be > > isolated > > > > and rehabilitated. I don't see how they could have shown you > the > > > way > > > > to recover this with only two weeks of therapy. I can stand > all > > day > > > > without even a twinge. If I sit too long it is still a bit

> stiff > > > > when I get up. Where is the pain exactly? Might it be > something > > > > other than muscle related?> > > > > > > > Deb> > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------> > Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk > email the boot with the All-new > >>

Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Answers.