Back to Work

No, it is not what you were expecting. From what I have read, 90% are happy with the results of THR, and 10% are not. Complications can and do happen. I am so sorry that you have them! Hope you can get better pain meds. Also, I hope that you keep bugging your physicians about getting accurate diagnoses and effective treatment. Sounds like they aren't helping you at all now, just letting you suffer. 

So sorry you are having such a hard time. It's so unfair that you are  left struggling without FMLA and it also sucks that your insurance is not giving you coverage for the therapy you need. I agree that you should contact your doctor and see if there's anything he can do to help, maybe he can lean on the insurance company.

Sending you lots of hugs and positive energy. Try to rest up as much as you can.

Okay … yes, it must be lovely to drive and shop again. But working again before you are ready … not so much.

 

You are really in a Catch-22 situation aren’t you – needing to work, but not ready to work and not getting adequate support to become ready to work.  So, what it the likely result? I worry that it will be doing more damage that will delay your full recovery and ability to work in the long term.

 

I think you should ask your doctor for more than pain meds. Does s/he know what you do at work? How much pain you are experiencing? That you can not get coverage for the therapy you need?

 

I am so sorry that your result wasn’t better than this. To be honest, I am just about at the point now (12 weeks post LTHR posterior with another hip to go later this summer) where I feel well enough that I would have considered returning to work if I wasn’t retired. I have just started doing a more complete share of the household chores, support for my Dad and general getting about. It has taken a lot of hard work doing exercises from the PT to strengthen muscles and smooth out my gait (it still takes effort and concentration to keep it smooth and after sitting for a while it takes longer to get it back again.

 

I don’t have any good advice – other than try to keep up with the exercises, ensure you use a cushion in the car (esp if you have bucket seats – the worst) and see if you can get a chum to come with you on errands to reduce some of the challenges.

 

Hoping that things get easier and that your doctor finds you meaningful support.

 

Good luck.

 

Linda

 

  

What a dreadful time you are having, I have just picked up on your plight, it's so unfair you are going through all this pain and worry.  Do so hope something will go right soon. Thank god I am retired I could not have thought about work, though pension is crap at least money is coming in.

i am still not 100% after 11 months waiting to be referred to orthapaedic team for advice they suspect bursitis and tendon.  I so hope you get help soon,  Love Lorna From UK X

Hi Meg, 

I am so sorry to hear this .. I hope the icing helped to calm down the muscles ... 

What kind of a job do you do? (apologies for forgetting) - 

I understand that your surgeon told you that your gait is terrible and 2 weeks of hydrotherapy would help ... would your insurance approve additional physical therapy sessions? anything to help you correct your walk ... what kind of health insurance do you have? 

if not hydrotherapy than  try physical therapy - how about a social worker to assist you or city hall?  there is aid available but we don't know where to go - 

don't worry about walking with a cane .. who cares -- if it helps you feel more balanced and confident, use it -

I know you feel  desperate and things look bleak - but please keep having faith -

sending you light and love

big warm hug

renee

 

Oh Meg, this truly sounds like you are having the most rotten time.

My work have been urging me to come back too, but was at the hospital yesterday for my 12 week check. I still have to use a walking stick when I'm out as my leg just gets really heavy and gives up. My job can be very physical and I can't go back until I'm 100%. Eating into savings being off, and with trying to plan our wedding, it's far from ideal, but I don't want to do myself further damage, so keep this in mind.

With regards to hydrotherapy, I was recommended this by the physio, however it's not offered on the local NHS and due to money issues, not an option to go private.

What the physio advised me was to go to a local swimming pool, and just walk back and forward and this would really help. And also possibly get a float and just kick your legs out behind you, to build up the strength. It's like doing your own hydrotherapy so I'm told, so looking forward to giving it a try.

Let us know how you get on.

Big hugs xx

Hi Meg

You have not put any info.about yourself ie where are you in the world?

I guess you are in the US because of your reference to insurance?

I don't know what FMLA means or SSD,(I always struggle with abreviations) but I presume you are being denied any financial support.

Your situation confirms my opinion that insurance for healthcare is not ideal restricted as it seems to be by cost.

Here in UK we are so lucky in having the NHS. Of course jumping through the hoops you mention does apply here too, and things can and do go wrong as well.

However in the event of problems we can still seek further help in getting these corrected.We are not left out on a limb even if getting things sorted takes time and perseverence.

I can only wish you well and hope that with time you feel much better.

My suggestion is physiotherapy,If not available on your insurance there are lots of examples online which you can do in your own time.

I believe strengthening the muscles is so helpful,just take it slowly and gently letting your body be the guide.

Good luck for your ongoing recovery

Joyx