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Excrutiating pain after total ceramic hip replacement

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chris.b
chris.b

I had a ceramic total hip replacement 6weeks ago and I'm in agony. I'm 40 yeats old and had avascular necrosis of the rigjt hip.I had a titanium disc replacement 6 years ago in my lower back so I was aware going into surgery it would not be easy. However, when the epidural wore off after the hip repkacement I was in agony, in fact I was in tears and did not sleep a wink until after 5 days when sheer exhaustion set in I have pain in my groin when I move my leg it feeks like it's grating on something.I also have pain down to my knee including my knee. My lower back again is in agony also my right buttock feels like it's being pinched all the time all the way down the back of my leg which I guess is sciatica. I saw the surgeon who preformed the hip replacement today, he says all my pain is coming from my back. What I can't umderstand is why am I in more pain after the op then before. My surgeon was very unhelpful saying I need refered on for my back by my G.P. Has anyone else had excrutiating pain after a total hip replacement. I can't believe the surgeon dismissed my pain and said the hip is fine when the horrendous pain im in only started after the operation. Like I say I'm looking for people with similar situation or knowledge and advice.

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  • debbie04463
    debbie04463

    Posted

    The years prior to my accident when I was 34 were active I worked full time and studying before work weekends to qualify as an accountant while bringing up my children who were then 10 and 13. It turnedy life upside down. I had all sorts of problems and constant pain. I eventually started to cppe with my physical limits and carried on living life although chronic pain affected my ability to return to work. I was told there was nothing could be done for the pain. I accepted that and took painkillers for years. Earlier this year at a review of my tablets my dr reffered me to pain specialist and orthopaedic surgeon . Had cortisone in back of pelvis this worked as I stopped having the pain which stopped me sleeping on my back for long and sitting on chairs without pain. Orthopaedic gave me cortisone in my groin where majority of pain was. This did not work so hip replacement was next option. I was reluctant as I had terrible memories of my year long recovery aftrr my hip socket wasrrepaired. Aftet a few weeks I decided to go ahead you put sll your faith I n their skills to help you. I feel for you with your problems and sure surgeons don't want to acknowledge that they can make mistakes. If you did not have those issues prior despite a history of avn through your accident it is obvious the problem you have now is because of something surgeon has done. It may be that he had to move the femoral nerve to access the hip. If it was just related to your back why has my femoral nerve been affected under the same op. Sorry to hear about the issues with nhs. Lets be optimistic that we will recover and the pain reduces. I am determined to get back on my feet. I want to be able to do things with my grandchildren that I was able to do before although it was limited. I am wondering what my surgeon has to say when I visit him with this pain and numbness ad it is holding back my recovery compared to successful hr. You are in the same position. I hope you get referred to nerve specialist as they can test to find which nerve is affected and prospect of recovery. Regards Debbie My typing not too good as im on phone. Should use my laptop.
  • sabrina30
    sabrina30

    Posted

    Hi Chris,

    I'm 29yrs I have Avascular Necrosis in both shoulders & hips. I had a shoulder replacement last year which has been fantastic, but my THR not so great.

    I had my THR Jan12, I felt good for the first month, I was very mobile. Then my groin pain started to come back, I couldn't walk for very long with out being in agony.

    Everytime I told doctors or consultant, they just told me, it's early days & the pain is normal and should go. By Aug12 I was in really bad pain with sharp shooting/stabbing pain in my thigh, knee and bad groin pain. I couldn't move. I finally got the consultant to realise this isn't normal.

    I have had lots of x-rays which all are normal.

    I had a hip aspiration which there was no fluid.

    I had a bone scan & CT Spect everything is normal.

    The consultant basically said in Dec12 they hold their hands up and they don't know why I'm in pain. As there is no obvious cause they won't operate and don't think there is anything they can do. So I may just have to deal with it.

    I feel really frustrated I am in just as much pain as before I had the operation. Something with the hip isn't right, I am seeing my consultant later this month, they are going to have to do something.

    No one knows your body better than you, if you think something isn't right then keep on at them. As mentioned above PALs is very good if you get stuck..

    I hope they sort you out soon!

    • julie73914
      julie73914 sabrina30

      Posted

      Hi Sabrina

      I had my THR in September I have exactly the same symtoms as you steadily getting worse, although when I'm not using it the pain is minimal, my X-rays are normal but they did find a faint line around the cup which they think maybe causing the pain, they think the bone is not healing as quickly as it should, therefore give it more time and ease back on the weight bearing even use my stick again. I'm willing to try anything to get relief as all people say to me is mr or mrs soandso had his/hers done & she/he's perfect  well unfortunately I'm not them! 

    • christine98681
      christine98681 julie73914

      Posted

      hi julie do not take this get a second opinion im not a dr but if there is a faint line on the cup it might be the wrong size that was put in im talking from my own experience i don't want to scare you but last october i fell had the same happen to me had a THR no one would listen to me about how bad the pain i was going through even the physo gave up on me they new it wasen't getting better i took it into my own hands and asked my gp for a second opinion found out what the told you i was also bed bound from october 2013 with the same excruiating pain i saw another surgon in januart 2014 he picked up on it straigh away plus it also was loose out of line and this airline crack which was broke on the femur head while in the theatre then stiched it back up

      i have just had another hip replacement which he told me i would be free from pain but not much mobility than the first one but after this op its nearly four week and im no nearer now than i was last october the pain is still there so you are not alone im beggining to think i will never walk again.

        i am only on paracomol and oramoph how they think parcomol will take the pain away it wont i reported the first surgon to pals its a waste of time so ive got a solicitor on the case against the first so called surgon they all stick together will not admitt they can be wrong what gose of in the theatre they won't tell you i had the epidural on both occastion's they must think you can't hear even when you are sedated a bit with the epidural i heard this last surgon telling is register r it needs pins, plates, rods, and screws but im still convinced this is still not right im getting the same pain now as before it takes me ages to get out of bed just to use the toilet on the zimmer frame and the toilet is only in the next room i still need help with my leg to get out of bed i have got the back pain i can only put my toe to the floor no weight bearing on it till i go back.

      we all appreciate some pain but not for ever like we are getting and none of us seem to have benifited from the op as you have said we know our own body's and same as one person is not like the other.

      i suggest you get a second opinion from another hospita even this second surgonl that did the surgury for mine never came to tell me if its worked or not

       can't wait to ask why didn't he come and tell my family and myself i had my op done at another hospital but he also dose a lot of private patients but still dose nhs patients one per week he has got plenty of letters infront of is name  for been so good makes you wonder though if they mean anything

        he is very abrupt ignorant no beside manner won't listen im also getting pain's in my feet wich i didn't have before any one else getting this.

      l just feel like giving up i also have read up you can still get pain after you have had up to four ops done but why its enough to put you of having one done without going for more this gose for every one of you thats experienging the pain don't give up till you try every thing they throw at you saying it takes time time can run out its us thats suffereing not the person we put our live's in there hands it would be far better if them that dose the opps to go through it then they would no why we are complaing and not getting the answer's we are not moaning or been soft just want a straight forward answer why its happening im sure it dose not take 12 month to be pain free

      ive served that nearly now i can't stand much more ive cryed for the length of time im still getting the same pain as before thinking of the life the surgon told me i would be pain free and not got it yet.if i could only have a bit of mobility i would be happy but without the pain still not getting either is not on

      who ever has to go for the opp don't be put of dose not mean you could be the same as eny of us take it some ppl get lucky and get away without much pain.

      i was told by the physo to rub E45 cream on the nerves to help release them thats not helped hope some one else can take this advice see if it works for them.i also told this surgon i was allergic to metal but this is what ive had put in so im thinking could this be the reason they don't listen you try to self diagose yourself in the end but why should we.

           .

  • chris.b
    chris.b

    Posted

    Hi Sabrina

    Thankyou for your post. I am very sorry to hear of your situation, it must be terrible not just to have the problems with the hip replacement but slso to endure shoulder replacements as well.

    At least your consultant seems to be trying to help your situation.

    I had physio yesterday and was told mr nanu, who is my consultant, is extremely gifted and does not make mistakes and what I am experiencing is normal. With a greeting like that it was pretty much down hill from there.

    I was then told that yes it looks like im experiencing nerve problems with my sciatica and femoral nerve but both have nothing to do with my hip replacement surgery.

    Its not about blame or pointing the finger with me I agree that my surgeon is extremely gifted but that does not help my situation and it seems they are unwilling to explore the nerve damage further.

    She concluded by saying she will report back to my gp outlining that my hip implant is fine the surgery was a success and im.unwilling to accept phsio because as she put it we didnt get off to the best of starts.

    It seems their whole attitude is how dare you say youve had complications of surgery.

    Anyway my saving grace is I have an appointment with a back surgeon the end of next month. I was also told theres no such thing as a nerve specialist and to start weight bearing on my hip because the only thing hampering my recovery is psyhcolocigly I dont want to put weight on my hip so im holding myself back.

    • greywolf1
      greywolf1 chris.b

      Posted

      Hello Chris I have the same problem only hip is 3 years old Surgeon says its the back but my old surgeon now retired always told me pain in groin and theigh is from the hip it started 6months ago and now will not bear weight now i have a medical physio who has just sent me for a back scan but does say she does not know what is causing pain and leg weakness I know it is the hip but am unable to convince them that it is so First laimed it was musculer now it is the back never the hip Chris insist on a back scan then see the result As regards syatic nerve damage this can be caused with injection into spine in my case 35 minutes trying without success before doing general an Chris ask for a medical physio they have a lot more power and can get things done Good luck  
  • debbie04463
    debbie04463

    Posted

    Hi Chris, sorry to hear about the negative attitude of your physio. I would make an appointment with your GP. I am sure you are entitled to see another physio if you do not get on with the first one. It seems that sometimes they close ranks. You just have to google and you can see that nerve damage is rare but does happen after hip replacement. Mine is one example yours and Sabrina. Hardly a coincidence that we are all imagining it. Apparently physio is important to help get back any repair to the nerves if it is going to happen.

    A nerve specialist is a neurologist or pain specialist they can organise tests as Sabrina has had. Nerves can be tested to see which ones are involved and there are tablets prescribed to treat nerve pain.

    My xray while in hospital showed my hip replacement is in the correct position, which I am sure is correct as my movement backwards and forwards is fine. However my inner thigh is numb my knee is numb and my lower leg hurts if touched even slightly at the front and inner calf. I am having pains in my groin, electric shocks up an down my leg and prickles. I also have alot of pain im my knee especially when moving about. My leg gives way when I dont expect it too which is scary. By now I should be off cruthches (6 weeks post op). I tried walking around the house with one crutch but my leg gives way with no warning so safety wise I am still using 2. I shall be seeing what my physio and Surgeon has to say next Wednesday. Its apalling that you have been treated that way. I am in intense pain and that is holding me back. How dare your physio say it is you holding yourself back. I am putting weight on my hip. I stand in the shower etc but it still hurts and we all know that there is some pain after hip replacement but its not supposed to be worse than prior to the op!

  • chris.b
    chris.b

    Posted

    Hi Debbie

    Thanks as always for your post. I've made a bit of progress as I have just come from my GP.

    He said he had just received the letter today from my surgeon regarding my operation.

    In it the surgeon has admited both my sciatica nerve and femoral nerve have been damaged.The GP said the surgeon was very vauge as to wether it was a result of the surgery saying it may be or it is the surgeons belief I already had underlining factors before the operation which meant i alreadyHad nerve damage which because ive been refered to a back specialist feels I dont need any further treatment from him.

    Luckly my gp is on my side saying it is almost certain my hip replacement has caused the nerve damage or at I very least has made it worse.

    So I dont know why my surgeon or indeed the physio yesterday was so negative towards me.

    I made it clear to the physio and my gp I really dont care what caused it I just want treatment.

    My gp told me to hold off physio for now he has prescribed more nerve blockers and he too feels the back specialist should be able to help my nerve damage and should order nerve tests and scans to see how damaged my nerves are.

    So although im in the same boat at least now ive had acknowledgement of nerve damage I really dont see why the surgeon didnt tell me himself though.

    I hope you are coping ok and have some improvement in your condition.

    Chris

  • debbie04463
    debbie04463

    Posted

    Hi Chris so pleased your gp is on your side. Sorry though that you are suffering and that you had the negative response from your physio. Lets hope you are seen as soon as possible and that you and I will be the lucky ones whose nerves repair over time. Difficult enough being in pain before but now having the extra problems makes life a challenge even more. Let me know how you get on. I will let you know whst happens to me on Wednesday.Debbie.

    P.s. I am the same mind about wanting treatment not blaming surgeon as they don't intentionally damage people.

    • lillie7362
      lillie7362 debbie04463

      Posted

      Please help with some advise i had a back infusion2012  that was a success 3/4/2014 had THP ceramic prostesis im in so much pain.cant lift leg cant put any weight on it.surgeon has the worst attitude towards me. Said my hip will never heal. Went to review ct scan today. The new Dr. Said my hip looks ok. Said its your back.?
  • judi48042
    judi48042

    Posted

    Some of the pain could be due to the fact that your body compensated for previous pain, and ligaments and tendons could have shortened. Now your femur's alignment has been corrected, shortened soft tissue is on a stretch, and is full of pain endings. Some numbness is to be expected because nerves are cut during the operation. They may recover.

    I am 2 weeks post op. My main pain is in the morning where the swelling round my scar seems to build overnight. I had a scare the other day when there was a loud click and I had shooting pain into my groin and could hardly walk. Luckily when I rang the hospital, I got an appointment to see the joint nurse yesterday. My x-rays proved normal, and the nurse put it down to a ligament at the front of the hip, which is moved out of the way during surgery flipping back into place, It certainly feels like a groin strain.

    My walking varies from day to day, and is better in the middle of the day. I do get the occasional giving way, but noticed I was hunching over on my crutches and things feel better if I stand up tall.

    If I could get more than 2 hours sleep at a stretch it would help!

  • holidays
    holidays

    Posted

    Hi Chris. I have had a TRHR nearly 2 years ago, the pain was so bad when I came out of theatre I was sedated again. My consultant, after the 6 week check said, I don't know why you are in so much pain and looked at my x-ray and said "look my jobs done, you best make an appointment at the pain clinic and that took a waiting list of 6 months. So to cut a very long story short, I have just come out of hospital after spending 2 weeks, for them to sort out another infection in my right hip, I have a 14cm x 4cm open wound on my hip which is being put on a vac machine and to re-dressed every day. I am now on a total of 59 drugs a day, plus oramorph.

    I am sick to death of this pain and all the drugs I'm on. My gp has no idea what to do, or my new consultant. So I feel I'm just left to suffer and get more depressed every day, I can't go out on my own, I have no worked for 2 years and registered disabled. I have got a wheelchair which I cant accept that this is now my life.

    So like you Chris I'm sorry I can't give you a bit of advice, but at least your not on your own.

    • julia1968
      julia1968 holidays

      Posted

      Please name & shame bad surgeons so others learn x

      mr Maxwell messed me up & Ive learnt of 3 others he messed up since !! Wish I knew before I let him operate on me ! X

    • Paulus1949
      Paulus1949 holidays

      Posted

      Chris & Holidays..really sorry to read about your suffering..you have surgery full of hope and come out feeling worse,really shocking.

      Im 11 weeks post op and must admit to being very disappointed,with still having pain from the operated joint  which still can't take my full weight..

      I can do level walking for a couple of hours,but at half the pace I did previously,and have a feeling something isn't quite right.

      Lately when people ask me how I'm doing,I now tell them I'm doing fine..if you tell them the truth they put you down as a negative moaner,and start reeling of stories of their friend who 12 weeks post op is running marathons and works as a window cleaner,as if to say..so why aren't you then? But they mean well spose.

      good luck to you both,it's tough I know.

       

    • christine17686
      christine17686 Paulus1949

      Posted

      Hi Paulus and Chris,

      I had my hip replacement 8 months ago and I am still having excrutiating pain in my buttock and thigh, when I first stand up it takes me a few steps until I can get going with walking and although I am back at work and to many I appear on the mend I am not. Like was mentioned earlier you do not want to come across as a moaner or a negative person. I thought this operation would transform my life but I am still hobbling about like an invalid. On my last out patient appointment x rays showed that the operation was a success as the prothsesis is in the correct place. My surgeon told me it can take at least 9 months to fully recover, but here I am 8 months in and no further forward. I have difficulty lifting my leg in and out of bed or the car and feel so sympathetic towards your problems. It is comforting to know I am not alone , however, I am sad that your experiences are effecting your lives too. I go back to the hospital in 2 months time and I really hope they look at other possible solutions. Take care and I hope things have improved a little for you.

    • Happyhopper
      Happyhopper christine17686

      Posted

      I would suggest that if you are NHS you go back to your doctor and ask for help.  It is not normal that after 8 months you have not made any recovery despite what your surgeon says!!  Suggest at very least you have a second opinion as well as a definite plan of action, which includes MRI scan.  You should also do your own research by obtaining your X-rays.  Go to the top and as you have lost confidence in your surgeon, who is he, you probably won't want to see him again.  The British surgeons seen to be expert fob off merchants after making mistakes.
    • Paulus1949
      Paulus1949 Happyhopper

      Posted

      I am in a similar situation to Chris at 13 weeks post op,although looking back I am better than pre op..

      however I was maybe falsely expecting a better outcome..I can walk a few hrs with 1 stick,but still can't put my full weight on the operated hip when climbing stairs.

      I see what your saying HappyH,but if an X-Ray shows the new joint is as it' should be another one won't show anything new,and with this information GPs and surgeons are reluctant to offer you the chance of a 2nd opinion.

      Maybe if your assertive and persistent you could get one,but the disappointment felt from a bad outcome after the op can make this hard to follow through..you tend to just give up and carry on regardless.

      hope you've had some improvement Chris,I have good and bad days.

    • mel83609
      mel83609 Paulus1949

      Posted

      I have to say I agree with Happy on this.

      Get your Xrays - Get a second opinion on the X-rays etc...

      I have heard of a surgeon lying about the X-rays being fine - when in facthey werent at all okay. A second opinion showed the implant to be in the wrong position. This is what was causing excruciating pain. The surgery was redone, the implant was put in the correct position, and the pain has gone.

      Get at the very least a second opinion.

    • Happyhopper
      Happyhopper mel83609

      Posted

      Hi, would be interested to hear more about your revision.  Where was it done, did you have a good experience?  How is your outcome now, how far are you able to walk, can you do squats.  Interested to get an impartial opinion as the surgeon's just gloss over any possible complications.
    • mel83609
      mel83609 Happyhopper

      Posted

      Hi,

      What I relaid to you was the story of a girl I met here on the west coast who went through the awful debacle I described. When she had her hip revised, she was fine.  This took place on the west coast of Canada, where I am living. 

    • chris08800
      chris08800 julia1968

      Posted

      Hi Julia. Could you tell me which hospital it was where Mr Maxwell did your op? 
    • Poppy911
      Poppy911 julia1968

      Posted

      hi julia. You are so right. Name and shame. Mr Maxwell at Oaklands Hospital which is a private hospital but they do National health there.  Mr Maxwell has completely ruined my life.  I can no work and in tremendous pain.  So I am naming and shaming this so called surgeon. Oaklands hospital. , Lancaster Rd,  Salford, Manchester England..
    • greg87593
      greg87593 julia1968

      Posted

      hi julia, i have the same surgeon ,would love to chat ,i cannot walk and in pain ,thanks g
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