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Gluteal spasms after RHR

Posted , 4 users are following.

jumer
jumer

It is going on more than 2 weeks following the surgery and each time I have had a physical therapy, the following day, I wake up with the worst pain from this buttocks spasm, same side as operation that radiates down the leg. The first time it happened, I was able to get an appointment and the doctor ruled out a dislocation and blood clot and prescribed muscle relaxants, which I took for 5 days. The following week,  PT person came to the house to show me more exercises and again, the next day in the afternoon, the spasm began, the muscle relaxants did not work till about 5 hours later. It is an excruiating pain. The next session is to be in the pool, but am concerned about not wanting to go through this pain again. Has anyone else had this problem? I have read that these spasms can occur after surgery for a few weeks and I do hope that this will not continue. Thank you, Jody

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • mayday35
    mayday35 jumer

    Posted

    JODY  take heart!  Everything gets worse before it gets better!  That pool will be wonderful for you as water holds the weight of the body and it will be beautifully heated. Do not despair so. It sounds as if the physio is not helping but rather giving you more pain?  I reckon we should avoid giving ourselves pain if we can as nobody knows that pain except you! Some physio's are too brusque and you must tell them they made your pain worse. I do know that after physio we do get more pain but it is only in passing. Its normal when you consider they must work on the area of pain. Why not try acupuncture? That way they don't touch the actual area of pain. Also there is reflexology which might also help you. Also ask about patches for pain. You don't mention what pain dullers you are on? You surely are taking something for this pain. Pain after surgery is not only well known but expected. That's why you were warned about it, to prepare you for the pain. I know that doesn't help at all does it. But try what I do:  I force myself to accept millions are in a worse state than I am. I think about them and try to accept my pain is a sign I AM getting better. One day is far worse than another and I am convinced you will have good days soon and that the pain will eventually disappear. There are always others worse off. Do not be so afraid of that pain. Remember you are not forced to do anything you do not want to do too! If you feel you are better off without painful physio, just say so! But get in that water. You will be happy to find a real relief out of warm water.  Take heart. Smile!
  • barbara17317
    barbara17317 jumer

    Posted

    I would have a word with the physio and ask to be given more gentle exercises and perhaps that will be better.  You should be much better in the pool as water is bouyant and you will not be putting any weight on your hip or leg.  The water is lovely and warm.  I would have a look to see if there are any aqua-exercise classes you can go to at your nearest pool, presuming of course that your wound has healed completely, but be careful and tell the instructor about your op as some of the exercises might not be good for you for a few weeks yet.  Good luck
  • DawnDedee
    DawnDedee jumer

    Posted

    Hi Susan,

    I too experienced muscle spasms in buttocks and back of my leg. I took muscle relaxers and hot baths once I was able to soak.

    The best way for my physical therapy was in the warm therapy pool. Consider doing gentle stretches before the exercises and take your muscle relaxer continually and always an hour before your therapy. See if that helps. Also, there are different brands of muscle relaxers so find the one that works best for you.

    Does your blood work show that you have enough potassium?

    Also check around to see if there is a gravity free treadmill for walking near you. It is the same as walking in water but you do not get wet.

    If this pain persists, tell your doctor.

    My best to you Susan!

    Hugs

    💛 Dawn, USA

  • jumer
    jumer

    Posted

    Thank you all for your advice, it all comes at a good time this am when having the spasm this am. I plugged in a hand vibrator to see if a massage would help, took a warm shower and the idea of swimming sounds wonderful. Not to give up hope and yes, pain is a part of the healing process, not to freak out about it, but to go with it. I did see the doctor the one day and will write him today, too, to see if he has any other suggestions. So so appreciate your hearffelt suggestions. Dawn, how long did you have a problem with the spasms, just wondered. Again will reread all the comments and thank you so much for taking the time to respond, blessings to each of you.
    • DawnDedee
      DawnDedee jumer

      Posted

      Susan,

      Lasted not beyond 3 weeks for the first THR, and the second one cannot be compared to yours because the device came loose shortly after the surgery and a year and a half later I still suffer. Now 8 days from a revision.

      Also my potassium level drops too low, so I have to keep up with that.

      It will help you to take the muscle relaxers round the clock so you can break the cycle of spasms.

      Hugs

      Dawn

    • jumer
      jumer DawnDedee

      Posted

      Wow, you have been through the ringer with the second surgery. Do wish for the best for the revision that all goes well this time. I am trying to watch the potassium level and did start back on the round the clock muscle relaxants, also wrote my doc. I live in Costa Rica and so it is a bit different system here. So appreciate your support and suggestions, Here is to your healing well this time, take care, hugs, Susan
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