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Left Total Hip Replacement Femoral Intense Pain-Relief Suggestions?

Posted , 5 users are following.

beth77777
beth77777

Hello!  I am 3 months post op after a left THR and was doing well until I developed pain in my muscle in the femoral area...it is sometimes so intense after putting pressure on it, that I need to use my cane...it seems if I stand on my leg for a few minutes, and allow "the blood to flow", the pain subsides just a bit.  There are days when it seems better as I move around, however, the pain seems to be worsening.  I also have a burning pain in my hip when I lay on my surgical side and I am wondering if this is trochanteric bursitis.  I read that having this can cause femoral muscle pain. I am seeing my surgeon this week.  I am scheduled to have my right hip done 9/28 and I am now leery about this since I feel rather unstable right now, dealing with my left hip/thigh pain. Can anyone relate to this or offer advice ? Thank you...

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • william81563
    william81563 beth77777

    Posted

    Beth, sorry for your pain and the hard decision as to proceeding at this time with the other hip. Thank goodness I was not faced with such a hard decision; but wanted to comment on your pain issue.  I also have pain issue that exhibits some of your same issues.  When I sit for a few minutes, oft times as little as 5 min. and try to stand, my leg will not support me.  If I persist for a couple of minutes, the pain will start to subside, or as you describe it, allow the blood to flow, and I will be able to walk.  Sometimes I need a cane and other times, I can walk like normal.  The doctors have concluded that it is not my  second THR; but rather a problem with my spine.  I have thus far had 2 spine surgeries on the L4/L5/S1 area and am due to have an injection on 9/07/17 to see if I can get some relief.  Keeping my fingers crossed.  Guess what I'm hinting at, is you may not have a problem with your first THR, but rather a problem with the spine in the same area they have been treating me.  I think if it were me, and the surgeon agreed, I postpone the second hip until you get a handle on your current pain; but you and your doctor have to agree on your treatment.  Good luck, will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayer.

    • beth77777
      beth77777 william81563

      Posted

      Thanks so much for your feedback and kind words, William...

      It's ironic that you mention this, because I have herniated discs in the same area as yours (L3 L4 L5 and S1 cysts)...I had been seeing my acupuncturist and the treatments provided me with relief for a few weeks at a time...So WOW...very interesting... will definitely discuss with my surgeon this week...I am thinking that I am going to have to postpone the surgery until I have more of a handle on this!  Thanks so much again...

    • beth77777
      beth77777

      Posted

      And GOOD LUCK with your Spinal Issues!
    • beth77777
      beth77777 william81563

      Posted

      Hello again, William...I wanted to let you know that I saw my surgeon about my severe thigh pain last Thursday and he is under the impression that I have hip bursitis (it can cause muscular pain as well)...his assistant administered a shot of cortisone in my hip area and let me know that it could take up to a week for some pain relief...I must say that last Monday, (probably because I did next to nothing on Sunday) I had very little pain, however, it is one week later today, and my thigh pain is back and still quite severe.  Because of this, I have cancelled my right total hip surgery that was scheduled for 9/28...I saw my PCP yesterday and she suggested that I see a pain management clinic for hip injections...she also ordered x-rays for my right hip and an MRI for my left hip (in order to find out what the issue is)...she thought there may be a fluid build-up, and let me know that the MRI is more appropriate right now to determine what the real issue is. She also recommended PT again in order to stretch the IT Band Muscles...and finally, she thought that I should have a 2nd opinion about right hip surgery and offered a team of doctors that would be able to assist me!  I see my surgeon again on the 20th to discuss options...I will be all ears, however, am not ready to take action with surgery for at least another 6 months, if that!  I wanted to let you know the outcome of my visit, so there you go, William!  
  • Sal16
    Sal16 beth77777

    Posted

    Beth, ask your surgeon if it could be that you have aggravated your IT Band?  Also whether it could also be your piriformis muscle that is the burning pain you are feeling. I am experiencing these issues now and just read about a fellow THR patient, Peggy, also dealing with having aggravated her IT Band.  The pain you describe sounds just like what I am dealing with.  I am much better, but must exercise less and be gentle with myself in order to fully heal.

    Peggy is using ibuprofen, ice and KT tape.  I plan on trying the KT tape based on Peggy's post.

    I hope you heal quickly.  Good luck!

    • beth77777
      beth77777 Sal16

      Posted

      Hello Sal and thanks for your reply!  I'll absolutely ask my surgeon when I see him this week about  the aggravated IT Band and if the burning  pain is related to the piriformis muscle.  Thank you so very much and good healing to you!  Have a great holiday weekend, Sal...

    • beth77777
      beth77777 Sal16

      Posted

      Hello Sal...I wanted to let you know that I saw my surgeon about my severe thigh pain last Thursday and he is under the impression that I have hip bursitis (it can cause muscular pain as well)...I asked him about Aggravated IT Band Issues and he seemed to ignore this and changed the subject....his assistant administered a shot of cortisone in my hip area and let me know that it could take up to a week for some pain relief...I must say that last Monday, (probably because I did next to nothing on Sunday) I had very little pain, however, it is one week later today, and my thigh pain is back and still quite severe.  Because of this, I have cancelled my right total hip surgery that was scheduled for 9/28...I saw my PCP yesterday and she suggested that I see a pain management clinic for hip injections...she also ordered x-rays for my right hip and an MRI for my left hip (in order to find out what the issue is)...she thought there may be a fluid build-up, and let me know that the MRI is more appropriate right now to determine what the real issue is. She also recommended PT again in order to stretch the IT Band Muscles...and finally, she thought that I should have a 2nd opinion about right hip surgery and offered a team of doctors that would be able to assist me !  I see my surgeon again on the 20th to discuss options...I will be all ears, however, am not ready to take action with surgery for at least another 6 months, if that!  I wanted to let you know the outcome of my visit, so there you go, Sal!  
  • renee01952
    renee01952 beth77777

    Posted

    Hi beth, 

    warm welcome to the hippies forum where we share personal experiences and stories ..

    is what you are saying that the pain developed rather than suddenly being there ?  

    were you doing something differently than before ?   and when did it start?

    sometimes, when we start to feel better we do more and our body might not be ready for that -

    there is a steel rod placed and I remember that I felt its presence - not like a pain pain but more like discomfort - 

    I was diagnosed with Trochanteric bursitis at some point but that was different -  other hip and not in femur ..

    A great deal of the recovery takes place in the first two months, but complete return to normal takes longer. Bone around the metal parts keeps changing and remodeling for 1 to 2 years after surgery, which is why you can feel deep aches sometimes - 

    Have your surgeon make the decision about the 2nd hip replacement surgery ... If that hip is bad, your new hip might also be overburdened ---

    good luck and please come back here and let us know okay ...

    big warm hug

    renee

    • beth77777
      beth77777 renee01952

      Posted

      Thank you, Renee...the pain developed gradually...maybe it was because "I overdid", however I'm uncertain as to what the cause is...I will certainly keep you posted on my visit to the surgeon's this week.  Hugs Back...

  • auntiebeanie
    auntiebeanie beth77777

    Posted

    Hi Bèth, i agree could be tight IT band in the femur. I had mine for months on and off post op it takes 2 years for muscles to heal properly. But can also be back pain. I have L5/L6 issues too. Thankfully my Osteopath is great. In regards to bursitis my surgeon does not believe in injecting it or removing it. Says it will get better over time and it usually does. Ive put weight on which I know causes mine. Once I lose weight I dont have any trouble. If your other hip is bad it could be the way you are walking that is affecting operates leg. Good luck seeing the surgeon.

    • beth77777
      beth77777 auntiebeanie

      Posted

      Hello and I sooo appreciate your comment and support.  I am sure my back issues play into this somehow...Thanks so much, auntiebeanie...
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