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New to forum. THR 5 weeks out Physical therapy- pain?

Posted , 6 users are following.

karen42569
karen42569

Hi all! It's great to find this forum! I had anterior approach THR on my left hip. I felt I was making good progress. I went from using a walker to a cane. I'm able to sleep on operative side (for a little while) healing well. I had PT at home for the first 2 weeks. It went well. This week I started out-patient PT and I swear they are trying to kill me! hahaha! I have been in soooo much pain, havent been able to sleep. Very restless. Leg feels achey and very heavy, incision hurts, nerve pain in thigh, back hurts, etc. Anyone else experience this? Is it just part of the healing process or am I doing something wrong or too soon. It's hard to know when it's "normal"  healing, strenghtening pain, or cause for concern. Thank you in advance smile

4 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure karen42569

    Posted

    Hi Karen,

     Are you still taking pain meds? Usually that is very important. Sometimes we over do! If your in a lot of pain then call your doc and tell him. He will  access the issues and reorganize your treatment plan if necessary. It takes many months to finally find relief. Everyones surgery circumstances are different. I have had 3 THR each recovery was different. 

    God bless you, & I pray that you find relief, strength, comfort, & ultimately freedom from your illness.

    • karen42569
      karen42569 hope4cure

      Posted

      Hi,

      Thank you for your comment, blessings and prayers. No, I really haven't taken pain meds since the first few days after surgery. I take one Tramadol 50 mg per day, that's all. I can't take pain meds they make me really sick to my stomach. I'm not in excruciating pain but I'm just afraid of injuring myself or prolonging my healing. I think it's a mind-thing. I associate pain with something is drastically wrong. I can handle a lot of pain, as I know that it's normal and I'm not doing damage, you know?

       

  • Joycy
    Joycy karen42569

    Posted

    Hi Karen 

    I had a posterior approach LTHR almost 3 weeks ago (17 Aug).  It seems that you have progressed well, now using a cane - I'm still using one crutch.  From my perspective, I think your conclusion about your symptoms being normal healing is probably correct.  I don't know what others' think, but it certainly seems to me that the more you 'use' your operated leg and get the muscles working, the more you feel it in the short term.  I guess the saying ... no gain without pain comes to mind.  I have found that the more physio and walking about I do in the day, the more my leg aches in the evening, but I've taken this to be normal.  For me, the worst thing about recovering from THR is night times - combination of restricted movement and  rest pain, for me has led to sleep deprivation but my GP has been great and changed my meds around a couple of times in order to find something that makes me slightly more settled.  I also find 'ice' an amazing comfort when pain strikes and its too soon to take painkillers.  Good luck and hope your progress continues.  Jo 

    • karen42569
      karen42569 Joycy

      Posted

      Hi Joycy, 

      Thank you for your comment. That's the problem I think.  I am limited in what I can take for pain. I take one 50mg Tramadol (Ultram) per day. I try to ice when I think of it. I think it's just fear that I'm going to hurt myself, damage the bone, dislocate the joint etc. I really don't care about the pain. I can handle a lot of it, lived with a bone-on bone hip for nearly two years so I'm used to pain. I just was wondering if what I'm experiencing is normal. It really helps to read about other hippies' experiences. Everyone is so different every one heals at thier own rate. However, if you read enough, your bound to find someone with a similar experience. Thank you. Best wishes and may God bless you in your continued healing!

  • alice85142
    alice85142 karen42569

    Posted

    Oh dear!  I will let you know afetr I have my op on MOnday if I experience anything like you say.  This site will come up with many answers and support you..brilliant. 

    ​Alice ( ALi2)

    • karen42569
      karen42569 alice85142

      Posted

      Best wishes! Keep me updated. I will keep you in my prayers. Yes, this forum is great!
  • CelsB
    CelsB karen42569

    Posted

    I'm pre-op but joined the physio hip class at hospital for a 6 week session to strengthen my muscles.  Everyone else was post THR.  The phsio told them if they didn't ache when they got home they hadn't worked hard enough.  I certained suffered after the classes. 
    • karen42569
      karen42569 CelsB

      Posted

      Thank you so much, that is so reassuring! You eased my mind a great deal.
  • ali2301
    ali2301 karen42569

    Posted

    Hi Karen,

    Everyone will suffer differing levels of pain and stiffness during recovery but if you feel this pain is unlike anything you have felt so far and not helped by pain relief then you might want to get it checked out. 

    One thing I was told by my consultant/physios etc was that if you have really done some damage you would know about it. You would have to do something pretty serious to damage it at 5 weeks post op. If you just think you might have overdone it a bit then maybe just rest it a little for a day or so. That always worked for me after my first hip op. I know they say that the more you exercise and keep up your mobility the better but this is not set in stone and a day of resting up a bit isn't going to set you back in any way.

    I hope you feel better soon.

    Take care.

    Ali xx

    • karen42569
      karen42569 ali2301

      Posted

      Hi and thank you. That's very reassuring. I do tend to over-do it on days that I'm feeling good. The front thigh muscle stretching really hurts while the physical therapist is working on me. It burns and feels like it's going to tear. My groin muscle/tendon is very sore too. I could barely walk when I left. I'm taking it easy for the next day or two. Just doing my exercises here. See how I feel then. Thank you very much smile
  • renee01952
    renee01952 karen42569

    Posted

    Hi Karen, 

    Welcome to our family of hippies ... 

    Hmmmm ...  I might have a little different (personal) view here - After RTHR and having physical therapy at home I too did great ... when driving restriction was lifted i went to the gym of PT office and thought the same as yhou do ... after the exercises there (on machines) I was in terrible pain and could barely move ... I was told the same thing ... work through  the pain, it will get better etc ... nope, I decided that this was not normal and not the way I like to feel - what is the use of doing those exercises and not being able to move afterwards? 

    In my book there is no gain in pain after THR ... she finally agreed to keep the exercises on the bike and not on the machines - unfortunately I need surgery on my other hip which did not really hel speed up the recovery ... 

    I used to work out a lot and know muscle pain - this though, felt different ...

    I would listen to my body and perhaps discuss another type  of program with PT ..

    I am a whimp and just don;t believe in the no pain no gain thing ... 

    be gentle with your self ... you had major surgery-

    big warm hug

    renee

    • karen42569
      karen42569 renee01952

      Posted

      Hi Renee,

      Thank you! Yes, that is what I'm talking about. The pain is not like muscle soreness or fatigue. It's burns and almost feels like skeletal or connective tissue. I know it's going to be painful and uncomfortable to use muscles that I haven't used properly in years... but your body tells you when it's too much. I literally felt like passing out after therapy. There is,a balance I'm just trying to find it. I want to continue to get stronger, but not at the expense of injuring myself. I know my muscles and tendons are tight, and some are probably atrophied.. all the more reason to take it slowly as to avoid tearing and straining of the connective tissue. I'm no doctor, but it's kind of common sense. Thank you again, Renee smile

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