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One week post-op, worried about groin pain.

Posted , 13 users are following.

NeilColeclough
NeilColeclough

i can't believe that it was just a week ago that my shiny new ceramic hip was fitted. I'm feeling fine, surgical pain is easily controlled with paracetamol and codeine , but I have a couple of things niggling away at me and wondered if any of you have gone before could offer some guidance please.

i was told to expect some swelling in the operated leg and foot, and this has certainly turned out to be correct. My foot is swollen by about 70%, and although painless, is a cause of concern. Does this resolve naturally and if so how quickly, or should I be speaking to my doctor?

My main worry though is the level of groin pain on the operated side. It is too painful to be able to lift the leg, and also very painful when extending a straight leg forward (as advised by the physio). Has anybody else experienced this immediately post-op? 

2 likes, 27 replies

27 Replies

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  • Kate53CornUK
    Kate53CornUK NeilColeclough

    Posted

    4 inches? 5 inches? Splutters. I have a 9 inch shark bite going up the side of my thigh and curling at the top towards me bum! Maybe I've got big bones - hah.

    Having said that at nearly 4 weeks you can hardly see the scarline in places. I only had steri-strips over it for a week and it healed really well.

    Looking forward to some shark tales when I can get back into swimwear again!

  • NeilColeclough
    NeilColeclough

    Posted

    I thought I'd post a quick update in case others find this post useful. I took on board the suggestions made in the responses below and immediately RESTED, including cancelling all physio. I spoke to my physiotherapist who agreed that this was the best course of action. I also made contact with the surgeon who also agreed, dealing with the cause of the groin pain (suspected Psoas tendonitis) takes priority over physio.

    After 2 full days of rest, I am sat here now, a full 6 hours since my last course of paracetamol /codeine, with absolutely no pain anywhere whatsoever!

    The swelling has also reduced gradually and is no longer of concern.

    I have an appointment with my physiotherapist this afternoon to look for a plan 'B' that won't aggregate the groin.

    Thanks for the advice - very helpful!

    • Jodi-France
      Jodi-France NeilColeclough

      Posted

      Neil, so GLAD I was able to respond quickly to your querie.

      Yor physical therapist should be able to put his or her hand right on your psoas and ask, "Is this it?"

      It was my physical therapist who diagnosed me. He knew exactly what it was when I couldn't lay flat on my back with my leg extended, not bending my knee and lift my leg. He put his fingers on my psoas and asked (in French), "Is this where it hurts?" and it was and he said "Psoas"

      Typically sitting will aggravate it. You sit for a while and then when you stand up from sitting a while. it hurts on standing. Upon further follow up your physical therapist can validate that also Neil. What I did was just laid around on my back on the sofa or in bed. Didn't hardly try to sit, and remember after 3 to 3 1/2 weeks I healed up fine. BUT I caught it early, I didn't ignore it, my physical therapist came 3 times a week so as soon as I felt it I laid off of it. 

      Best of luck to you.

    • Jodi-France
      Jodi-France NeilColeclough

      Posted

      you are not having any pain because you are being careful not to do anything to aggrivate it.

      Perfect! That is exactly my experience as well.

      As long as you don't aggravate it, no groin pain.

      Well a little short pain when you sometimes pull it a little trying to position your body & leg to get into a sleep position, but it doesn't last long.

      Patient, just be patient, let it completely heal, completely. It will heal completely as you caught it real quick, once you attempt to start exercizing it, if it hurts again, just back off and wait another week. Patience, just be patient, it will heal and you won't have to worry about it ever again,

  • renee01952
    renee01952 NeilColeclough

    Posted

    Hi Neil, 

    please let us know the outcome of your visit with PT ...

    I find myself arguing with mine abiut course opf treatment and exercises 

    warm hug

    renee

  • neil5421
    neil5421 NeilColeclough

    Posted

    Good work Neil - glad you're feeling better.  Best wishes for the rest of your recovery.

    'Other Neil'

  • mumsy1616760910
    mumsy1616760910 NeilColeclough

    Posted

    Hi - I haven't had any swelling so I can't say about that sorry.  In terms of groin pain - yes mine hurt too and I wondered why it did and then today I did some major walking with sticks and it didn't!!!  I think the more you use it eventually you have a breakthrough day and for me the more I use it the less it hurts until I have used it too much and then I know I need to rest.  Hope this helps.
    • Jodi-France
      Jodi-France mumsy1616760910

      Posted

      Mummy, some exercizes can be done with psoas tendonitis. Not everything aggravates it. Some people may have groin pain that is NOT psoas tendoniti,s so your theory would be okay. However if they do have psoas tendnitis, if walking causes them groin pain then they should not do that.

      The main thing is to find out if you have psoas tendonitis or not.

      If you can

      Test1-

      Lay flat on your bed and keeping your heel in contact with the sheet, slowly pull your heel up to your butt, bending your knee

      Test 2-

      Lay flat on your back and keeping you leg extended, heel touching the sheet, toes up, do not bend the knee, try lifting your heel off the bed using your hip.

      If you CAN do Test number 1

      + You CANNOT do test Numebr 2 at all

      You Probabaly have tendonitis of the Psoas Muscle

      If you CAN do Test number 1

      + On test number 2, you can lift your heel up for only an inch or two and it hurts like hell in your groin

      You Probabaly have tendonitis of the Psoas Muscle

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