Over did it and now in pain
Posted , 8 users are following.
Hello, I'm now on day 10 after anterior THR and I went to the doctor to make sure the incision wasn't infected on Tuesday and in the rush to get there I took my cane and not the walker. Honestly, I thought I was over the walker but now I am in pain. The doctor's office is in the hospital and I had to walk a fair bit to get there (maybe 300 meters total). Back on the big pain killer in addition to tylenol/benedryl/amoxicilin (just in case)/lovenox/baby asprin/hydrocortisone, back on the walker, hoping I didn't do anything major. I feel it in my femor and in the joint and a little bit all the way down. I gather this is how it goes - two steps forward one step back. I was feeling really optimistic but have been hit with all the whammies in the first week. Yesterday, I let it all get to me. Just feeling a little bummed at how slow and painful and isolating this whole experience is.
0 likes, 15 replies
RichardKen greta11
Posted
You should count yourself lucky....a total ankle replacement is several months before walking! Unless you had a cemented hip the bone needs to grow into the stem so perhaps something has moved. If the pain continues or something feels wrong I would speak to the surgeon's. secretary. Good luck, Richard
greta11 RichardKen
Posted
I just feel sore and achy. What does a total ankle replacement have to do with it?
maggie93798 greta11
Posted
Just a time line comparison I would think
julie1717 greta11
Posted
hi. sorry to hear you're now in pain but I'm sure it will settle. trouble with this OP sometimes it can give you 5he confidence to do stuff you're not ready for yet. but hindsight is wonderful.
anyway rest well . take you're time getting back onto a stick or when it feels comfy. its definitely different walking out side to inside. I'm 22 weeks post OP today and when I first went outside even on 2 sticks and later on 1 I just did a very short few walks gradually building it up. but being fairly new to this you wouldn't have known.
all I'll say is listen to your body it's very good at telling you what you can do.
best wishes
greta11 julie1717
Posted
Thank you! I think you're right. I hate the big meds but felt I needed them yesterday.I have a four year old and my husband is taking time off to take care of her so there's a fair amount of pressure to hurry up and get well. There are no restrictions from my surgeon except not to sleep on my incision. I know thats nice but I kinda fear I'll do too much simply because I wasn't told not to.
julie1717 greta11
Posted
if you've had it done via anterior approach you'll have much less restrictions than via posterior - which I did. I dont envy you re childcare altho I'm 62 theres no way I couldve looked after my grandchildren - theyd have to look after me. but as say take your time you'll get better quicker imo .
greta11 julie1717
Posted
You are right of course, being patient has never been my string suit- nor has being a patient. I'm in the US and I've noticed a much more hands off approach to recovery. I had to insist on some PT. Don't even get me started on the incoming bills!
julie1717 greta11
Posted
you can find a lot of exercises on the internet but its knowing when you should be able to do them. I'm in the UK and besides physio in hospital - was in for 4 days I'd not had any formal sessions. i got given a detailed booklet which includes a lot of advice etc and had pre OP hip session. I've recently been to the drs tho as still getting muscle pains and shes arranging physio for me. but for me as it's all been on the nhs it's been great bill wise. I dont envy u
greta11 julie1717
Posted
Ha! I cannot bring myself to look at the bills yet but I anticipate the best case scenario will be $7k. That's with private insurance that costs us $800/month for a family of three. I spent one night in the hospital and have two follow up appointments. I had to arrange and pay for my my walker and cane ahead of surgery. My husband is Australian and I ran the numbers of doing the surgery here vs. moving there but it just wasn't possible given the condition of my hip.
jane87386 greta11
Posted
hi Greta.. i am on day 21 and up until yesterday, i was doing fine ... until i tried to make my bed. i bent over slightly and pulled a muscle in my lower back ( on the opposite side to my hip replacement) i was in absolute agony.. couldnt stand straight and the pain really made me feel quite ill. i have been to physio this morning and it was confirmed that i have muscular damage to my lower back. i cant sit, lie down or walk on crutches without pain. i completely understand where you are coming from regarding being frustrated but time will heal xxx
RichardKen jane87386
Posted
Have you. considered visiting a chiropractor? Cheers, Richard
gmbsmith greta11
Posted
Hi Gretta11! I had the same op on my right side in July, I experienced the same pain when I over did it and found icing and rest were the best remedies. If you need the pain medication, just take it. It's best to get it before it's too intense. Even if you take a couple of Tylenol before a big walk, it really does help. I had 4 at home PT sessions the first two weeks (2 and 2). As for exercises, basically flipping your feet, butt holds and quad strengthening (sitting up with legs straight in front of you, push your knees down - you'll feel your quads tighten, hold, release, repeat). Other than that, my PT is walking. Just do what you can and add to it as you can. Week two I was determined to get down my short block, then I just added to it every other day. If my knee started to hurt or my "cane hand" started to hurt or cramp (sign I was redistributing my weight) I knew it was time to take a rest and ice. I walk about 3.5 miles a day now. Give yourself a break, you are still in the early stages and doing some considerable healing. I noticed milestones every week. In a couple of months it will be an entirely different story 😃.
greta11 gmbsmith
Posted
Hi gmbsmith! Thank you fir the words of encouragement. I had my fist PT today and feel like I'm on the right path! Are you in the UK?
gmbsmith greta11
Posted
I'm in the US. So glad to hear you are feeling better!
greta11 gmbsmith
Posted
Me too, in colorado. The anterior approach appears to be more popular here than it is across the pond.