Pain 6 weeks after THR
Posted , 6 users are following.
Everything has been going great but now suddenly over the last 3-4 days I've had increasing pain around my hip and groin, particularly when first standing. I have been doing my post-op exercises religiously and I can walk around the house unaided. I have still been using one crutch when out walking and I have been walking approx 0.5 to 1 mile a day. Is this about right or too much? I was reducing my pain killers nicely but now I am taking more again. I'm not sure if I am just being over anxious or this is normal for this stage of my recovery? Thanks in advance for any help or advice.
0 likes, 12 replies
madla39168 kim200462
Posted
Kim 6 weeks is to early you are still heeling. Take it easy ,rest when you need it ,the body will tell you when you do to much. If the pain still
continue go to see doctor. Perhaps you are doing to much. Rest for a few days and you will see if pain stop. Good luck and take care.
Take one day at the time.
Hug Madla💗
kim200462 madla39168
Posted
Thank you Madla, it's nice to get some reassurance. X
kimberley38758 kim200462
Posted
It sounds as though you are doing very well for 6 weeks post op. Why are you so eager to come off the pain meds? The doctor gave you them for a reason. My doctor had me on pain meds until 11-12 weeks. Every two weeks he lowered the dose to an appropriate level. By the time I got to the 12th week, I only needed Ibuprofen for moderate discomfort. Make it easy on yourself. There are no medals for getting through this stage with the most pain.
It is very normal for you to hurt more after walking or any other physical activity at this stage. Pain meds will keep you comfortable and allow you to do what you NEED to do. If you hurt more, you are less likely to keep moving around. Also remember to elevate you legs and use ice packs at least 3 times a day, especially after a workout. This will help reduce inflamation and discomfort.
Wishing you the best as you continue to recover
kim200462 kimberley38758
Posted
Hi Kimberley, it's nice to hear that. Some of my friends and family have seemed very disapproving when I tell them I am still taking strong pain meds and it has made me feel under pressure to cut back. I should be guided by my own body as you say. I have felt easier today after taking my stronger pain killers and having a rest.
Thank you for your reassurance and adivice and I hope you are also doing well. X
kimberley38758 kim200462
Posted
I'm sorry to hear that you are getting pressure from your family and friends concerning the amount of pain meds you are currently taking. If I were you, I wouldn't mention it to them anymore. You have all of us hippies here if you have questions or concerns. To be honest with you, I can't imagine going through the first several weeks without the pain meds. During the first 2-3 months they will help you do what you need to do to get back to your normal physical strength. I promise that you won't regret it
The good thing is that you are aware that pain meds are not a good thing to stay on long term unless there is no other choice. That is why most doctors limit the amounts they give us after surgery. I didn't have any problems at all coming off the pills as I naturally gained more mobility.
Thanks, I'm now 9 months post op and doing amazingly well. No more pain, no limping.... life is good
Keep us posted on how you are doing over the next few weeks. We've all been through it. Best wishes!
kim200462 kimberley38758
Posted
Thank you. It's nice to know that you are all out there going through the same things 😊
Glad to to hear you are doing so well.. I feel encouraged. 😊
kaye74204 kim200462
Posted
Hi Kim
I had a similar problem at 6 weeks and reluctantly admitted that I was being a little optimistic about how much I was trying to do! I found extreme stiffness after sitting in the evenings at that stage. My Physio kept saying not to do more which it took until 12 weeks to accept as I wasn't improving. She said I should try to keep to no more than 10,000 steps per day for the next month( with animals to look after I was doing15+!)
For the last 4 weeks I have tried hard to cut back and am now feeling much more comfortable for most of the time. It seems she was right! I am now 17 weeks post op and feeling so much better with little need for analgesics and am now looking forward to getting back to my normal activities in the coming weeks. It really is a matter of listening to your body and accepting progress can be erratic but you will get three. Good luck!!!
kim200462 kaye74204
Posted
It it is nice to be getting back to normal and feeling useful around the house again, but there are still good days and bad days (and nights).
Feeling positive though. Good luck to you too.
kaye74204 kim200462
Posted
Hi Kim
i felt so pleased when I was able to manage walking my dogs the 'old distance' at 2 months post op. BUT my Physio was quite correct when she advised doing more than one short walk instead of the one long one. That really made a difference to how I felt by the end of the day! By nature I am quite competitive which isn't a good trait in this situation!!! 😄😄 Listen to your body and try to obey!!! Good luck! Kaye
renee01952 kim200462
Posted
warm welcome to the hippies forum where we share our personal experiences and stories and where you will find total support and understanding ...
seriously ... nobody else will unless they have had hip replacement surgery themselves ...
I agree with previous posts ... you had major invasive surgery were your leg was manipulated, joint forcefully removed, bone cut and hardware banged in..
Remember that you are learning how to walk again - this is really not that easy as our body is off balance and perhaps has been for a while - Do you just walk with one crutch or also using a cane/stick?
How is your walking ? It took me some time to get it right -
do you have physical therapy?
My PT told me that it is better to go for short walks a couple of times a day than one longer walk ...
you will get there darling ...come here anytime you have a question or concern, okay ...
big warm hug
renee
kim200462 renee01952
Posted
Hi Renee
Thank you for replying. It's easy to forget how invasive the surgery was. You are right about learning to walk again. My walking was terrible before my op. It was more like a lurch. But now I feel like I am taking proper steps even though I have to make a conscious effort to do it. Old habits die hard. I can get around the house unaided now. I still take one crutch out with me but try not to use it until I really have to.
Thank you you for your help and advice. How long ago was your THR?
Kim xx
jeanniemo kim200462
Posted
Hi, I am 14 months post op and I still have pain in my thigh(front) of the operated leg. I still limp, some days are really bad, some days are bearable.
They've done an MRI and then a neurologist, but they still can't find anything.
The x-rays show perfect alignment of both hips.
In like you, I walked but did not do much physical therapy .
I'm telling you this in case it doesn't go away so you can know what someone else has tried.