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pain after 5 years - what to do???

Posted , 7 users are following.

Potsley
Potsley

Hi, fellow hippies!

I had my right hip replaced over 5 years ago and I still have some pain.  It is not as bad as it was before the surgery but bad enough that I have to take medication for it.  (I was taking 2400 mg of ibuprofen each day before the surgery.  Now, I am taking 1800 mg each day.  But, that doesn't always work.)  My doctor says, "That happens sometimes."   I am finding that difficult to accept.  I am trying to get a second opinion.  Anyone got any other ideas?  Comments?  What about other medications?  I am concerned about the long-term side effects of ibuprofen.  Any other non-narcotic medications with which anyone has had success?

1 like, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • RichardKen
    RichardKen Potsley

    Posted

    Sorry to hear of the disappointing results. I would seek a second opinion from someone who has a good track record and who has had a lot of experience.

    Hope you get some good answers.

    Cheers Richard

  • RichardKen
    RichardKen Potsley

    Posted

    Sorry to hear of the disappointing results. I would seek a second opinion from someone who has a good track record and who has had a lot of experience.

    Hope you get some good answers.

    Cheers Richard

  • rebecca64896
    rebecca64896 Potsley

    Posted

    Where is the pain?  Nothing works for my pain. I'd be careful taking the high dose of Ibuprfen. 

    • Potsley
      Potsley rebecca64896

      Posted

      The pain is in my hip - same place as before just not as intense.
  • peggy15811
    peggy15811 Potsley

    Posted

    Yes, please be careful taking that much Ibuprophen. I had back problems years back and the doctor always told me to take large amounts of ibuprophen. It helped so I used it every time my back hurt. Now age 69, I have kidney problems from it and can no longer take any NSAIDS. It has been tough with bad osteoarthritis. I had a knee replacement last year and a hip replacement 6 weeks ago. I'm fine when I can take ½ of a Percocet a day but they are almost gone now and I doubt doctor will prescribe more. Tylenol is just no help. 

    • Potsley
      Potsley peggy15811

      Posted

      I agree!  My Primary Care doctor has tried me on other medications, like Tramadol and Meloxicam.  Some work for a little while, some not at all but, it seems like I keep going back to the Ibuprofen.  So far, I haven't had any kidney problems but, we monitor things regularly.  

      Have you tried Tylenol with codeine?  It has helped me but it makes me a little sleepy.

  • graham52980
    graham52980 Potsley

    Posted

    Hi! You might want to try the herb Boswellia for the pain. It helped me---and much safer than Ibuprofen.
  • renee01952
    renee01952 Potsley

    Posted

    dear potsley, 

    warm welcome to the hippies forum -

    I agree that you might want to get a 2nd opinion, preferrably from a different medical group ... what an interesting response from your doctor !!!  he might be right but surely should find out why you still are in pain -

    when was the last time an xray was taken ?

    please come back here and let us know how you are doing otherwise, okay ..

    big warm hug

    renee

     

  • amanda1827h
    amanda1827h Potsley

    Posted

    Hi I had a hip replacement in 2015,& it's not worked for me.As I had to get back on my feet as I am my Hubbys carer as he too like me have wretched Osteoarthritis, of our hips ,& knees.But my Hubby is also severely sighted & deaf.I had hardly any support.I take cherry juice Termerric,and have a super reflexology lady who comes once a fortnigh I very often cry myself to sllep,I listen to calming Cds .When we go away I choose hotels where I can have a free jacuzzi.My Hubby is on Robaxin (muscle relaxant, & painkilliers are tylex but they are strong with codine & paracetamol in.My surgeon warned me that the op might not work.The Hospital wanted to operate under an epidural but I couldnt stand it so they had to knock me out for six and its scared me for life putting the fear of god into me.I also warned them,I suffer from Anxiety.But they wouldn't listen.So sorry to rant.regards Amanda h.

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen amanda1827h

      Posted

      Dear Amanda

      You have had it very tough makes me wonder how on earth you managed to cope.

      My best wishes to you and your husband.

      Richard

    • amanda1827h
      amanda1827h RichardKen

      Posted

      Hi Richard,My Reflexologist has said with me it's my trunk that keeps me going,as my knees and hips are awful.its an up hill struggle at times.My Hubby is severely sighted in both eyes,deaf and also mobility issues like me.He sleeps downstairs & I sleep up stairs.We have little help but social services will not give my Husband any more as I am his full time carer.Sorry to moan regards Amanda h

  • Potsley
    Potsley

    Posted

    Thanks, everyone!  I have been doing some research online and asking around and I think I have found a reputable doctor to see.  

    Until then, my primary care doctor is trying me on another pain medication.  I have tried, besides the ibuprofen, Meloxicam and Tramadol.  Meloxicam worked for a while and then just quit.  Tramadol did nothing for me.  Now I am on Gabapentin.  I know that Gabapentin is mainly used to control seizures but, it also has some pain relieving properties.  

    What medications, pre- or post- surgery, have worked for others?  I am not sure I am going to stick with Gabapentin and would like some other ideas.

    Thanks!

    Leslie

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