Pain after complex THR

Posted , 12 users are following.

I’m 55 years old and had a complex RTHR five weeks ago. Had the left done 4 years ago and it’s great. I had hip dysplasia on both sides, so my anatomy is a bit dodgyand I’ve had 19 surgeries to my hips since I was born.

My leg lengths are the same as pre-op. Operated leg about 3/4” longer than the other.

I was doing great for first 3 weeks, just changing from 2 crutches to one, then I started with bad shin pain. Now the pain changes in location about 4 times a day. Mostly shin, but anywhere from knee to ankle. One day it hurts on weight bearing, next day when I’m swinging my leg through for next step.

I’m in UK, so having physio once a fortnight. Doing my exercises 3 times a day without too much difficulty. Taking co-codamol 8/500mg every four hours with some effect. We don’t do icing for hips in UK. I have no swelling now. Wound healing well and no temperature. I’m pootling around the house ok, and It doesn’t hurt at rest, but more rest isn’t helping.

Phoned consultant. Had full set of x-rays, and he says it’s all looking grand. So why has progress stopped? I’m back to 2 crutches and feel such a failure. It’s so painful. Any suggestions anyone? 

Sorry this got so long!

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi : I'm sorry you are going through a difficult time..some one else who has hip dysplasia started a thread..I tried to find it but had no success.....anyway..it sounds like nerves...I'm 8 weeks post op and have a pin and needles feeling around my incision...are you taking blood thinner? Could be circultaion issues...I would elevate your leg....

    Hopefully some one will comment who might have had similar issues...

    Connie

  • Posted

    I also had complex thr. I was 50% weight bearing for first 4 weeks.  After starting more weigh bearing, had a lot of issues with tightness. Stretching made a big difference for me. I don't think Calf stretches would go against any restrictions but some of hip stretches do. If you aren't doing any stretches would ask physio about. I was amazed how much it helped. 

  • Posted

    The recovery with this op can be two steps foward, three steps back.

    Muscles and tendons and nerves are re-routing and knitting and sorting themselves out.

    I speak from experience now 9 weeks post-op. The discomfort moves around and dissipates daily....sometimes hourly.

    In the end I believe we WILL recover. ♡

    • Posted

      I love this explanation of what goes on, it is so true.

      We do get there eventually, but it all takes time.

  • Posted

    Hi Gwen who told you we don't ice in UK, I have been told by physio and consultant that icing can give more pain relief than megga amounts of pain relief drugs.

    It's early days for you at 5 weeks, I think your expecting too much too soon, I know that I have been told when I have mine it will be at least 6 weeks on two crutches and then onto walker, I don't know what a complex HR is so maybe it's me got it wrong. Hope it is feeling better soon

    • Posted

      Hi Alexandria,

      I am with gwen on this one, icing was never mentioned to me by anyone so I never did it.

      You will use a walker the first time out of bed then crutches the next day, you will more than likely be using one crutch around the house after a week or two but stay on two outside.

  • Posted

    Hi.  I don’t have hip dysplasia but have just undergone complex hip revision - nearly 5 weeks ago.  My initial thr was only 13 months earlier so my hip and leg had had some bashing in the past year! My consultant rang me at the end of last week (very unexpected for an NHS patient!) to see how I was getting on.  I said my hip felt fine but I had pain in my lower thigh, just above me knee which kept me awake at night.  Stabbing and burning sensation - very unpleasant.  He suggested Gabapentin which is for nerve pain, amongst other things.  It worked, almost immediately, and I’ve now had 2 nights of unbroken sleep.  My first in months.  It might work for you, too?   Good luck
  • Posted

    Sadly, yes.  I don’t know why but to be honest it wasn’t right from the start.  Firstly my hip ‘clicked’ all the time.  Initially I was told this was normal but it didn’t go away.  Then I started noticing my operated leg was considerably shorter than the other one.  I was sent to an orthotist who measured my legs and found I had over 4cm difference.  I was given heel raisers but the difference was too great for these to work.  Eventually (it seemed forever!) my consultant said it had to be done again, but it had to me a minimum of 12 months after the first surgery.  On operating he was ‘surprised’ to find it had not only subsided but was very loose.  Thankfully all seems to be fine this time.
  • Posted

    I feel for you as three weeks post op and was doing really well and trying to reduce the pain killers now I feel I’m back to square one...using two sticks and I can’t weight bare on my operated leg without wincing!

    I’m encouraged to know I’m not alone and think probably expecting too much of myself too soon ....as usual !

    • Posted

      3 weeks is still very early days.  Give your body a chance to recover.  I’m 5 weeks today and still using two crutches out of doors and have just started using only 1 indoors.  It takes time for our bodies to heal and we can’t rush it.  Take advantage of the opportunity to rest and relax and keep your legs up while resting.  I’m being extra cautious this time, but it makes sense. You’ll be back to normal soon.  Best wishes
    • Posted

      Yes I know you’re right and I think I’ve rushed it as felt like doing things.

      I also have swollen legs becUse I’m not able to walk much so that’s distressing me 😳

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