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
connie53617 Guest
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
laura98998 Guest
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.
Yabut Guest
Posted
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. ♡
Rocketman_SG6UK Yabut
Posted
We do get there eventually, but it all takes time.
AlexandriaGizmo Guest
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
jen86183 AlexandriaGizmo
Posted
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.
Pippyj Guest
Posted
connie53617 Pippyj
Posted
So your hip replacement only lasted 13 months?
Pippyj Guest
Posted
carol21327 Guest
Posted
I’m encouraged to know I’m not alone and think probably expecting too much of myself too soon ....as usual !
Pippyj carol21327
Posted
carol21327 Pippyj
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 😳