Painful and stiff walking
Posted , 7 users are following.
hi folks
my surgery was cancelled April 3 because surgeon broke his leg but I now have new date may 30
i am having so much pain and stiffness in both legs the past few days when trying to walk, even with a cane. I'm taking ibuprofen and Tylenol 3 but pain still there Is this normal or do you think I have something else going on?
i think any muscles I had in my upper legs are gone through lack of exercise although I did do the preop exercises until the pain got too much for me
any ideas?
0 likes, 19 replies
GoneFishing Ginnys
Posted
Hi Ginny,
I did have my THR on April 3rd but I did experience the same thing.
When the op date was first set I actually could do more and then had a downward spiral and felt walking was just so hard the few weeks before the operation.
I think the first (burst of energy) was psychological - you know, YAY I'm having the operation all is right in the world. But that burst almost made me think I did not need the operation. So who knows maybe both were playing tricks on my mind.
But I also think our lack of ability to continue good exercises (aka pain) probably plays a part in it.
If you've read enough here in the forums you know the GREAT NEWS is when you wake up from the operation all of the pre-op pain is gone (really it is).
So sorry you have to wait - just a few short weeks.
Best and remember to keep us all posted on how everything goes (now and after).
Ginnys GoneFishing
Posted
Hi Kebra
thanks I just feel so frustrated but I guess I'm not alone. I suppose I'm feeling sorry for myself too.
Do hope you are healing well.
my best wishes to you
julie40975 Ginnys
Posted
I was so stiff and in pain pre op quite normal. The end is in sight not too long to wait now keep moving as much as you can the fitter you are the better the recovery
Good luck keep us posted
Julie
Ginnys julie40975
Posted
im counting the days and will be so glad when May 30 arrives
Ginny
lisa31002 Ginnys
Posted
Your whole body is struggling, keep moving but also get as much rest as you can. No need to wear yourself out. You'll need your strength for after the op. BW Lisa. 🛀
Ginnys lisa31002
Posted
im trying to keep moving but it really is so painful
but the end is in sight so I will persevere
Ginny
libby96241 Ginnys
Posted
i had such an incredible downward spiral the month before my surgery that I was truly shocked. I just couldn't believe that suddenly I wasn't able to walk at all . I didn't realize it was even possible not to be able to walk. It is very unfortunate that you geared up psychologically for the surgery just to have it cancelled for a very long time.. two months may not sound long to people but when you waiting a lot can happen in two months with the diseased hip.. this is very very hard
Ginnys libby96241
Posted
hi Libby
yes, it is unbelievable that I can hardly walk
ive always been active and used to doing everything myself, I now have to ask for help getting groceries, etc and housework---- forget it, dust bunnies are forming on lower furniture as I can't bend down low
hope all is well with you now Libby
all the best
Ginny
libby96241 Ginnys
Posted
libby96241 Ginnys
Posted
Ginnys libby96241
Posted
Hi Libby
sorry to hear about the leg discrepancy hope it gets sorted at the surgeon's appointment
thanks for the advice about arm exercise and walking in the pool. I have been doing arm exercises at home and I do have strength in my arms. We have aquafit classes here however I have a lot of trouble now getting in and out of my car and I'm exhausted just trying to go anywhere so stay home.
I'm 78 years old and a widow so until the operation and recovery time is done I will be mostly housebound. My granddaughter helps when she can and will drive me to physio after the operation until I can drive again. She works and is on an afternoon shift so she can only help mornings.
I have been able to drive up until this past week when I seem to be deteriorating quickly.
thanks and I do hope you get healed fast
Ginny
libby96241 Ginnys
Posted
beth2509 Ginnys
Posted
I think there's a tendency to "grin and bear it" up to the actual op, and your brain fixes on coping up to that end point in sight. So when it doesn't happen, your resource to handle it is less.
For different reasons, I had to wait for a hip replacement whilst in an enormous amount of pain. The answer is obvious - go to the doctor and ask for better pain relief! You are talking about a matter of a few weeks - you aren't likely to become a raging addict in those few weeks! I was on morphine for several weeks and was easily able to stop after the surgery. If you need pain relief that is stronger, that isn't a sign of weakness. Just do what you need to to get through the next few weeks.
Ginnys beth2509
Posted
Hi Beth
yes I know I won't get addicted I'm not worried about that. I'm taking Meloxicam which is ibuprofen and Tylenol 3 with Codeine and recently increased dosage of the Tylenol to 4 times a day
the doctors here (Ontario Canada) are leery about giving stronger drugs prior to major surgery in case drugs don't have good effect after the surgery when you need them for recovery.
i only have five more weeks to wait so as you say I'll "grin and bear it"
Ginny
libby96241 Ginnys
Posted
I am from BC . My GP gave me morphine two months before the procedure because nothing else was touching the pain. I know he had to justify the choice the with the college of physicians and surgeons . They are very worried in this province about opiates getting onto the streets and used illicitly and furtherrig the street drug problems.. I am not sure how morphine is for other people but it was not pleasant or fun and barely took the edge off the pain. I had the surgery two weeks ago and I barely need drugs at all. I just take a couple tylenol once a day and on many days not at all. . I don't think you should grin and bear it. It is hard enough with all the fear and trepidation before the surgery and planning for the lack of mobility after the surgery and arranging for all the aids you will need. Your Dr. should give you anything at all to help you cope with the pain which is unbearable so you can remain active and fit for the surgery because you will need strength to do the physio required three times a day and so you can get on and off chairs and toilets and in and out of bed safely and effectively. I hope this helps and that your surgery goes well.
Ginnys libby96241
Posted
just wondering if your surgeon told you why there is a length discrepancy in your legs. I hope it got sorted for you.
you are doing so well and I hope you continue to do so.
Ginny
libby96241 Ginnys
Posted