Post surgical depression

Hi Jocelyne

I had ny THR in December 7. I have started having panic attacks, some hot flashes and real moments of sadness. I am yold by my chiropractor that she knows of 3 people who are experiencing these symptoms after major operations. It helps if i keep my electrolytes up. It also helps if i talk about it. I think it's a combination of the surgery traima to the body, loss of blood, anasthesia, moving out of our routine and so on. I think it's quite normal but few talk about it. I believe it will pass but don't hesitate to ask for professional help. Take care

Hello Jocelyne

Your body has had such a shock after an accident where you have had to have a full hip replacement.  You sound like you need to see your doctor for reassurance. Your legs would have been measured after surgery and your doctor would have told you if you had a major difference in leg lengths.  I am just 4 months and finally feel that my legs are okay in length. Even though I trusted my surgeon who told me there was little difference in length, the numbness and weight of prothesis make the leg feel it is longer but it does settle down. It is traumatic and puts your whole life on hold until you recover - but you do.  Just give it more time and you will be out and about.  As long as you follow physio exercises and don't do anything you should not do you will recover fully. All the very best.  Get lots of cuddles from family and friends.  Thinking of you.

Jocelyne - Yes you are suffering nothing unusual, depression after major surgery is not unknown.

If you had a leg length discrepancy you would be aware of it the first time you stood up, I was, came as a real shock, but have worked it out over time, the Dr's were right we can and do adjust to a small difference.

Dislocate - don't try twisting for some time yet, although you should be alot safer at 2 months post surgery than you were in the first few weeks, if you need to turn, imagine you have a stiff neck, you move similar, your whole body rather than just a natural twist.

Do your exercises to strenghten up your muscles in and around you hip, very important, look up post THR exercises on the net and look for hospital sites, there are some out there, but go carefully for some time yet, it can take up to a year to heal up completly.

After about 8 - 9 months you forget you even have a hip replacement, amazing to discover that what had felt foreign seemed to morph into its completly natural and no pain, I know you didn't have osteo arthirits 5 years of pain prior to surgery was really wearing me down so I was more than ready for surgery, it was a case of how quickly can I get it done in the end, Dr's shocked at that attitude as most people scared witless, again nothing unusual about being scared, I had the advantage of having uncle's and cousins with hip replacements and had seen the difference it made to their life, now its me and my brother both of us with joint replacements.

jocelyne 86123,

Hi Jocelyne,

I completely understand how you feel.  I have the same depression.  I'm four months post and I haven't quit hurting.  I want to do things, and I can't-even though I'm off precautions.  Even though there's no precautions, it's impossible to do what I used to do when it hurts and my leg won't co-operate. Even though it was my hip, it's my knee that about to kill me.  I cry, too, and my leg is longer.  Insoles don't help at all. I can't get comfortable and wake up several times during the night.  I say all the time that no one understands.  How could they?  It's something one has to experience, and upsets me when I'm being told everything is "looking good." I don't think it looks good and I know it doesn't feel good.  So, Jocelyne, I understand what you're dealing with. I'm not worried something will happen;  I'm just afraid it won't get any better and living with this pain is something else. I'm not going to lose hope. I live alone and have no one for support or to help me; not even anyone to talk to. (I live in a very small town).  I've had to do things that I probably should have waited to do but when one has four cats that eat every three hours and one is a diabetic, it's about worn me out. I'm lonely and I thank God every day for my cats beause they're all I have.  I have a brother who does the things outside I can't do, and he'll drive me to appointments.  That's another problem. I can drive but he wants to do it.  He's wonderful. But, the house is a mess because it even hurts to vacuum and that's not a man's speciality.  Still, I'm not giving up. I have an appointment the last day of this month (May) and I hope I can find out why I'm hurting more when I feel like I should be feeling better. Just try to be optimistic and KNOW that it will get better.  Two months isn't very long so hang in there.  Please believe me when I say I know exactly how you feel.  Your letter sounds like I could have written it.  Keep knowing that you will be okay. I know I've said that a million times but if you are use to being active like I am and the weather makes you want to get out and do something, it's hard. Do the exercises that you can, but don't overdo it.  I think the P.T. that I had in my home town, which is 65 miles away from my dr., was entirely too agressive. I know this is long, but I want you to know you're not alone.  I understand.  Hugs and more hugs!  P.S. I do see a wonderful psychologist three times a week.  I don't know what I'd do without her.  Talking helps so much.

Hi Jocelyne. I'm sorry to hear what you are going through. But it's normal. My doctor right after surgery told me to expect it, it's normal. Thank goodness I didn't. I did have one surgery years ago nothing major like my THR and the depression and anxiety were pretty bad. I do remember at that time I was going through a lot of stress. Thanks to God my THR was an easy recovery. Though my leg is longer than the other. Doc said it would get better but I'm 6 mos post and I don't feel it. I do have to have my other hip done this year and he did say with that it would feel even better. I hope you are feeling better soon. Positive thoughts....it's normal what you are going through.