1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Hip Replacement

severe nerve pain

Posted , 8 users are following.

brian40495
brian40495

Hello all!!!  I am a 44 year old male post op total hip replacement about one month, also post spinal fusion l-5 s-1 about 10 months.  Initially after hip surgery I had what I think they refer to as foot drop; I could not move or control my right foot.  P.T. has helped alot but my increasing problem is severe nerve pain in right foot and calf.  I have had continued nerve pain from sciatica which resulted in the spinal fusion but I have never felt this much pain.  Calf goes from numb to burning and my foot feels like thousands of needles poking top and bottom of foot.  The last few days it has spread to my toes and is really painful.  I know what a ten feels like on the pain scale and I'm getting close!!!!  I wanted to know if anyone else has gone through this and what you did to relieve this.  I am taking Gabapentin and percocet with little relief.  Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

2 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • sue87388_UK
    sue87388_UK brian40495

    Posted

    Hi Brian,

    You are like so many people on this site who have nerve related pain.  No one seems to be able to get a proper diagnosis or treatment.  The only thing I can say at this point is, when you go back for your THR 6 weeks assessment bring all this up with the consultant.  I hope you get the proper diagnosis and maybe someone else on this site can help as there are people on here who are suffering with foot drop.  Good luck.

    • brian40495
      brian40495 sue87388_UK

      Posted

      thank you so much for replying.  I have read every reply everyone has sent and have gone back to my mri. It showed not only spondylolisthesis l-5 s-1 but also disc bulge and herniation above l-5.  i am beginning to think that maybe the hip replacement altered the fusion( worked a rod out of place or something) and this is sciatic pain, again the worst pain I could ever imagine.  Follow up with surgeon on the third.  I will post any info I get so everyone here will have it.  Thanks again!!!!

  • edarlingb
    edarlingb brian40495

    Posted

    Yes. Here's someone else who experienced identical symptoms after THR in 2007. 

    My heart genuinely goes out to you, because no-one who hasn't can possibly imagine the level of pain - physical and psychological - associated with them. 

    Neither PT nor acupuncture did me any good and I trialled a whole range of painkillers to alleviate it. Ended up on Fentanyl patches and 2 other meds. 

    My pain management team and I agreed to part company, since none of the many interventions (injections etc) had any effect. Since then, I've just lived with it. After having to retire because of it. 

    I'm afraid the only quasi-positive thing I can say is that it has eased over the years. The symptoms aren't quite as severe and only occasionally come back with full vengeance. 

    I so, so, feel for you. Do actively look for support and take all that you're offered. 

    I wish you luck x

  • pat85215UKGlos
    pat85215UKGlos brian40495

    Posted

    So sorry to hear you are in so much pain, Brian!  I do feel for you but can't really offer any advice as I did not suffer any of these symptoms.  Indeed, my calf and foot were still really swollen after one month somuchso I thought my toes would explode! I wore an elastic stocking, which helped, and found moving around ie short walks helped to reduce the swelling - though it was a struggle!! Guess you need to go back to your GP asap (if you are in the UK)!  or even speak to your surgeon's secretary and explain what you are going through.  Maybe she can arrange an earlier appointment with the "expert".  Don't suffer unnecessarily!! Good luck!

    Pat

  • shirley49794
    shirley49794 brian40495

    Posted

    I also had a total hip replacement and awoke with what i thought was carpal tunnel in hands.  Had cts surgery and still have intense pins/needles in both hands.  Have now found this is all due to a pinched nerve in neck. 

        have="" same. ="" hope="" both="" of="" us="" get="" wel="" soon.=""  ="">

       >

  • joy47826
    joy47826 brian40495

    Posted

    Everything is connected and I learn more and more 4 yrs post op anterior hip replacement, one area is pain free and the rest if more pain....the lower back is so connected with all this we do in the surgery world....  for me, I will work to stay away from knives for the rest of my life I HOPE......

    I did hip replacement at 72 but have had back issues all my life, but NO back surgery for this gal.   It's sad but I hear this over and over.....  I use a lot of supplements and alternative protocols and my life has changed immensely.   Good thing I guess, I was old when I opted for the hip job.  Heck of a way to have to justify it all..... J

    • brian40495
      brian40495 joy47826

      Posted

      Thank you so much for the info.  I have been reading alot today about the lower back and how much it affects everything.  Post spinal fusion I was so happy and at best a 4-5 on pain scale.  I have had some pain in lower back since hip surgery but wrote it off.  i reviwed my third mri and it showed disc bulge and herniation above l-5.  i am beginning to think that the hip surgery has maybe altered my fusion and is causing sciatic like pain, the pain I want to forget forever!!!!  Thanks again and I have follow up with my surgeon on the third so I will let you know if he has any info.  KEEP FIGHTING!!!!!!!
    • joy47826
      joy47826 brian40495

      Posted

      I just talked my 72 yr old brother out of doing a laminectomy/fusion in early Dec./....he has back pain, he's been golfing all his life for profession and pleasure and this is a major thing golfers deal with  = back issues....

      Just because the surgeon says he's a candidate for this surgery, one does not have to go there....this is what surgeons do for a living....

      There are many ways to manage our back issues, I work on mine daily.   Joy

  • lara69400
    lara69400 brian40495

    Posted

    Hi Brian I'm 38 had THR last March and have nerve pain ever since am on amitriptyline which helps the nerve pain but makes me extremely tired.... Good luck and let me know if you get any pain relief
    • pauline85484
      pauline85484 lara69400

      Posted

      Hi all

      my heart goes out to all Im feeling fortunate even though i DO know what 9 out of ten nerve pain feels like, its excruciating

      id just like to say that im believing also the links between the brain and the feelings, i learned this from the Pain Clinic Ive been to - I most certainly dont mean to be patronising, its real and its painful!!!! Most of all we need Hope.

      Ive got a bit of that at the moment as after 3 years of hobbling around , unable to put left foot down properly most of the time, and trying everything I could Accupuncture, chiro, PT keniesilology! Bowen! more PT more chiro I only got relief after the 2 hour accupuncture session which helped for 3 days. When the nerve pain kicks in I had to sit down as asap!

      I tried a new PT 2 weeks ago and Ive had the most help of all ! she located 3 problems straight away, - the exercises are 'gruelling,' especially as Ive got 3 years of compensating, and getting very unfit, but I can NOW stand through the nerve pain and bodygetting stronger to carry me keep going all px

    • pauline85484
      pauline85484

      Posted

      p.s.

      also i do find frozen bags of peas helps inflammation, take devils claw and cider vinegar to alleviate any inflammation around, a heat pad is comforting really although it improves blood flow and that can relieve a bit. i had no success from nex...........tablets for inflammation

      good luck x

    • pauline85484
      pauline85484

      Posted

      ...pilates can only be of benefit! we need to be as strong as possible inside to suport us!
  • joy47826
    joy47826 brian40495

    Posted

    Vitamin B6 is critical for all PAIN issues.   I have a book Vitamin B therapy and have owned it for years but forget about some books I own.

    B6 is critical to reduce ALL pain and good to check out B6 for your pain issues...

    100-200mg per day for adults is safe dose.    I take 50mg two times per day now.

    300mg is safe for adult diabetics......

    Do your research, I do mine big time for many years...

    I just put a lot of this info on the arthritis group comments.   Joy

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.