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Still a lot of pain 2 weeks after surgery- normal?

Posted , 10 users are following.

annedi
annedi

I'm 62 had a hip replacement 15 years ago with no brusing and very quick recovery. This time I have loads of bruising and lots of pain in all the thigh muscles, knee (I think it was jarred in the op) and aching in the joint area. Still having to take codeine as well as paracetomol to cope with the pain. I can get around on crutches round the house. I/m wondering whether the last op was a fluke and this time is what to expect!

1 like, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • Mary8610
    Mary8610 annedi

    Posted

    I am 60 and had my THR in Jan this year .

    what you are experiencing this  time sounds very much like mine . My hip is good now but I am aching everywhere else since I have been doing more .

    my bruising didn't last long and I had very little swelling . 

    Good luck

    mary

  • ann19982
    ann19982 annedi

    Posted

    Hello anne do you think 15 years older might be playing a part.  Our bodies take longe to recover.  You do not say when you had it done.  I am 66 and still have a bit of pain but no crutches round the house and use my walking poles when out.  I do poeeter inthe garden unsupported.  I have my 8 week check up on tuesday
  • debbie04463
    debbie04463 annedi

    Posted

    Hi Ann if this is a revision of the same hip it will be a different recovery in some aspects. You will have scar tissue from the first op which makes the replacement second time more challenging for the surgeon. You don't say how many weeks post op but not unusual to need painkillers for a while longer. I had a lot of muscle spasms in the thigh for about 3 weeks post op. Don't worry too much it sounds normal.
  • annedi
    annedi

    Posted

    I'm 2 weeks post surgery and it's not the same hip as before.
  • phxbarb
    phxbarb annedi

    Posted

    Hi Anne:  Same with me. First time I recovered so fast the doc thought it was a miracle. Five weeks and I went to Vegas. This time, I am lingering, aching, taking drugs, trying PT, and its 8 weeks. Doc says this is not normal. Other doc says this is more like normal that the first hip. Who to believe? Guess one side is more able to heal than the other side.  Anyway, just keep on doing what youre doing.  Good luck.  Barb
  • renee01952
    renee01952 annedi

    Posted

    Hi Anne ... I think the 15 years might be the difference in healing experience ... maybe the bone was not as bad as this time around - I had severe osteoarthiritis and had R THR 8weeks ago - still using my walker outside, limping and pain - tenderness or soreness is perhaps a better description as this is not nearly as bad as the pain prior surgery ...still taking pain meds plus paracetamol (tylenol) -

    thanks to the wonderful people on this forum, I am less worried as it seems all part of the healing process ... we are just getting impatient at some point .. take care and listen to your body ... rest when tired - we are getting there !!! big hug 

  • jan24212
    jan24212 annedi

    Posted

    Hi Anne.

    I am also 62 and 3 weeks post THR. I had the knee done 7 years ago and find the hip is much worse despite everyone telling me the hip is easy in comparison. I am shocked by the level of pain and disability. I am sure age is a factor but reading this forum just proves to me that every op is different, every experience is different and we all recover at our own rate. It does get better daily with the occasional set back. Last night. I slept for a whole 4 hours without waking, a miracle as I have been struggling sleeping but today I feel sluggish and achy all over!!! You can't win. Keep doing your exercises and use the forum to vent when you need to, it really does help.

    Good luck.

    • ann19982
      ann19982 jan24212

      Posted

      Hello Jan I celebrated getting 4 hours sleep in one go. At 8th week last might I resorted to cocodamol and got 7 hours. Yes I am groggy and sluggish but hey at 66 and retired I do not need to rush about. See my surgeon tomorrow so a big day. Hope he will be pleased with what he sees and will lift my restrictions

      Think we get mislead by people saying having a hip changes ones life. Think they forgot to mention the recovery process. I am not yet back to normal. My GP said to allow 6 months think this is more realistic particularly for us older hippies

      Secret is to do the prescribed exercise and daily walks

      Keep cheerful

    • jan24212
      jan24212 ann19982

      Posted

      Unfortunately Anne I am not yet retired and work are pressing me to get back ASAP. Even trying to get me to agree to appointments as soon as 3 weeks away. I just don't think I will be ready or even driving by then!!! I am not feeling optimistic about a quick recovery but need to work.

      I don't know what the average time is for most people to get back to work and hope to get some replies????

      Hope your recovery continues well.

  • annedi
    annedi

    Posted

    Thank you everyone for replying. It's comforting to know there are others in a similar position and I am less worried now. It's just obviously going to take longer this time and as you seuggest probably age and joint condition related! At the same time I hope you all start to recover quickly!
  • lynne54936
    lynne54936 annedi

    Posted

    Hi Anne

    I am now 11 days post op. And have a lot of bruising surrounding my knee too.My knee has been very painful almost as much my hip.It is particularly bad at night and I find it helpful putting a pillow under the knee.

    • annedi
      annedi lynne54936

      Posted

      I've just found an article about bruising that might explain some of it. I had a drain with my first op but not with the second. Apparently although the surgeon cauterises lots of vessels there can be small ones that still seep some blood. Without a drain eventually this works its way into the muscles nearer the surface and even if it starts in the hip can go right down the leg which is why some people even have bruising in the lower leg. Also nowadays as patients are put on anti coagulents for DVTs it allows the blood to flow more easily. I didn't have those either with my op 15 years ago.

      My knee has been a bit better the last two days though still hurts when the pain killers are running out and the knee raise exercise I find really painful in the knee and lower leg.

      I'm using a pillow too and it certainly helps.

      My bottom and back of heels hurt quite a lot after a few hours lying on my back in bed. So I'm now having shorter nights  but some naps during the day!

    • lynne54936
      lynne54936 annedi

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply Anne. I did not have a drain either so that explains the bruising.I am having the same problems at night but each one is a little better than the lastTake care and I wish you well
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