Superpath Hip Replacement 3 weeks post op
Posted , 21 users are following.
hello everyone
im nervous about posting on here as I never in my life thought I'd be on a forum for patients so in some ways it is good I've learnt some humility as always thought I was indestructible as I've always been very sporty playing a lot of tennis, football, rugby and cycling as well as regular gym sessions.
Im 42 and last year after persistent groin pain that wasn't overly painful but nonetheless noticeable and wasn't going away after about a year I had an MRI scan, the results of which showed a FAI and laberal tear. My consultant told me the space between the ball and socket at one point was about 0.5mm and therefore I was too far gone to even attempt keyhole surgery and that I needed a THR of right hip. Being the cautious sole I am I had a couple of other opinions by consultants all of whom said same thing.
I kind of didnt take it too seriously as i wasnt in great pain and was still very active, playing a lot of tennis running and cycling. The most noticeable thing was during sexual intercourse in missionary when I could feel a grinding sensation in the groin and clicking. Obviously that became somewhat of a passion killer.
As time went on the pain was pain was getting more noticeable during tennis and my consultant suggested cortisone injections and sinvisc plus. The cortisone injections did great but only lasted around 3 weeks per injection. I didn't notice any great difference with the sinvisc plus.
Still up to around april/may this year I was still playing a lot of sport and walking fine. But then in June during a very brutal game of tennis while hitting a running forehand I experienced an almighty crunch in the hip and a bit of pain, not too much as I'd only just had last cortisone shot. This was a Saturday when the crunch happened.
No problems on saturday evening or sunday Sunday but the Monday when at work after being seated when I went to get up I was in agony and couldn't move. Hip/groin locked.
Since then this sensation continually happened if I bent my leg then tried to straighten it. I had an injection into a tendon that my consultant said was getting trapped and that did work but only for two weeks. I was at the stage where getting off toilet was a massive challenge. Once unlocked it wasn't too bad. I could walk ok and pretty quick. I noticed if I did no sport (or sexual relations) the locking subsided but as soon as I was more active the issue came back. My consultant told me it was a very personal choice when to have a THR but my quality of life was being affected and the aim of a THR was to improve that quality. He then told me about the Superpath technique which I loved sound of and he was one of very few surgeons who did this. I elected to have the super path and it was done on September 15.
Im 19 days post op and can walk with one crutch pretty quick but when I try without a crutch I'm struggling as hip is stiff. I can bend leg upwards well and outwards and can squat. Obviously no locking now.
my concern is I've seen you tube videos of people able to cross their legs and walking with no aids at all and in no pain. I have no pain when lying down or sitting down save for a bit of soreness where the wound is but my main worry is I do get a lot of groin pain when exercising or trying to lift my leg keeping it straight. Also when I walk the groin hurts and while other pain seems to be getting better the groin doesn't at all.
I go for my first physio appointment in two days time and I'm worried that this groin pain means something isn't right. I've gone into so much detail as wanted to explain how I was before the operation. Has anyone had the superpath and if so what were your experiences at this stage. I've read somewhere that the illopsis tendon can be damaged and of course when I was locking up before the THR I wonder if that tendon took some damage.
sorry if this is really long winded but it's all very stressful as I've never so much had a filling in my teeth let alone major surgery so I'm not sure where I should be and what I should be doing.
Thanks in advance for any replies.
7 likes, 395 replies
m05 gary45745
Posted
Hi Guys
Had a really good meeting with Mr Cronin very pleasant man he was very clear in describing everything and happy to answer all questions I felt really comfortable with him and he gave me real confidence he sends his best to you Gary think you are due to see him soon. Have confirmed first op right side for 14th Dec (assuming pre op all ok) and all being well should be able to do second about 6 weeks later talked about doing both together he could and has but said most people said they would have preferred 2 separate as recovery is generally so much easier so I took his advice. With regard to anaesthesia he is happy for either general or spinal will discuss at pre op thinking probably spinal as never had general and don't know how I will react also will be options on blood thinning either tablet or injections I am looking forward to getting this show on the road now and getting better . Gerri he knows Dr Chow in Pheonix says he is a brilliant surgeon you will do great this time next week you will be well into your recovery.
Part 2 to follow
m05
Posted
Me again ! just in case first post is too long.
Gary agree with Gerri can't believe how unsympathetic people can be you just hope they don't have to go through the same one day !
The Corvette was back in the late 80's had it on a whim I drove down to Bath in my wife's BMW 3 series and swapped it for the vette there and then it needed quite a bit more work doing to it than I realised so eventually sold it saw it on a TV ad a bit later for Norwich Union car insurance and that wife is now ex !!
Gerri will be thinking of you keep us posted ..good luck but sure everything will be great without luck.
All the best both
Cheers Martin
gary45745 m05
Posted
gary45745 m05
Posted
Sorry last message sent by accidemt. I knew Mr Cronin would put your mind at rest. I definitely woukd go with 6 weeks apart as first couple of weeks you will lean a bit on un operated leg more out of naturally protecting the new implant.
I see Mr Cronin on 21st December. You will be home by then.
Basically by Spring you will be almost back to normal and that is perfect timing really.
Couldnt stop lauging about the Vette. I would havd done the same as you. Ive never married so have that freedom still. Did look at the Mustang GT but to me its not a pure Mustang like the GT500.
Oh how i would love to drive up and down the strip in Vegas in a Mustang GT500 shelby...maybe Gerri will surprise us haha.
Im thinkng of you both. Obviously you may both be a bit anxious but trust me, tbis is the best thing you are doing. Recovery is pretty quick and not too arduous given the magnitude of the surgery so look forward to being back to nearly normal in just over a month. In terms of running (im not yet) and vigorous exercise obviously it takes longer but we are no different to professional sportsmen and women coming back after surgery.
Chat soon.
gerriberri66 m05
Posted
You guys are both so awesome. I totally appreciate the support!
M: so glad you felt so confident with Mr Cronin. Hope all goes well with your pre op tests so you can get rolling and on with you’re life free of pain. It will be really interesting to compare notes. Gary will be past, I’ll be present and you’ll be future. So everyone on this website who is reading about our experiences, stay tuned. Lol. Here’s some differences at the moment. Dr Chow will only do surgery under general anesthesia. I asked. I have a folder (bet you both do too. ) came across my notes and Chow uses ceramic on plastic implant. I had forgotten that. Surgery will be 1-1.5 hrs (with no complications) A walker for maybe 3 days. I’m sure that will depend too. But I’ll let you know for sure after living it. No heroics from me. Lol thank goodness so busy with work,no time to get anxious. I’m remarkably calm about this. I think it doesn’t feel real yet. I’ll have more scoop when I meet the PA tomorrow.
it would be great to drive down to the strip in Shelby. (Is that right lingo? )Lol
Gar. How was work today. Did you resolve the “greeting” with the partner? Still can’t getbover the pettiness.
Well ...next stop 🛑 Phoenix. 👨🏼???🏨. Chat with you from there. Xo
judith12644 gerriberri66
Posted
m05 gerriberri66
Posted
Wishing you a safe trip to Pheonix.
This is your weekend to get that hip pain beaten!!
Will be sending positive thoughts out to you.
You will do good
All the best Martin
gerriberri66 m05
Posted
Hi Martin,
Thank you so much for your good wishes. I have arrived at the Dr's office, 1.5 hrs early for my appt with with suitcase in tow. 5 Dr's in practice here and about 4 patients waiting. Looks like lots of knee patients here at the moment. Still surreal that this is happening..will update later xo
RichardKen gerriberri66
Posted
Best wishes for a good outcome and a trouble free quick recovery.
Cheers, Richard
gerriberri66 judith12644
Posted
Hi Judith,
That was so kind and thoughtful of you . Thank you! Did you have superpath? Are you thinking about it? Where r you located? ? As you can see this website is great for info. .
Just met a woman who was walking with cane, who is see Dr Vhows PA. So I went over to talk to her to ask if she had the surgery and she said yes, a year ago..got me nervous that she was limping and using and cane, but she just had knee surgery. She had her other hip done anterior (she didn't know about Dr Chiw) and says she still has muscle, tendon issues where they operated. So glad I'm doing superpath
Let us know how we can help you Judith!
gerriberri66 RichardKen
Posted
Hi Richard,
Thank you so much. The support from everyone here is truly amazing. It really means a lot when you go through something like this alone.
Just saw all my typos on last response. Typing on phone, which is a challenge in itself..
Again, I'm grateful for your support.
judith12644 gerriberri66
Posted
gerriberri66 judith12644
Posted
I'm so happy to hear that! Did u use Mr Cronin? Thanks again.
Pre surgery update for everyone: I will NOT be required to give myself shots. Yohoo! I am just put on a regimen of baby aspirin. You know how I was not happy about that. I will have a walker to use or not, as I feel comfortable. Showering totally OK right after surgery. I will have some exercises to do in hotel post surgery along with walking every hour..guess as much as I want. Do not need to elevate legs unless I have swelling. Will wear compression socks during the day but not to sleep and and gain on plane ride home. They recommend PT to get used to walking properly again and break up scar tissue. As long as im not
on pain meds i can can drive next week..this is almost to good to be true. I hope it's as easy as they r telling me. Surgery checking time Monday at 7:30 am, surgery @10:30. Dr C has 3 surgeries ahead of me. Surgery runs about an hour given no problems. And of course I insist there are none. Lol
Eating a bite of lunch, then unpacking at hotel. Talk to you all later, I'm sure xo
m05 gerriberri66
Posted
Wow Gerri that is a great forecast driving in 7 days ! Spoke to my OS about self shots I can choose shots or tablets won't be tempted to do a 'Gary' if it's tablets. I know what you mean about it being surreal I get this sort if detached feeling about what is going to happen I think it is our minds way of reducing any stress you know what they say 'when the going gets tough the tough get going ' you will fly through this .
Hi Judith good to hear from you glad you had a successful treatment must be great to be able to get on with life with no hip pain.Which hospital were you treated in ?
gary45745 gerriberri66
Posted
Ceramic on plastic will mean 0 chamce of A crack in ceramic. It probably wont last as long as ceramic on ceramic but unless you are going to be running marathons it should still last over 15 years.
Thinking of u and know in a few days u will be glad u have had it done.
As for work given i saved them from a major problem they are just leaving me alone and im on a phased return.
Just switched all the christmas lights on . Happy advent xx
gary45745 m05
Posted
I had that detached feeling too. When i got to hospital i had no nerves and the only thing that botheted me on way to theatre was i felt a bit chilly.
I think the human body is amazing and i think our sub conscious kicks in when we have problems and knoes when its time to fix the problem hence this detachment feeling
judith12644 m05
Posted
m05 judith12644
Posted
Hi Judith
Think it is so important to feel confident in your surgeon mine is also young but at 62 most people are starting to look young to me!!
In a sort of a way I am looking forward to the surgery I know it will be a long haul but got to be worth it. Only problem have picked up man flu (a cold!) Hoping it will run it's course over few days and not develop into anything that could postpone surgery keep taking vit C and zinc to try and help fingers crossed.
Gerry thinking about you !
Good weekend to all.
RichardKen judith12644
Posted
Dear Judith
That's interesting that your surgeon trained at the RNOH at Stanmore. That's where I am going to be having my difficult ankle revision surgery. It is a long way from where I live but the surgeon I picked has lots of ankle revision surgery experience and that is essential where ankles are concerned.
Like you I had a very quick and easy recovery with my primary total hip replacement at 55...... totally life changing for the better and being self employed so important!
Cheers, Richard
judith12644 m05
Posted
judith12644 RichardKen
Posted
RichardKen judith12644
Posted
Dear Judith
Still waiting but had the planning CT scans a month ago. I will give the surgeon's planning lady a ring next week to find out where we are. I was warned that it could be as late as January sometime. In the meantime they provided me with an ankle brace that straps on to protect it as the bones are getting a bit more delicate.
Al the best, Richard
gary45745 m05
Posted
Donf worry about man flu. U will get anitbiotics intravenously on day of op so any bacteria will be dealt with anyway. The virus wont be a threat.
Maybe worth comtacting the ward thoufh, by now i assume u have the number after pre op and telling them . They may prescribe a course of oral antibiotics to be double safe