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Thigh pain

Posted , 6 users are following.

sandy09828
sandy09828

I'm 4 weeks post op and have recently had thigh pain that seems like bone (femur?) pain to me. I'm fine laying down, sitting, getting up, driving, but when I try to walk I have a great deal of pain. I'd been walking unaided for ten days but had to get out my cane today. Sometimes if I walk a while the pain eases. Anyone know what I can do about it? I'm still having physical therapy twice a week. I'm getting worried because in 7 weeks I'll be on a flight to Europe for two weeks, some of that time on a river cruise. I'm afraid I won't feel like going and/or will have trouble keeping up.

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • staceymaz
    staceymaz sandy09828

    Posted

    Have you checked with your doctor about your upcoming trip?  Because they have extra pre-cautions with longer plane flights.  You should also ask your Physical Therapist, he/she may be overdoing the exercises.  You really don't need to do anything except walk right now.   

  • jomary
    jomary sandy09828

    Posted

    Driving at 4 weeks seems a bit soon-did you have the go ahead for this.I supposee if it was left hip op. then an automatic car would be OK. Try using a seat wedge cushion in the car as it can help a lot, partly to keep you at a good angle. As far as walking goes I did a holiday at 7 weeks with up to 4 miles fairly level countryside walking on some days and was OK but I find even now -1 year- standing still e.g. listening to a tour guide or in a museum or browsing shopping a real killer, and certainly watch out for uneven greound and cobbles in old streets. Lifting a heavy weight is not feasible e.g. suitcase so only a small day pack is OK.

    Flight precaustions have already been mentioned. If you have insurance cover I should postpone for a year -it would be a shame to be mniserable on holiday and in more pain afterwards

     

  • renee01952
    renee01952 sandy09828

    Posted

    hi sandy, 

    warm welcome to the hippies forum -

    Where do you live?     From what you write I am assuming you are in the USA and had the anterior approach - 

    Regardless, you just had major surgery 4 weeks ago and your body is still in healing mode - It sounds like you are doing great - walking unaided at 2 weeks might  have been a bot too early in recovery - You probably are feeling better  and doing more while the body is still catching up - your posture might be off or unbalanced with put a strain on your legs - 

    Have PT watch how you stand and walk - 

    also because the hip replacement components are designed to heal directly to bone without use of bone cement, the  stability of the implants in your body is assured by 4 to 6 weeks, at the minimum.

    during this time it is advised to use walking aids - 

    Then, when you feel confident and balanced, you can walk without  aids, but if there is any question, stay with a cane until you feel safe ---

    Request Airport Assistance Sandy  - it is a great service and trust me, you will need it -

    let us know how you are getting on otherwise okay 

    bug warm hug

    renee

     

  • sandy09828
    sandy09828

    Posted

    Hi to all! Thanks for your input! I am in the US and had an anterior approach. My thapist had backed off on my therapy over last weekend and then I started having this pain. When I went to therapy on Tuesday they saw immediately I was in pain, called upstairs to my surgeon and they had me come up for X-rays. Everything looked good. The nurse said to stop PT for now until I see my surgeon next Tuesday. I hope he can figure out what's going on. I was cleared to drive and drive an automatic. Driving doesn't bother me at all. My surgeon knew about our trip from the beginning. In fact he cleared a time in his schedule to get it done some weeks earlier than it would have been. We've talked about a few precautions for the trip. I had thought about requesting airport assistance. Good idea! My therapist has noticed that I drop my hip when I walk and we were working on that when I had to stop therapy. I have no idea if my surgeon will have me start therapy again when I see him next week. 

    Thanks agin! I'm glad I found this group. 

    • renee01952
      renee01952 sandy09828

      Posted

      good to know and great to hear how PT is working with your surgeon ...and your surgeon is working with you to get you to go on your trip ....

      you are blessed, darling ...

      don't worry so much, you are in good hands --- listen to your body - there is no "one size fits all " exercises and I am sure you will do great --- 

      come back and keep us posted --- you are not alone

      angel blessings

       

    • sandy09828
      sandy09828

      Posted

      Well, I saw my surgeon on Tuesday and he's afraid I'm heading for a stress fracture and has me totally non weight bearing on that leg for four weeks. I've rented a wheelchair, since a walker or crutches would be too much of a fall risk. It's going to be a very long four weeks. He'll take X-rays September 29 when I see him, which is ten days before our river cruise and I guess I'll find out then if I can still make the trip. 😩  He said there's nothing growing around the implant yet which makes it more vulnerable. This is not at all what I expected from this surgery.

    • renee01952
      renee01952 sandy09828

      Posted

      Oh Sandy,

      I am so sorry darling -this is  not something you want to hear in any circumstance let alone before your trip ..did he tell you why your femur is heading for a stress fracture - 

      Goodness ... 

      Did you take out cancellation insurance ? 

      I hate to bring this up however, it might be wiser to cancel this trip  River cruise is great but also involves getting off the boat, walking around and exploring villages (uneven ground - cobble stones like Jomary mentioned) - when you are barely 10 days weight  bearing it might be uncomfortable .. 

      Keep us posted okay ...

      Good luck and lots of strength

      healing rays send your way

      renee

       

    • sandy09828
      sandy09828 renee01952

      Posted

      Thanks Renee. He was basing it from my pain symptoms and from no bone growth around the implant a week prior. 

      We always have trip insurance. We've been on a river cruise before and I remember the walking and walking surfaces. I don't really mind if some days I just hang out on the boat and a couple of ports we've already been to. We booked this well over a year ago, going with good friends for our 40th wedding anniversary and their 30th. I really hate to cancel. I talked with our travel agent today and she said we can cancel up to the last day, so I'll see what my surgeon says when I see him. Obviously I'll do what's in my best interest ??. I really appreciate your good thoughts!

    • judith12644
      judith12644 sandy09828

      Posted

      Oh I'm so sorry Sandy. It's good that you can cancel up to the day before, at least that keeps your options open, and hopefully you'll still be able to go. Something good to look forward to. Keeping everything crossed for you, Judith

    • sandy09828
      sandy09828 judith12644

      Posted

      Thanks, Judith. I'm going on the assumption that we'll be able to go and that's what's keeping me moving forward! 

  • steve86482
    steve86482 sandy09828

    Posted

    Pain mid-thigh in Front?  Stem pain. You may be over doing it.   Most of the tour group on River Cruises are not fast walkers. You do a lot of bus riding. If tired sit. Let the guides know about your hip and bring Tylenol
    • sandy09828
      sandy09828 steve86482

      Posted

      Thanks. My thigh pain is more on the side. Some of yesterday I was pain free (it was great!) and even went for a short pain free walk! We've been on river cruises before and I remember them having an option for slower walkers. Our last one was just before my TKR and we'd had it booked for so long that we went anyway. There were a couple of things that I knew I wouldn't be able to do, so I stayed onboard and made my husband go without me. 

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