THR - affecting mental health

Posted , 11 users are following.

Hi. I've posted a few times on here and found you all to be a huge source of help & support. This time, my reach out is different. I had THR 12 weeks ago and was doing ok until 3 weeks ago when i inadvertidly tore a muscle in my operated leg. The pain i have been in since then is off the scale. It reminds me of the pain before i had surgury. I am back on 2 crutches, cannot sleep and have developed a fondness for Zapain to the point that i panic when running low. It doesnt help with the pain, but it serves to help me pass out. I cant bear to see pics or vids of myself before all this, hurts to think of my life before. I am 46 with 2 young boys and i think about taking my life because of this all the time. i have spoken to surgeon and had xray and he says all is well. I am scared that my life will never be free of this. Am desperate for help. Hope you all safe and doing ok in your recoveries xxx

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Edited

    sorry to hear that I am getting a lot of pain in my groin physio said it will get better I have zapain tablets but now on tramadol and ibuprofen as got eather an compression injury in my left knee or arthritis got to get it exrayed been like this since October last year doctors just said arthritis no exray so had doc ring told him he was not happy so when I can got to get it looked at as twice the size it should be and don't like exercise have to do for new hip 11 weeks this week

    • Posted

      tramadol makes me have hallucinations, and many others too, better choices would be straight up morphine or oxycodon [vicodin for americans]..... less side effects but stronger.

    • Posted

      they don't bother me I was given morphine but that made me bad hope you are up a well soon pia

    • Edited

      everyone is different, i get stomach issues from codeine for example and morphine is similar but not quite as bad.... oxy works best for me while i'm waiting for my hip replacement....

  • Posted

    ask for a MARS scan. it shows up what other scan do not. 3D in colour. after 4 year of post opp pain, the problem had been found. waiting for operation . good luck. you need to get sorted. pain is not natural.

  • Edited

    Hi Kirsty,

    I can't say I know how you feel but I hear you and I'm so sorry that you're going through such a difficult time.

    The best I can say is to take one day at a time. I'm not clear if you are more concerned about the pain, the Zapain, your children. If you're panicking because your running low ... that should be enough for you to know you need to find something different. All meds are not created equal. At any rate call your doctor and tell him what you have written here. Your children will not benefit from losing their mom. I realize the pain is real. Your surgeon said everything is fine? How much help have you had from a physiotherapist? Taking meds because you can pass out ... Where are your kids? Do you think you are putting them in danger? Will you risk having them removed from you if you are not able to care for them. This is a great place to find help and support but I think there are decisions only you can make. I'm wondering, do you have family members or friends you can confide in? It may sound "easy for you to say" but every day is a new day. I believe you will be able to see your way out of this. Good luck.

    .

  • Posted

    honestly go back to your surgeon and demand a mri or a ct scan .

    you should not be in that much pain , do not take no for a answer and dont let them say ....oh its ok ....give it time etc etc . also check your blood level for infection . Go to your doctor and tell him how you are feeling and what you want so he can help push it , You have on be your own advocate on your body as you feel what you feel .

    i hope this helps be strong

    i have learnt this as in 2 years i have had 3 hip operations and 5 dislocations ! ive actually had 5 hip ops and on the second i got a infection and took them 2 years to find it after my pushing to find out why i was in pain . Your pain could be infection as it is very painful .

    good luck

  • Edited

    Thank you everyone. What great feedback. I must stress that the 'pass out' comment was when it is 2am and i still havent been able to fall asleep! I have a wonderful husband, friends and family who have all lived this with me. My children are not in any danger, they are the one constant that pushes me to find answers. You guys have given me a lot to think about here. I will call Dr moro and discuss. I havent been able to access any physio due to lockdown, that has been frustrating.

    I'll keep you posted if anything gets resolved and thank you for your input.

  • Edited

    its too early to diagnose problems .... your only 12 weeks out. hips need rest they will heal on there own no exercise needed. stop with the exercises for now.

    ice the area, take antiflams use OTC pain patch. OTC patch worked well for all 3 of my thr surgeries. they are especially helpful .

    this is major surgery and hip replacement recovery takes about 2 years to totally recover. the brain and body must to adjust to the new material replacing the bone. many surgeons never really teach their patients what is really needed for complete recovery.

    a lot of healing depends on the surgeon, how much damage to the area before surgery and home care . most here have been thru a few thr and each one is different. i would estimate that you are over doing. stay at rest no bending and wear cloths that fit over your head, skirts etc. new shoes do not wear old from bad hip . you need a good comfy walking shoe easy on easy off. no laces.

    keep that leg iced in all the painful areas. the swelling can cause severe pain. how do you know you tore a muscle in your leg? and what part of your leg is the injury located? need more info please?

    many times a mri cannot see soft tissue damage. i would be willing to guestamate that in a few weeks if you totally rest you will be much better. there are also studies that pain meds can actually make pain worse by training the brain. at 12 wekks its important to cut the pain meds down slowly. if you need something for sleep ask for temporary rx for sleep. not getting enough sleep can be a issue.

    diet is very important . when healing we need 24000 calories a day for ouy bodies to heal. i know right now all you really want is a clever diagnosis and for the pain to go away. been there really wanted the pain to go away. in a few more weeks of taking it slow and easy and lots of rest and patience you will see considerable improvement.

    sending healing blessing for your healing journey.

  • Edited

    i had my surgery 2 months ago and it was healing thr and i am still in pain i am back at work and i walk with a limp i go see my surgeon in a couple of days and i to am back on the cane. this surgery is not only physically draining it is mentally draining. i do know how you feel and i am always thinking of ways to get better and this forum is awesome. Just get a second opinion and take it from there you know something is wrong so you make sure you get a second opinion. Live for your babies everything is going to be okay

  • Edited

    Kirsty,

    Please ring your doctor and tell him/her exactly what you have written here. The tablets are doing you not good and may be giving you bad thoughts.

    Not good has ever come from someone committing suicide, it just leaves a family with guilt and children motherless. Life will always get better, seeing children grow, becoming a grandparent, the sun will shine again, but please ring the doctor.

  • Posted

    I feel i should update. I went to see GP on tuesday and explained everything. She called my surgeon there and then and he wants to re-scan etc..

    so i need to hang in till then and try and get some answers. Something is physically wrong 100%.

    Mentally i feel more optimistic. Thank you all. Hope you are all doing good, fit & healthy.

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