Wish I had never done it!

in the USA do you not have sick pay? please think long term - better 6 weeks financial struggle than you render yourself incapable of ever working again

best wishes

valerie x

Hi David.

Reading this, all I can say is that I'm astounded! Didn't your doc explain the post op recovery process and time required for optimum recovery? It's not a small operation by anyone's standards and should not be entered into unless you are able to take time off to recover. If your surgeon didn't explain all this in detail then he needs his butt kicked! You are in danger of landing yourself back in theatre with a far longer recovery time than you currently have. That would be truly disastrous in relation to your being able to work and provide for your family. Slow down, speak to your doc about finding meds that DO suit you and rest as much as you can.  I understand your impatience, Lord knows all of us want to get back to normal but none of want to end up back in surgery.

I would hate to see anyone in the situation where they regret the surgery so please listen to the good advice given to you on here but most of all listen to your body. Pain is your body's way of telling you something. Don't ignore it, for your own good.

Take care.

Ali x

Dear David sorry to hear you are suffering but as someone 9 weeks post op now I think you have been very silly .

the hospital gives us rules for a readpson . I am sure you have a busy job but your health comes first . If you don't look after your new hip now it will not heal properly . You are not covered by car insurance till you have had 6 weeks check up .

sounds like you should still be taking your meds , they will help and you. Need to rest during the day . 

Dont be a macho man , take care .

i am prob older than you at 60 so listen to an old girl . 

Sorry for the telling off.

Mary

South wales

David, by now you realize that your recovery is rather bizarre in its shortness and the demands being made on your over stressed body. Please consider whether two - three wks of rest is not a better way to go than having the whole surgical area need re-doing and enforced rest. I'm in the US also, and I know medical expenses can be catastrophic  as well as college costs. Maybe you can try to re-prioritize things so that health is the first priority, followed by food, clothing , shelter etc. . Are there no local in- state colleges your son can get at least the first year of core curriculum classes?  Then he can transfer to another school he likes better. Also there are work study programs and various scholarships available at majority of schools. His school counselor can help him locate scholarships that are not widely known.

Pain is not your friend. It is how your body tells you enough is enough. Serious pain  has been shown in multiple studies to be detrimental to healing and mental clarity.

We all have various levels of pain after a THR , but not the horrendous unrelenting pain you are experiencing. Please do be nice to yourself and get some rest and make sure your iron and protein levels as well as electrolytes are not all off kilter. Many people with THR have problems in theses area and that slows healing and good health a good bit. 

Ok, hope that wasn't all unwanted advice. I am a nurse who has had 5 joint replacements & my husband is a family doctor of 40 yrs so we are all too familiar with the cost of not allowing your body to regroup after such a major insult. Believe me, there is a cost.

Well, I sincerely hope that no matter what course you take you will begin to get better physically & mentally.  Good luck & God bless

Good Heavens David, slow down or you will kill yourself!  You went back to work after only 4 days at home, you must be Superman.  Stop doing the PT for a bit and have a rest every day, even if it is short.  Cancel your appointments for a week at least.  If you were involved in an accident (God forbid) then you wouldn't be able to get to work at all.  Stop panicking, it will get better but you have to help yourself too.  After 7 weeks you should start to feel a lot better and the pain should subside but carry on taking some medication even if its not as much as at first.  I was always told to keep on top of any pain and not to let it get on top of me.  Best wishes and good luck to you.

Hi David,

I have a sightly different take on the situation.  I had both hips replaced approx 20 years ago (in my 40's) and 25 days ago my right hip was re-done (revised as they say). I have had 20 years painfree with lots of strength and flexibility and no limp. I put a lot of this down to the fact that I obeyed the rules (not less than 90 degree bend, no twisting, plenty of rest and sleep etc) after the first two operations. So go for long-term gain and make sure you heal well now so that you and your hip replacement will last a good long time. So far my revision seems to be working well and I can walk ok with one crutch, learning to stay upright and walk without a limp.

Take good care of the new hip and appreciate how lucky we are to have this surgery - don't spoil it or short-term gain!

Best wishes,

Sally Dorset UK

Hi. Tiredness is a killer for the mind. Even though you are off the drugs your body has still been assaulted and will need to repair both the flesh and the mind. It must be awful going back to work in such a situation.  I am self employed and have cancelled teaching again until after Easter.  Go and see your GP if you still hurting to make sure nothing horrible has developed from within. However , get some sleep and chip away a little at a time. It will get better,have faith.

I don't know your particular circumstances, but no matter where you are surely you're entitled to sick leave and job protection. I'm 5 weeks out and have made a spectacular recovery by any measure. But I have just extended my leave of absence til 20th April, with my surgeon's full approval. I'm not dossing either. I simply lack stamina in my operated hip/leg and will not risk my recovering health. If you have any options, please exercise them.

David. Mark from Sydney Aust. So sorry to hear about your sad plight. Seeing you live in the States suggest you lookup Dr Jimmy Chows' website. It details the superpathhip operation ( which I have had ) and while you weren't operated under that method it may offer some help.

All the best

Hi David, This is my second reply. I thought I would not even be able to make it to the hospital. But hey its early days for me. I am a Full time carer for My Hubby, he also has OA as well as other problems. Hes chosen to ruin his body by being on a load of pills. Half of which really do not work. Ok I could not have a spinal block  as I had a complete meltdown in front of everyone in theatre. But I am just over 3 weeks now, doing the excerises and walking around as much as possible. I dont feel ready to come of two crutches yet but I will in time, its early days. Sadly I might have to have my right knee done. But one day at a time. If I need thye extra support I will get it. As I cant  even guide my disabled Husband around the town.You need to look after your self properly. Otherwise you will end up in a wheelchair. Please read & listen to what other people are saying Regards amanda 

Did you say the surgeon broke your femur when he put the prosthesis into it.?

If so that needs to heal.that would also cause increased pain.

It might be good to rest that leg because of the break or fracture.take your meds.when you need them.best to you

Wow David.  Take heed from what everyone is saying.  You are doing far too much far too soon.   Slow down before it becomes a major major problem...  I can only reiterate all the other comments.   Take care and hope you learn tobe kind to yourself soon

Hello David, How are you feeling today? Please please take notice of what other people are saying. I am my Husbands carer and like you, I wish I could do more , but I dare not otherwise I will have a huge set back!! Its wiser to ask for extra help as I am now suffering from my right knee clicking each time I move !! This wretched arthritis !!! But I still have to rest each afternoon. I can do certain things, but not everything and I have to also pace myself. Please please take time for your self to heal yor body will heal regards Amanda