Pre Hip Replacement Advice / Tips?
My LTHR had been scheduled for next week. During my pre op session last week the dr remarked that the pains down my left leg may be due to a spine issue, while the groin pain would almost certainly would be due to my bad left hip. He is suggesting that I see his spine colleague before he definitely goes ahead with the hip op.
My question to you hippies: before your hip op did you have pains down your leg(s) including ankle? And (this is the important bit) did the hip op get rid of the leg pains? I am thinking that if your answer is yes to both questions then maybe I should get a second opinion from another surgeon.
Hip Replacement :: Upcoming THR - Advice / Tips?
I am due to have a LTHR on May 11. Just looking for a support group to join because I'm sure I will have post-op issues that are being or have been discussed here.
I do struggle with anxiety in certain situations and I am concerned about waking up intubated (hope I don't have to), the compression hose (getting them on and off and just the restrictive nature of them), and the risk of being on blood thinners for a month (although I prefer that risk over not taking blood thinners and having a higher risk for blood clots).
I am 47 and have had hip issues since I was in high school - though never diagnosed until two years ago, I had a femoral acetabular impingement that, with diagnosis, could have been repaired years ago and I wouldn't be in this situation now, more than likely. So, I'm frustrated that this has to happen now but the impingement has caused arthritis, which is now end stage bone on bone so I need to get this done to lessen my pain and increase my mobility.
Hip Replacement :: A Right Choice? Experience / Tips / Advice?
I've pondered my own need for a hip replacement. I'm sports mad and always have been, playing competitive squash for 20 years (probably the cause of my hip degeneration), followed by many years of rowing and subsequently cycling - which I still do with a passion. I was diagnosed with arthritis about 6 years ago (at 52) and have lived with it since then. Mine's been odd - I've never had the excruciating pain that most people seem to complain of - pain, yes - but bearable. My main issue has been with a gradual loss of range of movement. At this stage, I can barely tie a shoe on my right foot, putting a sock on is a nightmare - and cutting toe nails on that foot is pretty much impossible. But in the absence of severe pain and being still able to cycle with relatively little discomfort, I've never really known what to do about getting it fixed. That being said, I did decide to do something about it this year - and it looks as if I may actually be going in to get it done next week!! As I'm sure most of you did pre-op, I'm feeling pretty apprehensive - and still questioning whether I'm doing the right thing, even though I know I'm having many more 'bad days' and that the constant lack of a full quality of life is getting me down. So I guess I'm curious as to whether anyone has been in a similar position - and whether all you experienced hippies think I'm doing the right thing.
View 41 RepliesKnee :: 9 Week Post Op Report
- Totally off meds now for 9 days
- can do 20 min on bike at 60-65 rpm
- Joined Gym again (intend to hit the treadmill 20min/day or so. Will see)
- Still kind of stiff and sore depending on activity (all manageable).
- Bend is at 101 (thought it might be a bit better but it is what it is)
- Extension has gotten a bit worse. 3 weeks ago it was at 6 today only 10
hmmmm. I think this is my own fault however. Have been paying more
attention to the bending and slacking off a bit on the extension. Lesson
learned.
Pay close attention to both flexion and extension. Muscles are quick to
retract if you don't keep them stretched and well exercised.
- Sleep is also improving. 4 good nights this week. 3 not so good.
- Knee is still swollen and now using both Ice and heat at times.
- Still pain on inside of knee but improving
In summary, life is returning. Progress is not as quick as I thought it would be but who is ever really properly prepared for this? I sure wasn't.
When I look back to weeks 3-5, there is miles of progress. Sure there is still some discomfort and pain but all manageable now. I remember for a time I was stuck in one spot, other times when it felt like I was going backwards.
This is sure no linear recovery. Some old pains fade while new pains crop up when you least expect. Looking back now, they are all part of the healing process. So for those in their first few weeks, don't despair, there's some nice light not to far ahead.
I realize there's still a long hard road ahead (gotta keep those exercises up) But at least now I'm confident in working towards a full recovery. Even that stubborn extension. Haha
Oh and also thank you to the folks on this forum for all your support and encouragement.
Foot / Ankle :: 1 Week Post Tarsal Tunnel Surgery
Is there anyone that would be willing to share their journey post tarsal tunnel release surgery with me. This has been and is so hard. I had the open procedure on the right foot and need it on the left when I heal. I notice no real change in sensation. I know it could take up to a year but I was wondering what different people experienced. The doctor found varicose veins wrapped around all three branches. He said the nerves looked healthy-whatever that is worth. They feel pathetic. He just moved the veins "out of the way" What prevents them from migrating back around the nerve? I don't think deep varicose veins in the feet are something that can be removed. But if I don't feel better soon, I am going to opt for bilateral below the knee amputations. I know the recovery is slow. I have been out of work for over 4 months because I kept injuring my ankles and finally tore the peroneal tendon in the right leg. That was fixed in December. Then I got sciatica and they found 4 herniated discs. Wound up with three epidural injections in the spine. It was only after that resolved that they would even address the tarsal tunnel. I went to 3 different doctors with no diagnosis until I really screwed up my ankle tearing the tendon. What gives with this disorder? I have never come across it. I don't know if I will ever be able to return to work. My whole life is in shambles right now.
View 10 RepliesThyroid Cancer :: Radical Neck Dissection - 1 Week Post Op
I had another round of RAI in March as my Tg never went into the single digits after my first ablation 5/12.
I was in Irvine, CA to get neck fusion surgery at Hoag when an MRI showed a suspicous lymph node. That led to an US and a PET/CT. (obviously ACDF surgery on hold)
PET/CT showed about 5 lymph nodes consistent with metastatic disease, so the endo I saw in Irvine recommended neck dissection.
My sister had a great ENT in Vegas so I went there and had the surgery a week ago Friday. He was going to do a modified radical, but when he got in there he said my neck was "full of disease". He counted 8 black and hard lymph nodes and cleared out my entire right side.
I am waiting for the path report. Maybe cause of the holidays it is taking a while. I hate waiting!
I have since come to LA where my inlaws live and am going through the process of getting an appointment at the City of Hope. I do not want to get further treatment on Maui where I live. I need a little better level of care.
I'm kind of anxious as I feel I am in limbo land here. I've had the surgery, but I have had no follow up yet. No bloodwork, no nothing.
I know that when I finally get that appointment at CoH I will get the evaluation and perhaps further treatment I need.
Is it usual to have another RAI after a radical neck dissection? This surgeon said that my last round of RAI probably did not work because there was so much cancer in there.
Oh, I also have a small nodule on my lung. Haven't addressed that yet, and that kind of worries me as well.
Geez. Since dx last April of 2012 I have not had anything go well. The Endo thinks I may have the BRAF gene. I asked this surgeon to test for it and he said he didn't know if his hospital did that. I guess I'll find out when I see the path report and/or talk with the doc.
I am anxious about my next steps. I've been out of work now since Feb. 19th and my medical leave expires August 19. I am going to try to get an extension so I won't have to go on COBRA.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization - Can't Walk Far - Right Buttock Aches - One Week Post Op
I was advised recovery 1-2 weeks. I am feeling really good today except that since I had the procedure I can't walk very far. If I do my right buttock just aches and I have to turn back. I wonder if anyone else has experienced this.
View 1 RepliesHip Replacement :: Day 12 Post Operative Update
I've felt really good the last couple of days. Been having decent sleeps now that I lie on my non op side with the pillow between my legs.
Had a shower yesterday by myself, the only thing I couldn't do was dry my feet and put DVT stocking back on my op side leg.
I Have been walking round the house on 1 crutch a lot more and can feel the movement getting better although I do still use 2 when I'm outside.
The swelling on my thigh seems to be decreasing now although I can't bend the leg very much as the thigh muscle is still very tender, tight and sore.
Meds are getting less use as well, bloody Fragmin injections are still doing my head in, only another 25 or so to do 💉.
All in all I'm feeling quite good.
Also got my 1st physio session on Tues 29th, not looking forward to that after all the comments on here. They seem to do more damage than good!
Hip Replacement :: Follow Up - 12 Weeks Post Op
12 wks post op.
Check up by stand in consultant, not so good!!!
As still having probs with stairs, socks and cutting toenails, was put through a few checks, conclusion was, despite walking and exercises, my bum cheek muscle, for some reason , has collapsed!!
( I did ask him if he was insinuating I had a saggy arse?)
Been referred back to original surgeon, with recommendation of intensive physio. That's me off work now till Jan.
Am questioning whether I should have had this op, more importantly, should I go ahead with left hip, which I've been told, will need replacing in the future!
Hip Replacement :: Getting Sick And Tired Post Op?
I feel so disappointed, simply because nobody told me how much you'd be limited in your activities. They are quick to rush you into the OR, and they tell you how much better you'll feel once it's done. There needs to be a delegated "person/nurse/social worker" person to call and ask about concerns on a certain timeline. Once a month, at first a few times a week. Someone that knows the answers to your questions or can find out w/o actually going in to see the surgeon, a person who can screen when you do and don't need to consult surgeon. That has been trained to know how to deal with post op patients, their worries, frustrations, and pretty much questions. I think follow up is a super important thing...but after your surgery is done, they're on to the next person, and you are a vague memory. At first, you feel so special, especially during the pre op visits, Doctor is all cheerful "So,HOW are YOU today??" After surgery, Doctor is all "why didn't you start PT on this week instead of that week? shaking his head. The friendly guy is gone, and I feel now just a nuisance and I ask specific questions and he actually says "Hmmm, I don't know" - as my hair was all falling out. My GP knew exactly what it was. It just all felt wrong. Do you think your follow up care was as good as the pre op screening, interviews, and care? Did the photos of the scars/incision you saw look a bit like yours? Were you taught how to properly massage the scar to prevent adhesions and help make it less obvious and look better? My scar... sure didn't look like this, which is what I expected.
View 86 RepliesHip Replacement :: Post Op Sleeping Position
I am beginning to see the wisdom of practicing sleeping on one's back pre op. It may mean a couple of bad nights, but at least, over time, it will become the norm, and hopefully, the body will adjust. My problem is that my Maine Coon, may leap on top of me. She is a "whopper" so I may have to keep her out my bedroom for the first few nights, post op! I have read websites that say that it is possible to sleep on the unoperated side, with a bolster between the legs so that the operated leg is kept in the right position, but again, the wisdom of this is up for debate.
Ear plugs sound to be a good idea, to screen out any background noise, and my Kindle will be a good "screen" with earphones, of course!
I am, of course, pre op, so do not fully understand what is considered to be the "norm" in terms of patient's' experiences for the first few days in hospital post op. It rather looks as though a lot of post op care and monitoring depends on the patient's general state of health, pre op, and any extenuating medical circumstances that require extra care and vigilance.
I am "psyching" myself up for almost anything, at this point! I do not do well without at least seven hours' sleep per night, and it does sound as though sleep deprivation whilst trying to recover in hospital is a necessary "nuisance!"
Hip Replacement :: Memory Foam Post Op, Yes Or No?
Just five days to go to op day of 5th October and I am getting things ready for when I come home afterwards.
I decided to go into the spare room for a few weeks so as me and the hubs do not disturb each other. Was making the bed up and wondered whether I should leave the memory foam topper on. It is quite a thick one and the mattress underneath is pretty firm.
What is best? Can anyone share their experience either way re comfort? Anything else I should know other than using a slippy sheet and lots of pillows ? It is a double bed and we have moved it so I can get in an out either side.
Oh and I don't have a frame so just on crutches.. Does it help getting in and put if I have something to help me stand?
Hip Replacement :: Still Limping - 12 Weeks Post Op
I am 12 weeks today post op. Was due to go back to work today, but still not had my 6 week check up. Finally going this wednesday. I have lots of questions and concerns, which i am hoping will be answered.
I wanted to ask though, how people felt after 12 weeks? I still suffer with pain, particularly in my back. I am trying not to use my crutch, but walking with with a gaping limp still, which is affecting my knees, which was the same pre op. My right knee crunches and swells as the day goes on. Plus i have a compressed nerve still in my non op side, which keeps me awake most nights. Thought by now i would be getting back to normal and ready for work.
Anyone else still suffering at 12 weeks?
Hip Replacement :: Depression - Weeks Post Op
Has anyone suffered with feeling very low 2 weeks after hip op my first hip op I didn't feel tearful but this one has made me feel tearful if I feel like it on Monday I will make appt with Dr.
View 43 RepliesHip Replacement :: Pain In The Butt - 3.5 Weeks Post Op
I am now 3.5 weeks post op from second hip replacement this year. I feel like I am sitting on a golf ball, is it just muscle healing?
View 18 Replies3 Weeks Post Op Following Partial Knee Replacement
It'll be 3 weeks tomorrow that I've had my op and still get better days than others! Scar is healing well but a bit lumpy in places but I'm concerned about the pain behind my knee and occasionally when I walk unaided if I straighten my leg it starts to give way? I live out in the sticks and not yet started any physio because I have to arrange not only appt but how I'm going to get there? I am continuing with my exercises given in hospital!
im also suffering awful mood swings one minute I'm fine the next snapping at everyone because,of all the silly things, trying to do everything with one hand? I'm not sure even what sort of housework I should be avoiding or attempting at this stage?
5 Weeks Post Op Partial Knee Replacement
Ok so it'll be 5 weeks tomor that I had my op and please excuse the language but I'm totally p*ssed off!!! Still not getting a good nights sleep despite amitriptyline taken before I go to bed! It's not so much the knee pain but the sciatica which seems to be getting worse not better? Went out yesterday for a mooch round the shops and had what I can only describe as a panic attack in the shopping centre was in pain from walking and felt like I was going to pass out? I'm meant to be returning to work a week tomorrow and seriously thinking I'm not ready? I only work Monday and Friday and 3 hrs alternative Saturdays so it's not too bad but still 8 hr days!! Think perhaps I should see gp this week as sick note only goes up to 12th July!
View 18 RepliesFour Weeks Post Op Partial Knee Replacement
I'm wondering if someone can help me. I am 55 Yo woman who had a PKR. I'm having so many problems. I still use a cane. Terrible pain in the back of my knee. Is this normal? I've had many ortho surgeries and usually bounce back. I can't return to work because the pain is so bad.
View 22 RepliesHip Replacement :: Difficulty Sleeping 8 Weeks Post Op
Have other people had difficulty getting back into a reasonable sleep pattern after a THR? I'm now 8 weeks post op. I'm cleared to sleep on my side with a pillow between my legs to stop my operated on leg rolling forward - which it does of course when the pillow dislodges! I'm trying not to take any painkillers (paracetamol) during the day and that's fine as I have little pain moving around. But still discomfort when I don't move for any period of time - hence feeling uncomfortable at night. I do often take a couple of paracetamols at bedtime but this doesn't seem to make sleeping any better. I'm often awake in the small hours and increasingly tired during the day.
View 21 Replies