16 months since trhr 4 months since tlhr....
back to work and I’m hurting everywhere. I’m wonky and limping and every muscle is screaming.
😩😩😩
I think you need to refer back to both your surgeon and the physiotherapist. Additionally, have yiu requested a total leg legth exray - both legs, to rule out extreme differences in the kegth of your legs. You say you are "wonky", and this may be a possible cause.
Surgeons try very hard to even out leg length, but if there is already a major difference in leg length there is only so much that can be done
In my own case, the surgeon advised that there was a 1 cm difference and that was with the hip to undergo the 2nd THR. He suggested that if, after surgery, there was still a difference in leg length, a shoe insert of the correct height would resolve the problem. Not ideal, but a solution, nevertheless.
Should there be something else going on, as I have said, you best recourse is your surgeon, physiotherapist and potentially a second opinion from another, unrelated surgeon, if possible.
Good luck, whatever you decide to do.
Hello Lynn-
16 months after surgery certainly is a long time to still be dealing with that much muscle pain and difficulty- 4 months as well I would think things should have progressed further. I just got back from visiting a friend this w/end who had her hip replaced just about 16 months ago as well. She isn't suffering to the same degree at all but does mention aches and pains. Thing is she admits readily to never doing her exercises or at least so infrequently they do very little good. One aspect of the surgery I find many people overlooking is that with the "new parts" there comes a required maintenance schedule- the exercises and PT need to become a daily part of our routine. Just as OA contributed to our slowing down and physical/muscular degeneration because the pain prevented us from being physical- now that the new parts are installed keeping the muscles, tendons, ligaments and soft tissues flexible, strengthened, responsive and toned is a necessary part of our health. Out of shape muscles don't function as well or as efficiently as in shape muscles and they hurt more and more quickly than muscles that are accustomed to exercise. Also- bones lose strength by not being walked on or used as well but at a much slower rate. Sorry if I sound like I am scolding- especially because I don't know you at all- but have you considered whether your recovery routine and ongoing physical recuperation is doing it's job to help you get better? 2 months after my own hip resurfacing surgery I find myself frustrated at the pace of recovery but I do realize that every gain I've made in flexibility and strength recovery, however small, is the result of the healing that the exercise brings. I have my second surgery scheduled for next week, all my spare time is spent preparing for it with exercise to be a strong going in as I can be. If the second recovery goes as well as the first I will be overjoyed- largely because being then pain free of OA I am going to be able to use the #@*& out of my body to do what it is designed to do- BE USED. I've seen a lot of people at the gym I go to benefit from starting and maintaining an exercise program. Once they get over the initial soreness they find their bodies adapt well and fend off the aches and pains better. Many people start with the aqua fit exercise in the pool aerobic class. It can be a strong work out without the impact and helps get the body moving, the blood circulating, more oxygen in the system, nerves and muscles firing and ll those things together tend to promote healing. Best Wishes.
The physio told me it takes on average 9 months to regain stamina after hip replacement. If your job is very physical you might need to cut back your hours. Do you have an occupational health dept where you work? Might be worth talking to them or your doctor about your struggle. Good luck
Ann
Lynne, I understand your frustration. I'm 13 months out from my left hip replacement and five months from my right. I still have inner thigh pain in the muscles on the left and I now have shin pain on my right leg. I have had a bone scan, x-rays, bloodwork, and chiropractic therapy. I had to stop physical therapy because it was making my pain worse to the point where I could barely walk. I have another appointment with the surgeon in December and meanwhile he tells me to just keep walking! I will request an MRI in December if I'm still experiencing a lot of discomfort. I don't limp and I don't feel wonky. But I do have a lot of difficulty going up and down stairs. Fortunately I do not have to contend with stairs inside my house.
I hope that we can both come out of this feeling better than we do now!
Hi jimbone,
I completely agree with you regarding exercise. I am a great believer exercise controls pain. Because I did aerobics, pilates, walked and used my elliptical walker, I never took anything sttonger than paracetamol occasionally at bedtime and had no pain after operation.
i think id go to your gp and ask for time off-i can imagine how you feel,but if we see a doctor we tend to play it down,tell him how you feel!ive had a trhr and that was 7 months ago-im just glad im retired because i still get so much trouble-and now my back has joined in!-i cant imagine having to go to work like this.ive just had the all clear from my lovely surgeon,but i still struggle,especially after working hard or walking a long way.im so sorry youre struggling-you must ask for help-its ok being stoic,but it may lead to you feeling worse. good luck,whatever you decide to do xxxx
Hi Anne
Thank Goodness someone feels good he same!
I am only 51 and still need to live an active and full life...
I go to Pilates , I have a programme at work he gym but found that one to hard... I go to the hydrotherapy pool to do my stretches, I see a physio, I have seen a chiropractor many times but it did no good... I am seeing an orthotist tomorrow to try to correct the 2 cm difference in my legs.... I walk as much as my back pain and tight muscles allow. I’ve even just come back from a weeks holiday in the sun ....
And I have professional massages every two weeks.....
I can honestly say that I feel life is more of a struggle now than before my ops and how can I possibly take less hours??? I have a mortgage to pay ....... have been struggling on half pay as I had to be two surgeries so close I have been on half pay this time.... the nhs don’t look after their nurses once they’ve worn them out!!!!
I truly hope that you will feel better soon and find some relief from your pain
Fingers crossed for us both eh?
Blessings
Lynne xxx
Lynne, I also get a massage every two weeks. And every muscle in my legs feels that deep massage! You're exactly right, the muscles feel incredibly tight. And my hips feel so stiff that walking, instead of coming naturally, is like hard work.
I hope that we both have a break through very soon!
Anne
Hi Lynne,
i am also 14 months post revision THR , I have just returned to work and taking it very slowly. I actually think you are doing to much exercise, while working. I only do water exercise and keep it gently. I ice my hip and muscles as they tend to swell and throb. I have been told many many times, that walking is the only exercise the THR needs to get stronger, if we push or muscles into tightening g all the time, they struggle and it actually increases the pain.
I am in my early fifties and understand how you feel, as presently so frustrated , with my walking but I keep reminding myself I am back in work so take it gentle, getting in and out of the car and walking in work is exercise.
I have had some duties moved from me as under reasonable adjustments your occupational health department , can ensure you are being supported. Seek their advise .
I am so wonky but it's not leg length, it's muscle fatigue I rock all over the place and wall walk when I get tired with no crutch in reach.
Be kind to yourself and try try pulling back, the top consultants say loudly , take it slow for those of us that don't recover straight away, we are all different and we all have different reasons why the replacements was undertaken . Make your own path but just try a calmer one, massage and water exercise for a month see how you go.
All the the very best to you. I so hope you get the support you need from work.
Thankyou Lovely for your kind words ...
Come home from work in tears realising I’m not the nurse I was ....
Feeling so low tonight
Saw Orthoptist today who said it’s muscle fatigue and probable spinal wear and tear
.... she has requested my gp to do a scan of my spine .....
I’m aooo tired of feeling this exhausted
Thanks so much for your kind words
Much love back to you
Lynne xxxx
It's so good to hear all your comments on this site. I too am 18 month post op..I'm awful my back feels like it's broken..my leg muscles are so tight..I've had an episode of siatica a few month ago,which was the worst pain I have ever felt..everyday working is just a struggle but I need to do it to pay my bills..when will this ever go away. I t honk I'm worse now than I was before my op..
I suggest you follow up with your dr. If he/she is unresponsive to your complaints start pursuiting a work up via another avenue.
Awwww Lynn. ....
The same name and the same pains.....
I say that my back feels broken every day ....
I don’t know the answer hun. I am a nurse and I have come to realise that no one looks at the “whole” of the person .....
hip consultant fixes your hip ... but your back is out from years of walking badly....
pain consultant puts you on meds that make you stop feeling emotions.....
No one checks why your back is curved to one side..... muscles sooo tight and painful you could cry
Sleep deprived cos of painful nights... restless legs cos of overtight calf muscles......
The physio in occupational health told me that they have so many referrals for back pain following hip replacement cos your body has become imprinted with the old way of movement and all the muscles get overworked already without learning to cope with new movements!!!!!!
I really hope you get some relief Cariad
Sending love
Lynne xxxxxx
Lynne,
You should take magnesium for restless legs, it also builds bone from within. Have you tried pilates to strengthen your back, it helps,
I had hip replacement on my left leg 3 months ago. I have pain in the incision area, groin area and a burning sensation. I am walking with a bad limp. Seems the right foot is shorter, but the surgeon and the physical therapist are saying both legs are the same length after taking x-rays. Meanwhile now right side is starting to hurt from walking so unbalanced. I am exhausted most of the time from walking. The doctor does not want to see this limp. Everyone else does see it and it seems to be getting worse every day. Other doctors do not want to see me being it is only 3 months post surgery. I am doing PT and don't know what to do now. Am very upset about this surgery and thought I would be in much better shape by now. The doctor lacks a bed side manner and doesn't want to hear or see my issues. Meanwhile I am suffering, hard to walk up the steps, sit in a car and turn in my sleep. I know that something is not right. I am at a loss on what to do. Any advice???
Recovery das is going to take time, it is a big operation. Because the scar starts healing, inside has a lot more to repair.
I am 22 weeks today and out of the blue I have started feeling the a slight tingling and a lump around the scar area. I also walk with a limp but, I am expecting it to improve as time goes on. Do you walk heel toe as it seems to help the limp. Keep walking, it should get better.
Hi Jen
Thank you for your reply. I never walked with a limp before. I also have lumps around scar area which PT person is saying is Scar Tissue. Now my other leg in the calf and hip area is hurting. That is the shorter leg. What does your PT or doctor say about the limp. That is what is bothering me terribly. I am limping a lot. Are you still going for PT and let me know what the surgeon is saying about this. Thank you.
I was not given any physio, never seen my surgeon again, just one of his team at my six week appointment. I was discharged after two days, given a piece of paper with a few exercises on then left to get on with it.
I found this site a couple of days after I got home and have been learning from other people's experience.
You will have lumps and bumps are you massaging the area with oil to break up the scar tissue. Can you stand on the floor with your legs together without leaning to one side. I really think you will be a lot better in a month or two.
Lynne, I am almost a year out after surgery. Just turned 48 before surgery and was fit. Had a work accident which led into me having the full hip replacement. Bounced back great directly after op! Then all started to go down hill, I am still in pain most days sometimes that depressed and fed up that I don’t want to get out of bed. I am at my wits end at the moment. I feel for you and totally get what your going through 😫