Hi all, and thank you for being here for me and all of us.
For those who do not know or recall, I live in the US and I am 13 months out from my second THR and while I have enjoyed occasional periods with less or no pain, over all the pain remains excruciating and my mobility is severely challenged.
Such pain has changed me, causing loss of joy, hope and a less pleasant disposition. My first THR done 4 months prior went so perfectly! Walking on my own within 4 to 5 weeks and people could not even tell I had had a THR, neither could ,I and that leg has been the strong leg compensating for the botched hip and it still has no pain.
On Dec. 10, I go for my second opinion with a dotor I do not know, however, I pray that he will surpass my expectations and help me and if not, I will try another and another.....
During these long 13 months crippled and in excruciating pain and not knowing if I am crippled for life or not, is almost as excrucitating as the pain itself, because I cannot settle my mind on either scenario. Once I know, I will adapt because in my life I have learned to roll with the punches. I am my own advocate and I am the only one living inside this body and I am the most important part of the medical team! So I SHED MY VICTIM MENTALITY...NOW!!!
Hugs to you all
Dawn
Hey Dawn,
I myself am 1 week post op on my second thr. I'm having quite a bit of pain yes. But was mentally prepared for it. I had my first thr 19 months ago. I will say though. That the first one was much more painful. I'm already doing things, that I couldn't do 3 weeks after the first one. But as we all already know. Everyone is different!
in fact, I'm experiencing more groin pain this time around. But then again, I had an Anterior Approach done this time. And with this freakin' weather we're having. I can't get out and walk like I should be. Unfortunately my sisters house is very small and confined. She is my only means of rehabilitation support. The exercise's the hospital gave me to do at home, are somewhat different than the Posterior Approach regiment. Bear in mind, the VA doesn't think we should need rehabilitation support for proper recovery. Imagine that...
I go to see my doctor next Wednesday for follow up. I'm hoping to be doing well enough. For him to give approval for me to continue rehab at home. I think I will progress quicker. No stress with a 3 year old running around, and his mother that just gave birth to a Sera gate child. My sister is a saint, but she's bitten off more than she can chew.
I know, I know. Not the ideal rest and recovery situation. I'm just gonna have to suck it up, and be stronger for myself.
roadglide1959
Dawn,
You are living my worst nighmare! I was so afraid to have my THR, not knowing
how things would work out. I hope you find a great doctor to help you. What state do you live in?
Kathee
Dawn, It has been a long road for you..wishing you much luck in the coming months. Though most of us drop by this site from time to time, just because you don't see us all the time, does NOT mean we have forgotton about you or are thinking and praying for your recovery!
Patricia from Toornto
Thank you Patricia so so much! All of the wonderful people on this site have made such a difference for me in coping. I praise God for the day I discovered this site.
You are from Toronto?
Dawn
I live in Johnson City, TN, very close to the border of NC. I was afraid to have my THR's too and when the first one was so easy I expected the second one to be easy also. Big shock.
Thank you for your well wishes,
Dawn
Yes, have you every been to Toronto or Canada...the only places I have visited in the States are Florida - Disney World...my only other vacation place is cuba (I only like to fly 3 hours or less - I'm a BIG chicken when it comes to planes)...the last 3 years I have not been able to travel or really do much of anything with my hips being so bad...hard to explain to people (they get sick of hearing your whine)...but next summer I should be getting the left one done (right one done this past August) and then maybe the year after I will be able to do a small trip.
Will be looking forward to some good from you soon!!!!
Hi roadglide1959,
I have been told that most all bilateral surgeries do not ever turn out the same. You know what I think the reason is? How hard it is to find a good hairstylist who can execute your hair cut the same way twice? Only the best stylists can do that. Sure you can find someone great for that first cut but can they reproduce the top quality level of hair cut over and over again?
Maybe it is the same with surgeons. There has to be all kinds of variables like how they feel, how much sleep they had, whether or not they had a fight with their spouse, or how hurried their schedule is for that day....and the list goes on. No escaping human variables that mess up exact replication I guess.
I had both done as Anterior Approach.
I am hoping your next follow up goes like you wish it to. I think our recovery situations are similar in that it is not ideal for rest and recovery. I am raising my three granddaughters alone and have no family. Your sister does sound like a saint!
Yes, we all have to suck it up and be strong for ourselves don't we? And WE ARE STRONG!
I appreciate you sharing with me!
Dawn
I grew up part of my life in Cobourt, Ontario Canada. I loved it! In fact, in a few years I intend to relocate me and my three granddaughters to Canada but retaining dual citizenship. My great grandfather was born and raised in Canada and he was a superior athlete and held a record in his sport. But something went wrong and my grandfather immigrated to the US at age 12 and began working in steel mills and eventually afforded to bring his mother and siblings over but not his dad. Must have been something horrible to make all that happen.
BUT, I loved LOVED Canada! My heart never left there even though we moved back to the States. I intend to go back!
Disney World is grand!
Meant "Cobourg", and I use google earth to look at my former house!
Don't worry I knew you meant Cobourg!!!
For medical reasons Canada sounds like it would be great for you and the grandkids....even though our health system has its faults, pretty much everyone is taken care of sooner or later....I've always felt fo the American people...it seems like you work your whole life, contribute in some way to society and not even your medical needs are a given.....no one and I mean no one can judge when life takes a "left turn" and you will need either medical or another type of tempory help from the country we live in.
Well if you are moving you better get used to the COLD!!!!!!!
My heart goes out to the people in Buffalo this past week.
Yes Disney is fabulous...I have never met so many polite, generous people in my life..it is truly a "magical experience" and I'm just thankful I've had the opportunity to take my son.
Patricia
p.s. I admire you for looking after your grandchildren and I hope you have someother people to support and help you out.
Hugs
I look forward to the cold! In Cobourg I never once had an asthma attack and mine was severe since birth. Such great air!
My heart goes out to the people in Buffalo too. I remember the icebergs along Lake Ontario's shore. We lived a block away from the lake and I found solace there. One evening in the dark, I went to the shore to look at the icebergs and remember feeling thrilled and scared at the same time, but what a great memory! We literally ice skated to school on the roads! Wow!
My granddaughters? They would have ended up in the State's custody and there was no way I was going to let that happen! They were literally babies 10 years ago when I took them in. I do have a few women in my church who help me when I need surgery and one of them is going to drive me to my second opinion appointment while another is taking my girls for a couple of nights. I home school my eldest and the other two go to regular school.
Love the chat!
Dawn
And hugs back!
Hi Dawn,
Really sorry to hear you are having a bad time with your second THR, just like me in fact. I hope your appointment in December goes well and you get the answers you are looking for, keep us all up to date please and good luck.
Thank you Sue! I will keep in touch.
Dawn
Just catching up with posts and saddened to read of yr poor outcome. I'm at the same stage as you and can't live without painkillers. Took second opinion as my X-Ray does not look good to my untrained eye. But here you get no satisfaction as one surgeon will not question another's work. Like you infer, maybe we do have to live with what we've been left with. I would pursue mine if I thought I could get genuine independent opinion but know that to be hopeless. I get brought low when painkillers wear off as the nagging throbbing discomfort would stop me from doing very much at all and even walking any distance impossible. Waiting to hear how yr 10 Dec appt goes. Have you had a scan and recent X-ray and how does the femur look around the region of the stem?
I have found here in the States that if I go to another State or go to a teaching university within my State, then the second opinions are of value because I am far enough away from the doctor's golf buddies and in a teaching university setting, there are students involved who want to make a good grade and they also are up to snuff on the very latest procedures and theories. I hope for the best.
I did have several xrays earlier this year and was told that the device and the bone looked perfect. But the last four months or so, I feel like there is new pain in a new spot. On the front of my leg in the center not too far down from the incision and sometimes when I am standing I almost feel that that spot wavers or weakens a bit. Cannot really describe it.
I wish I had pain killers but have not had any since this past February. I take Ibuprofin now. It does nothing really. So I involuntarily scream at times and wince and moan most of the time and lay on my couch a whole lot unable to do much at all. I have slept on my couch for the last five months because when I need to reposition myself, it is easy to grab the back of the couch for stabilation since I cannot really use that one hip like normal.
If I have to be this way for life, I will push for pain medications for life and not even care about addiction because the need for pure basic survival will take the place of fear of addiction!
My best to you!
Dawn
Hi Dawn,
It is your "Canadian Pen Pal"....I don't know how old you are but at 6l I'm the last generation to have had pen pals!!!!! (even back then long distance telephone calls were for emergencies only - too expensive) so everyone wrote letters!!!!
I actually went to a teaching hospital to have my surgery done....the lead surgeon is 7l and is retiring soon( he is so highly recommended in Canada and I know twice a year he goes overseas to do private surgeries in a Clinic) I'm sure he doesn't do all the surgery anymore but oversee's his crew - which as you pointed out has its advantages, the wisdom of a seasoned surgeon with the young energy!
Since I also need my left hip done I told him he could not retire until next summer after he did my surgery - hope he listens!
Although tomorrow will not be much different as far as pain for yourself, I'm wishing you and your grandchildren a lovely Thanksgiving Day.
Will be looking foward to hearing about your appointment!
Hugs,
Patricia
Thank you Patricia! I am 56 and I too had pen pals and am glad that I did! There is something about a person taking the time to put pen to paper that is just so personal. I hope that great surgeon listens to you and stays for your next surgery! Thank you for the Thanksgiving wishes and I wll stay in touch.
Hugs back
Dawn
Dawn,
Hello Dawn, how are you doing?
I had my 2 week post op appointment today. Doc told me that everything looks good! X-rays were positive as well. Incision healing nicely with no infection concerns.
I can honestly say, that I feel 100% better @ 2 weeks post op this time, than the first thr. I finally got my new walker from VA that actually fits me. I'm 6'2" and weigh 280 lbs. And the idiot PT Director never once took measurements. In fact, I have still not seen this woman in person. Oh yeah, did I mention that I got tired of her blowing me off. And I called our Patient Advocate to complain. Funny how the next day she called me. Informing me that they got some Geriatric walkers in unexpectedly. Mmm
But anyway, I'm free to go home now, to my peaceful abode. In which I'll be doing so on Friday. Today my sister took me shopping for a new chair. I found a nice one that allows me to sit very comfortable. For more than 5 minutes.
All in all, I think I'm doing pretty damn good! I'm excited about getting back to a somewhat normal life again. I've been a stick in the mud for 2 years.
Wishing everyone well and success with your recoveries. Just stay positive, do your exercises, walk as much as you can. And don't ponder on someone else 's experience. We keep saying that we all have different scenarios. So concern yourself with YOU...
roadglide1959
Oh roadglide, your positive progress is good news! And my mental image of you all bent over trying to use that ill fitting walker isboth comical and pitiful! So glad you took action against that woman who was not caring enough to measure you and received what you need!
We all need to be our own advocates and from what I have gathered about the VA's poor practices, one has to be doubly diligent.
Going back to your peaceful abode will be such a relief! Glad you are doing so well! When you described yourself as a stick in the mud, you nicely summed up my own last three and a half years!
Take care and wish you the best!
Dawn