I had my RHTP 8 days ago. I feel awful. I have pain in my pelvic area, my incision area, and my knee area. The pain sometimes radaites done my leg as well. It doesn't always hurt at the same time. It depends on what I'm doing. I feel the knee pain can be most bothersome especially when I'm standing up. It tends to be much worse in the evening, especially on the days of PT. It's so hard to explain. I just didn't expect to still be feeling this level of pain.
I push through the exercies, and my PT is good with my progression. I'm suppose to do them 3 times per day, but on the days of PT the pain level is beyond a level of 10, so I can't do all of them.
Besides the pain, I'm having issues with dizziness and nausea. I normally have low BP, so it has at times dropped lower than my normal which I know contributes to the dizziness. I'm also having trouble with muscle twitiching, shakiness, loss of appetite, and I look pale.
Is this normal? I just really felt that I would be feeling better by now.
Hi Caroline
Take a deep breath, stop everything, either get into bed, or lay on your sofa with ice and feet up (ice just for 10 minutes or so) and after 8 hours or so, gingerly move about and see how the pain level is then. If still as horrendous then maybe speak to your Doctor, but if you feel better then that is your answer. Doing far too much in such a short short time.
You will not want to eat, you will feel nauseous at the thought of food or even trying to eat food, your incision will hurt long after the stitches, staples are out let alone before, you will not sleep well and these symptoms can last for anything up to 4-6 weeks. It is normal. Muscle twitching is all to do with everything trying to work. But it won't work if you are crazily trying to do everything and ignore the pain. Pain is there for a reason - to tell you there is a problem and to stop. If the pain stops, you know you are doing the right thing. Plenty of time in about 3-4 weeks to start pushing at the envelope, for now, try to do just a few exercises you have been given evenly spaced out 3 times over the day, and forget the rest. It will all be there when you feel much much better. One other point it is essential you take pain killers - are you doing this - again you are given them for a reason, to help you get past this initial normal painful few weeks. If you have none, speak to your GP and tell him the pain is awful and you want medication to ease it. But that is not a starter for 10 to go haywire again on movement, strength etc.
Regards Dot
Hi caroline - I'm 8 weeks post op. It sounds to me like you might be doing too much too fast. Exercise is good, but until your body is strong enough you are depleting yourself. Doesn't sound like you are taking in enough protein and carbs to be able to exercise 3x a day. Get your body strong and than you can work on your hip. You run the risk of falling if you are feeling faint and dizzy. Slow down a bit. You've had MAJOR surgery and trauma to your entire being. Take care of yourself and let us know how you are doing. PS....I still get pains and aches and it's different every day.
Hi Caroline,
Very early days.Different pains in places other than the hip happen.It is a long recovery with many ups and downs.I wonder if you may be anaemic?I was a bit dainty and pale after the op and had 2 bags of blood which worked wonders on my mood and appetite.
Worth getting checked by your doctor.Ypu will get there
Janet
Hello Dorothy,
Thank you! I do take the pain pills, but I don't always take 2. I will sometimes just take one thinking that 2 is to much. The MD also gave me muscle relaxers for the twitching. You are right about doing to much. I tend to push myself with everything, so I feel like I should be able to do it all.
Today, I plan to just stay on the recliner, take my pain meds, and take a break.
Hi Barb,
Thank you! It's wonderful to be able to talk to others that are going through the same thing.
Hi Jane,
Thank you! If I continue feeling this way, I will ask md about anemia.
Hi,
About exercise-I only ever managed one session a day and didn't do the aggressive ones until much later in my recovery,when I found them much easier.At 4 months post op I can do most and realise it's best to go at your own pace.We still heal in whatever time is right for us. Be kind to yourself,rest eat and do a little exercise.
Beat wishes
Oh bless you Caroline ❤️️, I'm sorry to say but yes this is quite normal, but it dose sound like you maybe over doing things and not resting enough 😨. I'm 9 weeks post op and when I said to my physiotherapist today that I'd spent 2 hours cleaning my kitchen she was not impressed and said I was doing to much and should have rested in between. It's still very early days for you and it will get so much better. You do need to do what your physiotherapist says but rest too , your body won't come to terms with this trauma for many weeks I'm sorry to say . So much healing takes along time and your body is still trying to figure out what this foreign object is in your leg and what the hell to do with it . Keep on top of your pain relief, that's important. Loss of appetite is very common too ,along with everything else you have said . Some people don't seem to suffer quite so much but you really are doing amazingly well . Xxxxxxxxxx
Agree with all the rest ...you've been through major surgery...muscles prised apart ..bad bone taken out ..replacement put in ..etc etc ,your whole leg has been moved and twisted ...all different types of pain till everything settles down ..
I was at physio today ,she reminded me that resting is a good thing and not to worry or feel guilty about it
Hope you feel a bit better soon ( don't worry ,you will ) gx
Oh Caroline.
You are at the baby steps stage. I will be 11weeks post op tomorrow. I was just saying to my doctor today that when people tell you 6 weeks and more or less back to normal they are having a laugh.
In my experience the first 4 weeks were the worst. I would get up for a couple of hours to sit in a chair. Then a lie down. The more rest and sleep you can get the better you heal.
I went back to work at 9 weeks. A lot of sitting and driving but I am still having to take it easy. I'm normally 100 mile an hour person.
You will experience some level of pain in different areas. Mine will go from one area then come back a couple of weeks later. I had a level of groin pain which then went away.
A few weeks ago it came back with a vengeance. I spoke with my PT yesterday to check out what it was and talk about best way to help with it.
I had great advice off a guy on this site. My PT said at 11 weeks post op he wouldn't expect me to be totally pain free.
So lower your expectations. Slow right down and start being very kind to yourself and allow the healing process. They say it takes 12 months so it puts your 8 days into prospective. Onwards and upwards my friend. Keep us all posted on your recovery journey. We are all on the same journey.
Warm hugs
Sandra.
I had low blood pressure for 2 weeks after surgery I felt awful had to have help with everything . But it does get better it does take time but try to do your exercises as much as you can it hurts but that's how it gets strong and better take care
I agree with the others. It's early days. Don't do so much, and take all the pain meds that they suggested. I was lucky, had hardly any pain, just a bit uncomfortable at times, and the nights were pretty rubbish. I did my exercises, but I also rested as well, and put my feet up in the evenings. I took all recommended meds, for at least the first fortnight. After that I reduced them a bit. I didn't have much appetite, but that should gradually improve. Wishing you all the best.
Bobbie, Thank you so much! I maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating healty and going to the gym. I didn't expect to still be feeling this way. I figured if I did all the exercise every day that I would be back on my feet in no time. However, my body is telling a different story from my mind.
Hi Sandra, Everyond on here is a godsend. Thank you so much.
Hi Susan,
That is good to know. The low blood pressure puts some excerising on hold because of the dizziness.
Thanks
Thanks for that info Bobbie 🙂 I'm 11weeks post op and have started doing my Christmas cleaning. But I can only manage 15 mins before I have to sit down for a bit - I thought I was being pathetic ! 😋
Looks like your doing it right Lisa 😂. I think consistency is the key 🔑. it's about slowly getting back to being ourselves again 😊. This time next year hay !!! 🎉🍾😁xxxxx