Pain Threshold Before an Operation

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I have been on this forum for quite a while now, learning from those that have gone before. It's such a good resource and I'd like to thank everyone for their contributions to our combined knowledge.

5 years ago I started to feel hip pain and I thought it was a trapped nerve, so I stopped exercising to allow it to recover, and it got worse not better so I went to see my Doctor.

Did not take him many minutes to recommend an X-Ray and sure enough, oestyphtyes growing on my hip joint, these are like growths of bone spur on the cup part of my socket. Both hips look the same on X-Ray but only my left causes any type of discomfort.

Off to see the specialist, in my case a Steven Young from Central England. I now have a regular annual check with him (in July) and always get X-Rayed and then a discussion.

My problem (!) is I'm not in enough pain to actually have the operation. The surgeon tells me he is very good at getting rid of the pain, but I may still have my limp.

I still walk my two labradors daily, still ski once a year (more cautiously than previously) and occasionally go hill walking in the Lake District. If I know I'm going to be active, I do have some pain killers (Co-codeine 30mg) and paractetomal. But in truth, I'm not sure they do much if anything.

I get occasional twinges, have to take care when tieing shoe laces or bending to pick something up. One of my tests, is I can kiss my right knee no problem but can't get within 15" of kissing my left knee; that is the difference between hips!

Every X-Ray shows the bone growth is getting worse, and I should be in more pain!!!! My physio has given me exercises to help the "capsule", building up my strength around my hip joint. Lots of stretches and leg exercises.

Where it is at it's worst, is when I'm trying to sleep. I get comfortable and if I don't fall off to sleep within 5 minutes I have to move again to get comfortable. I can no longer jump down off a low wall, must clamber down carefully. Can't run at all and walk with a bad limp. Unfortunately this year for the first time ever I also suffered from a bad back, had an MRI and was diagnosed with a prolapsed disc, it's leaking out backwards. My phsyio sorted that out so that it is now pain free, but not cured and I'm concerned my limp has caused this to happen.

AT WHAT POINT DO I HAVE THE OPERATION ?

I feel like the Dr is recommending I wait until I'm in so much pain that I'm taking pain killers like candy. How did others know when it was time? I am aware lots of you were in a lot of pain and needed the operation ASAP. Did anyone else feel like me???

2

Hi Mark

Greetings

Wot ever you decide your fitness now will be key to a fast recovery.

Was I in that much pain...NO

But X rays showed bone on bone which is seriuos so went for it now

No regrets!!!

Mic

3

It was the nights that got to me in the end, constant disturbed sleep, pain, popping tramadol. I did a lot of walking with work but the lack of sleep affected concentration and memory to an extent! However 6-8 weeks off work and probabley another few months before life gets back to normal is a daunting prospect. I am only on day 6 post op and only time will tell if I have made the right decision. I think until your life is badly restricted, carry on. Time is more research, better products etc. only you can answer your question. I will say that I have booked a trip to Disneyland with my grandkids in the autumn when I hope to at least keep up with them if not be the first on the teacups!!! And that is called positivity !!!

4

Hi Mark, I experienced most of what you described from four years back. Bit by bit th discomfort got worse until last Nov when the pain in my left hip, leg, back, groin got so bad I finally gave up fighting it. Looked back over the four years and noticed I was unable to do things more and more. That was it, time for op so went back as self referral and first thing my future surgeon said.....when do you want it done as its in a terrible state.  What I will say from y experience is you will come to a time/point where you will Definatly decide to have the op. Am now 7 weeks post TLHR metal, muscle stiffness causing a limp but doing 2 miles a day no walking aids plus walking up steep hill, feeling so much better and getting there. Good luck mate, don't delay too long, no stopping you after.

5

Hi Kev

Soooo.....We agree!

Go for it Mark!

6

I'd had pain on and off for the last 10-15 yrs and just put up with it. Got worse over past year noticed I couldn't tie my shoe laces easily or put socks on without alot

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Hi Mark

I've had hip pain on and off for 15-20yrs and I just put up with it, didn't really stop me doing anything I wanted. But last year it did, really suffered after long walks, had to stop my Zumba as too sore. Started to struggle fasten shoes, put Sox on etc. Realised my range of movement was getting severely restricted. Then I did my back in and osteopath made me realise my gait was all lopsided because I was limping and compensating on my good side so decided to see GP and got xrayed showed severe osteoarthritis, reduced joint space and osteophytes. Was relieved that there was a reason for symptoms. Pain got worse made me grumpy at work, they only told me that recently! Sleeping was an issue as so sore. Referred to orthopaedics and now almost 4wks post left hip replacement! Recovery is tough at times but do not regret it for a minute. No pain at all and can walk straight albeit with 2 sticks but it is so worth it.

You just have to decide when right for you but I would say sooner the better, the fitter you are the better you'll cope.

Good luck

Tracy UK

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Hi Mark .  Does your doctor recommend to waitt because you want to ?  I did the same thing as you are doing now ....some sort of denial, I guess redface - It will NOT get better - You are the only one who can make the decision - when you are ready, you will -  good luck  

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Hi Mark. Read this with interest. Do you mind me asking how old you are?

I am 62 and had my right hip replaced 6 weeks ago.

I have had lower back pain for years. GP said osteoarthritis and take Naproxen for pain. I knew my hip wasn't right. Lots of pain but put up with it. GP said to wait as long as possible before referral to specialist. Then about a year ago was diagnosed with a degenerative Labrial tear and had really bad pain in my groin. Had to lift my leg into car and movement virtually nonexistent. GP referred to specialist, X-ray and MRI. Specialist gave me the option of a hip block which is a cortisone injection. Diagnostic in that if the pain goes away then definitely hip not back. But he said I could have hip replacement if I chose to. Had hip block, pain free and it was wonderful. made me realise how much pain I had been in. So went for THR in March

So now I'm recovering.

I would say that some medical practitioners suggest holding out for as long as possible as there is a limited time span for hip replacements. I was told 15 years. That means, God willing if I live that long- likely to need it replacing again which is ok.

It's not an easy operation or recovery but you sound very fit so it will be easier. I understand the fitter you are the quicker the revcovery.

I am only having the pain and discomfortthat follows major surgery. I no longer lift my leg into the car, and feel so much better. No regrets at all.

Good luck

Barbara

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Thanks all for the quick replies. My Dr and Surgeon both see me occasionally and they tell me that when I'm in pain they will operate within 6 weeks with a ceramic hip. BUT, both encourage me to wait until I'm in more pain; as they tell me that each year improvements are being made and I can only really expect 10 years out of a new hip at my age because I'll want to still be very active. They explain a new hip at 65 years old will last a lot longer because it will get less stresses on it. They hope the latest hips will last lots longer....but can't guarantee anything!

Day to day I'm in no pain at all, just slight discomfort at night really when I can't sleep. My wife would say I was grumpy even before I had a problem, so not really a good indicator of pain for me.....

Diagnosed at 45, 50 now. Still expect to be able to run around and play football and I definately can't!!!!!!

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Disney is magical with kids. You have a great time, nothing like something to look forward to.

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The surgeon initially told me I was to have ceramic but having had long chat about my wanting to pursue sport (within reason) and walking,plus my age 53..... changed it to titanium. But down side is no more footie, rugby, squash or certain martial arts. But good for golf, slow jog, ski (not mogul or extreme) cross country ski, karate (no round house kick or cross legs) So, plenty still to aim for but be aware of certain limitations in sport for future. Not good news, hacked me off but now accept it. Can always coach which I intend to do. 

13

Does anyone know about setting off alarms at airports? Lucky enough to be flying somewhere warm in June...

Thanks

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Hi Barbara

smile at airports as they frisk you...have letter from GP in pocket in case they want it

Normally is actually very easy

Mic

X

15

All depends on whose doing the frisking! Could be a bonus...every cloud....x

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Hi Kevin, this is the part that worries me most; what will be out of bounds after the operation.

I still ski, but after 12 years as a ski guide and instructor, it's all tame on piste stuff now...even the smallest jumping causes a bad jolt of pain, no mad moguls or 360 heli's. At leats I still have the videos (yes VHS!!!) to prove I was once a ski god....

I paraglide and have 400 logged hours, I have my hangliding and parachuting license (bet those are frowned upon with a new hip!!!!!), been told I should not swim breast stroke even now.

At the moment I'm virtually pain free and can do anything I want, more pain would stop me, after the operation it seems the Dr will advise against most of these hobbies and sports.

I presume scuba is OK, but horse riding may even be a no no.Do I stay as I am and put up with uncomfortable nights?

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Hello Mark

Hope this discussion is helpful....

It's confusing cos hospital differ so much in their advice, as do we patients differ.

Like I had a bath and began driving at 6 weeks...no problem. Except some folk on this site think I'm risking things...and certainly jogging is so low key yet I'm advised not to.

Dunno about sking...get the best advice from a sports physio or sports osteopath.

Certainly I'm up for paragliding next summer...but skiing full time as an instructor as Isabelle said might be to much...or not?

Cheers

Mic

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Hi Mark, if your pain is manageable then you can decide to not have the op until you eventually do. So much advice flying around with different does and donts so before you make an decision I'd check with a good sports physio by writing to some top sports teams etc and see if you can get some exact answers your looking for.  I've been told n parachute jumps or anything involving running fast or stretching twisting ove 90degree body position. I've tentively tried some moves but straight away felt risky. Might improve in future but having read and chatted with some who dislocated their hip.....I'm going to play safe from know onwards .Ive had great fun over the years so now do different activities but still coach the old ones. Best wishes fella.

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Hi Mark,

A lot of people ask your question I did! I'm 43 and like you pain on and off for last few yrs was finally told last year that need it done took me a year to accept it now due my pre op on 11th May. As said before your range of movement will gradually reduce its slow over time but my brain seems to now stop me even attempting some stuff decided last year not to ski as felt doing up boots/ moving in heavy boots and twisting etc would be v difficult. Having kids to help do shoes and socks now all the time as before only occ there is a good device on Amazon thy really helps with this. Don't wear shoes with laces as Can't do them. Can't do long walks esp hilly anymore just not worth the pain afterwards. But deciding factor is paying for osteopath fortnightly and told my back pain is due to misalignment and these bouts getting longer and more debilitating over time and potentially causing permanent back problems if not addressed. I don't want this so waiting nervously for op. You will know when enough is enough for you. Caroline

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I have spent the last 4 years thinking, not now but maybe next year. I can still tie my own boot laces, just have to sit in the right position to do it.

It does appear that my X-Rays look worse each year, but my (expensive) sports physio "Peak Performance" in Rugby, has kept me as supple as possible with lots of leg exercises and stretches. I still do the range of exercises each day (well nearly every day!), and am in surprisingly pain free condition. But I am much more cautious with things like jumping off ladders, back flips into pool, diving off boats. Still do them but with caution.... Can't run to save my life!!! That does hurt, something about putting pressure on the hip at full stretch.