topic Re: Hip replacement surgery....question.. in Wellness

Hip replacement surgery....question..

conniebird — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 19:15:42 GMT

I had my hip replaced one month ago & have been feeling wonderful. Then a week ago, I began experiencing pain like a pulled muscle in the operated leg. I have an appt. next week, but I am wondering if this pain is normal after feeling so good. I have been doing stretching exercises which help for a few minutes & then when I try to walk straight, the pain returns. Grrrr.

Re: Hip replacement surgery....question..

hckynut — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 19:40:14 GMT

Best I can do is suggest talking with someone on the medical staff of the doctor that did your surgery. Having a friend that specializes in this type of surgery, I know him well enough to tell you this. He would only be able to give you a "general answer" until he saw you to know exactly what the problem might be.

Anything I could say here about the cause would be nothing but speculation, and that is not something I do for anyone that has had a surgical procedure. I can say that many times, for a sore muscle if that is the cause, heat/massage and stretching many times will help.

Others that have had this surgery can suggest things I am sure, but I know if I had the problem, I would talk with someone on the medical staff until you see, or can talk with the doctor.

Re: Hip replacement surgery....question..

conniebird — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 19:44:09 GMT

John, you're right. My husband keeps telling me to call the Dr. I have an appt. next wk. so I figured I'd wait & talk to him in person. I will put heat on it though....that will feel good.

Re: Hip replacement surgery....question..

Chrystaltree2 — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 19:54:17 GMT

On 12/11/2014 conniebird said:
John, you're right. My husband keeps telling me to call the Dr. I have an appt. next wk. so I figured I'd wait & talk to him in person. I will put heat on it though....that will feel good.

Follow your husband's advice and call the doctor's office and ask them about the pain. I really don't see the point in suffering and worrying for a whole week. Your pain could be a normal part of the healing process or it could be something else. The doc might move your appointment up.

Re: Hip replacement surgery....question..

Bahamasgirl — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 20:08:56 GMT

Hi. It is a good idea to talk to your doctor, but in the meantime don't panic. I had a hip replacement some years ago, and experienced pain from time to time afterward. Most commonly it is the muscles, tendons, etc. adjusting. Just be careful of the cautions regarding not bending over, etc. After you are completely healed, you won't have to be so careful, but you want your new hip to get well positioned. Life will get much better - Mike Ditka played NFL football after hip replacements, I'm told. Not that I'm recommending it!

Re: Hip replacement surgery....question..

4Kicks — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 20:38:53 GMT

You haven't been inadvertently "crossing" your leg, have you?

Re: Hip replacement surgery....question..

NYwoman — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 20:44:55 GMT

Calling and talking with your orthopedic surgeon is the first thing to do. It could be many different things. Be safe and respect and protect that new joint.

Remember, you added about 4 lbs of weight to that one joint. Muscles have to heal from being stretched and reattached. You could have overworked it or assumed a temporarily "forbidden" position for a moment.

I had a THR a few years ago when my hip was very destroyed. There are many weeks of restricted movement. The body sees that joint as being "assaulted" and must take time to heal it. I hope you follow the doctor's instructions exactly, day and night. Make sure you raise that leg to allow lymph and blood to flow through the joint. You can't rush healing.

Re: Hip replacement surgery....question..

conniebird — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 15:05:22 GMT

Update::: have been doing some stretching exercises & using heat afterwards....made a huge difference. Spoke w/someone at Concord Ortho. & was told that what I'm experiencing is normal. I feel better today after doing some stretching things. My appt. has been moved up, so I'll be relieved when the surgeon talks w/me. Thanks to all who responded....I appreciate it. :-)

Re: Hip replacement surgery....question..

Mustang Shar — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 15:21:53 GMT

Oh that's great to hear conniebird!

Re: Hip replacement surgery....question..

corismom1 — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 15:34:37 GMT

Hi there,

This year I have had 2 total hip replacements. One in May and the other in October. I still do at least one hour of my exercises each AM and more in the afternoon. I am loving my new hips and I use ice after I exercise or have pain. I think that heat doesn't work as well. I still use a cane and have trouble with stairs, going down. But so worth it as I was wheelchair bound prior to May. If your pain is problematic you need to talk with your surgeon, I have not had that with either of my two. Good luck and God bless!!

Re: Hip replacement surgery....question..

hckynut — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 02:15:02 GMT

On 12/12/2014 conniebird said:
Update::: have been doing some stretching exercises & using heat afterwards....made a huge difference. Spoke w/someone at Concord Ortho. & was told that what I'm experiencing is normal. I feel better today after doing some stretching things. My appt. has been moved up, so I'll be relieved when the surgeon talks w/me. Thanks to all who responded....I appreciate it. :-)

conniebird

Thank you for the update, it is always nice when someone replies to suggestions by contributors on this forum. Most that offer suggestions are truly interested in trying to help everyone with pain issues, and I for one always appreciate those that take the time to update and reply.

Really happy to hear that you are feeling better and also have gotten the appointment with your surgeon moved up. Keep us posted on what he tells you after your visit, if you wish to disclose that information on this very public forum.

My best to you,

Re: Hip replacement surgery....question..

conniebird — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 15:24:38 GMT

Update: Saw my surgeon who took an xray & checked the movement of the new hip joint etc. He is very pleased w/my progress. Of course the day that I had the appt. I had no pain at all! When I explained what was bothering me, he didn't seemed concerned. Now I use a cold pack after a bit of stretching & that does the trick. I no longer need my cane & can drive if I want to. Dr. said that I overdid things too soon after my surgery & that explains the feeling that I get. It is so much better now.

Re: Hip replacement surgery....question..

nomless — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 15:32:37 GMT

Connie, it's great that things are ok. Lots of good wishes to you.

Re: Hip replacement surgery....question..

brandiwine — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 16:25:38 GMT

Hopefully, from the responses you received you have learned a valuable lesson. Call the Dr. first. Even if 50 people responded that it sounds normal, none of us know you or your situation. Medical questions need to be addressed by medical professionals. Glad things are going well and you can enjoy the Holidays.