The "New 6 Month After Hip Replacement" thread

[legallyblondied]

Lynn, I am exactly where you are and I have my hip resur-
facing surgery scheduled for August 29, with a great surgeon.
I am 61 and a dancer like balleteach and very strong physically and mentally, but the pain , which is incredible, and the fear of the surgery itself have made me feel like a helpless child. I have cried and cried from the pain and the inability to walk. I literally have no range of motion in my right hip and I lurch and limp when I walk. Everyone literlly moves out of my way!!!!! Great feeling after being a graceful
dancer that always has been able to do anything with her body. I had natural childbirth with my two sons and have
never had any kind of surgery or hospital experience. But i do not have a choice.....I can not live like this any longer and I do not like the person i am anymore.....I have panic attacks do to constant pain and being frightened that I am not going to be able to get through Savon and back to my car because my body hurts so.......you are not alone Karen

[Hopeprayer]

Dear Balleteach and Kissa: Thank You!--and Balleteach, I would pay good money, if I was not spending all of our disposible income for medication, to have you as my next door neighbor--you must have chosen your calling well, but you have some real skills as a therapist, and I am sure I am not the 'first' one to say that to you.

One quick question Kissa--and maybe its because I have an Apple--or I am just dumb...but where exactly on this board is the sticky part of old thread attached?--I think I need really specific directions, and I would appreciate them--I found it before and lost it.

On the pain part..which is why I want to read every post of the old thread, how long did it take most of you before you felt no pain, or..and I am not even going to try and fool myself.."much less pain"?

I am so glad I have this board to emote, talk, and read..I have a good, but sometimes very unverbal (a computer programmer/physicist--about as left brained as you can get) husband, but to be fair to him, he has no real idea of what is going on inside of me and why should he? It is no ones fault for not "feeling my pain" because how could they?... not my friends, who are unfortunately far away as I just moved, or most od all my my 20 year-old daughter who is used to 'me being her rock' in many ways.

If anything my family is frustrated with me; they try not to show it, but it is was me who "did" everything if you know what I mean--I was the rock, the advice giver, the honey pot, the one both my husband and daughter talked to handle things and she is g-o-n-e!!..I handled getting all the house stuff done and always worked, and now, I am unavailable physically or emotionally like I used to be--and I guess, as I rationalize rather angrily, why shouldn't they be miffed. They definitely soften as I hobble around the house like some midget, a 5'10" midget, just get downstairs is now a major undertaking as you all know, but the giver is gone in many aspects, and my family is not happy about that.

So I am grateful, so incredibly grateful this board is here--because after all..we are alone in the sense that no one "really" knows what it is like to have your basic functions just slowly go away (and just walking and sleeping qualify to me--both almost impossible). I can't after all, wake up my husband in the middle of the night when I have tried to get comfortable 10 different times, and still can't manage to put myself in some position to make that incessant burning dissapear), because the burning is not going away--period, as long as I have this hip)--and complain to him--what can he say? Also I feel like I did not know what real pain, true pain was like until this time in my life. All the time I have been aggravated with headaches or neck pain, or cramps or what have you. All of those pains cannot even begin to compare with this level of pain. But at least I can say I learning, through pain, as as you said Balleteach, feel so incredibly for the disabled--well just empathy for everyone in severe pain.

I am sorry to be rambling on--but I am just so thankful all of you are here.
Much care,
Lynn

[balleteach]

Hi Lynn, I also have an Apple G4 10.3.9 OS (5yrs old) and I love it. My husband is a complete computer geek and spends much time online with all sorts of projects. I think the only thing you can do is click on the old thread and start reading. The thread is very long, spanning many months. Just read what you can and keep track of where you finished to resume when you have time. I can't stress enough the amount of helpful info in that thread. If all goes well with your surgery, which it should, you won't have anymore of the actual hip joint pain. There is no more burning, grinding pain. Your hip is brand-new and that awful pain is gone. What you will have is the discomfort of the recuperation and that situation improves quickly as time passes. I was driving at 5-6 weeks and back to teaching at 11 weeks. I improved very quickly and was so motivated. Please read the old thread. I think it will give you a good perspective about what to expect and answer some of the questions you probably haven't thought of yet. There is some humor there too, especially when you get to Ripanco's questions about " her darling hubby." Well, I'm off to do errands. We are going hiking in Yosemite for a few days. Lynn, there is so much for you to look forward to. You just have to get through this. This will be a time of growth and learning for your entire family. I had to depend on my husband and daughter and they stepped up to the plate. It wasn't long before I was calling the shots again!!! Keep posting and I'll check in before we leave tommorrow....balleteach

[Kissa]

Hi Lynn,

we all heal at different rates. I of course have an older hip so the prothesis is most likely different than what you newer hip folks have. I was in severe pain for about 2 months or so and then mild but irritating pain for two years. Bear in mind that I do not heal properly so my situation is not normal.
I continued to have pain through the last 13 years if I over did things or walked to far, I was never permanently pain free like some lucky individuals are.

Ok the original post was this:
Sticky: 6 month after hip replacement question... ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page )
silver515

Right when you come on this board look for the very first post, there's no attachment but instead some 124 pages of it which is why the new post was started. Just click that post and start reading.

Additionally just copy this url and past it into your browsers address bar
http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=255718
and it will take you directly to the post. Let us know if you still have problems

Barbie

[pgoodloe]

Lynn,
I am 45 years old and had a THP almost four months ago. My stay in the hospital was only 52 hours an I slept the majority of the time due to the painkillers.

I just want you to know that I feel absolutely great and have for several weeks! Like you, my hip degenerated quickly and I was shocked and terrified at the prospect of replacement. I'd never had any surgery or illness requiring a hospital stay before. My surgeon was an absolute doll--caring, approachable and trained in the newer anterior THR approach. Post surgery pain for me was much more tolerable than the pre-surgery and mostly I found the recovery period irritating but not overly painful. Boredom was my biggest hurdle even though I have a huge circle of friends/family and a doting husband (no kids though). Fortunately my Dr. allowed me to drive just 2 1/2 weeks after the procedure so I was able to escape for lunches with my working friends. (I also terrorized a few folks at the grocery store as I was learning to use the mechanical cart.)

I did a great deal of muscle strenghtening pre-surgery which helped alot. Rehab was a continuation of the pre-surgery training with a few new twists.

I hope that your recovery will be as uncomplicated as mine. Just remember, the worst part is the anticipation. Do you have a date yet?

Trish

[Hopeprayer]

Huge thanks to all for sharing--Trish: I would love to know what exercises you do! I have physical therapy, and I love the gal who is my PT--but we work on pain relief more than anytyhing, and except for the hip raise (when you are laying down), she has not given me any exercises. I am so thrilled for you that you had such great results--that is really nice hear along with balleteach and all of you. Kissa: Is there any kind of revision surgery that could be done that would help? And if that is an ignorant question, I am sorry. I am just so sorry you are still in pain.

And hip pain is really beyond ANY pain--isn't it? At least it is far greater than any pain I have ever had, and that includes migraines and childbirth (on the latter, at least I knew it would end!). I am probably not alone in saying that I have NEVER felt this level of pain before, and that is after taking medications. makes me think me think of the Emily Dickenson line about 'after great pain'--because pain like this really grabs you and has its way with you, That stabbing burning pain is just downright humbling--sometimes I will be in a store with my husband, and I am moaning, and I am not even aware of it until people start looking at me. Then I realize I am howling in public and "that" is a strange feeling.

Much care to all this evening, we are house hunting (we were looking anyway)--but now want to prepare for August surgery and be settled in Worcester, MA. as my daughter will be attending Worcester State--plus enough of small town living for me. Worcester is pronounced wooster, like rooster (kind of horrid sounding actually), and one funny thing--our real estate agest is named Marie Antoinette Bdaeu! I asked her what she wanted me to call her this afternoon thinking it would be Marie or something shorter-- but no, she said to please address her as 'Marie Antoinette'! So that should be fun.

Thinking of you all,
Lynn

[balleteach]

Good Monday morning to all my "hippie" friends!! I just returned from a wonderful trip to Yosemite Nat Park and am very inspired to share my experience. For anyone who is going through the decision-making about whether or not to have THR, please have faith that, if all goes well, you will have your life back again. I've always been very physically active and into walking and hiking. Even when I was in so much hip pain before my surgery, I tried to do as much as I could. Since THR, I have lived a normal, active life. My husband and I hiked to the top of Glacier Point in Yosemite, almost 10 miles round trip with over 3,000 ft ascent from the valley floor. The views of the Yosemite valley and the stupendous waterfalls are so awe-inspiring that I literally stood there humbled and thanked the good Lord that I was able to be there. We also did a lot more hiking while we were there, including a hike up Yosemite Falls. I had the normal sore muscles to be expected after such vigorous exercise, but I'm fine and recovered normally. The point is, without THR, I would probably be on canes by now, if not worse. Everyone is different and I can only speak for myself, but I'm so thankful that there was a treatment for me that has enabled me to continue to live my life as I please. Have faith that there will be light at the end of the tunnel and the time it takes through THR and rehibilatation will pass and you will get on with your life. Think of the people who are faced with a difficult or terminal diagnosis with no cure, or awful treatments to endure. Be thankful that you have a good choice, with the chance to reclaim your life. Well, I've said my piece and I just had to share with you my sense of euphoria and accomplishment. Talk to you all later...balleteach

[pgoodloe]

Lynn,
Sorry to be so long in replying. My exercise mostly involved using the weight equipment at my gym, especially anything that would strengthen the gluts and quads. Although it was painful, I also stayed active, usually 5 times a week, on the recumbent bike and the cross-trainer. (Both at a moderate degree of difficulty) I also worked on upper body strength so getting in and out of bed, using the walker, etc wouldn't be another painful situation. Ask your therapist which exercises would be good for you. I don't feel I'm qualified to give you advice on which exercises are good for you.

Just keep the faith that you are doing the right thing in replacing your hip. I just hit the 4-month mark this weekend and spent Saturday night at a party with old college friends dancing like a 20-year old . No regrets the next day either. (balleteach, I probably need a few lessons in gracefulness from you but I had a wonderful time )

Trish

[whimsy1]

Hi Everyone - It has been a long journey since my original THR in Feb., and the hip revision on May 20. Both were relatively painless...The THR was minimally invasive, small scar, etc., and for the revision, they replaced the modular neck with a differently angled one. I was on hip precautions for a couple weeks, moving gently, and am walking about 1/3 time without cane now. I wish all you new pre-surg's well. Mine was very recent...I am 66 years old and had pain for 3 and one-half years and missed diagnosis from HMO...then along came Medicare, new choice of doctors and appropriate diagnosis. (I had polio at 13 yrs., and the HMO docs preferred to hang their hats on that since my OA was not as bad on x-ray as they believed hip OA had to be to create the amount of pain and disability I was having.) The first and second surgeries were much, much less of a trauma than I would have ever believed! The pain was very controllable, mobility was quickly attained, and physical therapy was very helpful. (One of the things I learned from my physical therapist is that many doctors now prefer to have their patients do a couple months of specialized pre-surgical PT.) Fear is natural, but please let me assure you that the pain is nothing like the pain that is there pre-surgery. I have a very unusual situation with respect to my pelvis from the polio, (called pelvic obliquity) and unfortunately because of it, had to have a revision (replacement of neck.) Most people sail through these things. In the room next to me was an 87 year old woman who was having her second THR who was absolutely amazing. She had hers the day before me, and was out walking down the hallway 2 days after surgery. She was being released to skilled nursing (only because she had no-one at home to care for her) after only 3 days in hospital. (She was more concerned that she had forgotten to pack her make-up bag than anything else!)
I do have a question for the group. I have had another problem that I would like some feedback on if anyone has had a similar kind of symptom...a popping sound in the hip in certain positions and discomfort when full weight is taken off the leg after standing. This was part of the reason that the revision surgery was done, however, while it has diminished in intensity, it is still there. It may be muscle imbalance, or soft tissue injuries needing further healing. I was just wondering if anyone had a similar situation(?) I will be seeing my doctor again soon to address this...just wondered if I am alone in this or whether it is a common, or at least known condition.
I so appreciate this board and all the people on it who are so giving of their time and who are so comforting. Thank you again...
Valerie

[MrsLinda]

Greetings to all my 'hippy' friends! How is everyone?? My hip is good; now my knee is acting up. Just posted a new thread to see if anyone has any info for me.

I'm at work but wanted to hop on here and say "hi" while I had the time!! I miss you all and hope everyone is doing well!!

I'll try to keep in touch more often!

[57elliott]

I have been reading the threads lately and just want to say that I too am terrorized in dealing with THR which I must do. Sometimes I wonder if the anticipation and anxiety of the surgery is worse than the pains I get in my hip, back and knees. Anyway, I thought I would seek counseling to see if I can better deal with this. Have not made a surgery date as yet because I feel I need to be better psychologically prepared, if that is at all possible.

[Hopeprayer]

Hi Elliot: I agree about the inner conflict being in many ways worse than the pain. So far I have been ordering some hypnosis tapes and trying to re-configure my already sleep-deprived wired out brain. One thing Balleteach said helped me in that I am not sure you can be "truly" be ready or really prepared fully for this. I believe that to a large extent, especially at 2 AM when I would drink battery acid to make the pain go away, I disabuse myself of the notion of preparation entirely. But you can talk here, and I know how you feel as do so many other kind people here. But maybe, and I can only speak for myself, because this is such a traumatic situation in every way, perhaps a leap of faith will be required, after you find a surgeon to trust.

Much care,
Rhonda

[MrsLinda]

Hi 57elliott and hopeprayer ~ I haven't been on the board for awhile but I'm one of the "oldies" here. I had my THR 2 years ago this August. Balleteach, ripanco, silver, legtoolong....many of us bonded right here on this board.

I can totally understand the emotional stress you two are feeling about having to deal with a THR. But let me say this. The pain that I had to deal with right after the surgery is just a memory now. I can get up out of bed and immediately walk without the feeling of a knife stabbing me in the groin. I can get back into bed without the hip locking. I can "pivit" on that leg and not get a pain that would bring me to my knees.

Do research. Seek out others (like us) who have actually undergone the proceedure. Visit with multiple surgeons. Check out local rehab facilities if that's what you have in mind (I did and it was a blessing). Understand what exactly is going to happen and what you have to do afterwards. Prepare mentally first. No one is truely ready for major surgery!! But the more you know and understand about the proceedure the better off you'll be in the long run.

I wish I had found this board before my procedure. There's a wealth of knowledge right here. Ask questions!!! Everyone here is more than willing to help. Good luck in making your minds up.

[balleteach]

Hi all, I'm on my way to Lake Tahoe for an overnight visit with an old friend, but I wanted to check in. Yes Rhonda you will have to take a leap of faith, but remember you really have no choice, except to choose a surgeon and what procedure to have and when to schedule your surgery. I was never terrified or very upset about having THR. Mostly I was resigned and just wanted it done. As I've mentioned before, it did take me a few years of awful pain before I made the decision, so I do understand the hesitation. The only emotion I remember is that feeling of dread you get in the pit of your stomach when you know you have to do something difficult and can't get out of it. To be apprehensive and nervous is normal and the sooner you make a decision, the closer you'll be to getting your life back. You do need to take your time to a point, because you want to be confident with your choice of doctor and procedure. After you have decided, we will be here to answer any questions you might have. I don't like to see people so distraught about THR and I hope, with time, the fear will lessen. I can't stress it enough, that if all goes well and it should, you will be so much better and look back and wonder what all the fuss was about. That's about it for now. Take care and keep posting.... balleteach

[balleteach]

Hi again, I just had to say a quick hello, MrsLinda. I didn't see your post before I sent mine. It's great to hear from you!! You said that you had started a new job, so I figured you've been pretty busy. I'm glad you are doing well and your advice is right on. Isn't wonderful to be on this side of THR and not have to face going through it. Now we can be "the voice of experience" for the new ones. Long live the Hippie Hipsters!! I wish Greg would check in with an update. I hope he's busy with his acting career. Talk to you later...balleteach

[wigs]

Hi everyone!!

I've had my one year hippy birthday now!!! Very exciting. Can't believe its so long since i posted here. Glad to hear how well people are getting on. Will post again when i've caught up reading all the other posts.
Wigs x

[silver515]

HI...I am an old hippie here..hi Balleteach and Mrs. Linda....remember when I started that first "6 months after hip replacement" thread...I was so nervous about going to Italy and Greece after 6 months..well it all worked out great. We are going to Europe again this year and I have no worries about that hip. We will be doing alot of mountain climbing and hiking and I am really looking forward to this. I have also gotten back into yoga and although I do modify alot, I just love it...

Good luck to all the new "hippies" and keep posting on the board and asking questions...believe me...it helps alot. Whatever question you have or problem, someone is always here to help...

[balleteach]

Hi everyone. Silver and Wigs, it's great to hear from you again. It sounds like you are doing fine and enjoying your life after THR. I think it is good for us "oldtimers" to chime in frequently to give advice and hope to the newbies and the ones who are just starting out on this journey. People need to realize that we've all been through it and would not be able to live our lives to the fullest without THR. When you are contemplating the surgery and weighing your options, it's easy to become overwhelmed and fearful about the unknown. You are also trying to cope with the constant pain, knowing that eventually some sort of surgery will be necessary. Along with being difficult physically, there is a lot of stress mentally and emotionally. I've just passed the 11yr mark as of July 5th. There is no way to know how long this hip will last, but I'm going to keep on doing everything I'm doing and enjoy my life. I hope if anyone has questions that they will feel free to ask. Even if it seems trivial, we are here to help and be supportive. Talk to you all later..balleteach
Silver, where are you going in Europe and do you intend to hike someplace in particular?

[BruceAustralia]

Hi everyone

I'm having a THR on my right hip, which developed Avascular Necrosis following a renal transplant in Dec 2000. Noone told me of the possibility of getting AVN from the steroids, but it is proboably in the fine print of the waiver I signed.

I'm 43, married (my wife donated her kdney to me!) and have 3 children (1boy 10, and 2 girld 9 and 6)

So, I am off to be done on August 29th - a Tuesday.

Will sift through all of the posts in both threads (I'm up to page28 in the first one) but will ask a few questions as well . . . .

Hope you are all well - I feel like I know all of you!!

Bye for now
Bruce

[MrsLinda]

Happy Anniversary To Me!!! Yes; 2 years now with this new hip!

Actually next week will be the 2 year mark but I can't believe it. Gosh...2 years.

So how is everyone? I try to pop in often. But with work and normal family life being what it is, "often" sometimes may be monthly!!!

I'm doing well. Things are the same; minor discomfort going up stairs. But since the oposite knee has been bothersom the new hip is really getting a good workout. Unfortunately, the "old" hip has been showing signs of wear and tear and I know it's just a matter of time before that one has to be done. But at least NOW I know what to expect!!

Well time to get moving here. Saturday's are no longer for "lounging". I hope you all have a great weekend!!!!