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How do I explain my symptoms to my surgeon?
I have had hip issues since I was 7, I'm currently 46. I had a THR, 3 years later I needed a revision, 3 years after that I needed another surgery for IT Band repair. 6 months later I had to have another total revision. I'm post op just under 3 months. I am still having terrible pain by the pelvis in the groin area. I have had 2 doctors visit since surgery. Both times I see the PA, when I kept telling her, at my last visit, I was having horrible pain she sent me to have an x-ray and then my surgeon came to talk to me. He said everything is good, that he spaced my hip Farther than my other hip so it just might be settling in, and suggested that I slow down and use a walker rather than a cane. It just seemed like I got a pat on the head and sent out the door. Or like the surgeon was sent in to "deal" with me. I don't know if I'm describing my pain correctly to my care team. I have said I'm in constant pain at about 7-10, it's in the groin area. It sometimes goes numb. I do have shooting pain. I let them know it feels like it's out of the socket or catching. Sometimes I can't even touch the area, like it's super sensitive or raw.
Even when my physical therapist was checking my range of motion he was concerned at how much pain I was in and he said that it was catching.
I am at a total loss. I can't get relief with any pain meds, heat, ice,or rest.
Sometimes I wish I never had a THR in the first place. My janky ol hip caused just about the same amount of pain.
How else can I convey to my surgeon the pain I'm in? I honestly just want to have days where I am pain-free.
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Consult with another physician?
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1 ReactionWrite it down in detail and read it to him. Sometimes when we go to the doctor, we feel rushed and forget what we are going to say. I find that writing down what I want to tell him helps me greatly.
I agree, perhaps you need to get a 2nd opinion. I am so sorry you are in so much pain. Praying for you.
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2 ReactionsI understand where you are coming from with all the constant pain because I have been constant pain since my fall in 2012. I have gotten to where I have a separate journal for my doctors that has notes and questions. My mind just always doesn’t stay with me if I can’t get the pain under control. Everything changes from minute to minute as the pain escalates and I forget everything I wanted to ask or say.
I will be praying that you get some answers and relief.
Good luck on finding out all that you need to adjust to a better quality of life.
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2 ReactionsI'm so sorry for all your pain. Perhaps you could find another surgeon. If not, perhaps ask your surgeon what further tests are available to find out the cause. It's unacceptable for you not to at least know why it hurts so much after 3 months. An x-ray doesn't show everything, soft tissue injuries don't show up, nerve injuries don't show up, in fact sometimes things look great on an x-ray when they aren't. There are other tests you may need to determine the cause of your pain. Make notes to take to your doctor visits as others have suggested. Also, discuss with him how concerned your physical therapist is with the amount of pain you're having. (I've had terrible pain since a THR in 2017 and am way overdue for a revision, so I understand ! )
I hope you find some answers from your surgeon or another surgeon if you so choose. You deserve answers so don't give up. Good luck on finding pain relief soon.
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