Hip replacement recovery

@twin52 Two things come to mind when you describe your situation. First, perhaps you need a new evaluation from the PT. It sounds like your gait might be impaired from adapting for so long to the bad hip before surgery, and you need help walking correctly (this happened to me.) Also, I do hip and back stretching in bed before getting up each morning.

Second, you may need new shoes! After surgery, your body has changed, and wearing shoes with the old "wear pattern" might be having you a little off filter.
Finally, pox on those who criticize you for using a cane if it makes you feel better. My friend still uses hers on uneven ground after more than 2 years. Just be sure it is the correct length-too short ot too tall can make your hip and back feel worse.

@sueinmn Agree with all above. Also, my surgeon said to use a cane as needed until you absolutely have no limp, or your muscles would adapt to the limp. So, yes, for the cane until you feel stable, even if you are not using it all the time.

Hello, Danny and Debbie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. Indeed, the small of my back is hurting due to the limp. My PT will be making shoe inserts that will hopefully help.
I'm sorry to hear of Debbie's issues that I hope will be resolved soon. Dealing with chronic pain takes its toll on life. Kind regards to you both!

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@twin52
I did not know a PT would or could help with shoe inserts. Any suggestions as to who my sister can see for help with gettting best shoe and shoe fit ?

@joydeb35 In larger metro areas , there are often "comfort shoe" stores who have a pedorthist visit weekly or monthly. Rehabilitation clinics affiliated with orthopedic or trauma hospitals may have one available through the physical therapy department. Finally some orthopedist and chiropractors have arrangements with pedorthists.

@heyjoe415 after reviewing everyone’s statements, I agree ! My wife had a total of (6) implant surgeries! First, remember, nerve distortion is possible that can impact one’s body movement. Secondly, having had 6 surgeries, receiving at least 6 epidural injections she is now told that she has degenerated disc disease. Her hips do not bother her. Yet, as she walks she has a really bad gait and because of this the more she walks the worse the gait. She is now told that she should have back surgery to fuse areas in hope to help with the back pain. Again, Nerve distortion also plays its part and despite the distortion it can intensify nerve sensation elsewhere causing things like pain in an area where you never had it before! Third, leg length can be a major impact, even the smallest difference can and will have a big future impact on your life; from the hip implant to back discomfort. One needs to be a “Strong Self Advocate”, if you sense something wrong seek assistance until you feel your issue has been addressed

Hi Danny and Debbie,

For what it's worth, I would exhaust every possible remedy before considering lumbar fusion - and even then, I would ask the surgeon a lot of questions about the nature of the surgery (what is done and how), the recovery and PT timeline, and how much pain relief can be expected and when.

I'm not afraid of ortho surgery. I've had both knees replaced along with my right hip and left shoulder. The outcomes of these surgeries was a significant if not complete elimination of pain.

The spine of course is not a joint. Our verebrae are meant to twist a bot and rotate a bit. Fusion takes that away. That said, I am a very good candidate - with scoliosis, stenosis, listhesis, disc degeneration, and on and on. I am in very good shape, normal weight, with a strong set of core muscles. My surgeon tells me this is what is keeping me from fusion surgery. Anyway, I'd do it only as a last resort.

All the best to you!

Joe

@heyjoe415 my wife has decided to not have the infusion. For a period she was going to the pain clinic where they would use an image guided needle to go in and burn the nerve endings which might last about six months and then have it done again and again; finally she decided to not have that anymore because it was not really working. It is to bad we cannot undo prior decisions; total bilateral hip surgery that left her with a compressed nerve on her left leg, fractured pelvis on right side requiring emergency surgery nine months out to give the nerve time to regenerate. Only to acquire cobalt / Chroumin poison and two staph infections from both implants; requiring complete removal of her implants, medicated spacers placed for about eight weeks before a revision. Each time an epidural injection in her spine and now they call it degenerate disc disease at 66!

Thanks Danny,

I've heard of the procedure for the nerves, I think it's called ablation. From what I know, it at best helps for a period of months, and then has to be repeated (I think this is correct).

I have been blessed in rehabbing after knee (both), hip, and shoulder replacement. Comments like yours make me realize that this is not true for everyone. For those who still suffer, and as mentioned earlier, be your own advocate. Drs see a lot of patients, but you are the only one that counts! You have to speak up.

And the spine is much more complex than any joint and the experiences are over a wide range.

All the best to you both.

Joe