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Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

@emaries Not @leghurts54, but the long-time owner of double hip implants, plus 3 revisions (not for stem pain.)
My first question is always - Have you discussed the issue with your surgeon? If not, I suggest you do so at once, so they can evaluate the implant and whether is is still healing properly.

Here is something they fail to stress enough when you are considering surgery - this is a "big deal" surgery, where they cut bone, disturb (even if the don't cut) tendons, muscles and nerves, hammer an alien material into your body and sew you together. That means healing takes time - sometimes as long as a year - before everything fits and feels normal. So even if you are up and walking, doing PT and going about daily life, your body is working hard to heal.

Some things to consider -
First, sometimes the process (cemented vs no cement), stem shape and length, and stem placement can cause the pain. That is why careful evaluation by the surgeon is needed.

Being very active after surgery has been cited as one possible cause for the pain. Try treating yourself as someone "in recovery" and rest your (elevated) leg whenever the opportunity presents, icing a couple times a day to reduce any inflammation that is present. Also, at 3 months post-op, ask your doctor if it is OK to use ibuprofen to relieve the pain, and try to stay ahead of it.

Finally, nerves may have been damaged or irritated during surgery. These take a LONG time to heal, and patience is the only treatment.

Have you tried rest, ice and less activity to ease the ache? In early days after my 2 hip replacements six weeks apart, I was determined to "get going" as quickly as possible - after all, I was a healthy 54 year old who had things to do! I really believe I hampered my own recovery with that approach. Twenty years and many other surgeries later, I know better, and I give myself time to heal.

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Replies to "@emaries Not @leghurts54, but the long-time owner of double hip implants, plus 3 revisions (not for..."

@sueinmn Thank you for all the good info & encouragement. What were the 3 revisions for? I've heard it takes much longer to recover from those surgeries... is that true? Im really hoping I won't need that🙏
I have spoke with my surgeon who is a nice guy, but holds up xrays of his great work (I hope it's great anyway!). At what point does one request an mri or another scan to look at the bigger picture? Mine wants me to try a 6 day regime of Methylprednisolone. I'm hesitant as I've heard it only relieves inflammation temporarily, plus I don't like any of the side affects (higher BP, lack of sleep and higher risk of infection). I think I'm considering doing the ibuprofen a few days, along with your suggestion of icing & elevating like I did in the early stages. I'm also trying to do more massaging the area. I'll also shorten the amount of walking I try to do daily. I keep up with my pt as that doesn't seem to aggravate me too much. Plus it helps with the ongoing stiffness. Sitting and standing do seem to intensify the pain. I just want the mid thigh jabbing ache to end! You're right it is a big deal surgery, but to see others do so well makes me really wonder why Im having issues😩. I also have an extremely high pain tolerance, so if this hurts I know it's for real. Thank you again.