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DiscussionHi, just wondering if anyone has been able to resolve stem tip pain su
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Apr 9 9:00am | Replies (19)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "@sueinmn Thank you for all the good info & encouragement. What were the 3 revisions for?..."
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@emaries I had some thoughts after I replied this morning - for most of the first year after my first round of surgeries, most days I would get an ache that I described as "a toothache from my thigh to my toes." I finally figured out I felt better on "lazy" days, cut back on hurrying and pushing myself, and I felt better. At some point I realized the ache was gone and I could do pretty much whatever I wanted.
My original hip implants were of a sort called metal-on-metal (MoM), very rarely used now, and there was excessive wear on the components which caused high levels of chromium and cobalt to accumulate in my blood and tissues. Fifteen years ago the originals were replaced with titanium and ceramic components and the problem was resolved. Recovery was difficult, but mostly because my body had to heal from toxic levels of the heavy metals. The surgical healing was similar to the first round.
When it comes to recovery, three months is early days yet, so trying conservative measures for a few weeks is very reasonable unless the pain gets worse. Like you, I would probably resist steroid therapy at this time. My second orthopedic surgeon, the revisionist, was very good at explaining and convinced me that everyone heals at a different pace. He also said very active people tend to have more pain because they try to do too much, too soon.
I would also seek out a rehab PT who could analyze my gait, posture and foot position to see if there is something there that could be aggravating your leg. When I did that after my fifth surgery, the first thing I was instructed to do was replace my everyday shoes and NEVER wear flip-flops, slides or crocs. I was amazed at the difference that one change made.
When would I request imaging? Maybe at 6 months, or if things get worse.
Do you have access to a good PT, PhD who can do more than just give you a list of exercises and guide you through them?