← Return to Hi, just wondering if anyone has been able to resolve stem tip pain su

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
Profile picture for emaries @emaries

@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.

Jump to this post


Replies to "@sueinmn Thank you for all the good info & encouragement. What were the 3 revisions for?..."

@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?