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Day 5 Posterior hip replacement nerve pain

Posted by delconian @delconian, 7 hours ago

I had surgery Monday (July 6) today is the 11th, I have had this pesky nerve discomfort since Thursday, making it difficult to sit in a recliner and elevating my legs makes it worse. I've been able to stop the oxycontin since Tuesday, but felt like one last night.. I don't take the 500 mg.of Tylenol for pain. Still wearing diapers to offset the bathroom dash , I'm 70 and in fairly good health, but this head game is depressing.

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Susan, Volunteer Mentor | @grammato3 | 2 hours ago

@delconian: Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect and the club I myself will be joining soon as I'm scheduled to undergo a posterior total hip replacement (THR) in early September. I am of similar age with a few comorbidities but very much looking forward to the surgery as it has been delayed since last year during which time my hip discomfort and mobility have declined.

As a retired RN, I have had some experience with post-op THR recovery so I'm trying to prepare myself. I can tell you that from a nerve regeneration persepective, days 2-5 usually are the worst in terms of greatest inflammation often resulting in pins and needles sensation or shooting pain - some people refer to these as "zingers". While it is definitely helpful to discontinue narcotic pain relievers as soon as possible as you have, there is generally not an issue with taking Tylenol for pain as long as you keep daily intake under the recommended limit of 3000 mg/day. Is there a reason you'd prefer not to take Tylenol or has your surgeon provided an alternative?

Using diapers was a smart way to take the stress off your first few days. Now that you are moving a bit more, renting a bedside commode might be a great next step to help you get back into a normal routine safely and improve your mind set. Some double as a shower chair so this could provide a dual purpose.

You're still relatively early in your recovery as your body works to utilize energy to heal and restore function. I know we may feel great for our age but some biologic and physiologic aspects do tend to slow as we advance in years, such as cellular repair. Focus on small goals and with each one you attain you'll be able to see that you're making progress. Try not to push yourself to overdo or you'll risk a set back so listen to your body to set the pace it craves. I imagine you have someone assisting you throughout the day?

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delconian | @delconian | 1 hour ago

Thank you so much Susan. I was only prescribed the Tylenol and Oxycontin for the pain and Valium as a relaxant. I was not prescribed anything such as gabapenatin or Lyrica specifically for nerve pain

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delconian | @delconian | 1 hour ago
In reply to @grammato3 "@delconian: Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect and the club I myself will be joining soon as..." + (show)
Profile picture for Susan, Volunteer Mentor @grammato3

@delconian: Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect and the club I myself will be joining soon as I'm scheduled to undergo a posterior total hip replacement (THR) in early September. I am of similar age with a few comorbidities but very much looking forward to the surgery as it has been delayed since last year during which time my hip discomfort and mobility have declined.

As a retired RN, I have had some experience with post-op THR recovery so I'm trying to prepare myself. I can tell you that from a nerve regeneration persepective, days 2-5 usually are the worst in terms of greatest inflammation often resulting in pins and needles sensation or shooting pain - some people refer to these as "zingers". While it is definitely helpful to discontinue narcotic pain relievers as soon as possible as you have, there is generally not an issue with taking Tylenol for pain as long as you keep daily intake under the recommended limit of 3000 mg/day. Is there a reason you'd prefer not to take Tylenol or has your surgeon provided an alternative?

Using diapers was a smart way to take the stress off your first few days. Now that you are moving a bit more, renting a bedside commode might be a great next step to help you get back into a normal routine safely and improve your mind set. Some double as a shower chair so this could provide a dual purpose.

You're still relatively early in your recovery as your body works to utilize energy to heal and restore function. I know we may feel great for our age but some biologic and physiologic aspects do tend to slow as we advance in years, such as cellular repair. Focus on small goals and with each one you attain you'll be able to see that you're making progress. Try not to push yourself to overdo or you'll risk a set back so listen to your body to set the pace it craves. I imagine you have someone assisting you throughout the day?

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@grammato3 My wife is here to help me around the clock, and I've been sleeping in a downstairs recliner, while she sleeps on the couch. I have a downstairs bathroom. I had to buy a raised toilet set with handles, which at 30 bucks was a godsend.

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