Hip surgery possible aftermath

If you also have back problems, be SURE to ask doctor if he will consider changes to your pelvic mobility bc of stiff spine when he plans hip surgery. I have lumbar spine issues, starting with arthritis. My original surgeon did not account for this, so I'm going for 3rd surgery (new doc) after 7 dislocations. It's called hip-spine syndrome.

You do have to devote yourself to following hip precautions for quite awhile, but not forever as I understand it.

I did have an accident some years ago and sometimes the back hurts me as I walk. I guess I'm afraid of doctors. I'm afraid to ask him to take an MRI, and if he says it's not necessary I guess it might be time for me to keep looking? I'm getting pretty old -- but my body can't get better until I can walk/exercise without pain.

If I were you I'd insist doctor plan surgery based on hip-spine syndrome. I hear ya, can't get better until I can trust it won't dislocate. Good luck.

I've been to sooo many doctors about this over the years and have been so afraid. I will definitely ask this next one about the efficacy of an MRA as well as hip-spine syndrome. Thanks. This next doctor (by this time I should have gone through every doctor in the U.S.) has an outstanding (and I mean outstanding) reputation on healthgrades, I mean like HUNDREDS of fabulous comments so maybe(?) he's really good. Gotta do something but I don't want to be hurt more. Thanks for your thoughts. I hope you get better soon.

Hello, viatroy7. How are you feeling? I just got finally the hip surgery, it is my 4th day and I came home but am in a lot of pain, can't walk or move that leg too well.

My third surgery did the trick, bc the doctor used the spine/pelvic/hip consideration in his planning. Very painful at the beginning, particularly in the joint itself. My muscles are also so weak and depleted after all the trauma, so I've got a lot of work to do. Not a single dislocation, or even a feeling of instability which was constant after the prior doc's work. I've seen learned that there have been many complaints re doc #1, although I find no record of cases against him. The hip/spine issue is not a new one - it is well documented over the last 20 years, and I would expect a big ortho firm to be sure their surgeon's are on top of recent research. Made my life hell for months. Can't find a lawyer to take my case, although it clearly seems to be medical malpractice - funny how all the big law firms have established relationships with big ortho. Good luck to you - keep persevering and don't be afraid to ask docs pointed questions!! I only found out about hip/spine thru my own research after enduring dislocations repeatedly.

I had hip replacement surgery 11 days ago. 2nd night my ankle turned red and was in horrible pain. Surgeon said it was gout and it would go away. Now my foot has swollen and is quite painful when walking. Could this be another flare up? My whole body feels bloated right now. Did anyone else have this experience. More importantly, did it go away?

Welcome to Mayo Connect. You have found a great place to connect with others,to share your experience and maybe find some tips on recovery.

How much of the day are you keeping your leg elevated? How high? How often are you icing, and for how long?

I think your body is reminding you that it is healing, and you need to treat it gently for a while.

Having had 5 hip surgeries and numerous others, I iced 20 minutes on/20 minutes off day and night for the first two weeks, and several hours a day for at least 6 weeks.

In addition, whenever I was seated or lying down, my leg was elevated so that any accumulating fluid could flow back toward my pelvis.

My first day back at work, 4 weeks after surgery, I thought I was "fine" - left the ice machine home and sat with my foot down. It took my body 4 days to recover, and for the swelling to go down. And the doc made me wear compression stockings to work for the next 4 weeks.

Hip surgery is a major insult to our bodies, and healing the bone, miscles and nerves takes a while. Have you ever had a joint replaced before?
Sue

Thank you Sue. I’ve never had a major surgery before. My PT guy said ice isn’t going to help anymore so I stopped icing after a week. I will start again and will elevate. Again appreciate your help. Feeling less anxious.

wow is all I can say. So sorry about all that. I have learned there are few institutions we can trust, I am glad to hear you are getting relief. I hope things will continue getting better for you, thank you for the update. I am expecting a nurse to come by today first time at home because my husband is incapacitated, he can't help me at all, it's sad, but that's the way it is. I'm slow to move but am looking forward to the exercises the PT's will show me. Take care.