Post hip replacement problems

Posted by hipgranny1956 @hipgranny1956, Jun 20, 2023

I had hip replacement 6 days ago and the first two days went according to everything I was told but on the third day I tried to walk around and I had excruciating pain in my lower leg down the tibia or shin bone and my knee and the side of my knee was horrible burning pressure tingling just a deep deep ache. I kept trying to walk but it would make me cry out. Went back to orthopedics they did an x-ray and there was no fracture. But they really don't know what's wrong he put me on gabapentin for possible nerve damage somewhere and this is my first day taking it I'm not feeling great on it in fact I feel like I couldn't even get up and try to walk for feeling a little unstable. I just wondered if anyone else had that problem and did it resolve on its own or did they find the right solution? I go back next week for my first visit and I'm praying for some progress as I take these pills and get through the next days of hopefully being a little active.

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hipgranny1956 | @hipgranny1956 | Jun 24, 2023

In reply to @gilliankempster "Hi there. Gosh this must be scary for you. I’ve had a total hip replacement 1..." + (show)

You seem like a very sweet person. Thank you for such encouraging words of hope and guidance!

hipgranny1956 | @hipgranny1956 | Jun 25, 2023

In reply to @hipgranny1956 "Thank you for the advice! That's why I'm on here. I appreciate you all!" + (show)

So, this morning I woke up with pain that was familiar. It felt like it did before I had the surgery in a way. Is this just part of the process?

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 25, 2023

In reply to @hipgranny1956 "So, this morning I woke up with pain that was familiar. It felt like it did..." + (show)

Absolutely! Just say good morning to it, and tell it you are going to ignore it. After less than 2 weeks, everything in there is pretty angry at you and the surgeon, finding new ways of letting you know it each day (sometimes each hour!)
And keep on icing - several times a day - for several more weeks yet. At this point in recovery, I was still going to sleep with a very large ice pack against my hip.
It will get better, I think I was at 3 or 4 months before I felt like a "new me" and even then, if I overdid it would ache. And now, once in a while, my thigh muscle, which was damaged 15 years ago by a bad implant, reminds me the weather is about to change, or that I shouldn't be carrying a 4 year old...
Hugs!
Sue

pinkie23 | @pinkie23 | Jun 25, 2023

I had Anterior total hip replacement 2.5 weeks ago, and experienced the knee pain, burning pain by the IT band and spasms in my thigh muscle. My orthopedic surgeon said it was normal and would get better and each day it does. I read my surgery notes and the description of the surgery procedure and the manipulation of the leg and trauma to the hip installing the joint replacement parts is telling, it’s easy to look at the surgical incision and underestimate the degree of trauma to muscles, facia, ligaments and bone! I have to remember to give it time, make sure my diet is nutritionally sufficient for healing and follow my PT orders daily.

hipgranny1956 | @hipgranny1956 | Jun 26, 2023

In reply to @sueinmn "Absolutely! Just say good morning to it, and tell it you are going to ignore it...." + (show)

I know this is a random question but did anyone lose their appetite or have a low appetite during the first couple weeks of recovery? That is so not like me! Haha

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 26, 2023

In reply to @hipgranny1956 "I know this is a random question but did anyone lose their appetite or have a..." + (show)

Yes - not just me, but my good friend as well. I practically had to hand feed her, and she is typically a 3 meals/2 snacks eater. I think it was a good 3 months before she was eating regularly. My husband just kept forcing smoothies and protein drinks on me.
Sue

hipgranny1956 | @hipgranny1956 | Jun 26, 2023

So, another random question 🤔 If I didn't know better, Id swear I got a bit of a shock on my side when I got up against something in the kitchen!! ?

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 26, 2023

In reply to @hipgranny1956 "So, another random question 🤔 If I didn't know better, Id swear I got a bit..." + (show)

Nerve zaps! Don't worry about electricity. Angry nerves can tingle, zap, burn, ache, buzz... And hip surgery stirs them up from your waist to your toes.

linnie1948 | @linnie1948 | Jun 27, 2023

In reply to @hipgranny1956 "I know this is a random question but did anyone lose their appetite or have a..." + (show)

Oh how I wish! My daughter brought over enough food to feed an army when I got home from the hospital. I totally pigged out. For months I had not gained weight but recently I have started gaining again
I have never lost my appetite for any reason. I am experiencing other things though. I have an ache under my armpit that goes right across my chest. I went for a diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound. Doctor also checked my lymph nodes. Nothing was found yet these symptoms have been going on since surgery. The radiologist told me that they have no idea what or how trauma affects the body. I can only hope it goes away someday. I experienced always being cold after the surgery but that has rectified itself but it took months.

hipgranny1956 | @hipgranny1956 | Jun 27, 2023

I started this journey with rotator cuff tear in my right arm same side as my surgery and severe tendonitis in the same arm which I had been trying to exercise here at home for. My left arm I've already had surgery on it for a rotator cuff but because of putting weight on the Walker my arms have really flared up they're starting to calm down a little bit now but just throwing that out there. You probably already thought of that . Hopefully resolves itself. I will add you to my prayer list.