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Pain management while waiting for THR

Posted by beffers @beffers, Jul 31 9:10am

Does anyone have any tips on how to manage pain while waiting for thr surgery? I am a 60 year old nurse, lots of walking and standing. Work is becoming unbearable I am bone on bone, my surgery isn’t until Feb. I’ve tried meloxicam, alleve, ibuprofen and tramadol, ice, heat and numerous pain patches. (Lidocaine, icy hot etc) Nothing really helps. I’ve ordered a hip compression sleeve, hoping for some relief I’m at my wits end and don’t know how I’m going to last until Feb. Any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 31 11:49am

@beffers Wow, that is a long wait - why so many months? Have you considered asking for a temporary adjustment in your duties to a less strenuous position? I know that may be difficult in nursing, but while recovering from surgery, my daughter was moved from the floor to phone triage for several months.
In the mean time, you might consider Voltaren gel or cream - there is a prescription strength of 2.25 -2.32% Diclofenac Sodium that can be helpful.
hat my Mom made me do (very reluctantly) while I was awaiting hip replacement at 54 was to use a cane to take the strain off - she was right. Later I learned it would have been even better to use a walker (I needed both hips) - maybe not a solution at work, but do consider it for all other times.
Good luck - and maybe bug the surgeon to move the appointment up?

REPLY
1 reply
beffers | @beffers | Jul 31 1:08pm
In reply to @sueinmn "@beffers Wow, that is a long wait - why so many months? Have you considered asking..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@beffers Wow, that is a long wait - why so many months? Have you considered asking for a temporary adjustment in your duties to a less strenuous position? I know that may be difficult in nursing, but while recovering from surgery, my daughter was moved from the floor to phone triage for several months.
In the mean time, you might consider Voltaren gel or cream - there is a prescription strength of 2.25 -2.32% Diclofenac Sodium that can be helpful.
hat my Mom made me do (very reluctantly) while I was awaiting hip replacement at 54 was to use a cane to take the strain off - she was right. Later I learned it would have been even better to use a walker (I needed both hips) - maybe not a solution at work, but do consider it for all other times.
Good luck - and maybe bug the surgeon to move the appointment up?

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Unfortunately, feb was the first available. He did tell me to use a cane, which helps I work in an assisted living facility, so there are no desk jobs They are trying to work with me, suggested cutting my hours. My bank account says that’s not an option lol. I’ve tried voltaren gel, doesn’t help. I did just get my hip brace and it does seem to help with walking. I never in a million years thought arthritis would be a such a constant pain. I’m just hoping I don’t further damage the joint while waiting. Thank you for your response

REPLY
legeke | @legeke | Aug 18 10:20pm

In the beginning of my OA journey/spine and hip issues, I was referred to rheumatology over concern of a autoimmune disease and she realized the amount of pain I was in(I am also a nurse). She tried 3 different NSAIDS until she gave me relafen….it was a miracle how well it worked. I had also tried meloxicam, etodolac, feldene and topical creams with no relief. The relafen comes in 3 strengths, the 500 mg did not work. The 750 mg was wonderful and it also comes in 1,000 mg. Maybe ask you doctor if they would do this trial of different NSAIDs until you get the one that works for you.
The rheumatologist explained how with 2 dozen different ones, she does this for her patients all the time. It really has been a life saver for me.
Best wishes you get relief soon

REPLY
elliott1953 | @elliott1953 | Aug 19 7:56am
In reply to @kcat "Cortisone shot" + (show)
@kcat

Cortisone shot

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my surgeon said not to take the shot within 6 months of surgery so best to check with one's surgeon about his/her protocol

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