thigh pain following hip replacement

M

Malibu 310

New member
Hi, this is my first time posting so I hope I get it right. I had a THR (left side) in May of this year. Surgery went great, no complications, great progress during the first weeks of recovery. I was on my way to that 'new life' I had longed for. But at the 12 week point, something went wrong. The initial pain was horrendous, and it lasted for several hours. It frightened me so, I stayed in bed all day, afraid to get up. But then the pain subsided, and I slowly returned to my normal everyday activities, nothing strenuous. Ever since that day, I have weight-bearing pain in the thigh. Some days it is almost unbearable, other times tolerable but still with a limp. I have seen my surgeon twice already, with another appointment scheduled next week. He first suspected a fracture just below the tip of the stem, but xrays and bone scan failed to be conclusive. I am relatively young for a hip replacement, 48 at time of surgery, so I have uncemented, press-fit stem. I have been out of work for weeks now, with diagnosis still uncertain. This is EXTREMELY depressing. Should I seek a second opinion? Has anyone ever experienced this problem and what was the outcome? I'm sure anyone in a similar situation would certainly understand my frustration. Please, any input is appreciated. Thank you.
 
Hi Yawnie
Yes I would definately seek a second opinion. I had hip replacements 8&9 years ago. That doesn't sound like something you should be experiencing. I just went for a second opinion because I have been having problems following a revision. (I dislocated 2 time in 10 days). It was the best thing I could have ever done. He was comlimentary to my doctor and gave me reassurance. Just make sure you do research before you go for a second opinion. You want to the best if your doc isn't already the best. What area of the country are you in. I have some great names since I was just researching it.
Good luck
Barbi
 
Hi Barbi, thanks for responding. It's nice to have support from those who've had the total hip experience. As far as doctors go, I thought I had one of the best. I live in central North Carolina, and he came very highly recommended, from friends as well as another physician. I even called the hospital to see if I could get a copy of the bone scan report for a second opinion, and the head of nuclear medicine told me I had the best doctor in this area, and I should be patient. I know this is true, but it is hard.

I'm sorry to hear you have had two dislocations in 10 days. I've heard that is extremely painful. What are they going to do? I hope it will not require additional surgery. Have you had both hips replaced? How did the revision go?

I see my doctor again on Tuesday, not sure what he'll do next. He told me last visit not to rule out more surgery. I hope we both receive good news.

Take care, Yawnie
 
Yawnie
Good luck with your visit. Maybe he'll have a new thought.
I have had both hips replaced. And I have had 2 revisions because of wear in the poly lining. You will never have these issues because technology has made great improvements in the last 8 years. So I was not in any pain and leading a great life including exercising. My dislocations were not too painful just very scary. The pain was mostly from the ligaments and muscles being pulled. Then the more anxious I became the more tense my body got and the pain and spasm worsened. So part of it is mind over matter in my case.
Anyway, I just came from my doctor and he wants me to go through surgery again where my 2nd opinion doc didn't not think I should go through it unless I dislocate again. (so much for the second opinions theorySo now I have another excellent doc in Boston that I'm going to consult with though records and X rays. Life can be interesting.
Let me know what your doc says.
Barbi
 
Hi Barbi,

My doctor visit yesterday was disappointing. He said he had discussed my case with three other doctors, and they all agree that nothing should be done at this point because thigh pain generally corrects itself in 6 months-1 year. As an added 'insult', he said mine was the worst case he had ever seen. He is sending me for bone density test, and started me on Fosamax. He said he would repeat the bone scan if there's no improvement in the next four weeks.

I hope you have better luck with your doctor in Boston. Life is interesting, indeed. Let me know what you find out, and, no more dislocations, OK? :)

Good Luck, Yawnie
 
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