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After THR popped SIJoint on 18th day.

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Posted 5/25/2014 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Total hip replacement (left) on May 6, has been a seamless experience somewhat. Every six to eight hours I feel a slight improvement. Three nights in the hospital, then to a convalescent facility, and home on day 17. Well, all the props were in place. Good healthy food in freezer, etc, proper toilet seat and hand rails were in place because other family members have needed handicap setup. Friday thru Sunday I would be alone. Saturday I was so thrilled with the progress and the result of planning ahead.

One detail uncovered, and now I popped my SI Joint last night. I knew I could not put on or take off the compression socks. Saturday morning someone came in to help me with that and generally feather the nest. But Saturday night, when it came time to take off my socks, I just tried to do it myself. The sock was gathered down around my ankle. I think I reached down and thought I could cheat a second, when I pulled the sock, pop. Went on to bed and hoped it would reset by morning. This morning I awoke to find it tighter. It is not excruciating pain, but it is the old problem back again that I have lived with for three years. My transfer or walking gait is now flawed. It feels like my left leg is pulled up by a string from my heal thru my knee to my middle lower back. This has misaligned me from head to toe. This action on my part is not denial, it is plain stupidity.

I had planned to have aid last night to help me with my socks, but then I did not do it. What to do next? I have walked around, iced, and fretted. My son has massaged my right foot and leg as that looked like the nerves or muscles were pulling as well. Do I rush down to acute care for an xray, called the surgeon's office on a Sunday to report the problem, or just sit tight. So far I am staying put hoping I have not ruined my chances of total success.
The operation was anterior German style. I am 71 years old in good shape. Operation was done by Dr Scott Kelley at Duke Universtiy. It is a four plus hour drive back to the surgeon.

One detail I have respected carefully is sitting. And have been very careful caring for the incision and using the compression socks. (One day within the first week, I forgot to put on the compression socks. Hours later I saw the swelling on my left leg. I don't have swelling problems. I put the socks on ASAP, elevated my legs and within a day or so, swelling was under control. That taught me the importance of the compression socks.)

This is a note asking for comments about what to do now as well as providing information that may be helpful to someone. Thank you.
Posted 6/11/2014 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hello doodlebugash,

So what did you do? I hope you did not ruin your whole surgery in that one movement. Please let us know.

I joined this site last month and have stayed in the Chronic Pain area until today when I ventured out. I've had knee replacement just over 2 years ago. My hip is feeling a little painful recently so I am interested in how to care for that.
Posted 6/12/2014 6:30 AM (GMT 0)
Five week check up was today. Surgeon said my progress was remarkable. I am to walk as much as possible and exercise my abductor. Will put crutches aside when I can walk without a limp. That means exercise the abductor. Will continue my PT for another ten weeks and hopefully walk in the pool to support that idea. My back and neck issues are there but so far no diabiling pain. It will be a year before the surgeon will address back and neck. It will take that long for my body to adjust to walking properly. Overall my comfort is 100% better. Dr Scott Kelley performed my THR. He is at Duke.
Posted 6/12/2014 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
That sounds good. I hope everything heals well for you. Pool walking is a great exercise.
Posted 6/13/2014 12:50 PM (GMT 0)
Im new all, hope to be welcome addition!, Glad to see all is well after yer scare! Be well .
Posted 6/16/2014 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
So glad I found this site. I had anterior hip replacement May 14th 2014, as born with a congenital dislocated hip am 66 yo. Actually thought I might change my mind on the day of surgery I was so worried of blood clots and spinal anesthesia. Could barely walk any more with legs so different in length and pain. Reacted horribly to anesthesia, BP and blood dropped by half in the hospital for 3 days, they added an inch to my left leg which caused a lot of body shifting. No pain in hip-but back and knee were very painful for 3 weeks, no sleeping at night, decided just ibuprofen and ice as stomach was reacting to drugs. Talked to Dr about physical therapy and he said no, just ride your bike and walk in pool when the incision heals. Leg continued swelling, IT band and knee so painful. Started going to a PT last week and what a change. Now stretching the tendons and building up the muscles, my knee and back no longer hurt as am changing the position of knee as walk (never knew was knock kneed). The PT said very floppy muscles and tight tendons both legs and back. Rode bike for 15 minutes today and stretched. After 4 weeks feel so much better having 2 legs the same length. Strips still on incision and next step is massage. Don't see Dr for 6 more weeks (really). Wish I had known these potential problems before surgery, really thought IT band, knee and swelling were uncommon. Why don't they tell us, with lists of exercises?? I also wish I had known about the numbness and tingling of my entire thigh that is all expected outcomes of the surgery. My PT person said that the surgeons don't like to have a lot of info to scare patients.

Post Edited (limpy) : 6/16/2014 11:52:22 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/16/2014 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everybody,

I'm usually on the Chronic Pain forum but just checked in here too. Exercise seems to be a big key to the hip healing. That's good to know if I ever have to have that replaced.

You would also be welcomed if you care to start your own thread on the Chronic Pain forum. I expect there are others there who would understand your situations. I know there are many others who have osteoarthritis.
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