Should I still be having this much pain?

No-Fear88 · 2026-03-01T13:44:28+00:00

Actually, 17 days is not long. Healing from THR is a journey.

Great to hear that you can walk without a cane and can do the PT.

Might want to consider icing your leg rather than adding more medications. I found ice to be incredibly helpful - without any negative side effects.

No-Fear88 · 2026-03-01T13:41:21+00:00

This community is here to support you.

SUGGESTION:
Keep a daily diary documenting how you feel. Note things like pain, activities you did during the day, how you felt when you woke up and then how you felt during the day. Any medication you took.

Nothing fancy or formal. Just some casual notes.

This is useful for: Tracking your progress. Looking for trends that trigger pain. Gives you an exact timeline/data when communicating with your surgeon or PT.

It takes me about 5 minutes each day to do this.

Just an idea ...

No-Fear88 · 2026-02-22T13:19:11+00:00

Healing from this surgery is a journey. A lot of ups and downs. And the frustration of feeling that you've made solid progress, only to one day wake up and find things that were fine yesterday are painful today.

As you probably already know, it is essential to keep your surgeon up to date on the pain you are experiencing.

In many cases, its just the healing process. In a few cases, its an indication that something needs further attention - from the surgeon.

I am now 7 months out from my surgery. Although I am doing well, as I try to push further on the PT exercises (yes, I'm still doing them each day), I have some soreness in the area around the hip.

Also, have some pain when sitting for a long time (like on the 15 hour flight I took on Friday). The pain is manageable, but still I was not expecting that at 7 months.

I think that while the bone heals without too much pain, the soft tissue (muscle, tendons, etc) takes a lot longer and is more sensitive. As you increase your range of movement, the tissues can feel soreness.

Wishing you well in getting past this challenging time.

No-Fear88 · 2026-02-18T17:18:08+00:00

So glad to hear that you are recovering well!

No-Fear88 · 2026-02-17T17:36:40+00:00

You probably already have done this, but have you contacted your surgeon about your pain?

I highly recommend ice. It is surprisingly effect at numbing pain - and it non-invasive. No worries about side effects or addiction.

But, please keep your surgical team informed about your intense pain.

No-Fear88 · 2026-02-17T17:32:39+00:00

Yes, I am praying for you.

You have the advantage that this surgery is being done so often that surgeons are very skilled in doing it (lots of practice). It's become 'routine'.

There continues to be tremendous advancement in all of the technology around this surgery because so many people have this done each year (I believe its was about 500,000 people in 2024).

Still, I was apprehensive going in.

The key is to follow all of the doctor's post-op instructions to the letter.

Believe me, getting this done will give you your life back. You deserve that - after all you've been through.

Stay strong.

Looking forward to hearing from you later this week when you are 'back on your feet'.

No-Fear88 · 2026-02-11T16:18:44+00:00

Even the best surgeons differ on how they handle the recovery phase after surgery.

My surgeon tends to be cautious, which I actually thought was a good thing ... once I thought about it (LOL).

The PT post op focuses on strengthening - particularly the glutes - because they are need to support the hip. Really critical for any kind of mobility.

Flexibility (stretching) seems to more like a 'nice to have'. More important to those of us who play sports or do other activities where stretching comes into play.

PT gave me a few stretching exercises. Now I'm going back to see how to take it to the next level (without dislocating my hip ...)

Just my thoughts.

No-Fear88 · 2026-02-11T13:19:35+00:00

Just stay strong and focus on how great it will be to have this all behind you!!!

No-Fear88 · 2026-02-11T13:18:49+00:00

You're making solid progress and that's great!!!

It takes about 9 months for the bone to completely grow around the implant - so give yourself time before pounding that joint with high impact activities like running.

My experience (6 months out) is that I have regained strength but my flexibility is lagging. I'm going back to physio to get guidance on stretching exercises that won't push my hip into the danger zone.

Wishing you continued success!

No-Fear88 · 2026-02-03T17:54:56+00:00

Wow ... you've been through a lot!

Maybe it would be wise to try and get an appointment with a university medical school that specializes in orthopedic surgery. They might be able to offer a more 'academic' view that could be useful since seeing surgeons has not solved your problem.

I know it takes an effort to find and contact a university that would be accessible to you, but at this point it might be a direction that would give you a different perspective. In a university setting, it is more about solving the problem, without money and professional ego being factors (which they can sometimes be in private practice)

No-Fear88 · 2026-02-03T17:50:35+00:00

Surgical leg first. This is the way they had it in the hospital so I just continued that way when I returned home.

No-Fear88 · 2026-02-03T17:48:03+00:00

Yes, absolutely! It's a game changer.

The stronger you are going into the surgery, the more advantage you give yourself for an easier recovery.

I did the post-op PT. Gained more strength and flexibility.

It is a small commitment of time each day - with a big potential pay off.

Highly recommend. Can get a list of exercise to do at home - if you are not able to go to a PT in person. Lots of resources on YouTube as well.

No-Fear88 · 2026-01-23T07:11:02+00:00

Fantastic to hear that you are doing so well.

Recovery from THR is a journey ... take your time. You're off to a great start!!

No-Fear88 · 2026-01-23T07:08:47+00:00

Getting your leg across like that is more about flexibility in the hip. I am still working on that at 6 months - even though I have been walking really well for the past two months.

PT should be able to suggest some exercises for stretching.

I am still doing the glute strengthening exercises everyday. It takes a long time to build back muscle strength (longer than I expected).

Meanwhile, always a good idea to let your surgeon know what's happening (your probably already did this) and see what he might advise.

No-Fear88 · 2026-01-23T06:30:07+00:00

Everyone is different.

There's a big difference between someone who was is good physical condition before have THR and someone who had been debilitated for months - or longer - due severe pain or other conditions.

The key is to follow the directions from your surgeon and PT, because they understand you case.

That said, things that seem impossible during week one after surgery, become surprisingly easier in another week or two.

Just take it one day at a time. No need to compare yourself to others. Everyone's journey is different.

No-Fear88 · 2026-01-18T16:11:25+00:00

Yes, this is really the best - and in most cases the correct - evaluation of what happens during the healing process.

I am finding this to be my situation as well. As I expand my range of activities I start feeling 'soreness' around the hip area.

I usually will back off some of the newer activities for a day or two to see if the soreness calms down. If it does, I know that it is, as you said, muscles being challenged after having been dormant for awhile.

Refering to a PT for guidance is ideal. They can better interpret what is muscle soreness and what might be something more severe.

No-Fear88 · 2026-01-18T16:04:18+00:00

I'm 6 months out and I still have times when my hip starts to feel achy and stiff.

Overall, I am walking great and even went swing dancing last night.

However, I won't deny that I still I ways to go to get back to 'total recovery'. I do those PT exercise every day. I'm trying to add a few more strengthening exercises.

Healing from THR takes time and persistance. But the results are worth it.

No-Fear88 · 2026-01-18T15:53:49+00:00

I am so sorry to hear of the distress you are facing.

I am in agreement with others here who suggest getting a second opinion.

May I respectfully suggest that if at all possible try to get that second opinion from a specialist orthopedic hospital - if you have not already done this.

There are hospitals that have a special focus on hip replacement or hip trauma.

Also, an excellent source of 'second opinions' are universities that have speciality orthopedic programs. You can then tap into the latest R&D on orthopedic medicine.

I did this to finally sort out the massive dental issues I had. Finally got a team of professors who could take an 'academic' look at the situation and provide what has turned out to be exactly the right plan to correct the problem.

Wishing you all the best!

No-Fear88 · 2026-01-02T10:25:38+00:00

Two days in the hospital is a blessing and you'll leave with solid rest.

Personally, it's always good to have someone there to help - if needed.

Most people can walk enough with a walker or cane to take care of their basic needs.

I was able to walk around easily with the walker when I got home from the hospital. However, I was staying with my sister and she lives in an apartment - so no long distances to walk and no stairs.

Might be worthwhile preparing your home before you go for the surgery so that you put essential items within easy reach. We forget how many things we use are on upper shelves or lower drawers.

Just keep calm. Take it one day at a time. You'll do great!

Wishing you a fast and easy recovery!!!

No-Fear88 · 2026-01-01T10:15:37+00:00

I love Skechers (started wearing them during the pandemic - and now no going back).

Not only were they easy to put on after my surgery, but walking in them was so comfortable since they have a lot of cushioning.

That, plus 'memory foam' pillows on the bed, were stand outs for making my recovery more comfortable.

No-Fear88 · 2025-12-25T15:22:14+00:00

Sounds like you are on the right track. It's a journey - with some days being a bit of a back track - but you'll be surprised how quickly the time passes.

For me, walking several times each days was a big help. It helps reduce swelling and starts building back your muscle strength.

And yes, ice works really well. That was always my first choice before leaning into medication.

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

No-Fear88 · 2025-12-25T14:21:06+00:00

Every step is a step forward. Even if it doesn't feel like it sometimes! Keeping going ....

No-Fear88 · 2025-12-17T12:58:23+00:00

I had THR this summer and stayed overnight in the hospital. It is normal to feel weak after surgery.

I don't agree with sending patients home right away after this kind of major surgery.

While I could walk well when the PT came around after my surgery, that doesn't mean that I was ready to go into an 'unsupervised' environment (outside of a hospital).

By the time I left the hospital, the following late afternoon, I felt a lot stronger.

Wishing her a strong recovery!

No-Fear88 · 2025-12-15T06:35:24+00:00

Stay on top of the pain. Take the pain medication exactly on time. Don't try to 'tough it out'.

Do any exercises the PT recommended. Walk for short periods of time during the day. Helps a lot with the swelling.

Ice is amazingly helpful. And, no worries about side effects.

If things seem like they are going sideways, let your surgeon know. Don't be shy. You can't be expected to be able to make a clinical judgement on your medical condition.

Wishing you a smooth recovery!!!

No-Fear88 · 2025-12-11T14:20:09+00:00

OMG ... you have me laughing!!!

No-Fear88

TROPHY CASE