Hip replacements with RA

[LesBev]

Hi everyone, i had a full hip replacement six months ago and it has been painful ever since. Ortho guy said the mri showed “ changes since the operation” and basically it’s probably your RA affecting it, come back in six months.

My RA nurse said that sounded like guessology and it looked to her like gaps between the implant and my thigh bone.

It hurts in my groin, bottom and all around the new hip and I’m frightened as my other hip is bone on bone and very painful too. My GP gave me morphine patches.

The blood tests don’t show an infection.

Has anyone else had anything like this? If so, what happened? As if RA which refuses to be controlled isn’t enough 😖

Any cool all you lovely people

Lx

[oldtimer]

That doesn't seem very satisfactory. I would be wanting a fuller explanation of what they think is going on. I would write to the orthopaedic surgeon asking for a fuller explanation, with a copy to your rheumatologist. You need to know if it is the Rheumatoid Disease or a problem with the implant. It might be sensible for you to suggest that the two specialists talk to each other to make a plan to manage the situation more effectively than just giving you pain relief (necessary as that is).

[LesBev in reply to oldtimer]

Thank you, I thought that but consultants can be so intimidating. And when your scared and in pain it’s even worse.

I have just got a rheumatology appointment for August so will make that suggestion. Meanwhile, I love the idea of writing it down. It might make it easier for me as I won’t get emotional 🙄 And I hope they will reply.

[AgedCrone in reply to LesBev]

Put on your brave girl boots....as oldtimer says you need to know if there is a problem with the surgery ..my friend had a similar experience ...she decided to write to her surgeon....& ended up getting it sorted very quickly.

Putting problems in writing to the hospital is scary, but it gets results.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to LesBev]

What about taking someone with you when you go to see your consultant? Even better if you can take someone dressed in a smart suit, ‘to take notes’, just introduce them as ‘a friend’ who is going to ‘take notes’ and hopefully the consultant will think you have brought your lawyer.

My husband (71) had a hip replacement coming up for two years ago and he didn’t ever have the pan you are describing. He was in absolute agony beforehand, could barely walk and occasionally he says he is amazed that he isn’t even aware that he has an artificial hip. He didn’t use the morphine drip when he was in hospital - but he was only there for two nights - he was up out of bed and having physiotherapy within fifteen minutes of arriving back on his ward, the physiotherapist was about to clock off and decided to fit him in first - he had a week of morphine tablets at home that he took as he says not because he had pain but because he was given them.

I really feel for you because apart from the pain you are in there is the disappointment of not feeling any better than you were. As well as writing, could your GP perhaps contact your consultant(s) on your behalf?

[Gnarli]

Well that's rubbish isn't it? Old Timer's suggestions seem eminently sound to me and well worth a go. I do hope you get some answers and relief soon

[LesBev in reply to Gnarli]

Thank you, it is rubbish but trying to get doctors to understand what constant daily pain does seems an uphill task. I will get some stamina and start to stand my corner. God knows if it will help! Take care. Lx

[Hidden]

I see that they fobbed you off. I have had my hip replaced five weeks ago and although a little tender it is fine

[LesBev in reply to Hidden]

That’s great Minty.... you see they can do it with RA! So glad you’re ok, keep up the exercises but no marathons yet 😉

[LesBev in reply to Hidden]

Bye the way, can I ask if they did the replacement from a cut on your bottom or from the front? Lx

[Hidden in reply to LesBev]

The scar is 4.5 inches down the front but I was offered a choice.

[KathleenMary]

I had a partial hip replacement in January following a fall..so had no time to prepare .It was a real shock Nd took me longer to recover than I hoped.

Thanks must go to my supportive husband,my physio and my grandson all of whom.provided encouragement and support.

I am now largely pain free and can walk without a stock and a limp,except when very tired.

I hope with time,that I will be able to walk further and return to my walking club and keep fit group