Is this a flare or lingering post op pain ?

[Retallack]

I am 8 weeks post hip replacement and am reducing prednisolone 2.5 to 2mg. I have been having lower back pain and stiff shoulders first thing since returning home which gradually disappears once I get up. Not sure whether this is because I have had to sleep on my back (normally a side sleeper) or it is a flare. Should I up my dose of pred for few days to see if this solves the problem and, if so, by how much ? Your advice would be gratefully received. Thank you.

[SnazzyD]

Hello, for how long have you been at home and have you been using any sort of walking aid? Does it loosen up fairly quickly when you get up or does the Pred have to kick in?

[Retallack in reply to SnazzyD]

I have been home for 7 weeks. Ditched the crutches indoors 2 weeks ago. Use walking poles to go for walk and stopping using a crutch for the stairs. Taking p red doesn't make any difference. Gets less stiff but is still in the background most of the day.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

From personal experience would say more likely different sleeping position and maybe walking aids….had similar following all replacement operations, particularly the lower back pain. My GCA was in remission at time.

Are you back to normal sleeping position now? If so, it is any better at all? Are you now off all post operation pain killers?

You could try putting your current reduction on hold…and maybe take and extra couple of mgs for a week as a trial..then back to 2.5mg to see if any difference.

[Retallack in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. Had been on 2.5mg for 2 months as didn't want to reduce till surgery done. Feels tight in the hip if I try to sleep on my opposite side. Off painkillers after 2 weeks. Yes, think I will try 5mgs for a few days. Do you think I should split this to half each morning and night ? Usually take it with breakfast.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Retallack]

Not necessarily, I would take in one dose -usual time.

Could/have you tried sleeping with pillow between knees now your back to side sleeping.

Doesn’t stay there all night, but does align the upper legs/hips in a better place for part of it…. So relives some of the pressure on back as well

Have a look at this -

healthline.com/health/sleep...

[piglette]

The fact the pain disappears after you get up does seem to point to you having to sleep on your back. I know a lot of people have back trouble after hip ops because of having to sleep on their backs.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Given I wouldn't have reduced the pred dose so soon after surgery - maybe a bit more is called for. But I think DL's suggestion is equally likely.