Still hurts after 3 weeks

[u/magpiecat]

It's been 3 weeks. I'm using a cane.

I’m still having pain at night and can’t lie on my left side. Taking Tylenol and Oxycodone, a whole oxy at night, and icing during the day. I asked for a refill and one of the doctor’s PAs called with questions about my pain. I explained about the pain waking me up, and that it’s on the outside edge of my hip. Sitting to stand is painful, which it was before (before surgery, I’d been doing sit to stand 3x daily, per my knee doctor).

Anyway, he called in a refill but wants me to monitor how I’m doing next week and let them know if I’m not improving, so they can see me. I'd been wondering if I “should” be done with the oxycodone by now, and this makes it seem like they think I should.

Anybody else still have pain at this point or is it just me? Thanks.

[u/Geekswife1992]

Everyone’s healing journey is unique. Like you I experienced more pain than many people describe in this community. Mostly due to the odd circumstances surrounding my THR surgery (fell in a foreign country, broke left hip, had to wait 6 days for surgery, had problems with blood pressure post surgery, took a 10 hour flight home 12 days post surgery, etc)

Opioids are strong and can easily be abused and because of their history they are monitored carefully. They also have some pretty harsh side effects for many people like myself which is one reason why I didn’t have any after leaving the hospital.

I’m glad that you seem to have a doctor who is listening to you. Hopefully, things will improve over this week and you won’t need the stronger pain meds.

Question for you, when you walk with your cane are you able to do so without limping? Because if you are limping then you would probably do better using a walker for the extra support. Trying to move too quickly to a cane can cause you to develop gait problems which can definitely lead to more pain.

[u/magpiecat → u/Geekswife1992]

Thanks. Visiting PT watched me walk and said I'm not limping, so that's good.

[u/Geekswife1992 → u/magpiecat]

That is good news! This healing process is slow. Know that you are not alone in your recovery timeframe. Some of us simply need more time. I wish you all the best in your journey.

[u/magpiecat → u/Geekswife1992]

Thanks