u/Sweettoothsenior

This is the way my body breaks down. Well, almost...

About fifteen years ago, my back and hips were hurting at work. This led to THR, both sides, 6 months apart.

Post-op the hips were even, the back hurt more. Experienced foot drop.

Ten years later, finally get the spine fused, S1 - T4. Recovery was about two years.

My legs strengthened and my balance improved with PT.

At the end of two years, ended up dislocating one of my hips.

The ball in the R hip moved after the spinal fusion. Pulled my hip out cleaning the tub. Lots of tissue damage.

THR revision on that one side. About 3 weeks ago. The hip is healing great.

This week, my left knee goes out from overuse. And I have a huge bulge on my lower spine.

Seroma was drained. Bulge remained. I struggle to stand straight. I try to incorporate stretching and light PT.

I can barely walk, even though my hip would let me, the knee won't at this time. Both knees are swollen.

What do you expect the next "step" is?

This is the way my body breaks down. Well, almost...

About fifteen years ago, my back and hips were hurting at work. This led to THR, both sides, 6 months apart.

Post-op the hips were even, the back hurt more. Experienced foot drop.

Ten years later, finally get the spine fused, S1 - T4. Recovery was about two years.

My legs strengthened and my balance improved with PT.

At the end of two years, ended up dislocating one of my hips.

The ball in the R hip moved after the spinal fusion. Pulled my hip out cleaning the tub. Lots of tissue damage.

THR revision on that one side. About 3 weeks ago. The hip is healing great.

This week, my left knee goes out from overuse. And I have a huge bulge on my lower spine.

Seroma was drained. Bulge remained. I struggle to stand straight. I try to incorporate stretching and light PT.

I can barely walk, even though my hip would let me, the knee won't at this time. Both knees are swollen.

What do you expect the next "step" is?

I am trying really hard to cram decades of hip and back research into 35 years of adulthood. Even my flair is suffering.

I am trying really hard to cram decades of hip and back research into 35 years of adulthood. Even my flair is suffering.

(Post-Op):

I'm an elderly woman. Surgery was about 2 years ago. I am fully fused, and healing is going well. Although in that time, two things have happened:

1. My spine straightened and I got strong doing my PT. Went on vacation and my hip replacement dislocated. Seems the ball from the first surgery wasn't big enough to hold the joint in place. This may be due to the spinal fusion, gaining height, getting stronger, which moved the ball. I'm being scheduled for hip revision surgery. And surgery for the broken wrist when I fell.

2. Chronic seroma. When I fell that huge lump returned, approximately L4-L5 , a seroma that has persisted since the first month of my operation. It was huge. The surgeon refused to drain it. I am concerned with the lingering scar tissue and occasional fluid build up. Skin is tight. Feels like someone is pushing me along with a pokey stick. Balance is off. I can't find a surgeon to remove it. But I finally got a referral for an ultrasound biopsy. Maybe I can get a name there. I've been pressuring my doctors about this for two years.

(Premise):

I decided to share this because I was not fully aware of the side effects that can linger years after the surgery. Those stories about people playing golf and skiing are a fantasy, a wish, that likely won't be granted. I've spent two years now hoping for more mobility and it's not happening. I can barely stand in the kitchen, cook, wash dishes, without having to take a break.

I think surgeons don't fully brief their patients about the limitations they will have after the surgery is done and fully healed. I'm still dealing with the effects of my surgery and will likely deal with these restrictions for the rest of my life. My friends are out camping and hiking, bowling, going to events, shopping, even walking city blocks, and I thought I would be with them. But I'm not and I'm bummed.

I want to put life after surgery in a more realistic light. Share my experience. And ask.

(Questions):

What have you done to adjust your life goals and expectations after surgery?

How do you deal with your limitations after surgery?