Two-Week Hip Surgery Follow-Up, 9/12/24

Thursday, 9/12/24 – Follow-Up at Duke, Recovery Update, Pain and Infection

Thursday was a long day. After my two-week follow-up with my surgeon at Duke University and a full day being in a car, my mom and I finally made it home. I am so grateful for my mother!

New Pain: A Knife in My Hip

It’s been 48 hours since I started experiencing a sharp, stabbing pain in my hip. The best way to describe it? It feels like my leg is hanging by a string, and any slight movement feels like a knife cutting into it. When the pain strikes, it’s intense—easily a 9 out of 10. Whether I’m putting weight on my leg, sitting down, or even trying to walk, the pain hits without warning.

This morning, when I accidentally bumped my foot on the ground, I went straight into screaming from the intensity. The pain has also affected my balance and made me feel unsafe using crutches at times.

The Hospital Visit and Unexpected Reaction

When we arrived at the hospital, I opted to use a wheelchair to get to the third floor where I’d see my doctor—it was the safest option. The moment my surgeon saw me in the wheelchair, she looked surprised. She had expected me to be walking, but I don’t think she understood the level of pain I’m in. She asked to see me walk, but I simply couldn’t. I could stand, barely, but walking felt impossible.

Physical Therapy Struggles and Dismissed Concerns

Up to this point, physical therapy has been unproductive because of the infection in my hip. Even after the second surgery, I’ve been recovering from both the infection pain and surgical pain. The road has felt long and difficult, and at times, hopeless.

I shared these concerns with my surgeon, but I almost felt as if they were dismissed. It seemed like she expected me to be walking by now. She checked my wound, examined the hip socket, and reviewed my x-rays. Everything looked solid, but the pain was undeniable. Her advice? “I think you need to start walking, or your muscles will disappear.”

I understand the importance of pushing through recovery, but it’s hard to see how that’s possible when every step feels like a knife driving into my hip.

My Theory: Fluid Build-Up

I offered my own theory about what might be happening. Back in 2017-18, I dealt with a femur bone infection (osteomyelitis), where bacteria caused fluid discharge through an open wound. Sometimes the wound would wall off, and the pressure inside would lead to nerve pain.

Given that my incision stopped draining only four days ago, it seemed logical to me that fluid build-up might be causing this pain. But again, it felt like my theory wasn’t taken seriously, and the visit became increasingly disheartening.

Lab Results and Moving Forward

Later that evening, the results from my lab work came in, and thankfully, the infection markers showed improvement. I also asked for a new physical therapy order so my therapist and surgeon would be on the same page. The plan? Aggressive strengthening of the muscles around my hip, with gait training and progression to full weight-bearing as soon as possible.

Holding on to Hope

It’s hard not to feel like the excruciating pain I’m experiencing is being dismissed. I hope this pain is temporary and will fade soon, but for now, I’m not ready to push myself into walking just yet. I’m trying to trust the process and remain patient, but it’s tough when the pain feels this overwhelming.

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Note: I know this blog update is 10 days delayed, but it took a bit to figure out all the workings of WordPress, get my website active and navigate my healing journey! There are some very intensive daily events occuring. So, I am choosing to post a blog for each of the upcoming days, as the pain/intensity continues to soar and disable me in certain ways. Stay tuned.

Thank you for taking the time to read this! If you made it to the end, please leave a comment! Love you all my friends!

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu