Long Term Survivor Hip Pain Question

suzycruise76 said:

Back pain...

I ended my colon cancer treatment by chemo and radiation in the spring 2019. It definitely helped to minimize the tumor which had been successfully removed by surgery afterwards. So,same as you,I am happy to be alive. But the price for it is high: in the summer 2020 I started having pains in the right side of my hips,and my walking was getting more and more difficult and painful. After several tests (x-ray,bone density and Ct scan) I got surprising diagnose of multiple pelvis fractures in my right side,and healing pelvis fractures in my left side (which at that time had not been painful). I was admited to hospital, had more x-rays and for 2 weeks there was mostly on bed rest, getting painkillers (Tylenol 500 and Hydromophen). After that I got another 2 weeks of rehab and was released to go home...with a walker and manual wheelchair,rented from a Senior store. For 1 month I had been allowed to bear weight only 50% on my right leg. There were several doctors (including my radiologist for cancer treatment),who assumed that my situation happened due to radiation which caused severe osteoporosis.

I forgot to say that after my first x-ray in the summer my family doctor put me on Alendronate,which is aparently a good medication fot strengthening bones.

After several more appointments with orthopedic surgeons,who told me that my injury is not operatable, they released me to care of osteoporosis clinic. Because of covid my only app. there happened just by video conference; the doctor agreed with the Alendronate and daily use of vitamins B12 and D3. 

My situation is that I walk a bit better and more,bearing weight on both legs,but still need to use the walker. And after several weeks from the hospital I started getting pains in my left side and very intense lower back pain. 

Right now I am not sure if I should have another x-ray,because I am afraid that maybe more fractures are happening.

I am having a very good physiotherapy once a week,which I consider helpful,but as I said, I am still often in pain and not sure about my future.

Please let me know if your situation is similar and if my story can help you a bit. You should be looked after by professionals,and I hope you'll find help.

Suzy

 

 

Thank you so much for that info. Suzy. I had my one month post op appointment a few days ago. The Dr. feels that physical therapy will help me tremendously, that this is related to my muscles that have been dealing with  my back condition, and are now coping with the realiggnment of my spine. I'm going to try therapy and see if it improves. if that doesn't work, I might see if the pain could perhaps be caused with a problem with my SI joint. i hope physiotherapy continues to help you with your pain. Did the fractures that you had heal? Seems like maybe they should be monitoring those fractures ? You are right, I think we do pay a high price for the cure don't we.