Hamstring Avulsion (complete tear from pelvis)

[mlfoster1]

By the way, I think that the scar tissue is an issue also. I've been told by several people that massaging really helps soften it and cuts down on adhesions that form aroun the suture line. I think I will try that more as well)

[Jay M]

To all:
All the symptoms that you guys have mentioned are very common and I experienced all of them as well. Its a scary feeling to get these symptoms and think "is everything OK". Hang in there and do your best to baby or protect the surgical site. These symptoms will dissappear over time. Stay positive and remember that you recently had a very serious orthopedic surgery. In a few weeks/months you will be saying the same thing to others on this site who recently had the same surgery.

Take care,

Jay

[DaveE]

Today is 9 days after surgery. The spasming has stopped---which is great---I have no pain unless I get vertical. Then it feels like someone is pulling a chunck out of my leg---unless I take a percocet. The narcotics is a double edged sword. I get relief, but pay for it the next day with constipation. I am taking a stool softener---but it still creates issues. Sleeping is still interrupted througout the night---no pain---I just wake up several times---including 5am which is one of the times that I take my antibiotic pill---so that's good.

One thing that a doctor who personally had the same injury and surgery mentioned is that the muscle behind my knee--can't recall if on the inside or outside of the back of the knee----- will be painful as I recover. It apparenlty helps the hamstring do its job and initally the hamstring isn't doing it's job---- so this muscle compensates. That muscle will work overtime, get much larger than normal and ache like a son of a gun. He suggest massage, heat etc if that should occur. The point being, that it is totally normal and part of the recovery process to have this pain.

Tomorrow I plan on ascending 17 steps and having my first shower---ah the enjoyment that I now get from small accomplishments. I am not concerned about going up---going down is another story

cheers

[merrybaker]

DaveE- for the constipation, make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids. One of the way stool softeners act is by drawing water from the intestines. If you are not drinking much, they are not as effective. When taking the narcotics, taking them schduled around the clock is better than just taking them when the pain increases. Sorry to here about all the pain you are having. Not sure how much percocet you are taking, but if you are taking one at a time, you can also take a tylenol with it if you do not have any liver or kidney problems. Max dose of acetaminophen for a healthy adult is about 4000 mg a day. a regular percocet has 325 mg. that might help. I am also only sleeping about 6 hours a night now, I figure I'm not doing much physical activity so my body just isn't as tired.

[mlfoster1]

Hey DaveL) Hang in there. Don't forget that a lot of fluid travels dependently away from the site, from the time it tears to the point of surgery. All that fluid presses against the nerve ending throughout the leg and puts tension on the area behind the knee. Good luck with the stairs!
Michelle

[Jay M]

Dave,
Lots of fiber (beans, pears and frosted mini-wheats), water and activa yogurt will help with the constipation. I had a lot of problems too with taking pain meds. Actually, had more discomfort from constipation than surgical pain. I ultimately chose to stop taking pain meds. Hope this helps.

Jay

[mlfoster1]

Hi all I went to the doc today. I'm 5 weeks out and he is very happy with my progrees. He said I can passivly begin passive range of motion, PT in one week, and light weights in 3.. Next week I lose the brace and crutches (I hardly use the crutches anyway.) He also said that taking the six weeks with mostly rest and support is the way the tendon develops enough strength and attachment so that you can then begin stretching and extensions. I'm usually too zealous with my injuries, so I'm really glad I listened. Even when he asked me to lift my lieg off the table, I tweeked it. SOOOOO today I will spend the day in bed resting it.

I also asked him about the Plasma injections that are now being used. He said he's not impressed with their outcomes, but when I'm back to running and competing, I can try it on the other hamstring, which has been chronically sprained. I heard that acupuncture really helps the healing process, increasing blood flow to the area, so I will begin that once I can drive. He said next week!

I hope you are all feeling better each day. It's been great having this site to go to...it's really helped me remain positive!
Michelle

[mlfoster1]

Good morning all I started gently flexing my leg..just a little. It feels like my leg will rip open. The suture line feels so incredibly tight. Has anyway that is beyond 5/6 weeks ever had that?
Thanks.

[Hannah]

Hello all you recent post-ops. Hopefully your PT will help you understand the slow pace of this rehab - the tendon can't really be aggressively stretched for 12-16 weeks, but gentle stretching and a lot of massage of incision site can be done before that which will really relieve tightness & spasming, and break up adhesions. A week of joint immobilization buys you a month of recovery, so set your horizon 5-6 months out, and then, especially if you are no longer a kid, expect to keep plugging away to make gains for well over a year. I am at 9 months and am currently in Colorado skiing. Hallelujah!

[Hannah]

Mine was Russell Warren at HSS. I also consulted Struan Coleman who is mainly a Mets doc, but some Giants.