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Femoral nerve injury

Posted , 11 users are following.

bethan04260
bethan04260

My femoral nerve was damaged 12 months ago. I had a straightforward THR, but it slipped out ( no fall, nothing) after 3 nights and following the revision, my femoral nerve was damaged. Athough I could 'feel' more after 4 months, I was on crutches for 6 months, unable to drive for 5. Then it seemed to improve, until the knee suddenly swelled up horribly and felt scarily unstable. I had an MRI scan, waited ages for the result and it seems that the swelling is just fat, which is simply more noticeable because my quads and VMO have atrophied so badly because of the femoral nerve injury. Has anybody else had the same experience? Can anybody tell me how long it took for the quads and VMO to start working again? Which exercises worked?

12 months on, I can walk without crutches on flat ground, but as I also have chronic arthritis in the knee on the opposite leg ( needed a replacement knee years ago, but they said I was too young...I'm only 54), I cannot walk very far or stand for long without intense pain and discomfort. Steps are hell and I have to use my arms to pull/support me. Luckily, I can cycle, which I do every day. But I'm becoming extremely depressed. Trying hard to have a PMA, but  it's hard when I'm the only person I know who has been through this. Sick of people's eyes glazing over when I try to explain what's happened to me. I would like to meet and chat with others who have/are going through the same thing. The consultants are no help at all when it comes to dealing with our emotional state. I live on my own by the way, and am self employed so no sickness benefits.

3 likes, 23 replies

23 Replies

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  • Annette1234
    Annette1234 bethan04260

    Posted

    OMG you poor thing, you have been through the wringer!! I am sorry I have no advice for you but tons of sympathy..... I have yet to have my surgery, I cannot tell you how sad I am for you, sending you good mojo and prayig something turns around for you. Jus sounds so awfyl and I sure understand you being depressed, i hope someone has some feedback for you.  eek

  • AnnieK
    AnnieK bethan04260

    Posted

    Bethan, what an awful situation! With all of your pain and disability, your depression is completely understandable. Your quality of life is very bad, and it sounds like you have no assurance of ever getting better, is that correct? When you say you have no sickness benefits, does that mean you have no insurance? Or are you in the UK and don't have NHS benefits?

    I have not been able to walk without pain and a severe limp requiring walking aids since my THR last July, and it has been hell. But I found new surgeon who diagnosed my problem, a torn gluteus medius, and I will be having surgery in a month to repair it. Another surgeon will be doing exploratory surgery at the same time to see if there are any other problems with my hip. So I have hope that one day I will be back to better than my previous normal. 

    I can't imagine how I would feel if I didn't have that hope. All my sympathies to you! I hope there is some way you can reach out for mental health help, as well as help with your physical issues, which sound intense. Many hugs to you, Bethan.

    • catrin46108
      catrin46108 AnnieK

      Posted

      Annie in the UK everyone has access to free (at the point of use) health care via the NHS - obviously it's not free as we all pay out of our taxes for the service. Separately we have sickness benefits for those people in work who have to be off due to illness, however, the self employed do not qualify for this (not sure why as we all pay taxes but.....) hence as Bethan is self employed she can't claim sickness benefits. Hope that clears it up and sorry for crashing the conversation. ??

    • AnnieK
      AnnieK catrin46108

      Posted

      Thanks very much for the explanation, Catrin! I didn't understand the terminology and was confused.

  • noplaybarbie
    noplaybarbie bethan04260

    Posted

    Hi bethan:

    I also have not experience anything like you are going through but you have my sincere sympathy and support if you need to chat. I know about being depressed as I was barely able to walk even with a walker for over a year. I am 8 weeks post op and am planning on having my next hip replacement next month. I had my right side bad for quite some time and then the spine problems happened and then the left hip went. I have always been a very busy person, active and always taking care of everyone and then all the sudden I couldn't even take care of myself. Depressing to say the leasts. I hope that something works out for you and am wishing you happiness and healing....Barb

  • linda38528
    linda38528 bethan04260

    Posted

    Dear Bethan,

    What a horrible situation. I truly wish I could relate more directly and offer some meaningful advice.

    But all I can offer is my sympathy and willing ear when you need one. I cannot imagine how frustrating and depressing your situation must feel - not to mention having your life on hold so long.

    I hope someone has something hopeful to offer - wasn't there a physio who joined? I hope he chimes in.

    Hugs and more hugs Bethany.

    L

  • Malloo
    Malloo bethan04260

    Posted

    Gosh, what an awful situation , bless you

    , you have had some lovely replies from some truly kind and genuine people, while they can't sort your pain, I am sure they can help you refind  your positivity.  Let them support you because right now it sounds like you need the uplifting boost that friendship gives you. I wish you well. 

    Love Malloo x

     

  • catrin46108
    catrin46108 bethan04260

    Posted

    Bethan whereabouts in the country are you? If we knew that maybe there is someone from you area on here that you could meet up with for a chat knowing we wouldn't glaze over as you put it. Have you been referred by your GP to a specialist orthopaedic centre? 

    Great name btw (my middle name??)

    catrin 

    • bethan04260
      bethan04260 catrin46108

      Posted

      I'm in Gwynedd. And no, have not been referred anywhere, just told to keep doing the exercises. Catrin's a nice name too.

    • catrin46108
      catrin46108 bethan04260

      Posted

      You should ask to be referred to Oswestry as soon as possible. I'm from Pwllheli originally but have lived in London for 35 years.

      Catrin

    • bethan04260
      bethan04260 catrin46108

      Posted

      I did ask. Oswestry did my ACL back in 2001 but my GP said they could no longer send Welsh patients over the border to England...which I have since found is rubbish. I will ask again. Just made an appointment. PMA...
    • catrin46108
      catrin46108 bethan04260

      Posted

      Yes that it definitely not true. I know two people from Pwllheli who were seen there (and had surgery) this year. I had difficulty being referred to Stanmore (my local specialist orthopaedic hospital) kept being told they don't take GP referrals so I went on the hospital website where it clearly stated they did. GP had to cave in. Slightly different I know but you could try that. 

    • patsy63
      patsy63 bethan04260

      Posted

      Hi Bethan,  Sorry to hear your problems. I haven't had the sam but have had a very complex and horrific set of problems leaving me with intense pain and disability. I can relate to the depression. It seems there is very little joined up services for people like us. If it was something like breast cancer you get the whole mass of support, not just medical but mental and alternative therapies too. I have been under the Royal National orthopeadic hospital and dealing with the London Implant Retieval centre. Their manager has just retired ,but plans on organising a support and information charity for people who have had revisions. I will put any information about this here as soon as I know myself. Not very helpful to you at the moment! I have had damage to my sciatic nerve. I have been prescribed Pregabalin, an anti epilepsy drug but is supposed to help neuropathic pain. Might work, however I spent yesterday in bed with a migraine because of it! But I am very sensitive to drugs. The other thing that has been helpful is some isotropic excercises. This is very tiny movements of single muscles to retrain them, but you would need to see a physio to show you.

      Good luck....chin up....I need a good bottom kicking from time to time! Hopefully we will all get our mobility and lives back in time. 

      Patsy X

    • linda38528
      linda38528 patsy63

      Posted

      Good post - with lots of great information and relevant advice.

      Hope you overcome sensitivity to the pregabalin. I think we should hear more about the value of isometrics. Please keep in touch on how you prpgress with them ... it makes 'sense' to me.

      Wishing you a more comfortable world.

      L

    • patsy63
      patsy63 linda38528

      Posted

      Hi Linda........Did I say Isotropic or some such rubbish, meant to say isometric.......talk about morphine brain.....Shoot me now! Patsy X
    • linda38528
      linda38528 patsy63

      Posted

      Interesting ... you meant to say it and I read it that way! And yes I agree this journey certainly does mush up the brain. At 5 months I am really only now starting to feel normal (or as normal as I get)! 😆

      And I am starting this all over in two months for my right hip!

      Hugs,

      L

    • bethan04260
      bethan04260 patsy63

      Posted

      Thanks Patsy, the line - 'very little joined up services for people like us' is so true. I've been feeling guilty about being resentful of friends with breast cancer who received immediate treatment and loads of support - and recovered, thankfully. But it made me feel bad for feeling that way.

      I've heard of Pregabalin as a possibility if the Gabapentin doesn't work. But it's not the nerve pain that bothers me as much as the inability to do the things that I and my friends and family want to do. And not knowing when all this is going to end - if ever.

      But, you're right, giving myself a good bottom kicking is the answer. I just have, and feel better immediately. Taking positive steps instead of just feeling sorry for myself.

      I hope to be able to give some more positive news soon and will post here when I get some. I have a feeling the physio will be of more help than the consultant and will definitely ask about the isometrics.

      Thanks everybody!

    • renee01952
      renee01952 bethan04260

      Posted

      Hi Bethan,

      You are an amazing woman and you have come a long way -Maybe it doesn't feel like that at times , but you really have -

      And it is perfectlly okay to just sit with yourself and surrender to your feelings and emotions - No need to defend them, not even to yourself - It is your journey and more than just a physical one, I think -

      Of course you are getting impatient and feel frustrated going at a snail's pace here - 

      Be kind to yourself dear Bethan - you are doing the best you can ...

      big warm hug

      renee

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