hip and pelvic fracture, followed by 2 surgeries and foot drop!!!!

Oh Ashley

So sorry to hear of your situation. Dreadful. 

I can only tell of my experience of nerve damage, including foot drop, as a result of hip replacement in 2007. It really is an excruciating condition, which cannot be fully imagined by those who haven't endured it. 

Like you, I was in total despair for so long: professionals tried all sorts of interventions ( including TENS, which is what, I think you were referring to). Nothing helped and I was on heavy morphine for a long time. 

Seven years on, I can say that there has been significant improvement, though it does recur occasionally. And it has been so v gradual as to hardly be noticeable as it's happening. It's only when I consciously think back that I remember how v bad it was. 

I'm left with a foot that is permanently freezing cold, deep purple and have the odd 'stumble' - which has become manageable. 

Please don't be despondent. Things could well get better. Accept with grace, if you can, all the help you are offered and actively push for any/every support etc you can get from the professionals. 

Keep us updated. You will be in my thoughts. 

Elaine 

UK

Ashley I have tears in my eyes reading your post. I know exactly how you feel I have been in an RTA in 1992. 23 years ago 15th February.  I fractured  the acetabulum (Hip socket)and front of pelvis. I had the acetabulum  reconstructed and have 11 screws and 2 plates. It was the most awful time of my life. You are very early on in your recovery. I had physio for a year and could not weight bear for 6 months. I did manage to go to work  (office) after a year but unfortunately after another op to remove some screws I went into depression and had to give up work. My children were 10 and 13. I suffer with pain in my pelvis down to my ankle and have used crutches for years. Because of the damage  I eventually  had a hip replacement last November 2013 and my femoral nerve was damaged. I have gained movement in my lower leg but still have numbness and more pain. I am worse than before. I just want to say that you will go through a lot of stages before  you come out feeling positive. I read after the hip replacement  that it is more likely  you get nerve damage after pelvic surgery. I was just lucky not to have had it with the original surgery but unlucky to have it after the replacement. I do have limited walking but manage to get to do things around the home without crutches. I have had years to adjust my life it's not easy but I am happy. I have had despair but my love for my children helped and I now have 4 grandchildren who are my life! Here is my email  ______ . You can email me with any questions you have. You have been through a traumatic  time. Nobody will understand  you unless like me you have been through it. 

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Wow, I can understand how you would  start  feeling depressed . Recovery from surgery or any injury that may become chronic is very difficult. The combination of severe pain, limitation of normal activities, lack of restful sleep and fear for the future all can combine to give you a double whammy. You have physical and emotional issues that need to be considered as valid issues. Do you have any access to a counselor who helps people with chronic pain issues? It can help you sort out your feelings and validate them--then suggest how you can best work thru them.

The good news is that your body wants to heal itself. You will not always be dependent , even if feels like it now. Your daughter is old enough to play with less physically demanding items-- molding clay, paint by numbers, simple computer games if you have access. My granddaughter is very good at finding these type activities-- even playing dress up with her dolls -- all can be done while lying in bed.

children often enjoy finding new ways to play with their mom.  I'm pretty sure your mom is willing to help for as long as she can. Maybe she can help devise ways to make your environment less challenging, ie, ramps to replace steps. 

Now I fully understand being fuzzy headed from pain medicine; I hate it but studies show that patients recover more quickly when pain was controlled and not stressing their  body. Often the best policy is to find ways to relax yourself and allow tincture of time to work it's miracles. 

Keep us posted, we really care.

Hello Ashley,

I'm so sorry about the turn of events for you.  It is hard to lean on someone when you have been so independent for so long.  Your daughter will cope and as time goes on you will be able to do other things with her that do not require physical effort, i.e. cards, colouring, barbies, etc. and she will love spending time with you no matter what.

I think being young and other wise healthy is on your side..it may be a long process and I think you have to give yourself more credit...you are obviously a strong person, being a single parent.

Best wishes for you, stay in touch with this forum, there are many people that are more than happy to listen to you and offer advice when they can.

Patricia from Toronto

Hi Ashley , 

iv just read your post , I'm 52 ,and 15weeks post hip op , during the op the surgeon fractured my pelvic, I'm too am plated and screwed in my pelvic , iv been none weight bear, and partial weight bear for the passed 12weeks I'm now just off crutches around the house and walking with a stick when  out , iv also have nerve damage to my left foot (nothing like what your going through ), my emotions were all over the place ,and I  was very tearfull and in a lot off pain the first 6weeks was the hardest .you have been through a very traumatic time , and it's is still very early days for you in your recovery , 

your family must be relieved to still have you , so looking after you is what family,s do best , your daughter, has also been through a lot seeing mummy in so much pain ,

Don't  be so  hard on yourself , your still here and doing well , take each day as it comes , and take your medication ,we deal with thing when our pain is ,controlled 

all  the best for the new year ,love yvonne 

 

We are still thinking about you Ashley!!!

Patricia from Toronto

Hi Ashley,

I am in a similar situation. 8 months ago I was hit by a drunk driver while walking to work. I broke my pelvis and my right leg & ankle in numerous place. As a result of my pelvic break my sciatic nerve was damaged and I have foot drop in my right foot.

I know exactly what you've been through.I understand the pain and mental torture you've experienced. I had days where I thought I'd never walk again and endless nights of screaming in pain. I'll never forget the exhaustion and what it did to me mentally.

If I had written this months ago I'd be writing a very different post and no doubt the last few months have given you a new perspective. Because life goes on. And no matter what happens you do get on with it because you have to! I have days where I get incredibly frustrated and so damn angry at my situation, but ironically I'm also the happiest I've ever been. The last few months have changed my life so much. I went from being an independent career obsessed girl to a bed ridden mess! But I did all the physio, I rested, I took all the pills, I put one foot in front of the other and eventually, after much frustration and pain, I walked on crutches, and then I walked with one crutch and now I'm even driving. Sure I'm still on one crutch but its my new normal and I'm getting on with it. Its been so hard but I know there's an end to it and I'm determined to get there.

When I think of what could have been I'm so grateful to be left with a limp and foot drop. It sucks and I can't do some things but I have a new love for life. I try to cherish every moment and never take it for granted. I honestly believe things happen for a reason and sometimes life is bloody unfair. But you will get through it. There will be an end to your pain, you will walk again. You maybe won't run and you'll never be a leg model ;-) but you survived to tell the tale. And your daughter will be very proud and so very grateful that she still gets to hug you every night, foot drop and all.

If I met you I'd hug you because I know you'd know what I've been through. I hope you're happier now x