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Legs giving out

Posted , 6 users are following.

henry70772
henry70772

Hello, I'm new to this forum, don't know if this topic has been posted before.

I had osteonecrosis in my hips 25 years ago due to prednisone prescribed for a rheumatic illness, probably Lupus or polymyositis. Since then my hips had progressively worsen. In he last year the pain has increased to barely tolerable levels, my range of motion has decreased to less than 10° and the most recent development is a sudden sharp, flash pain in the hip joint, which makes either my left or right leg (sometimes both) to suddenly "give out," under me as if a switch turned them off, losing all muscle strength in an instant.

I don't know how doctors call this. I rule out any spinal nerve injury, or pinched nerves, since this happen only when I walk or overuse my damaged hip joints. The only recommendation from my doctor is to refrain from walking or have an operation. I can't have an operation now and can't stop walking, I live alone and have nobody to do things for me.

My question is, what causes this, and what can I do, what therapy, or exercise?

Thanks for your help.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • julie1717
    julie1717 henry70772

    Posted

    hi. you sound like I was pre OP. my increased pain and immobility just suddenly started abt Nov last yr. I found using a crutch helped me get abt otherwise I'd no chance of walking even in the house.

    as for your options tbh I'm sure your drs right.

    I live alone and there are many of us on here in the same boat. its just a case of getting your house organised pre OP. move things you'll need to height you dont have to bend to get. had my food delivered every week and theyd bring it in the house. made sure I'd got all the sids I'd need but the hospital were very good at checking your ok with what you have. plus theyd not discharge you till you were safe at home on your own.

    I had my OP late may this yr and the reduction on pain is amazing plus I've walked places I'd not been to for a long time. in my experience it wont get better without surgery I'm afraid. I live in the uk and it can take months to get your OP.

    best wishes anyway

  • ptolemy
    ptolemy henry70772

    Posted

    I think both your doctor and Julie are right. Your body is telling you that you have problems. Things will just get worse with time and at some point you will need to make a decision. I also take steroids which caused my hip problems. Having has my hip replaced has made an enormous difference, why can't you have an operation now?

  • jen86183
    jen86183 henry70772

    Posted

    Hi Henry,

    Horrible isn't it when the hip gives way without warning, I gad that, do you use a walking stick, it helps. The last year before my op I had to use a stick all the time when out and being my left hip, lifting my foot onto and pressing the clutch became difficult. I had six years of serious pain before I decided to go for the op as I was terrified. Try and have the op sooner rather than later, it does make life easier and more pleasant.

  • yvonne02773
    yvonne02773 henry70772

    Posted

    i also live alone and was very worried about managing after the op. I worked hard beforehand to prepare. i bought 3 grabbers and practised getting dressed without bending. I rearranged the kitchen to get everything I might need at waist height or higher. I bought a travel kettle so I could make a drink upstairs and prepared a trolly to hold tea bags etc. A vaccuum flask meant i could take milk upstairs also. I used a lightweight nylon rucksack to carry what I needed up and down the stairs. A bum bag was very useful to carry my mobile everywhere in case of emergencies. Two sets of crutches made ascending and descending stairs much easier as I didn't need to carry one of the crutches under my arm. Online shopping was a blessing. I did have to pay for carers to come in 3 times a week for four weeks to change the horrible stockings and wash my legs and feet. I also got a second hand walker which I used in the house to rest a tray on to get from the kitchen to the table. The hospital also gave me equipment to help me get into the shower, and risers to get the right height on my chair. A leg lifter was very useful as I found it very difficult to lift my leg when getting in and out of bed. It was all worth it and it's wonderful being mobile and pain free.

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