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Looking at hip replacement do over and need insight

Posted , 5 users are following.

pat01893
pat01893

5 years ago I had total hip replacement and the well-regarded surgeon made the leg too short and I've had nothing but grief since. I walked around for 70 years with that leg longer and never knew it.

I went through all kinds of physical therapy, etc. and some things helped,but I've never been able to walk normally and there has been discomfort more or less the entire time. I have high pain tolerance and just block things out frequently.

Now there is some looseness of the stem starting. The orthopedic doctor I talked to this week said maybe he could get some length on the leg, but didn't address the pending stem looseness and I won't have surgery unless that is also taken care of since I don't want to return for yet another surgery.

I'm walking with a cane to keep pressure off the hip. I have used a recumbent bike for exercise but wonder it that might not stress the stem stability so have stopped doing that for now.

I live alone and will have to arrange for my big dogs and other animals so surgery is no small thing. 

Any input of your experience is welcomed.

2 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • linda38528
    linda38528 pat01893

    Posted

    Oh Patrick- it sounds to me as if your instincts are bang on. But I have no experience with revisions. Many others here do and I expect they will chime in shortly.

    I imagine you are quite frustrated, not to mention in pain. I really hope the proposed surgery can address both issues ... soon.

    With hugs and best wishes.

    L

  • Brindle
    Brindle pat01893

    Posted

    Hi pat, 

    sorry that you have had such a bad time. I too have 1 leg shorter than the other, which is why I am due to have both total hip replacements done at the same time, so they can sort this problem out. Hope all goes well for me. Really getting scared, but I also have a back problem,which I am hoping will also be improved by this surgery. 

    Can you not see another surgeon, for a second opinion? 

  • linda81469
    linda81469 pat01893

    Posted

    Pat I can tell say that when I had my first hip replacement I dislocated it 3 weeks in. Was gonna try to pop back in but couldn't. Dr had to do revision because ball was hooked up on the cup and cup was loose as well as stem due to me putting weight while dislocated. Stem had small stress fractures and dr had to put bands around thigh bone to secure it from further stress and to help heal as I was non weight bearing for 6 weeks after this revision. I don't know if this helps but I would think you could be causing more harm walking on it loose like that. Hope you get relief soon!! LD

    • pat01893
      pat01893 linda81469

      Posted

      Stem loosening is recent and doctor I saw last week really didn't address that completely in his surgery evaluation. You can be sure that is something I want repaired at the same time anything else is done.

      I've always been really active and am now trying to loose 10 - 15 pounds to put less stress on that leg. Am also using the cane more for weight bearing.

      My chirpractor was the one who suggested I see a different doctor on this; regular medical folks never did. I guess I'm naive on medical stuff and just never dreamed a well regarded doctor (original thr) would screw up so much.

      I'm not sure I trust the possible revision doctor and that will have to be cleared up before proceeding. I had a bad experience with a different surgery and now the thr experience has been added to that. My trust in doctors is at a low point right now.

      Thanks for your stem repair experience comments. Something to think about.

  • renee01952
    renee01952 pat01893

    Posted

    Hi Pat, 

    warm welcome to this wonderful forum where personal stories and experiences are shared - 

    I am not sure if I understand what you wrote (brain fog) - Did you have a difference in your legs your whole life and if so, how much ? our legs are never exactly the same but if it the difference is significant one would have some problems already, I think -

    After my 1st THR surgery my surgeon told me that there is a LLD of about 1,5-2 centimeter which will correct itself when I started walking correctly - This LLD already came about because of OA - I shrank !!!!  

    Then 2nd THR was needed (other hip) and now they are the same length (more or less) -

    It looks as if you have been taken care of this for years now - Can you get a second opinion - loose stem doesn't sound right -

    or maybe have another consult with your surgeon - have someone come with you to the appointment -

    please let us know how you are getting on - you are not alone anymore, remember that ...

    big warm hug

    renee

    • pat01893
      pat01893 renee01952

      Posted

      Thanks, renee. My leg was longer my whole life and I didn't know it. Probably about 1/2 inch.

      The doctor I saw last week was the 2nd opinion.

      Origingal thr doctor should not have shortened leg which is now 1 inch shorter.

      Yes I plan to bring someone with me for pre op visit which I m hoping to hold off until next year.

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