nerve damage after hip replacement -excrutiating
Posted , 32 users are following.
I had my left hip replaced 4 weeks ago -hip is now fine...
When I woke up from surgery I had a terrible pain in my ankle which went away with painkillers. The next day I had no feeling below the knee on my left side. They left it another day in case the spinal block was still lingering but agreed it was sciatic nerve damage. I was in surgery for almost 4 hours which was surprising and they said it was really stiff and hard to get the old hip out. Everyone seems pretty much agreed that the sciatic nerve is stretched and that the feeling should come back. I have a drop foot which makes it difficult to walk normally but the worst thing is the pain. I have a 'pain in the bum' which is sciatic and all down my leg. The parts which are numb to touch bizarrely also hurt. I'm not usually a winger but this is destroying me. On a scale of 1 -10 it's a clear 10. I am on a raft of drugs including tramadol, naproxen, gabapentin and diazapam but nothing is touching it. I've bought a tens machine on advice and that helps a little but because I hurt in so many places its hard to know where to put it -also it hurts in its own way ( I seem to have becomne hypersensitive to touch on that leg)
I'm at my wits end -I haven't slept more than an hour at a time since the operation and really feel I can't go on. The consultant has referred me to a neurologist but they won't see me before 6 weeks as usually it goes away by itself. It's not that I don't think it will recover I do -I have a flicker of movement in my toes which wasn't there a week ago -it's just I can't cope with the pain any more
Anyone got any advice?
3 likes, 58 replies
berni22417 norma32314
Posted
I had adropped foot after the surgeon stretched my sciatic nerve. I was 47 yrs old and had a hip after an accident, and I did feel so low and lost. That was 16 months ago, I still have a slight numbness of my calf but can walk without a limp. It did take about 3 months for the feeling to come back properly in my foot but I was back working full time after 2 months, although I did change to an automatic car.
I had a really sensitive thigh ( my other leg) and couldn't even stand the duvet on it, it would burn as though it was on fire. I managed to move all my toes independently after about 5 months. I can only say just keep exercising and moving as much as you can, even though it probably makes you feel sick. Time will heal it, although I did at times wonder if I was going to get any better. I was careful to take pain killers as they were due, to keep the pain at bay, but other than that, just keep your foot moving and try to divert your mind from the pain, read, TV, anything !.
bridget32982 norma32314
Posted
Dav1953 norma32314
Posted
Norma
Hey hope ya doing better.
Just saw your first post from 3 yrs ago.
I had both hips replaced in 1/14 & 3/2014. My left hip replacement still to this day has my static nerve irritated beyond belief. Pain & burning has never let up. 30 lbs lighter , no good sleep, physical activity has all but stopped !! No one seems to be able to find the cause. I’m on heavy narcotic meds. 45mg oxycodone 5 times daily, 800 mg gabapentin 3 times daily,aspirins, naproxen and still suffer at times so that I’m bed ridden 1/2 each day.
What did drs find out to help you. I’m at my wits end !!
Thanks
Luv to all
David
Dav1953
Posted
5 yrs no change am having trial with a spinal cord stimulator Nervo HF10 brand If trial works will be implanted !!! PAIN has only got me about completely bedridden unable to do anything meaningfulGOD help us all
David 03/24/19
franbenou norma32314
Posted
hello NORMA
I am new on that site and just read your sorry from a while ago ( I guess...) how are you now ?
your story is exactly mine !
got operated on the 15 th of october for a complete right hip.Woke up in excusiating pain... got reoperated the next day ... surgeon had tethered my sciatic nerve!
Since that time I am in constant pain and under several pain killers I never used before !
Can´t walk properly because of the drop foot... can´t live a mormal life as before ..I don´t see the end ,.,
getting depressed and hopeless.
Can´t cope with the pain .
Let me know how you are doing as I don´t ser me like that for a long time.
advices ?? from anyone ?
fran from canada
berni22417 franbenou
Posted
Hi Fran, i have a stretched sciatic nerve during a total replacement, which resulted in a dropped foot, a numb calf/side of my foot and completely numb toes. 2 years on i am back at work wearing smaller heeled shoes. the side of my foot and calf is still a little numb, but i dont walk with an aid or limp. It did take about 3 months for the dropped foot to ease and for the feeling in my toes to return. i remember well how depressed i felt because you think its never going to get better, but keep doing your exercises, it will get better. we all heal differently, so just do the best you can each day, i did read that you can continue healing upto around 3 years, so dont give up hope. I went back to work after 3 months and switched to an automatic car, which helps. I do get a lot of aching in my buttock, not enough to take pain killers, but a dull ache. The leg will heal with strenthening exercises , rest and as i found ice packs on the swollen leg. Good luck
franbenou berni22417
Posted
Thank you Berni for taking the time to answer me.
I am truly happy for you . You are able to live a some what normal life.
Was it your on your right side ?
For me it is.
I had to give away my beautiful car... which was equal to freedom for me.
Your answer is hopeful...but we heal differently.
My nerve had been twisted in the wire and some hot cement had been poured on top ! When I think about it ..I get so frustrated.
Did you go to court ? for evident malpractice...I know that won't give me my life back but I am in such pain that I want to give some to my surgeon....a little voice inside me is telling me don't do it.
thanks again..
Dav1953 franbenou
Posted
just found this old site and replied Hope your doing better than me
DAVID 03/23/19
franbenou Dav1953
Posted
hi DAV1953
how are you ? does not sound so good ..
I am still in pain and can´t walk without a cane or else ..
I am on medications but it just help a little.
it's now a bad 5 months !
toes are curling ..
ankle is so painful..
side of the leg awful ..
what about you ??
rebecca70352 franbenou
Posted
, I feel your pain and I have some solutions for you; I speak from first hand pain. I had my right hip replaced March 5, and the left on June 6. First hip went just fine. The second hip...not so lucky. In my case the nerve damage was caused by the nurses making me stand to early as I had a block. I collapsed back on the bed, this is where my ankle rolled and because of the great pain killers, it was not discovered until 3 weeks after surgery; complications from a sprain. Needless to say the nerves were entrapped, this was the worst pain in my entire life. I was not able to lay my leg on the bed as a light sheet made me scream with pain. What works and is working for me. NerveRenew I take it every 8 hours with an Optimizer each time; they also sell a topical cream that will give you relief, once you can get past the touch of pain to your leg foot. My pain ran down from the knee to the top of the foot, the heal and both sides of the arches and the back of my thigh midpoint to the left outside. Here has been my routine since June 18; Plenty of fluids; elevate and ice your leg and foot; turmeric tea with ginger; lemon and cayenne pepper (natural pain killer and open vessels for circulation so the nerve can heal. NO PROCESSED FOODS; OR SUGAR. I drink this tea all day long and it works! NO caffeine no coffee. On an empty stomach every morning; chop finely 2 cloves of garlic; add 1 teaspoon of Black Seed Oil; 1 teaspoon of Fish oil (omega 3) and squeezed 1/2 lemon in a small dish and now swallow completely....hard at first...chase with water. This tonic will heal the nerves and all else that ails you!! Once you are able to be touched a bit - find a good chiropractor and get your ankles popped into place and your knees. This will be your turning point! Find a gym with an inside pool where water is cool and this will be your heaven. Start with a slow walk - heal toe, heal toe. Then float and relax, if you can swim wonderful. I had to swim on my back because of top foot pain. I then did squats and walked sideways to increase my mobility and strength. Look up all anti-inflammatory foods and this is now your new protocol. Protein, salmon, mackerel, chicken, beef liver. The ingredients from NerveRenew (brand name) are key to your recovery. So research all the foods that contain the same nutrients. I am on NO DRUGS now, not even a Tylenol - I too was on all the drugs you are taking. These will not help you heal...wean yourself off them as soon as possible. Pray and relax with reading about your game plan to get your life back, no doctor will help you with this plan, it is not in their wheel house. I hope this helps, as I am now on the good road to recovery. One last item, the Black Seed Oil; heat up so warm to the touch and rub all over. And 1 teaspoon in the am and one at night. Nighttime application: heat up Almond milk and add 1 teaspoon of Black seed after removing from the heat, sip and drink, I like a little nutmeg on top of mine. Oh, and of course for feet soak in epson salts with ginger. God Speed, Rebecca - Foot that was dropped is now coming up.
berni22417 norma32314
Posted
Hi Fran, i changed from a gear stick car to an automatic, when you heal more it may work for you too. i assume you know about sitting on a plastic bag in the car, to enable you to swivel in and out of car, means you dont twist your hip ?. my nerve was stretched too however, i didn't sue surgeon, he did the best he could and here in the uk you sign away right to blame as there are risks with the surgery. however, i just feel i should use good energies to be as well as i can be - causing myself stress won't change my situation and i doubt i could get compensation anyway. But that is only my opinion and i have done the best for me. i wish you all the best in your recovery.
rebecca70352 norma32314
Posted
,Dear Norma, I feel your pain and I have some solutions for you; I speak from first hand pain. I had my right hip replaced March 5, and the left on June 6. First hip went just fine. The second hip...not so lucky. In my case the nerve damage was caused by the nurses making me stand to early as I had a block. I collapsed back on the bed, this is where my ankle rolled and because of the great pain killers, it was not discovered until 3 weeks after surgery; complications from a sprain. Needless to say the nerves were entrapped, this was the worst pain in my entire life. I was not able to lay my leg on the bed as a light sheet made me scream with pain. What works and is working for me. NerveRenew I take it every 8 hours with an Optimizer each time; they also sell a topical cream that will give you relief, once you can get past the touch of pain to your leg foot. My pain ran down from the knee to the top of the foot, the heal and both sides of the arches and the back of my thigh midpoint to the left outside. Here has been my routine since June 18; Plenty of fluids; elevate and ice your leg and foot; turmeric tea with ginger; lemon and cayenne pepper (natural pain killer and open vessels for circulation so the nerve can heal. NO PROCESSED FOODS; OR SUGAR. I drink this tea all day long and it works! NO caffeine no coffee. On an empty stomach every morning; chop finely 2 cloves of garlic; add 1 teaspoon of Black Seed Oil; 1 teaspoon of Fish oil (omega 3) and squeezed 1/2 lemon in a small dish and now swallow completely....hard at first...chase with water. This tonic will heal the nerves and all else that ails you!! Once you are able to be touched a bit - find a good chiropractor and get your ankles popped into place and your knees. This will be your turning point! Find a gym with an inside pool where water is cool and this will be your heaven. Start with a slow walk - heal toe, heal toe. Then float and relax, if you can swim wonderful. I had to swim on my back because of top foot pain. I then did squats and walked sideways to increase my mobility and strength. Look up all anti-inflammatory foods and this is now your new protocol. Protein, salmon, mackerel, chicken, beef liver. The ingredients from NerveRenew (brand name) are key to your recovery. So research all the foods that contain the same nutrients. I am on NO DRUGS now, not even a Tylenol - I too was on all the drugs you are taking. These will not help you heal...wean yourself off them as soon as possible. Pray and relax with reading about your game plan to get your life back, no doctor will help you with this plan, it is not in their wheel house. I hope this helps, as I am now on the good road to recovery. One last item, the Black Seed Oil; heat up so warm to the touch and rub all over. And 1 teaspoon in the am and one at night. Nighttime application: heat up Almond milk and add 1 teaspoon of Black seed after removing from the heat, sip and drink, I like a little nutmeg on top of mine. Oh, and of course for feet soak in epson salts with ginger. God Speed, Rebecca
donald49 norma32314
Edited
I am virtually still stuck in the wheelchair because it is SO painful and and was hospitalized for a week! Almost EXACTLY my story! I was stuck in a wheelchair for 2 years because I was on Dialysis and Lost my right hip completely due to a Septic infection! Finally Feb 4, 2022 they replaced my HIP because I was off Dialysis for a year! Recovery ensued for 3 weeks and then one morning I could not get up! I had the WORST case of sciatica! They got the SEVERE pain down and I was hoping to walk in time But Neuropathy set in and I am still in the wheelchair because even the attempt to walk is greeted with terrible Pain! Very little feeling in the foot and just the sensation of Pins and needles! My fear of falling has kept me from walking and recovering!!