post op hip pain - need help

My world-famous surgeon made my leg too long. I had stated from the first day the leg length was way off but he said there was no way that could be - and I believed him. I kept looking on forums such as this one to try and figure out what could be causing my terrible pain and at 7 weeks I finally decided my hip must be fractured. When X-rays didn't back that theory up, I insisted on seeing the surgeon again. He took one look at me walking and I couldn't believe it when he admitted he had made my leg too long. Four days later he performed a hip revision. I am now at week 4 post op second surgery and am 90% sure my leg is still too long, but am waiting two more weeks before going to another surgeon for a second opinion. Obviously you and I are not the same,.but go to another doctor and get checked. Also, get a very good physical therapist. They have helped me tremendously. Two surgeries in 7 weeks take a toll - even in your fifties.

wow!  what a story.  hope this round is better than the first.  good luck.

So sorry_to see how much suffering u have suffered. Two surgeries in seven wks makes me cringe. Hope you get a better recovery

So sory this has happened. I had a revision 11 months after due to a manufacture recall sure to metal posioning rubbining causing necrosis of the tissue surrounding the implant.

it normal to have one leg linger that the other naturally. Most hips are replaced on a table that allow the surgeon to match the hip and leg length. Even the hips are X-ray on the surgery table to be sure it correct before the surgeon stitches up the incision.

its very rare that this happen and it can for many have had the same issues. 

With so many safety measures set in place for this not to happen it incredible that it does. See surgery on line how tables are designed for leg length to match as best as possible. 

Some patients have serious necrosis of the bone then more bone must be trimmed away to healthy bone to insure for a good press fit and no infections or sepsis. 

I hope u can get this worked out. Many blessing sent UR way.

A 3 time THR.

(((( hugs )))HOPE

 

Wow! For your surgeon to admit fault and offer to fix the problem is amazing and wonderful compared to my surgeon who kept saying his work was perfect and left me crippled for life. I did seek a second opinion and am two weeks away from my revision, 15 months later.

Sure hope your situation ends up well because "Hopping Around" is difficult!

Dawn, U.S.

Ha. Yes. We were completely shocked that he admitted it right away, although I suppose he knew when it came down to it I would be able to prove it with the x-rays. Unfortunately, he took no financial responsibility and there are thousands of dollars involved. Right after the 2nd surgery he told me his previous work actually wasn't that far off, but that he operated on me because my symptoms were bad. What???? I don't think so. It has been the most physically challenging thing I've ever been through. I'm grateful that I had taken care of myself so I can potentially make a comeback. Working hard at that. Thanks for the funny! I'm so sorry you have had a problem, too, and that there is finally a solution. Let us know  how you are doing.

bartman - I think you've received a lot of different opinions here, all likely valid. The only reason I responded was you seemed to say your symptoms at 3 weeks had worsened, and that is precisely when I began to have deeper, more intense pain in the front of the hip - also like you. I agree you should follow the doctor's advice, however, if you continue to decline - instead of improve, and you don't get satisfactory answers from your doctor, you obviously may need a second opinion. Sorry things got off track. I hope you feel you got some good input. Please consider the PT. The therapists can provide educated answers, too. I had the anterior approach where they tell you don't bother with that, but it has saved me. Good luck! I feel for ya. Keep us posted if you have a chance down the road.

I'm sorry you have also had trouble. I  hope things improve for you, too. Just wanted to say my doctor is known for his accuracy, and uses the multiple x-rays and the hana table during surgery. No one can believe he is the guy who messed up.( I am at the top of that list.) Thanks for your response and I wish you well. 3x makes me want to pull the covers over my head! 

Not to worry we all get thru this eventually. All the ups & downs it does work thru. No more hopping I hope not good for UR THR. 

Stick with UR doc he does want to do the right thing for you. 

As just a suggestion ask for back X-rays or MRI, can tell the story too. Many issues with the back especially struggling after THR can cause many painful effects in other areas of the back and nerves.

Stay with exercises and phisio. You will get better over time trial and motivation to get better. Butt squeezes are the best build up core muscles. Get legs strong and time will help.

You have my full support. Eat properly u need 2200 calories a day after surgery to get well. Take UR meds hopping can cause you to fall and that's not a option.

Patience & perseverance ! Keep pushing doc & PSIO. 

((( hugs )))

kind regards

Hope

Very wise and good answer