I am 4 wks out from RTHR anterior approach. I am still experiencing total numbness on the upper lateral right thigh with swelling. The skin there also looks damaged, very dry, peeling, flaky and rough to the touch. Has anyone else have this happen?
Thanks
Marie
HI Marie .... I am also 4 weeks post op RTHR ... I too have a little numbness all around the scar and as for the scar, I had stitches on the inside and then a "glue" instead of staples on the outside. The numbness, I believe, is still from nerves that had probably gotten messed with or cut though. I still have a little swelling but again that will go away in time. I continue to use ice packs at night and I still put a pillow under my knee when I rest it. After I shower I still put that sterio lotion on my scar. It does help with the dryness. I can't use any BoiOil or anything else on the scar until my 6 week check up.
These are some of the things that I am using or doing for those things that you are asking about.
Hope it helps and good luck with the rest of your recovery!!
Take care!!
Thanks hipstride. I've seen posts about pain but nothing about numbness. My numbness isn't around the scar. It's about 3 inches away and goes down my leg about 8 inches. I'm just hoping it goes away in time!
Marie
Hi Marie,
There will be some numbing around the surgical site. As the wound heals, it will also become dry. Once the wound is completely closed you can add moisturizers. I used Vit E, which I massaged in and around the area which helped a lot.
Not yet, but I'm just 10 days post op. What does the doc say? How about lotions, etc? Good Luck! Keep moving forward!
My numbness isn't around the incision, it's 3 inches to the right and down the thigh about 8 inches. Research says it's damage to the femoral nerve which is possible with the anterior approach.
Marie,
With this type of surgery there is a chance of nerve damage. You are still in the early stages, so there is a chance that it will go away once the swelling goes down. Make sure that you tell your surgeon when you see him/her next.
Best wishes!
Haven't seen the doc since surgery. Research says damage to the femoral nerve is possible with the anterior approach. My incision is fine. The numbness is 3 inches to the right if the incision and down the thigh about 8 inches. I'll see the doc June 8 if they don't cancel that appt too!!
I don't see my surgeon until the end of June--6 weeks post op, but he has a team that has been very attentive, almost to the point of being annoying! Visiting nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists. I have 2 people coming today! Do you have a "team" overseeing your recovery? If so, mention your concerns, if not, I would be curious who you might contact!
Marie,
I've done a little research on femoral nerve damage. It's possible that with the proper care, that the condition can be reversed with minimal care. Sometimes it can be due to excess swelling, which is what we all go through after a FHR.
I'd advise that you call your doctor to make an appointment as soon as possible. In the meantime, rest, elevate your leg and apply ice packs several times a day. This will help reduce the swelling, which might be aggravating the nerve.
Morning Marie. I too am experiencing this numbing tingling feeling in same area. Although mine started months later which makes me believe its scar tissue pressing on the cutaneous nerve that starts in back then runs down front of hip then down & side of thigh. (Very large nerve) Mine got so bad that even the softest blanket bothers it. I've had 2 injections into that nerve in groin, using voltaren cream, taking lyrica....I've been researching this and how to get rid of it as it's taking a toll on me!! I had anterior also, but dislocated my hip had to have total hip revision 3 weeks later and had posterior surgery. I'm almost 10 months out now!! 😫 Wishing you all the best! Hugs 🤗LD
Hi Linda, I agree that your delayed onset of numbness must be due to scar tissue. Mine started immediately after surgery and has not diminished in affected area or strength.
I'm so sorry to hear of the dislocation! I can't imagine how traumatic that must have been to recovery, 2nd surgery, posterior approach, mental anguish!! I thought that wouldn't happen with anterior approach!! Your recovery gives me hope. I have to have a built up shoe because I now have a 1.5 inch difference in leg length. My new hip added 1.5 inches in length to the leg. Seems like there's always something. I appreciate your encouragement and wish you the best as well!!
Marie
Oh wow Marie...I've wondered why some people wound up getting a longer leg with new hip. I didn't have that at all I was already a little over 1&1/2 inches short. My dr gave me back all my length..maybe still just a bit short. Yes mental anguish!!! I'm still struggling and get very upset and depressed. I was so hoping for a better outcome 😞 The nerve pain though is more than I can bear....mainly because everything that touches my leg bothers me!! I can't run around in my undies all day!! Nor wear shortie shorts!! 😱😂. IF I could get past the nerve sensitivity I think I'd do better. Scar tissue does make things complicated though. I never realized that!! And being 6 weeks non weight bearing didn't help matters!! Well i hope all goes well for you and you get relief. Let us know how you are doing and if you find something that helps!! Hugs 🤗. LD