This is my second post. Looking to hear from others who experience one leg being longer then the other and if so did the sensation eventually go away?
As well I am exhausted during the day now 9 days in...anyone else??
H
My right side thr was may 7 and I was told that day there was a 1/4 inch difference but that the pelvis would settle and eventually they would even out. It was very noticeable the 1st few weeks, drove me crazy. But now it's barely there. At my 6 week check up surgeon said to help it pogress faster , do lots of walking! And it's normal to be tired the 1st few weeks. I went back to work on week 4, and itwS very tiring. Hang in there, it gets easier every day!
Yes, they didn’t tell me about the lack of stamina and the tiredness but it’s something we all go through. It will get better in time. I’m 5 months from a TRHR and I’m almost back to my old self. My right leg did feel longer but time has begun to take care of that. I did have some adjusting to do in connection to my pelvis and my spine which I was not aware of as well. It makes sense now but who knew before the surgery? I have had some back spazems and some pulled muscles in both legs but all that seems to be coming around at last. Hang in there, it’s all going to work out fine.
I had an anterior replacement and in the end (2 yrs now) my operated hip/leg was a half inch longer. It started as a sensation and for many it resolves itself. It didn’t for me because I always had a leg length discrepancy and unfortunately it was had been the other leg that was longer. So unfortunately, I never really fully adapted. After a couple of mos of PT, I decided to put a lift in my shoe and to tell you the truth, I never looked back. Don’t worry about the difference now and just get stronger and do your prescribed exercises. In the end you’ll know what to do. I was very physically active before the surgery and had a physically demanding job as well and in retrospect, nothing happened as quickly as I wanted it to but everything turned out fine.
I'm going through the same thing. 17 weeks post THR-R, lateral approach
My operated leg is anatomically 6mm longer, after being 2 mm shorter previously. Functionally, though, I am out more. I have added a second physio to my regime, and decided to take the full length of time off, so will return to work mid-Sept. I see my surgeon again in another 3 weeks.
The advice given to me was to get as strong as I can, and get baseline gait info for my surgeon, and then they (he) will be more likely to address that functional difference.
Hope this helps...
-Melanie
I experienced it for while and even though I must have right hip done hopefully in October. I do not feel like the right is shorter but walking back with walker since my right hurts just as bad as the left before my left hip replaced. I am now over 5 months since surgery. I will go to my surgeon July 12 to discuss next procedure. Ask your doctor but it is still early for you so allow your hip some time to relax and adjust. I was told to use my ice pack to help with swelling and I did not notice swelling on surgical side it felt as though it was. I was also advices to put insoles in my right shoe to aid in height. I did this also. I feel so much better after having the surgery and I pray all will go well after the right is done. Praying you feel better.
Thank u so much for ur detailed report. Much appreciated !
Hi yes I had the sensation of one leg shorter than the other for some while. I couldn't stand upright without my bottom sticking out. But after a year or so it resolved itself. I've had my new hip for 2 years now but have just been told the other hip needs doing. Still I know what to expect this time. Hope everything gets resolved for you
Yes, my operative hip leg IS longer. I can see it when I sit down, the operative leg sticks out farther, unlike it was preop. It is my understanding and was also my experience that this eventually simmers down and your body adjusts. I am 12 weeks post op and it bothered me until about 10 weeks. Give it more time. Some people do end up needing a shoe lift. Since I am a sandal person and not a shoe person, that is difficult for me.
Apparent leg length difference is due to swelling in the pelvic area， and is common.
Exhaustion is your body recovering from a major operation.
My wife had rthr surgery just over 2 years ago, same hip twice in one month. The second surgery because her femur had unknowingly shattered in the first surgery. The sensation, as you call it, didn't go away and she's still taking oxy but down to only one per day. Check to see if your leg is actually shorter. Hers is a full inch shorter. Lay down on the floor, have someone check to be sue your hips are even regardless of where your feet are, then have them check if your heels are at the same length. Any difference is how much shorter one leg is than the other. It is common for healthy legs to be different lengths so if your surgery leg is a quarter of an in shorter that could be normal. If it's a half inch or less, you could try lifts in one shoe. If its more than a half inch, find a cobbler to build up the sole of one shoe. We found a cobbler who could even build up the soles of sneakers.