What a pity!

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I wish I'd found this site before I had my THR. When I went to see the surgeon he showed us a copy of the replacement hip joint and that's about all I remember. I didn't question much as I had two friends who had both had successful THR ops and so I didn't even think there could be any problems.

However I have been in constant pain since my THR in the Spring last year and am now waiting to see a hip revision consultant.

I found this site a few weeks ago and didn't realise that some other people are experiencing similar problems to me. Although the surgeon who operated has been sympathetic he didn't accept that the THR is not right. I also saw his senior who tried to persuade me that it was arthritis!!

Since then I have been measured at the local hospital and told that my leg is 2.5 cms longer than the other one - this is what I have always thought.

I am now in the process of compiling a list of questions for the new doctor that I will see in September (in a different hospital in a different area) as I want to be sure I get the right answers to my problem.

So I would appreciate any suggestions to add to my list please.

Thanks, take care, I wish you well soon

2

Hi Jayive,

So Sorry to hear tha you are still suffering.

Ask the Doctor what kind of meterial will be use to replace your hip.

Ask them to explain everything to you.

And make sure you're happy with it.

You can also ask your GP for a copy of the letter of your last hip replacement to see what was use.

Good Luck!

3

Hi Jaylve

sorry to hear hear you still in pain. Like you I have a leg difference of an at least an inch, when I was measured doc said my leg difference is half an inch difference!  I my family agree with me. Anyhow, I don't get pain cause of it, but it does make walking quite difficult, and if I walk too far I get lower back pain. On the up side it's a year since I have had THP and I can finally do my shoes up and I went to a party last wk and I had a dance, never thought I would do that again! It's always difficult to think of questions to ask, and you always think of questions after seeing the consultant! I have scoliosis and arthritis also and I work full time in a very challenging job, though sometimes I feel it's too much now. I'm waffling on a bit now, I hope things work out for you. Keep in touch smile

4

Dont blame yourself because you trusted the surgeon to sort your hip out. It doesn't make much difference how much research we do because in the end it's trust and a bit of luck. It's good you are seeing different surgeon in a different hospital. They don't seem to like admitting that their work falls short. But another surgeon will be happier to tell the truth, unless he plays golf with him! Wouldn't it be nice if they could say sorry and let's see what we can do to sort it.

5

In most of what I have read about leg length descrepensies,when leg lengths are unequal, patients may experience increased pain and muscle fatigue. When the leg length is increased by more than a few centimeters, the nerves of the leg may become stretched to the point that patients experiences numbness or pain further down the limb. There r a number of issues for leg pain after surgery. If u need revision to correct leg length there r corrections that the original surgeon was involved in protocols during surgery that was in some way missed unfortunately. 

Pain after THR is not what we expect . We r encouraged to think and be positive for recovery. When it goes bad and severe pain continues when we r expecting our lives to improve with a better quality of life and it doesn't turn out that way then it's so hard to handle after all we have been thru. Tests do not always show damage it's a measurement in pain it's a quality of life issue!

i wish u the best and explore ,there is so much online . Google the manufacturers and see all the many hip implants and revision surgery annimation videos.it really helped me understand how important the surgeons skill in revisions and how important it is to understand how the hip devices function and learn about our new limitations in order to extend the life of the implants.

CHEERS

HOPE 

6

Hi Carmen,

Thanks for your support and advice. I will add your suggestions to my list.

7

Hi Elaine,

I'm so glad to hear that you are finally getting back to normal, it must be a relief to you to be able to do more things now.

For me its well over a year since my THR and I'm in constant pain and can only walk a few yards and that makes pain even worse. I can't ever imagine being able to walk without crutches as I can't keep my balance and as for reaching my feet, I think the moon is just as possible.

Thanks anyway for your support, makes me realise I'm not alone in this.

8

Hi Juliette,

Yes, I guess I am blaming myself for being so trusting, but I spoke to my two friends who have also had THR and they both say the same, they didn't ask any more than I did, but they are both fine with no further pain.

I hope the new guy doesn't play golf!! I will update you all of my outcome

9

Hi Hope

Thanks for your support. I guess you are in the USA where it seems things are different. Here in the NHS we do not get told what hip replacement we will be given and I've been told by my surgeon that all replacements are the same size! I've since found a USA manufacturers site which proves different over there but, at present, I don't know if that applies over here. And, so far in my internet research I've not found any british manufacturers sites so guess I'll spend time today seeing if I can find anything else.

Thanks for your support, I wish you better