Revision THR 3 months out & still can't lift leg

[zauberflöte]

@Fibreartist I am so sorry this whatever-it-is is happening to you! I have zero idea what it is, but it sounds like your surgeon is investigating thoroughly.

I have numb patches, smaller and more clearly related to their various incisions. One just at/below my 33-yr-old hysterectomy scar, and one for each hip.

Meanwhile, have you looked into Occupational Therapy? Is that available in NZ? Your surgeon could order it I guess, and you could learn some tips about how to manage more daily tasks independently. It is certainly depressing to think of being dependent forever, and I'm thinking that a good OT will have some workarounds for you, tools, tricks of the trade. I have only a passing acquaintance with it, right after each hip, but the "reacher/grabber" they provided for me still comes in handy! There was also a sock on-and-off aid, and maybe a back-scratcher kind of thing for putting soap/lotion on unreachable body parts. They did not give me, but highly recommended, a shower stool, for sitting whilst scrubbing and/or drying the toes. And the rest of me of course! I know people on here have figured out how to use the grabber for assistance dressing. I was so lucky in having warm weather THRs, so that socks were not an issue, thank heavens! But there was that sock aid if I'd needed it.

Wishing you all the very best in this journey, and a very successful outcome!

 

[Merrimay]

Hi @Fibreartist , I'm just sick to read of your physical and emotional post-surgical and revision trauma. I can't offer you any suggestions about what might be the cause of your inability to move your knee and lower leg.

But I would like to tell you that I was bedfast for 3 months prior to my THR and suffered near-paralysis in my bad thigh which led to severe muscle atrophy. For almost two months after surgery, I was certain that my life was over, that I'd be stuck on a walker or poles for the rest of my life and never hike again through the mountains I love. I'd gone from 68 to 88 in my mind. One of the darkest chapters of my life. AND THEN just from walking, first with the walker, then with my activity poles, I gradually, almost imperceptibly, improved. I'd have 2 days of progress, then one step back, but ultimately the atrophy diminished. And when, at about 10 weeks, I realized I was not "there yet" in terms of coming off my poles, I began PT. I'm now at 12 weeks, and the improvement is more than gradual. Each day I feel stronger, and I now walk independently (except on ice or rain-slick cement).

So keep the faith, though I know how hard it must be to do when you're thrown a wrench that even your doctor can't explain. She IS determined to get to the bottom of it, so remind yourself that you have an expert ally. Continue to keep us posted because you'll find allies here. You've hit a deep hole in the road, but my experience shows that those of us with muscle atrophy CAN get better eventually. Don't cancel your retirement plans, ok?

 

[Hip4life]

I’m so sorry for the arduous path your THR has taken. I really like the idea of nerve studies to see if they can pin point the problem. In the meantime, remember that you need to “reset” your recovery clock. You’re eight weeks out of basically a repeat THR with a longer, and in your case, a more complicated surgery. Your tissues have been traumatized again. My OS’s opinion is that a revision can feel like a bigger surgery, a harder surgery to recover from than the original.

Nerve issues are not uncommon to members here, as @Merrimay has shared. Unfortunately, nerves heal at a much slower rate than other tissues. Throw in that your muscles have not been able to exercise the way they normally would. Again, it’s hard not to be discouraged about the overall timeline. The recovery with this recent surgery is still in early stages with a more complicated picture. Be kind and gentle with yourself. Just keep taking that next doable action, keep the consistent exercise you can do, especially walking, and gather all the devices you can to aid. Don’t worry about if you look “old” to anyone. I used my walker and then cane for several weeks more than others. Remember, you’re not alone. We’re here for you. We understand when others can’t. Please keep us apprised.

 

[Layla]

I am so sorry to read this on the one month anniversary of your revision. Please don't lose hope. Your fears are understandable. Hopefully the tests your surgeon recommended shed some light on your issue and it's not as hopeless as you're worried it may be. Please stay in touch and know that we're here for support and we care.
@Fibreartist

 

[Dulcinea14]

I am 7 months out from anterior hip replacement and it seems we are having similar issues. I felt great the first 3 months after and was able to use a cane and sometimes nothing. At about 3 months my leg started feeling unstable an I have pain on the outside of my thigh down to my feet. I am using a walker all the time and am very unsteady and in pain. Went back to my orthopedic surgeon and he took X-rays and said problem was from my idiopathic peripheral neuropathy and/or my spinal stenosis and said to see my neurologist and a pain management specialist. Had am MRI of my spine yesterday, will have an EMG in 2 days and will see a Pain Management doctor next week. Very disappointed and disgusted about the whole thing. The quality of my life is not what I expected at this point

 

[Janiebee1]

Strangely I have just put a post up about similar problem I am 6 months out and like you I live in an area with a lot of slopes. I had lot of pain too. So haven't walked far for a while. I was having physio and doing the exercises she set me. Found them hard going, but pushed through. Then got sciatica. Started to see an osteopath and in 2 weeks have improved. Seems physio was too harsh and set me back. Osteo has given me gentle exercises to do to help build muscle up again. Can do more now than before, even walked up a slope yesterday.

 

[Fibreartist]

Well had my nerve function test today, with the same doctor as did the one 11 months ago. He was able to compare the results & very, very different.

This time very definite femoral nerve damage, he wasn't prepared to offer any opinions on my prognosis, but am seeing my surgeon again in 2 weeks, but looks like I am in for a very long recovery time.

Not what I expected from my original hip replacement 14 months ago, was told it would change my life, they weren't wrong. I had expected it to be for the better, silly me. 14 months of hell and looking at research it looks like another 3 YEARS to recover mobility/strength if I am one of the lucky ones (not likely since I have had pretty well anything that can go wrong happen), but unlikely to recover sensation at all

 

[Layla]

I am really sorry. I know it's cold comfort, but please don't lose all hope that you will slowly improve over the next months to years. It's understandable this is not news you wanted to hear. I hope in two weeks when you meet with your surgeon he has some reassurance to offer. Please share how your next visit goes and know we're here for support and encouragement whenever you're in need.
Hugs
@Fibreartist