Latest Update.... I had 2 different appointments these last few weeks. The first was with a physiatrist who did EMG/nerve testing and the second was with the ortho surgeon in Philadelphia.
The EMG/nerve testing was one of the most unpleasant experiences I have ever had—and I’ve had a lot of diagnostics done! And of course, the tests came back normal, which I pretty much assumed it would. But now I can check it off my list of diagnostic tests to try.
The Dr in Philly said all signs are pointing to my stem being loose :( and because the thigh pain has only gotten worse over time, he doesn’t think it’s going to “get better with time.”
@Josephine looks like you are going to be right again!
The procedure he would do involves removing a portion of the femur in order to neatly remove the current stem and place in a much lighter titanium stem. Then he would put the femur back together and secure it in place with some wire—kind of like making a custom fit.
Having the surgery would give me an 80% chance of being a normal, active, 39 yr old again! But I could also end up in more pain than before or developing an infection. Both are worth the risk, I simply cannot live like this
He suggested I hold off on the surgery for as long as possible because going back in and working on the hip for a fourth time in 2 years isn’t ideal. I have been using a crutch because the pain has been relentless these last two weeks. When I walk, it feels like someone is stabbing me in the thigh with a knife.
If I wrap my thigh with a bandage tightly around the area that hurts, it gives me some relief when I walk (without a crutch) but wrapping it doesn’t work all the time. I'm getting nervous because it feels like I have gotten so much worse over the last 3 weeks. I feel like I am in pain more than I’m not, and it is wearing me down. I just can’t imagine having another surgery anytime soon, not to mention I’d have it done down there which is at least a 4½hr trip. But I also can’t imagine living this way forever either.