Anything

[Montymum]

Re: Just wondering

Hi Lisa
During the hip replacement surgery "they" gave me foot drop, lengthened my leg 3cm (unintentionally) and damaged the nerves. "they" are not sure how the nerves have been damaged, the Neurologist said during all the investigative stages the only way to be absolutely certain how the nerves are damaged is a post-mortem or to re-do the surgery, both of which are not an option (especially the post-mortem) : )

 

[Montymum]

Re: Just wondering

GREAT NEWS!!!
Today I received my powerchair!! I have been down my street all by myself, the first time since April YAY I'M SO HAPPEEEEEEEEE

 

[Montymum]

Re: Just wondering

Hi Jamie
The Surgeon who was responsible for the Surgery has now retired. I saw the replacement who was really great and was able answer so many questions my Husband and I had.
Due to it being over 7 months since the Surgery with NIL improvement in the injury it is hoped there will be some improvement BUT a good result now would be 40% of what I was pre Surgery, well 40% is certainly better than 0%.
Any improvement will take up to 24 months, I were advised after 24 months it is unlikely any improvement will take place.

 

[nanamac]

Re: Just wondering

Yippee!

 

[Josephine]

Re: Just wondering

During the hip replacement surgery "they" ... damaged the nerves. "they" are not sure how the nerves have been damaged

The most likely cause of damage to structures like the sciatic nerve can be by careless use of retractors, especially bone elevators. These instruments are slipped around the back of the bone and levered back to both lift the bone and pull back the soft tissues. The sciatic nerve runs quite a close path to the femur.

I'm not saying this is the cause as I can't possibly know but just a thought ....

 

[Montymum]

Re: Just wondering

Thanks for that Josephine. I know when they dislocated the hip joint before removing it I felt this almighty pang then something shooting up my spine and have wondered if the nerves were damaged then.
It makes sense what you have mentioned above, it I'm sure would only need something like that to just touch the nerve to cause damage.
It would be great to be able to work out what has gone wrong for two reasons:
1 = Maybe help me regain some use of my leg
BUT and probably more important
2 = To reduce the risk of it occurring again so other Patients don't experience what I am going through.

 

[Josephine]

Re: Just wondering

Sadly, it's never going to be prevented completely or forever, MM. It's been a known risk for as long as I can remember. Of course, it could also have occurred when they reduced your hip - any of the times they reduced your hip including during the operation.

 

[Montymum]

Re: Just wondering

Hi its me again!
Can I have some input please?
The Arthritis in my right hip is now quite advanced and it was 'mentioned' last week I need to consider a replacement on that side sometime soon. As you can understand I am just not wanting to go down that road at all but not sure what options I have. The Surgeons say all what can be done is being done the next step is replacement. Just not sure what to do.

 

[sharonann]

Re: Just wondering

Hi MM
You won't be having the same surgeon who did the 1st op seeing as he's retired now, so it wouldn't hurt to ask around about the best OS for THRs available.
Let everyone concerned know about your worries re nerve damage.

If you don't have the 2nd op the hip will only deteriorate over time until you won't be able to bear the pain & could end up in a wheelchair permanently & still having to suffer with the pain.

My 1st THR turned out to be more complex that at first thought but the 2nd THR was straightforward. It was the only option in my case too due to severe osteo arthritis.

Personally I think you should go ahead with the 2nd op as it seems it was just bad luck about the nerve damage but only you can make that decision.

Good luck with whatever you decide

 

[nanamac]

Re: Just wondering

I would certainly find the "BEST" OS in your area! perhaps he can fix the damage that has already been done as well.

 

[Josephine]

Re: Just wondering

You're not sure what to do? You mean you have a choice?

 

[Montymum]

Re: Just wondering

Hi Josephine, The choice I feel I have is.... not to do anything and knowingly end up in a wheelchair and on permanent strong pain relief. OR have the surgery knowing the risk and possibility of being in a chair permanently.
A wee bit of "damed if I do and damed if I don't".
Its not much of a choice but still a choice.

As far as choice of Surgeon, very limited to choice in where I live.

 

[Jaycey]

Re: Just wondering

MM, as we say very often on this forum, no two ops are alike. Just because you had a problem with the first hip does not mean you will have the same issues with number 2.

At least have the discussion with your OS and stress your concerns. If it means you stay mobile I would have #2 done ASAP.

 

[Josephine]

Re: Just wondering

Just re-reading your thread, MM, and notice this post which I know I replied to at the time but mustn't have had my 'pay attention' hat on!

I know when they dislocated the hip joint before removing it I felt this almighty pang then something shooting up my spine and have wondered if the nerves were damaged then.

You never mentioned this before. That does indicate that something significant happened then.

it would only need something like that to just touch the nerve to cause damage.

Absolutely not! Nerves are much more robust than that. What ever they did to it was more than 'just a touch'.

 

[Montymum]

Re: Just wondering

Hi Josephine
I, did mention this to an Orthopedic Nurse when I went for my first check-up and she dismissed this with a wave of the hand so I never mentioned it to the Surgeon. Maybe I will email him to let him know.

 

[Josephine]

Re: Just wondering

Well, she shouldn't have dismissed it - that was very wrong of her. You really must tell the surgeon as it is very germane to your problems.

 

[Montymum]

Re: Just wondering

Hi, I'm a bit concerned. I have developed a clicking, grunting sound when I'm sitting down and lean forward to pick something up. It is also happening at times when walking.
I've very little muscle left on my buttock and thigh and wonder if the replaced bits are becoming loose?

 

[Jaycey]

Re: Just wondering

MM it is normal to get a bit of "noise" in the new joint. Until the muscles tighten around the new hip you may get some popping - or at least I did.

Mention this to your OS next time you see him. But I wouldn't worry. If things were loose you would be in significant pain.

 

[Montymum]

Re: Just wondering

Hi Jaycey
My concern though is my muscles are 'withering' away due to the nerve damage that is why I'm concerned also I'm not really feeling any pain which I think is due to nerve damage.
Although in saying that I do suffer from significant muscle spasms and nerve prickly pain at times.
Regards

 

[energy3]

Re: Just wondering

Hi MM,
I noticed that you are from New Zealand. Is there any chance you could fly across the ditch and have the second surgery in Australia? There are some good surgeons over here.
PS So sorry to hear of more earthquakes in Christchurch. Such a beautiful city in an amazingly beautiful country.