@Josephine , My apologies, I had a partial hip replacement; I am not very familiar with the terminology although I am learning a lot here! When I went to the O.R. I was expecting a total hip replacement but despite my RA history they found the socket to be in fairly good shape with no fracture. My hope is that it will last as long as the new ball.
The surgeons in Alberta did not diagnose RSD but felt it should be explored with regard to my knee. Since I was cleared to start physio with the knee, it would swell and become painful often to the point of not being able to do anything the following day. My home physio backed up on exercises and set less every other day with the idea of building more gradually. At the time she suspected my arthritis was playing a role or the knee just wasn't ready. Also because my OS had just done (bone) xrays she wondered if there could be underlying soft tissue damage. Over time I could push the knee to tolerate about 10 pounds but the exercises still played havoc. (I was still in a full leg zimmer at this time) That's where I was when I left for our daughter's wedding and broke my hip. My OS was of the mind that I should be walking without a problem as the bone was showing as healed on x-ray. However, at the same appointment the day before my trip he said he wanted to see me in 8 weeks to fit me for a custom brace which seemed like a total contradiction to me.
When I had the tibial plateau fracture, we were in Jamaica and I did not get the break confirmed for 2 days when we got home, hoping I had just banged it up bad. At home the surgeon found it to be "acceptably displaced" and not requiring surgery. As another note: At approximately 12 weeks in I thought I was safe to have a more complete shower, took the zimmer off and was sliding backwards onto my bath bench supporting the broken leg. When I thought I was far enough back for the bath bench to be under my knee I let go and my leg dropped suddenly and fast! into a fully bent position. The pain was excruciating, accompanied by about 3 loud popping noises and a what seemed to be a long drawn out crunching/grinding noise. The advice of my OS was to go to the ER for x-ray. No further break was shown and the subject was dropped.
While in Alberta, one of my surgeons got asking a number of questions about my leg and it's healing. He then asked if I had had other events in life which were mostly confirmed. The ones I remember include my RA, multiple confirmed miscarriages, shingles. He said RSD should be explored based on my answers.
If my scar is on the side of my hip (like a panty seam) am I right that this is considered "lateral"?
Thank you Josephine for taking the time to read my thread. Any insight and/or advice you might have would be very appreciated.
Carrie
United States
@cthipster , forgot your question about how both issues will now be handled. I was told yesterday that I must see my old O/S for my knee and the new guy for my hip only!!! They are not in the clinic on the same days of the week and a typical appointment time is often 3 hours with the waiting time. How ridiculous!
