THR Nerve damage after 5th hip replacement

[PGordon]

I have now had 5 hip replacements on my left hip (all posterior approached) and after the last one two months post op I developed nerve damage causing my leg to twitch and two or so months later my hand (mostly ring finger). I have now met with two neurologists, had a brain, spinal and femoral MRI and finally a spinal tap with no results. I also have leg lengthening. I am looking for any others with this issue and looking for a doctor who will work with me as the last two just told me they don't know what other tests to run.

 

[Layla]

Hello and Welcome to BoneSmart!
Please share the dates of your surgeries to the best of your recollection so we're able to create a signature for you. This will inform others of your history within a quick glance, aiding them in their response to you. Thanks in advance.

I am sorry for all you have endured with your Left hip. Hopefully you'll receive some feedback from others. I thank you for joining us and I hope you receive some answers soon from the medical professionals you're working with.

Since your latest surgery was within two months I will leave a copy of our Recovery Guidelines since some of the info may still apply.

Lots of comfort to you and best wishes going forward.

HIP RECOVERY GUIDELINES
As you begin healing, please keep in mind that each recovery is unique. While the BoneSmart philosophy successfully works for many, there will be exceptions. Between the recommendations found here, your surgeon's recovery protocol and any physical therapy you may engage in, the key is to find what works best for you.

1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now, they are almost certainly temporary.

If you want to use something to assist with healing and scar management, BoneSmart recommends hypochlorous solution. Members in the US can purchase ACTIVE Antimicrobial Hydrogel through BoneSmart at a discount. Similar products should be available in the UK and other countries.

2. Control discomfort:
rest
elevate
ice
take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)
3. Do what you want to do BUT
a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you
b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.
4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of these
BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy
5. At week 4 and after you should follow this
Activity progression for THRs
The recovery articles
Pain management and the pain chart
Healing: how long does it take?
Chart representation of THR recovery
Dislocation risk and 90 degree rule
Energy drain for THRs
Pain and swelling control: elevation is the key
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

Nutrition is of paramount importance. Available here are dietary tips, nutrition basics and additional food supplements. These articles are both general advice on food and specific guidelines aimed at people both pre- and post-surgery.

BIG TIP: Hips actually don't need any exercise to get better. They do a pretty good job of it all on their own if given half a chance. Trouble is, people don't give them a chance and end up with all sorts of aches and pains and sore spots. All they need is the best therapy which is walking and even then not to excess.

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery. While members may create as many threads as they like in a majority of BoneSmart's forums, we ask that each member have only one recovery thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review history before providing advice.

 

[PGordon]

My first hip replacement was 11-2000 due to a drunk driver; second was summer of 2005 (stem was too long); third was 8-2008 (replacement failure); fourth was 4-2016 (ball too big); fifth was 6-2022 (ball too small). After my fifth (two months post-op) I developed nerve damage causing what they call myoclonus also affecting my hand. I have had a brain, spinal and femoral MRIs with no results. My current neurologist does not believe it's nerve damage and says it's a central nerve issue. I have done a lot of my own research and my symptoms match nerve damage possibly sciatic or femoral nerve damage. I have now had two neurologist, and neither will look into this. I also have leg lengthening.

 

[Layla]

Ugh! I am so sorry. It is awful to read how your journey began. Heartbreaking to read of the multiple revisions and no resolution in sight for your symptoms. Possibly you will consider seeking a third opinion.
I do hope you're able to obtain a clear diagnosis soon and the treatment you deserve with an optimal outcome.
@PGordon