[THR] Nerve problems

Sorry you are having problems with your foot & a slow recovery @Legin....Stay with Bonesmart..there are others who have had similar problems...they may be able to help reassure you that things do improve...given time....Hoping things get better soon for you xx


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This is very different from what I'm experiencing. Have you had an ultrasound of your calf? I did, but a blood clot was not found. What is your doctor telling you?

 

@Legin welcome! Sorry you are having problems :( have you contacted your surgeon about these issues? S/he will not mind at all, and will help you fix things!


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I noticed that we have not given you the reading list for post surgery patients!! It will give you something to do while you are resting, and icing!!!First are the BoneSmart mantras ....
- rest, elevate, ice and take your pain meds by the clock
- if it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physiotherapist - to do it to you
- if your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again
- if you won't die if it's not done, don't do it
- never stand when you can sit, never sit when you can lie down, never stay awake when you can go to sleep!
- be active as much as you need to be but not more than is necessary, meaning so much that you end up being in pain, exhausted or desperate to sit down or lay down!

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
Activity progression for THRs
Home physio (PT)
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?

 

@Jaycey oops! I hope you meant "a lifetime FREE of pain"!!


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@Legin
Hi there. Heard about what you refer to as your "dead foot". I assume you mean "numb"? If so, I can relate, as I came out of surgery, which was otherwise successful, with total numbness in the foot on the operated hip side, as well as the very annoying 'pins-and-needles' & burning sensations that accompany nerve damage. The rehab people called it everything from neuropathy to foot-drop, & I was miserable & demoralized, never anticipating anything like this. Because this greatly impeded my mobility, I spent 6 weeks in in-patient rehabs, building leg strength & learning to use that foot.

You are obviously far ahead of where I was, given your reports of long walks & considerable activity. It is now almost 9 months since surgery, & I am much stronger & have gained a good bit of feeling in that foot, but it has been exceedingly slow. I am still using a walker outside because I feel insecure otherwise, but there has been much progress. All the docs have told me the nerves will regenerate, but that it takes a loooooooong time.

I would strongly suggest you follow the advice about not rushing things... Believe me, you will not get any medals for pushing too hard & can delay your recovery. Take it easy... This is a tough surgery & you emerged from it with what sounds like some damage. Please be kind to yourself. If I can answer any questions, feel free to ask away. If you want to read the sordid details, see my recovery thread.

 

@Legin
You say you "regularly fall or stumble forward"? This is likely due to the lack of feeling in your foot. I hope you're using whatever assistive device gives the maximum feeling of security and balance, because you definitely don't want to fall & have a whole array of new problems! Also be sure to wear shoes that provide the most security. Use a walker (frame, in the UK, I believe) for added balance if you need to; now is not the time to prove anything to yourself or others.

As far as feeling like a failure, I hardly think you should take on an unfortunate result of surgery as your own personal lapse!! You didn't ask for or expect this: IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT. But you do have to deal with it as safely & realistically as possible -- and as patiently (the hardest part). And your doggies will understand -- remember, you are their god.

I hope your physio includes raising & lowering your toes with your foot flat on the floor, holding them up for 5 seconds (they had me doing 30) & raising my heel up-and-down similarly. Also, I stood on my tiptoes while holding onto a counter or ledge about 30 times. And, lying flat on your back, pulling back your toes toward the ceiling as much as you can & holding for 4-5 seconds 30 times. Use an exercise band across the top of your foot to create resistance, if you can get someone to hold it in place. Are you doing any of these?

This process takes a very long time if it's nerve damage. I am only now enjoying the feel of my cold tile floor when I step on it barefoot! And it was only the other day that I could "feel" enough to get my foot into a slip-on shoe without help! Ok, end of lecture... Hope it helped.