THR New THR and quite upsetting

steveeasy

junior member
Joined
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58 years young and active, ive struggled with terrible hips. Through the NHS I was offered to have my Left hip replaced. I had reservations at my pre opp as it was just too casual. the surgeon will do either side just remind him on the day. id lost use in my Right side prior to pre op and my Dr told me to discuss with the specialists which side to do first. I expected a decision would be made by xray and advice by consultant. No i was called and told just let him know on the day. I called GP and advised to just go with the flow.
On the day of the surgery the consultant popped in and simply said which one. no xrays. he did not mind i should choose. we went with the left hip. The next day I woke up and had al lazy foot (could not have it, just pull it forward with my toes and lots of swelling. the physio was helping me get on my feet. the consultant came in to my room behind me (I think he was doing my medication). I thanked him. Later that day I sat in a chair and realised my leg was 2 inches longer. I asked a nurse if I could speak to a Dr. there were not any I was told. speak to Physio in morning.
In the morning the physio simply said everyone has a long leg. the consultant wont do anything. you will see him in two weeks time. later I was told. I had an appointment with the consultant in 6 weeks time and it was by video only. Of course I then said the responses where unreasonable Luckily for me my recovery is good. 4 days in little pain, However It is impossible to walk with such a difference in height. due to the utter lack of recording my discharge notes make no mention of the height issue and I am utterly shocked the consultant made no attempt to ask me how I was or look at his work. Whilst I appreciate a small height difference is possible how could I end up with such an extended leg and how could my concerns fall on death ears in what should be a good hospital. I am just rocking from side to side.

Does everyone end up with a long leg. iv3e no idear about my surgery or how it was done as I was never spoken too. Id really appreciate any views or opinions on the matter to help me deal with the matter.

Steveeasy
 
Oh what an absolute nightmare.

To get an answer you can contact PALS (Patient Advise and Liaison Service) at your hospital.

Or you can email the CEO directly.

You should have had informed consent at least which doesn’t sound like it happened. It’s your body and you have a right to know what they’ve done with it.
I know it’s a complication being left with different leg lengths but they do their best to avoid that.
 
I'm just so sorry that you are being treated this way. I was wondering if you have the option to follow-up with a different surgeon, in a different practice. A new surgeon would get your records, even speak to the person who did your surgery then share that information with you. Most importantly, they can determine what, if anything, can be done to lessen the leg length discrepancy.
 
Given the surgeon never bothered speaking with me, I think he had no idea there was a problem. What bothers me even more was the small hospital team like the physio said everyone has a long leg. no attempt to even record the matter. like it was normal. just happens. She said keep putting weight on that side it will go down. You could not make it up.
I was reassured when she said id meet with him in two weeks. then the final nurse told me heres your follow up appointment. 6 weeks later and he only does a video conference call. It was then I made it clear their behaviour was most unreasonable.

Oh the physio said to me, if you like you can speak with an elderlady shes got an even longer leg than you. I asked who did the op, same surgeon. apparently, she was quite calm. You could not make it up, its almost unbelievable. My discharge letter raised no problems or concerns at all other than to amend the post op date from 6 weeks to 2 as I insisted they now do.

Steveeasy
 
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%8 years young and active, ive struggled with terrible hips. Through the NHS I was offered to have my Left hip replaced. I had reservations at my pre opp as it was just too casual. the surgeon will do either side just remind him on the day. id lost use in my Right side prior to pre op and my Dr told me to discuss with the specialists which side to do first. I expected a decision would be made by xray and advice by consultant. No i was called and told just let him know on the day. I called GP and advised to just go with the flow.
On the day of the surgery the consultant popped in and simply said which one. no xrays. he did not mind i should choose. we went with the left hip. The next day I woke up and had al lazy foot (could not have it, just pull it forward with my toes and lots of swelling. the physio was helping me get on my feet. the consultant came in to my room behind me (I think he was doing my medication). I thanked him. Later that day I sat in a chair and realised my leg was 2 inches longer. I asked a nurse if I could speak to a Dr. there were not any I was told. speak to Physio in morning.
In the morning the physio simply said everyone has a long leg. the consultant wont do anything. you will see him in two weeks time. later I was told. I had an appointment with the consultant in 6 weeks time and it was by video only. Of course I then said the responses where unreasonable Luckily for me my recovery is good. 4 days in little pain, However It is impossible to walk with such a difference in height. due to the utter lack of recording my discharge notes make no mention of the height issue and I am utterly shocked the consultant made no attempt to ask me how I was or look at his work. Whilst I appreciate a small height difference is possible how could I end up with such an extended leg and how could my concerns fall on death ears in what should be a good hospital. I am just rocking from side to side.

Does everyone end up with a long leg. iv3e no idear about my surgery or how it was done as I was never spoken too. Id really appreciate any views or opinions on the matter to help me deal with the matter.

Steveeasy
Really sorry to hear of your bad experience. I made a formal complaint to PALS after my first THR last year - the surgery and outcome were good but my nursing care on the ward was appalling. I received a phonecall from the matron but not much else but I did insist on a different hospital for my second THR 3 weeks ago (the nursing care was brilliant). Both times, I never saw my surgeon after the op, just a doctor in his team and the formal review us definitely 6 weeks, not 2. I didn't see the surgeon at this either the first time, only at my 3 month review where had a further x-ray and told I needed the left hip replaced. I would definitely make a complaint to PALS, they have to follow up each item you list. Good luck
 
When did you have your THR? How did you determine leg length discrepancy?
 
When did you have your THR? How did you determine leg length discrepancy?
Hi,
I had it on the 7th October(last Friday). well first, I sat on a chair with legs forward and clearly my left knee was significantly further forward than my right one. when I stand on firm ground with both feet flat I have to leen significantly to one side. If I stand on the side that has had the hip replacement carried out my other foot is well of the ground. I appreciate this is not too scientific.
My friend has said it will be gone in a few days. I hope he is right.
 
I also noticed a major leg length discrepancy (I wrote about it on my recovery thread) immediately after surgery. Yours sounds exactly the same — if I stood on my “new” leg, the other one wouldn’t reach the ground. My surgery was on September 29 and today, the discrepancy is almost all gone. I was assured by lots of people here that it would resolve as the swelling went down and the new hip settled. And sure enough, that appears to be the case. It’s still early days for you, so give it a while and see what happens. You might be surprised as I was.
 
Hi @steveeasy and :welome: to the forum, happy you've joined us. Going to leave you our recovery guidelines for you to read through when you're up to it.

Hip Recovery: The Guidelines
We are all different, as are the approaches to this recovery and rehab. The key is, “Find what works for YOU.“ Your doctor(s), physiotherapist(s) and BoneSmart are here to help. But you have the final decision as to what approach you use.

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
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 this BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy
5. Here is a week-by-week guide for Activity progression for THRs
6. Access these pages on the website
Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications
Wound Closure

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?

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.
 
@steveeasy ok just want to double check some info with you so we can get a signature set up for you. This is helpful in letting us know how far along you are, etc.

So if I read this correctly you had a Left total hip replacement on 7 October 2022?

Leg length differential is really quite a common feeling that a lot of us encounter. Here's an article from our library about it: https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/leg-length-differential-lld.6173/
 
Okay, you're 4 days in, really hard to determine much just yet. I didn't have that sensation but many here did especially if they had 2 bad hips and it was after the first was done. I understand your concerns and it doesn't seem like the health care team had much empathy or bedside manner.
 
Okay, you're 4 days in, really hard to determine much just yet. I didn't have that sensation but many here did especially if they had 2 bad hips and it was after the first was done. I understand your concerns and it doesn't seem like the health care team had much empathy or bedside manner.
Hi Eman,
The benifit of a forum like this is immense. My concerns may have been easily resolved with a simple 2 min conversation rather than shutting the barn doors. I dont know why consultants dont have the time to just reassure patients. I suspect lots do.

I am feeling better and very lucky to not be experiencing any other unwelcome pains. controlled walking and making small steps.
Best wishes to you all.
Steveeasy
 
Hi @steveeasy, after my first hip replacement in July my unoperated leg wouldn’t reach the floor when standing, but now, three months later that evened out. I’ve just had my second hip done and haven’t noticed that sensation yet but I think they try to even the legs up in the second surgery if there is a discrepancy Left.
 
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Steve,
So sorry, sounds like you weren't afforded the opportunity to express your concerns to the proper people. We certainly have to advocate for ourselves in this health system no matter what country you live in.
My leg was a little shorter after surgery but it's evened out, I think many have this issue.
I hope you get the answers you rightfully deserve.
Read here, tons of info, all helpful from those that have had the surgery and many of concerns you might experience.
I wish you well, and welcome to the group.
 
@steveeasy Please wait 3-4 months before having any measurements done. Nearly everyone who has had THR feel a leg length difference. Often it is due to muscles and tendons having atrophied pre-op. You may also have a pelvic tilt. With time, all this usually eases.

Click the link to the article Elf left you (above). It show how you should be measured if you are still feeling this LLD at 3-4 month out. A good podiatrist or physio can confirm any LLD.
 
Healthcare is a business and in business time is money. The systems are more the problem than the individuals. The one with the highest pay grade isn't afforded time for silliness like talking to the patient, that is for underlings with less knowledge and less pay.
 
The one with the highest pay grade isn't afforded time for silliness like talking to the patient, that is for underlings with less knowledge and less pay.
This is sad, but so often true! I met with my surgeon once, scheduled surgery for two months later, saw him for a couple minutes in pre-op for the second time, then not again until I was three months post op! I guess I've come to view it as he did his job as a surgeon in the OR and beyond that let his care team handle the rest. It is not what we want, nor necessarily expect, but definitely very common. I guess this isn't Marcus Welby MD :heehee: No house calls, exceptional bedside manner, or sense of urgency for followup visits with your patients. Thankfully we have each other here on BS to laugh, support, comfort, advise, encourage and commiserate with.:wink:
You gotta love this place! I know I do. Thanks for all of your contributions here, @Eman85
 
Hello steveeasy,
Welcome to BoneSmart and recovery. Thanks for joining us here.
I am sorry you were left in the dark about so much and hope you're feeling better about things through the sound advice and support you've received here. I am not sure if you're able to do this in the UK, but here you can request a copy of the surgeon's OR notes for your personal records usually via signing a form. It may be worth a try. Not certain you'd learn anymore than you already know, but I found reading my surgeon's notes interesting. Have patience...hard to come by I know, but I am guessing the leg length differential sensation will resolve as you heal. Wishing you comfort as you begin the journey and hope you'll share your experience with us here.
All the best to you!
@steveeasy
 
Feeling better. comfortable. trying to be very rational. more than a sensation, my knee sticks out nearly two inches more than the other one. makes any walking very challenging. if anyone was aware it warranted a conversation, if they were not aware that warrants a conversation as well.

Great to have people who understand some of the difficulties we face.

onwards and upwards.

Steveeasy
 
Rest and ice and see how it all settles out in a few weeks. I was thrilled both feet faced forward immediately post-op and took it from there. We all had to learn how to walk again post-op.
 

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