THR Thigh Pain

Let's see what Josephine thinks. I'm sure this isn't the news you wanted..I'm sorry that you are in limbo.
People are fallible so it seems as if a second opinion could be in order.
Josephine has decades of experience in the orthopedic surgery realm.
I would say be ever so careful with your activity, as I'm sure you probably are, especially with this possible revelation.
 
I’m sorry to say, radiologists are fallible. When I first started having neuro problems I had an MRI which was reported as normal. Oncologist and neurologist weren’t so sure so ordered two more MRIs over the next 3 months..all reported normal despite not being able to walk by this time. Then neurologist ordered a 4th MRI and this report stated that the lesions in my cervical spine shown on previous MRIs had extended into my thoracic spine...what the ???? What previous lesions??? When I demanded a review of the previous MRIs the lesions were obvious and should not have been missed. By this time my spinal cord damage was irreversible and I was lucky to still be able to breathe independently.

When I have any scans now I always get a second opinion from another doctor on the results. Also your OS should be able to read an X-ray of a hip...that’s their field of expertise..an OS who doesn’t want to mention a problem (if there is one) because they don’t want to add to their complication rate...well, no more needs to be said.

I hope you get answers soon.
 
Did the radiologist read it incorrectly?
It does say quite clearly "no evidence of loosening" but I disagree with that.
As for what Gidget said, I would thoroughly concur with her comments. I once looked at a THR xray of a member some years back and saw that the tip of the stem was about to break through femoral bone! At least it explained all the pain she'd been getting!
 
@pag78 I am sorry that you are getting news that may mean you will need a revision. I also have a loose femoral stem, and the cup may also be loose. No surgeon has stated definitively why, but I have heard that the stem in my case is not long enough, and Josephine indicated to me that sometimes the stem loosens because the femur is not cleaned out well enough. (If you look at my thread you will see this conversation, and it may be of some small help to you.) The implant never felt right from Day One, but I thought it was me. I recovered very well, I was walking without crutches etc. fairly quickly, so I couldn't fathom that something was going wrong. Even with all the pain, I was still in shock when I heard that I need a revision, and was very unhappy.

However enough issues had come up and I knew that I have to get it taken care of--there is nothing that can be done without surgery. Over time, and talking with surgeons, it became crystal clear, and I stopped feeling angry because that is no way to enter surgery again. (I suspect that I may have been within the standard of care anyway, and just fell into the 2-4% of people whose implants were not successful.) I am scheduled for revision surgery on July 3rd, and spend much of my time with my leg extended out flat because walking hurts, working out at the gym hurts, sitting sometimes hurts. The most comfortable position is just flat out straight. You will see from my thread also that I interviewed 3 revision surgeons and would not even consider dealing with my original surgeon again. If you need a revision as Josephine suggests (and she is usually correct), you will no doubt get advice from folks on Bonesmart to find different surgeons who specialize in revisions and to get away from your original surgeon. The original surgeon may be inclined to continue to gloss over your issue and radiologists are fallible, especially if not experienced in reading x-rays. (In my case the surgeon was honest about the loosening, and said that my bone had not grown fulsomely enough around the implant.)

I know all of this is very upsetting, but there is good (or bad) reason for your thigh pain. I can only hope that you get some answers and are able to adapt to your situation if necessary, because being in constant pain is no way to live either. You might want to see the thread also from @zinnia -- she has been wonderful to me and to others, and has undergone several revisions due to some rare complications, BUT is doing very well now, so she gives me hope. Bonesmart is a great site, you did well to come on it and ask your questions, even though the answer right now seems to be very hard to accept. Also if you want to ask me any questions, please feel free to do so.
 
@pag78, I too am sorry that you might be facing the prospect of another surgery. Do seek out a revision specialist who can help you get on a path to relieve your pain. All the best to you.
 
Glad to have you aboard Bone Smart @pag78. You've come to the right place. I am sorry you are facing a revision. It's no fun but they are not to be feared. Many of us have been through revisions, 3 for me, for various complications. In fact, if the problem is identified (and it looks like Josephine has nailed it) and fixed, then you will be on your way to a proper recovery.

I have read your story. I am going to go out on a limb and say that your original OS should have been able to see from your X-ray that there was now a problem. It's easy to read after Josephine pointed it out. So you definitely need a second opinion. You are now armed with the evidence of the problem causing your pain and can speak to a surgeon with some authority. Hang in there and proceed until you find an OS willing to take your case. Some will be reluctant and give you excuses (Josephine has explained the timing of your situation as well). Unexplained pain is always a symptom and no surgeon should dismiss it no matter where in the recovery unusual pain is experienced because your situation is unique to your surgery and must be addressed soon before more damage is done. My second OS moved his schedule around to take me in as soon as he could because I was about to dislocate again and it could have fractured my pelvis. . .again. . . as well.

You don't say where in PA you live but if it's close or in a larger city then you have a good chance of finding a new OS that will take your case. Josephine or someone else may be able to help you find a surgeon in your area. Just ask and see.

I am happy to be a support for you should you need a cheering word or advice or anything at all that comes up. You have already seen that BS members are generous with their willingness to support your recovery in any way they can. Someone is always here with words of encouragement, a knowledge based on personal experience and a welcoming heart. Hang on and call on any of us. I hope you get relief soon. Good luck and happier days ahead. Be safe. :flwrysmile:
 
Thank you everyone for all of your support. I visited my OS yesterday. He was very empathetic but he does not feel that my stem is loose. He explained the xrays by saying that he reams our the femur to make room for the stem and that is why one side is thinner than the other. Although, he does not have an answer for the pain. He encouraged a second opinion and gathered all the info I would need for my second opinion appt. My appointment is in about two weeks. It took a friend of my son-in-law who is an OS at a different hospital calling another Hip Surgeon to get me an appt. Local Ortho Speciality Facilities' policy is they will not see patients until they are one year post op. I only have pain while walking. I have no pain sitting, sleeping, standing. I was fine for the first month and then the pain started. The OS I am seeing in a few weeks also does revisions.
 
I wish you the best of luck as you wait for a second opinion.
Prayers you get an answer to the origin of your pain.
Please let us know how it goes. Wishing you comfort as you wait.
@pag78
 
I know you have to be terrible anxious, but so glad you are getting this second opinion. Cant wait one year for sure.
Prayers and good mojo coming your way..Just want all to be well with you.:friends:
 
I have read thru this thread with great interest....I had THP anterior June 8, 2017....I too began having problems about a month after surgery...extreme thigh pain....and it just felt heavy...not like my other hip replacement....I too am very active....not at all overweight....well...I was very active until I started having all this deep bone pain....I first talked to my surgeon at the 6 week check...told him about it and he said just slow down a bit....I asked for PT and he refused saying I didn't need it.....again 3 months later I went back...this time he said it was bursistis....again would not give me PT...so I went to my GP and got an order for PT....did a few weeks of PT and they said...."this isn't bursitis...you need to go back to your surgeon"...so I wait a month to get in...this time he tells me....x rays look fine....this happens in 10 to 20% of people and should go away within two years....that didn't help much...and instead of getting better...it has gotten progressively worse....to the point where I can't even walk without excruciating pain....I got a cd with my xrays but I can't open it on my computer....after reading this thread I am thinking about trying to get a second opinion.....crazy thing is sometimes I have no pain....I can be walking along and boom....it takes me down....I have done the PT gone numerous time to the chiro....it is really starting to upset me....I don't care if I can't ever run again....but I love to walk....I am afraid to go out for a long walk...as most every step I take is painful....
 
Hi @beccaz
Thank you for the information and support you offered pag78
It would be nice if you started a thread so others can come along side you
to offer support and encouragement. Possibly you haven't had the time, or you are uncertain as to how it's done.
Check this out and if you have questions we'd love to help walk you through.
https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/starting-a-new-thread-and-posting.14736/

I hope both you and @pag78 soon find relief. I wish each of you a great day!
 
Gosh you poor things such ongoing problems and continual pain is so lowering even if not there all the time, i shall watch both your threads with interest and hope you both find closure, hugsxx
 
beccaz I know exactly how you feel. I can only walk with a cane and even then I have severe pain. I also love to walk and I used to go to the gym 3 times a week. Now I can barely walk around the house. Going to the store and walking with a cart is torture.

My OS has no answers. This cannot be my life. I have 5 grandchildren and 2 children who need me. I am hoping my second opinion renders some info. You should have no problem getting a second opinion as you are one year post op. I had great difficulty getting a second opinion apt in the Philadelphia area as most major hospitals would not see me until I was one year post op. It took a doctor friend intervening. PT had no answers either. I fear a revision but I cannot live the rest of my life like this. Stay in touch.
 
he reams our the femur to make room for the stem and that is why one side is thinner than the other.
Then he's not looking at what I'm looking at! There is clearly remodelling in the femoral canal and it's right at the tip of the prosthesis. He wouldn't be the first surgeon to not see something like this.
 
Thank you Josephine. I do have an appt. for a second opinion June 21st so I am hopeful I get answers and a plan.
 
Hello
Wishing you the best with your appt next week.
Please let us know how it goes.
We'll be here to offer support no matter the outcome.
Peace and comfort as you wait...
@pag78
 
Thank you Layla for your support.
 
I also am anxious for you to get second opinion and some definitive answers.
Sending good mojo your way.:friends:
 
Hey @pag78
Wondering how your appointment went and how you are?
Thinking of you:angel:
 

BoneSmart #1 Best Blog

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
65,179
Messages
1,597,054
BoneSmarties
39,364
Latest member
All2Gd88
Recent bookmarks
0
Back
Top Bottom