had hip replacemernt 6/3/08, now have numb foot, very painful, pins & needles, burning. Am wearing a brace to prevent footdrop, take lyrica 75mg 3 times a day but need another one at bedtime or in the nite, I have an appt for a nerve test on 7/9, my surgean feels very confident the feeling will come back, sure hope so.
Hi everybody!
I posted a year ago about my experience with hip surgery. Well, I still have the pain due to nerve damage. It's been 2.5 years since my surgery and the only relief I get from the tingling and burning in my leg, which runs from the inside of my leg down to my ankle, is from getting accupuncture. Somedays the treatment is really helpful and other times not so much. But I'm thankful for what I can get. I've gotten into the habit while sitting of givong myself acupressure on the inside of my leg. It hurts to do this, but it does relieve some of the overall pain I've felt 24/7/365. I'm really sorry to have read that others have had similar problems. Everytime I think about my operation, I wish I had not gone through it, but so many people kept saying that I would be glad that I had it done and that I would be able to do a lot of things I used to do like hiking, bicycling (which I can do to some extent, but not like I used to) run, play. But I can't do these things because the pain is just too much.
Sigh...........................
To the person who posted about doctors not willing to help. I understand your predicament. I wasn't out to sue anyone. A lot of people, the same that urged me to get the surgery, said I should sue. I told them that it wouldn't solve the problem. All I wanted from my doctor was to acknowledge I was in pain and to try and offer me some suggestions on how to deal with it. To be told it was all in my head was a kick in the rear that added insult to injury.
I posted a year ago about my experience with hip surgery. Well, I still have the pain due to nerve damage. It's been 2.5 years since my surgery and the only relief I get from the tingling and burning in my leg, which runs from the inside of my leg down to my ankle, is from getting accupuncture. Somedays the treatment is really helpful and other times not so much. But I'm thankful for what I can get. I've gotten into the habit while sitting of givong myself acupressure on the inside of my leg. It hurts to do this, but it does relieve some of the overall pain I've felt 24/7/365. I'm really sorry to have read that others have had similar problems. Everytime I think about my operation, I wish I had not gone through it, but so many people kept saying that I would be glad that I had it done and that I would be able to do a lot of things I used to do like hiking, bicycling (which I can do to some extent, but not like I used to) run, play. But I can't do these things because the pain is just too much.
Sigh...........................
To the person who posted about doctors not willing to help. I understand your predicament. I wasn't out to sue anyone. A lot of people, the same that urged me to get the surgery, said I should sue. I told them that it wouldn't solve the problem. All I wanted from my doctor was to acknowledge I was in pain and to try and offer me some suggestions on how to deal with it. To be told it was all in my head was a kick in the rear that added insult to injury.
I also suffer from intense nerve pain in my left lower leg and foot since my total hip replacement one and a half years ago--oh my o.O it has been a long time. I was in the recovery room when they discovered my left foot drop--which has resolved enough to walk without a brace, but still need a regular cane. The nerve pain is just what I read here--you guys get it! People don't want to hear the same old story, so I just say it is what it is. The pain management doctor says it won't get any better because of the EMG finding spinal root nerve damage and that I have not had a tendency towards the pain getting less. I take 3200mg neurontin a day (800 4x/day) along with dilaudid 2-3 times per day. I tried the morphine patch but it just made me dizzy and nonfunctional. I'm trying to go back to work next month--well, in 14 days ! It's scary, I hope I can do it, it's not a sitting job and I still use a cane because of the muscle spasms and muscle weakness. Well my real reason for posting is--you MUST check out Totally Hip website--there is a recall on the Zimmer Cup used in most hip replacements since 2006--now pulled from sales last month because of the issue with non-healing to the bone causing it to slip and malfunction---so most of you could have your answer!! :-D It's not mine because my hip is okay, its just actual nerve damage. Oh well, I sure hope some of you in such pain find this post and find it more than hopeful--like maybe could possibly cure and reverse your problem!! :-D
Hi I am 49 years old and had hip resurfacing on 18 Aug 08. I woke with numbness in right lower leg/foot. I was told that nerve damage may have occurred in surgery but this would get better after time. On discharge I could just about move my toes but foot dropped. Now 4 weeks past surgery I can move my toes up and down and move my anke from side to side. Still get pins and needles and 'dead foot' when sitting with foot down to floor. Also lower leg and foot like a block of ice. Hip has given me no pain at all so it is very frustrating. Wear splint at night which helps with the pain. Keeping my fingers cross that full feeling will and movement will soon return. Physio and consultant seem certain it will, but will chase up with consultant at 6 week post op appointment. I know how bad this pain is and I wish everyone who has experienced this a speedy recovery.
i would have sued the doc so he will be more carefull with the next person
Val, I have the exact same symptons as yours, I wear a brace that ws madejust for for me all day & then a diff one at night. I got more info frm my physical therapist & nerve dr then frm my surgeon. I walk quite well with a cane & do certain weight machines 3 times a wk, plus walking every day & exercises my phyical therpist said to keep doing, a great physical therapist. my surgery ws 6/3/08 & I still have a numbe foot cant move my ankle or toes, have had 2 nerve tests & have had no improvement. Nerve Dr said thinks my syatic ws stretched, neerves heal 1" a month so guess I'm in for the ling haul if it ever comes back. Hope you get this & good luck to all who are going thru this unfortunate time. Mariylin
having had both hips replaced 3 years ago i have next to no balance and my right foot and leg do not work properly. this has been a gradual deterioration after 2 perfect ops. or so i thought! doctors have given up on me after scan upon scan showing nothing. i am 58,fit and healthy in every other way. any ideas anyone?
I had hip surgery Jul 28, 2008 and after the operation I noticed that my foot and right outside lower leg hurt more than my hip. My Doctor said that it was slight nerve damage and it will come back in a few months. I started in-home PT a few days after arriving home. It lasted for about a month. I dreaded every visit due to the increase foot pain that I experienced after every visit. I then started my outpatient PT and it lasted for two weeks. Again the pain would increase ten fold after each PT session. I finally suspended the PT and took a step back to evaluate my condition; I had an EMG and foot x-ray to determine the cause of my pain. My surgeon was encouraged with the EMG results, however he didn't receive my foot x-ray in time for my scheduled appointment. The x-ray reviled that the tip of my tibia was broken off and was floating next to the anklebone. My Doctor said, "I have something else going on in there." He didn't have my x-ray report. It was just his option after I mentioned the results and showed him the floating bone. I felt that his assessment of my concern was all smoke and mirrors. I know they broke the lower tip of my tibia during surgery!
Finally, I was refered by my primary care Doctor to see a PT specialist in Royal Oak, MI. His name is Angus Williams and he is an Australian Manual Physical Therapist. After four visits, I'm glad to inform you that I am now walking without aid and the pain in my foot has decreased. Not completely gone, but less pain.
I know that this sounds crazy, but I was up for anything after experiencing pain and suffering for 11 weeks post-op. The combination of nerve damage and a broken foot was the root cause of this extreme painful condition. Mr. Williams takes a different approach to helping nerve damage and it appears to be working.
If you're like me with your back up against a wall, give it a go, because I’m now a believer in this Australian Manual PT.
Ben
Finally, I was refered by my primary care Doctor to see a PT specialist in Royal Oak, MI. His name is Angus Williams and he is an Australian Manual Physical Therapist. After four visits, I'm glad to inform you that I am now walking without aid and the pain in my foot has decreased. Not completely gone, but less pain.
I know that this sounds crazy, but I was up for anything after experiencing pain and suffering for 11 weeks post-op. The combination of nerve damage and a broken foot was the root cause of this extreme painful condition. Mr. Williams takes a different approach to helping nerve damage and it appears to be working.
If you're like me with your back up against a wall, give it a go, because I’m now a believer in this Australian Manual PT.
Ben
could you please tell me if there is a chat room that could be used to talk w/these people that seem to have a lot of the same issues?
I am allergic to nickle. Luckily I had a metal allergy test done prior to my hip replacement and the surgeon used an implant which contained no nickle. You may want to get the test done. Melissa Labs does the test. Call this number if you are interested. They will explain the procedure.
1 800 650-7850.
1 800 650-7850.
I had a hip replacement, but also had a metal allergy test prior to the surgery. It was determined that I am allergic to nickel. There is a lab in Cal called Melissa which test your blood for metal allergies. If interested you can call this number and they will provide more info.
1 800 650-7850
1 800 650-7850
18 months after hip replacement surgery I am still experiencing foot drop and nerve damage. I would like to speak to people in similar circumstances to see if there has been improvement in their condition.
Hi Colleen,
I am 48 years old and had my R hip replaced in 2001 with no problem what so ever. The same doctor, etc. replaced my L hip in late 2005 and I am now disabled (but healthy otherwise ). My case is pretty straight forward- nerve damage- and it would take pages and pages to tell you what I have been through. If I can help you or anyone else out there to avoid what I have been through it would be very rewarding for me. If you get my response please send an e-mail in my direction. Until then, best wishes to everyone going through pain issues.
I am 48 years old and had my R hip replaced in 2001 with no problem what so ever. The same doctor, etc. replaced my L hip in late 2005 and I am now disabled (but healthy otherwise ). My case is pretty straight forward- nerve damage- and it would take pages and pages to tell you what I have been through. If I can help you or anyone else out there to avoid what I have been through it would be very rewarding for me. If you get my response please send an e-mail in my direction. Until then, best wishes to everyone going through pain issues.
I had total hip replacement in May of 1994 and woke up with a drop foot. The feeling of 1000 needles burning in my foot sounds very familiar. I still wear a brace when I need to walk for than a few blocks. I wear boots with large orthotics in them (not too fun in boiling hot summer weather), but at least I don't have to wear the big drop foot brace around the office at all times. I suffer from chronic nerve pain, and what keeps my sanity is staying busy and being involved with my children (my son was 7 months old at the time of the surgery - he's now 15 - I have since had a daughter who is currently 7 years old). As well as stayed involved in my work and community. The pain management is difficult, but not impossible. I never found a drug which worked for me. Initially, I did regain a little movement in my foot, but not enough to have a normal gait.
The drop foot has resulted in permanant disability for me. I feel very sorry for those who have had this rare side effect. It took me many years to get over the shock of this rare injury. But life is full and busy and there are many who suffer greater disabilities than I do.
I wish you all the best.
The drop foot has resulted in permanant disability for me. I feel very sorry for those who have had this rare side effect. It took me many years to get over the shock of this rare injury. But life is full and busy and there are many who suffer greater disabilities than I do.
I wish you all the best.
I am so amazed at all the people with this problem. I was told it was common and unusual at the same time but here are my syptoms in post after post. Surgery was 12/1/08 and today I go for 1st follow up with surgeon but his attitude is arrogant and when I called 10 days ago to describe the stabbing and burning and asked if there was a drug to ease that pain, I was prescribed Valium to get me back to sleep at night. Pain takes my breath away and I am terrified this is permanent although Dr. will not admit that. He is very casual about the situation. Will know more today but I was TERRIFIED of surgery to begin with and was pushed by so many that I would be a new person. Well, they were right I am a new person, a broken one. Depressed, unemployed and in pain 24/7.
It is helpful to see all posts here bur discouraging at the same time. Will post more after Dr. appt. today.
It is helpful to see all posts here bur discouraging at the same time. Will post more after Dr. appt. today.