legtoolong
04-18-2005, 05:35 PM
I had my second hip replacement Jan. 6, 2005. All went well until I got off the walker at 6 weeks postop and found that my right leg was 1" longer than the left. My doc. made light of it and called it 1.3 cm. He said he had to use a longer prothsesis since the shorter one popped out when checked. He also said it would "settle in". (I don't believe it) He prescribed a 3/8" lift for my shoes. My back is hurting and I throw my hip out when I walk. Tomorrow I consult a Physical Medicine and Rehab doc to get an accurate measurement and hopefully correct my leg difference properly. Anyone out there who has been through this?
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balleteach
04-18-2005, 08:55 PM
Hi. Having one leg longer than the other can happen with hip-replacement. I'm not sure why, but I have heard of this problem before. Luckily for me, I ended up with a great result after my surgery. What was the result of your first hip-replacement? Did you feel uneven afterward? It must be very frustrating to recuperate and have this problem.. Keep posting and good luck, balleteach
hip2it
04-18-2005, 10:09 PM
I'm sorry to hear about your problem. I just had my first hip replacement last November and it sure felt to me like it was uneven (the new one felt much taller). As time goes by it feels less and less like that. The only time I can tell now is when I put my legs together standing straight. It's very slight. The doctor said it would get better and so far it has, so I think I will wait and see.
What happened with your other hip? Did you feel this way with that one? I will be interested in what the physical rehab doc has to say. Sometimes I think I need help to re-learn how to walk properly so that I use the prosthesis to it's best advantage. I started off walking like I did before the replacement (I was making compensations for bone spurs and flexibility issues that were no longer there). You may want to get this new doc's opinion about your gait...?
Good luck... let us know what happens. ;)
What happened with your other hip? Did you feel this way with that one? I will be interested in what the physical rehab doc has to say. Sometimes I think I need help to re-learn how to walk properly so that I use the prosthesis to it's best advantage. I started off walking like I did before the replacement (I was making compensations for bone spurs and flexibility issues that were no longer there). You may want to get this new doc's opinion about your gait...?
Good luck... let us know what happens. ;)
legtoolong
04-19-2005, 11:34 AM
My first hip replacement went very well and I did feel a slight difference but it went away. This one is way over the top and obviously different.
I'll let you know what I find out at the appointment today.
I'll let you know what I find out at the appointment today.
legtoolong
04-20-2005, 10:41 AM
Well, this doc was really high tech—she measured my leg difference by putting a stack of paper under my left foot then checking my hips to see if they were level. Then she measured the stack of paper. (She said this is how they were trained to do it.) It came out 1 cm. which is about ½ inch. The weird part is that my sandals with the 3/8” lift built in, and a removable 3/8” lift inside, made my hips look level and my gait improved. I think different shoes will need different correction and will take experimentation. My gait still needs work so she is sending me to physical therapy. She had worked with the therapist I went to after surgery and said he is good and I liked him too, so I’m going back to him. It is going to take some retraining since I’ve gotten used to walking wrong.
I walked around the block this morning and still have back pain but I think that will need time to heal after 2 1/2 months of walking wrong. I also want to tell you that I am praying for the Lord to heal me both in my back and to even out my legs. Nothing is impossible, so if you think so too, join me in prayer.
Thanks
I walked around the block this morning and still have back pain but I think that will need time to heal after 2 1/2 months of walking wrong. I also want to tell you that I am praying for the Lord to heal me both in my back and to even out my legs. Nothing is impossible, so if you think so too, join me in prayer.
Thanks
mini2
07-16-2005, 10:09 PM
Dear legtolong. Im kind of in the same boat as you. The Doctor could not make my leg any longer with out breaking it. When I walk my new mis hip my leg feels way to short with the 3/4 inch lift. Yes my back hurts and my lower rib cage. I still limp and have pain in new places. My family as been very helpful with this long process. I got my new hip May 2nd of this year.
legtoolong
07-18-2005, 04:31 PM
Hi Mini,
I found the PT the most helpful in determining proper lift amount. He told me it is a trial and error process of seeing what feels right. I found some great lifts on the internet which peel off one layer (1 mm) at a time. This was in addition to having a shoe repair man build in 3/8" prescribed by my surgeon. It is extremely important to protect your back by getting the lift right. If you walk wrong, your back will eventually pay the price. The PT thought I looked level with 2 mm less than what felt right to me but he said it depends on what feels right to me. He also helped me work on my gait which still needs some work. My friend told me this weekend that I'm still throwing my hip out some and need to stretch out the inner thigh muscles to improve that.
Hope you get some releif.
Leg
I found the PT the most helpful in determining proper lift amount. He told me it is a trial and error process of seeing what feels right. I found some great lifts on the internet which peel off one layer (1 mm) at a time. This was in addition to having a shoe repair man build in 3/8" prescribed by my surgeon. It is extremely important to protect your back by getting the lift right. If you walk wrong, your back will eventually pay the price. The PT thought I looked level with 2 mm less than what felt right to me but he said it depends on what feels right to me. He also helped me work on my gait which still needs some work. My friend told me this weekend that I'm still throwing my hip out some and need to stretch out the inner thigh muscles to improve that.
Hope you get some releif.
Leg
legtoolong
08-08-2005, 10:49 AM
I have fantastic news. I told you in an earlier post that I was praying for God to even up my legs—well, He’s done it!
First, I need to go back to when I saw my surgeon for my 6 month checkup on July 27th. He took standing x-rays which showed my pelvis only 5 mm off level. This was a big surprise since it felt more off than that. Doc also measured my legs lying down and got 1 cm. difference that way. He then tells me theoretically I shouldn’t need as much lift as I had which was ¾”. So, I ask him, “Why do I bop up and down when I walk and why does my right knee stick out when I’m sitting?” He is baffled and says it must be in my back. He wants me to see a colleague of his across town for a second opinion before he orders a complete body scan and more physical therapy. I made the appointment, but couldn’t get in until August 18.
Meanwhile, I’m trying to get and appointment with Dr. C. Peter Wagner (PhD Divinity), former professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, whose spiritual gift of healing is very specific to leg length problems and resulting back pain. I was able to see him August 3rd. We were planning a trip to Denver and had left a message to see if we could get in on the 3rd or 4th as we drove through Colorado Springs. They finally called back on the 2nd to see if we could come on the 3rd, so we drove all night to make it in time.
Dr. Wagner prayed for me and my leg came out! Praise be to God! My husband could see better than I and he said it came out in “twitches” about 2 mm at a time. I walked out of his office in my beautiful sandals from last summer (with no lift) which I had taken along in faith that I would be healed.
My right leg still feels too long but it isn’t. The change is very visible. My ankle bones line up and my right knee doesn’t jut out longer when I’m’ sitting down. I know I still have work to do on the muscles which are protesting yet another change, but I no longer have a length difference! Guess I’ll have to change my screen name! On second thought, maybe I will keep it to remind me of God’s goodness and great power.
First, I need to go back to when I saw my surgeon for my 6 month checkup on July 27th. He took standing x-rays which showed my pelvis only 5 mm off level. This was a big surprise since it felt more off than that. Doc also measured my legs lying down and got 1 cm. difference that way. He then tells me theoretically I shouldn’t need as much lift as I had which was ¾”. So, I ask him, “Why do I bop up and down when I walk and why does my right knee stick out when I’m sitting?” He is baffled and says it must be in my back. He wants me to see a colleague of his across town for a second opinion before he orders a complete body scan and more physical therapy. I made the appointment, but couldn’t get in until August 18.
Meanwhile, I’m trying to get and appointment with Dr. C. Peter Wagner (PhD Divinity), former professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, whose spiritual gift of healing is very specific to leg length problems and resulting back pain. I was able to see him August 3rd. We were planning a trip to Denver and had left a message to see if we could get in on the 3rd or 4th as we drove through Colorado Springs. They finally called back on the 2nd to see if we could come on the 3rd, so we drove all night to make it in time.
Dr. Wagner prayed for me and my leg came out! Praise be to God! My husband could see better than I and he said it came out in “twitches” about 2 mm at a time. I walked out of his office in my beautiful sandals from last summer (with no lift) which I had taken along in faith that I would be healed.
My right leg still feels too long but it isn’t. The change is very visible. My ankle bones line up and my right knee doesn’t jut out longer when I’m’ sitting down. I know I still have work to do on the muscles which are protesting yet another change, but I no longer have a length difference! Guess I’ll have to change my screen name! On second thought, maybe I will keep it to remind me of God’s goodness and great power.
Roder
08-13-2005, 03:45 AM
Hi Legtoolong.....while I was reading your post I was thinking "she's going to have to change her member name now", then I get to the end & see you had already commented on that! LOL
Well, I would be jumping for joy if that happened to me. I have never heard of someone specializing in prayer for the healing of leg length discrepancies.....Amazing! I'm going to type this doctors name into the internet and check it out.
I hope this is permanent for you!! Please check in and post how it continues.
Oh, can I ask you something? The ways you listed for being measured to get an accurate discrepancy, are those pretty much the best ways to find out? I want the ortho to check me out on Tues so I know for sure...I've gotten so many different lengths from different doctors, yet I don't believe anyone has taken lengths by xray on me. Thanks for your help!! And take care.
Well, I would be jumping for joy if that happened to me. I have never heard of someone specializing in prayer for the healing of leg length discrepancies.....Amazing! I'm going to type this doctors name into the internet and check it out.
I hope this is permanent for you!! Please check in and post how it continues.
Oh, can I ask you something? The ways you listed for being measured to get an accurate discrepancy, are those pretty much the best ways to find out? I want the ortho to check me out on Tues so I know for sure...I've gotten so many different lengths from different doctors, yet I don't believe anyone has taken lengths by xray on me. Thanks for your help!! And take care.
legtoolong
08-13-2005, 01:13 PM
Hi,
I don't know if x-ray is the best way since that only showed part of the discrepancy. My friend the anesthesiologist and pain doc says the best way is to plant your heels and lift your butt several time to settle the back then lay the legs out straight. It is best to have someone doing this for you and looking to see if the legs are straight with your midline. Then, the other person looks at your ankle bones and measures the difference by comparing them. My PT had me bend my legs and he lifted me off the table and just kind of shook me a little then straightened out my legs. He got about the same measurement as my doc friend. My ortho did the x-rays but he also measured the length from my midline to ankle bones with a tape measure to get the difference and got a different number from the x-ray.
By the way, the man who prayed for me is not a medical doctor--he is a PhD in Divinity and a professor of theology. He is hard to find at home in Colorado Springs as he does seminars all over the country. I have been praying and asking others to pray for 7 months and when I saw him, it was God's time for it to happen. It can happen for you too!
legtoolong!
I don't know if x-ray is the best way since that only showed part of the discrepancy. My friend the anesthesiologist and pain doc says the best way is to plant your heels and lift your butt several time to settle the back then lay the legs out straight. It is best to have someone doing this for you and looking to see if the legs are straight with your midline. Then, the other person looks at your ankle bones and measures the difference by comparing them. My PT had me bend my legs and he lifted me off the table and just kind of shook me a little then straightened out my legs. He got about the same measurement as my doc friend. My ortho did the x-rays but he also measured the length from my midline to ankle bones with a tape measure to get the difference and got a different number from the x-ray.
By the way, the man who prayed for me is not a medical doctor--he is a PhD in Divinity and a professor of theology. He is hard to find at home in Colorado Springs as he does seminars all over the country. I have been praying and asking others to pray for 7 months and when I saw him, it was God's time for it to happen. It can happen for you too!
legtoolong!
legtoolong
02-05-2006, 05:06 PM
Hi all you Hippies,
I haven't been on the board for a long time because I'm so busy and completely back to normal. Tomorrow will be 1 year and 1 month since my surgery and I am doing great. I have no pain in my hips. Once in a while when I'm on my feet a long time, my back gets tired and painful. My husband and I try to walk each day around 2 miles and he says I'm walking faster than before my hip problems got bad. I'm back full speed to my work at church, planning a couples retreat, doing the newsletter, a pictorial directory and a 25th Anniversary celebration for the church. In addition to all that, I'm giving a surprise birthday party for my husband who is turning 65 on the 14th.
I could never have kept up the pace before THR surgery and God's grace to me in making my legs even.
Leg
I haven't been on the board for a long time because I'm so busy and completely back to normal. Tomorrow will be 1 year and 1 month since my surgery and I am doing great. I have no pain in my hips. Once in a while when I'm on my feet a long time, my back gets tired and painful. My husband and I try to walk each day around 2 miles and he says I'm walking faster than before my hip problems got bad. I'm back full speed to my work at church, planning a couples retreat, doing the newsletter, a pictorial directory and a 25th Anniversary celebration for the church. In addition to all that, I'm giving a surprise birthday party for my husband who is turning 65 on the 14th.
I could never have kept up the pace before THR surgery and God's grace to me in making my legs even.
Leg
legtoolong
04-18-2006, 12:58 PM
I just thought I would update my posting since I got a chance to see my medical records last week when I got copies to take to my new Dr. Our insurance changed so I stopped by my old Dr to ask for the files to be sent and they copied them and handed them to me! Since the new Dr was running late, I read through the whole thing. My ortho Doc had written that he thought my LLD was due to a pelvic obliquity--he had never said that to me, just looked stumped by it and wanted me to see a collegue of his (for my peace of mind the file said). When I looked up pelvic obliquity on the internet, it seemed to all fit with what had happened. When Dr. Wagner prayed for me, he said he thought it was a plevic adjustment, not actual tissue added, though God does that too. He prayed for my pelvis to stay in that position for the rest of my life. I also had a terrible back ache for two days afterward--my body getting used to the adjustment, I think.
I am walking with a good gait with no lift whatever now and continue to praise God for my healing. :angel:
I am walking with a good gait with no lift whatever now and continue to praise God for my healing. :angel:
Hopeprayer
05-14-2006, 01:33 PM
Dear Legtoolong and all other wonderful posters--I already have a leg an inch longer than the other, have had lots of problems over the years with pain, and not one doctor thought my leg length had anything to do with chronic pain. Just recently, I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritus, and the MD brought up surgery immediately, and granted the x-ray looked horrible. I keep saying to others I am shocked, and I am regarding the hip surgery I will have to have, but I knew there was a problem as my physical activity has been reduced so much the last three or four years due to other pain a mialigned body has wrought.
My question is this--if I can get the doctors/surgeon to listen to me--does the fact that I already have a legtoolong--and have had since I had purthese as a child--will this affect how the surgery is performed? I already do my own orthotics--but now a professional (it had to get "real bad" first apparently) PT person do professional orthotics.
Does anyone know about this and how leg length affects surgery? Or is this a separate problem? I am scared enough, but since I am researching, and have so little luck in convincing MDs that this alignment matters--I would really appreciate any info on this topic. I don't want to come out of hip replacement or re-surfacing--and not have this problem addressed.
Thanks to everyone--more than I can tell you.
Lynn
My question is this--if I can get the doctors/surgeon to listen to me--does the fact that I already have a legtoolong--and have had since I had purthese as a child--will this affect how the surgery is performed? I already do my own orthotics--but now a professional (it had to get "real bad" first apparently) PT person do professional orthotics.
Does anyone know about this and how leg length affects surgery? Or is this a separate problem? I am scared enough, but since I am researching, and have so little luck in convincing MDs that this alignment matters--I would really appreciate any info on this topic. I don't want to come out of hip replacement or re-surfacing--and not have this problem addressed.
Thanks to everyone--more than I can tell you.
Lynn
legtoolong
05-14-2006, 02:47 PM
Dear Hope,
I would not let anyone operate that would not acknowledge that even leg length is important. My friend the anesthesiologist, said, before my healing, that my only hope was to have a total knee replacement so they could correct the difference. I groaned loudly that I didn't want that. (My knees aren't bad yet) Therefore, I assume it can be taken into account and corrected when they calculate how long the prosthesis needs to be. You need to be proactive in your care—before they put in new parts!
Just one more thought--would your insurance pay for a consult with a pain Dr.? My friend mentioned above has a pain practice too and she is very in tune to what causes pain. She finds problems the Othos miss or dismiss. When diagnosing back pain, she always checks leg length. She told recently of finding a loose prosthesis Orthos with a good reputation had missed by doing an x-ray of the patient face down. A Pain specialist would also be able to give you insight on which Ortho docs they think are the best.
Hope this helps.
Legtoolong
PS I just remembered a friend of ours who had a childhood hip disease resulting in a short leg. He limped when he got tired. When he was in his late 60s, he had the hip replaced and they made his legs equal. He was very pleased with the result.
I would not let anyone operate that would not acknowledge that even leg length is important. My friend the anesthesiologist, said, before my healing, that my only hope was to have a total knee replacement so they could correct the difference. I groaned loudly that I didn't want that. (My knees aren't bad yet) Therefore, I assume it can be taken into account and corrected when they calculate how long the prosthesis needs to be. You need to be proactive in your care—before they put in new parts!
Just one more thought--would your insurance pay for a consult with a pain Dr.? My friend mentioned above has a pain practice too and she is very in tune to what causes pain. She finds problems the Othos miss or dismiss. When diagnosing back pain, she always checks leg length. She told recently of finding a loose prosthesis Orthos with a good reputation had missed by doing an x-ray of the patient face down. A Pain specialist would also be able to give you insight on which Ortho docs they think are the best.
Hope this helps.
Legtoolong
PS I just remembered a friend of ours who had a childhood hip disease resulting in a short leg. He limped when he got tired. When he was in his late 60s, he had the hip replaced and they made his legs equal. He was very pleased with the result.
Limping Redhead
05-17-2006, 08:58 AM
Hi there...I got my new hip on May 1st. I started noticing last week that the leg with the new hip was 1 to 2 inches longer. I`m feeling better and everything would be just dandy if I didnt have that discrepancy. Now I am limping worse than ever...Ive been crying hysterically for days. I am going to my post op appt today....I wonder if what my doctor is going to say. Its impossible for me to stand straight without bending my knee. I wonder what can be done about this and if the surgeon is liable. I don`t know why they just cant get these hips right. I noticed alot of people on the boards are having the same trouble. Don`t the doctors measure both legs on the OR table? Im completely depressed.
legtoolong
05-17-2006, 07:39 PM
Hi Redhead,
I know the feeling! They make you sign so many papers in the pre-op that I don't think the surgeon can be held liable. They always say they can't guarantee the outcome. They do measure on the table, but the position you are in makes it highly inaccurate. It also doesn’t take into consideration any other factors. My doc was sure there was only a 3/8" difference because he measured from the x-rays of my femurs. The problem was more complex than that since I had an undiagnosed 3/8" difference the other way all my life. He corrected that unknowingly and the longer prosthesis for stability made it 3/4".
My friend who had both hips done was measured standing just before she went into the second surgery. They had her stand while they added pieces of paper to the stack under the shorter leg until her waist was level. Her outcome was great.
Please let me know what your doctor says. I also recommend prayer! Dr. C. Peter Wagner (PhD) sure helped me. (Google can find him for you)
Legtoolong
I know the feeling! They make you sign so many papers in the pre-op that I don't think the surgeon can be held liable. They always say they can't guarantee the outcome. They do measure on the table, but the position you are in makes it highly inaccurate. It also doesn’t take into consideration any other factors. My doc was sure there was only a 3/8" difference because he measured from the x-rays of my femurs. The problem was more complex than that since I had an undiagnosed 3/8" difference the other way all my life. He corrected that unknowingly and the longer prosthesis for stability made it 3/4".
My friend who had both hips done was measured standing just before she went into the second surgery. They had her stand while they added pieces of paper to the stack under the shorter leg until her waist was level. Her outcome was great.
Please let me know what your doctor says. I also recommend prayer! Dr. C. Peter Wagner (PhD) sure helped me. (Google can find him for you)
Legtoolong
Limping Redhead
05-17-2006, 11:43 PM
Thank you LegtooLong for your post. It was very helpful. I went to my post op appointment today and my doctor didn`t seem too concerned. He said everything went well and it was fine for me to drive{ its been slightly over 2 weeks and I can`t even walk but I can drive?}. When I voiced my concerns regarding the leg length he brushed it off as a "muscle problem" and that my muscles were in spasm. I am so depressed. I only waited 5 long years to walk normally and now Im back to hobbling.
I wonder if the healer ever comes up to New England. I checked out his website and I don`t see him coming up here anytime soon but I will keep checking. Thanks for your help..I really appreciate it!
I wonder if the healer ever comes up to New England. I checked out his website and I don`t see him coming up here anytime soon but I will keep checking. Thanks for your help..I really appreciate it!
legtoolong
05-18-2006, 11:22 AM
Hi Redhead,
Your Dr's response is typical--they don't want to admit anything could be wrong with their work. Are you able to self refer on your insurance or get your primary care doctor to refer you to a physical medicine rehab specialist? That is where I went and got affirmation that there was a real problem. She then sent me for more physical therapy where my lift was increased for better stability and gait improvement.
As far as Dr. Wagner is concerned, call his office and find out where he will be. It doesn't all show up on the web site. His ministry is world mission, the healing gift is just something he does whenever asked and when you can be where he is.
Hope this helps. I won't be available to comment after today since we are leaving on a European river cruise early tomorrow. Yeah!
Leg
Your Dr's response is typical--they don't want to admit anything could be wrong with their work. Are you able to self refer on your insurance or get your primary care doctor to refer you to a physical medicine rehab specialist? That is where I went and got affirmation that there was a real problem. She then sent me for more physical therapy where my lift was increased for better stability and gait improvement.
As far as Dr. Wagner is concerned, call his office and find out where he will be. It doesn't all show up on the web site. His ministry is world mission, the healing gift is just something he does whenever asked and when you can be where he is.
Hope this helps. I won't be available to comment after today since we are leaving on a European river cruise early tomorrow. Yeah!
Leg
Limping Redhead
05-18-2006, 01:44 PM
Hi Legtoolong, I have an HMO so I cannot self refer. I am switching to a hospital rehab next week which has a great reputation as better rehab. I guess I will see what they say and then maybe have my primary care physician give me a referral to the specialist. I did notice on the requisition to the rehab that my surgeon wrote "No lift for now please". Apparently he doesn`t want me to get the lift yet. I notice when I walk with with my shoe on the good leg and my shoe off the bad leg that I get alot of relief. I have to go back to work in a month where I stand on my feet all day and I`m very nervous about it since I could never do it with my leg discrepancy.
I will try and call Dr. Peter Wagner....maybe there is a phone number on his website. Thanks again Legtoolong.
I will try and call Dr. Peter Wagner....maybe there is a phone number on his website. Thanks again Legtoolong.
mjjkh
05-18-2006, 01:53 PM
I had my Lt hip replaced July 05. When physio therapy got me up to walk that afternoon I knew my left leg was longer than my right. I asked my Dr about the next morning when I so him and he said it probably was but that it would settle in. I took awhile but I have to say he was right. I wore a lift in my shoe for 3 or 4 months but I feel great now.
I started into Tae Kwon Do 3 months after the surgery. My Dr told me as long as I didn't water ski or snow ski I should be good to go. So far I have been but I always know when I over do it because I'm very sore for a few days later. Compared to the pain I had before my surgery when I could barely walk I'll put up with a little inconvenience now.
Hope you get to feeling better soon.
I started into Tae Kwon Do 3 months after the surgery. My Dr told me as long as I didn't water ski or snow ski I should be good to go. So far I have been but I always know when I over do it because I'm very sore for a few days later. Compared to the pain I had before my surgery when I could barely walk I'll put up with a little inconvenience now.
Hope you get to feeling better soon.
Limping Redhead
05-22-2006, 03:28 PM
Thanks so much for your reply. It made me feel alot better. Do you wear a lift now or only for the 3-4 months? I didn`t think it was really possible for the leg to shorten up but your post really gave me some hope. Thank so you so much for your help. I will remember that when I`m trying to feel hopeful.
Rita Clare
06-05-2006, 12:51 AM
Both doctors 'lengthened' my legs. The second one was too much, and I too had to use a heel lift for several months.
The length is evening out, but I'm wondering if it doesn't rip up the muscles like the adductors and hip flexors. I tend to have a tendonitis in the adductors. I'm a massage therapist and a physical therapist, so have the skills to do my own soft tissue work. I just wrote my orthopod to see if more folks about a year after THR have this anterior pain when Xrays show the hip looks 'great'.
The length is evening out, but I'm wondering if it doesn't rip up the muscles like the adductors and hip flexors. I tend to have a tendonitis in the adductors. I'm a massage therapist and a physical therapist, so have the skills to do my own soft tissue work. I just wrote my orthopod to see if more folks about a year after THR have this anterior pain when Xrays show the hip looks 'great'.
Kissa
06-05-2006, 02:44 PM
The lengthening of a leg is very normal during a hip replacement and doctors at times do this on purpose because the stem will move down into the tibia after time.
Originally I was 1" short to begin with and when they did the THR my legs were pretty even, after a few years the impacting became noticable and I'm back to having a 1" leg difference.
It isn't wise to jump right into a lift that is the exact size of the discrepancy, this can alter the back and cause further problems. Most doctors will prescribe a lift about half the difference and work up over time.
Originally I was 1" short to begin with and when they did the THR my legs were pretty even, after a few years the impacting became noticable and I'm back to having a 1" leg difference.
It isn't wise to jump right into a lift that is the exact size of the discrepancy, this can alter the back and cause further problems. Most doctors will prescribe a lift about half the difference and work up over time.
Limping Redhead
06-06-2006, 09:03 AM
Rita Claire thank you for your post it was very helpful...I am a LMT as well. The problem I am having is mostly with my Adductors. They are extremely weak from walking with the Swing leg for the last 3 years. I begged to have the hip surgery sooner but the doctor protested saying that I was too young. I think waiting was a bad idea now because it seems the adductors have atrophied. The PT that I am working with has said that she has never seen a muscle problem like mine after a hip surgery. I am going back to the doctors next Wed to see what he says. I`m sure he will downplay it like he did last time. I am so disappointed in my surgery.
Limping Redhead
06-06-2006, 09:08 AM
The lengthening of a leg is very normal during a hip replacement and doctors at times do this on purpose because the stem will move down into the tibia after time.
Originally I was 1" short to begin with and when they did the THR my legs were pretty even, after a few years the impacting became noticable and I'm back to having a 1" leg difference.
It isn't wise to jump right into a lift that is the exact size of the discrepancy, this can alter the back and cause further problems. Most doctors will prescribe a lift about half the difference and work up over time.
Hi Kissa...my doctor specifically noted on the Req. to my PT NOT to use a lift. So I am not using one. But how in the world am I supposed to go back to work on my long circus leg? I am on my feet all day long. I am having alot of anxiety about this. I never thought the surgery would turn out to be a nightmare like it has...I only had the highest hopes so I am so upset.
Originally I was 1" short to begin with and when they did the THR my legs were pretty even, after a few years the impacting became noticable and I'm back to having a 1" leg difference.
It isn't wise to jump right into a lift that is the exact size of the discrepancy, this can alter the back and cause further problems. Most doctors will prescribe a lift about half the difference and work up over time.
Hi Kissa...my doctor specifically noted on the Req. to my PT NOT to use a lift. So I am not using one. But how in the world am I supposed to go back to work on my long circus leg? I am on my feet all day long. I am having alot of anxiety about this. I never thought the surgery would turn out to be a nightmare like it has...I only had the highest hopes so I am so upset.
Kissa
06-06-2006, 11:01 AM
I'm surprised he said no lift. It is hard to get used to walking with the difference in length, I know, I used to be 4" short since birth but an experimental proceedure stopped the growth in the good leg and allowed for the other to catch up by 3".
One thing some doctors do tell you to do instead of doing a lift if wear a few pair of shoe insoles in the shorter leg.
If it's any consolation my THR was a nightmare as well. I was hospitalized for a month, on crutches for 9 months and the pain didn't cease until two years later. I had several complications. I was 27 at the time, I'm 40 now. My hip is now failing 13 years later and I am having a revision done this summer. I'm pretty upset about it.
One thing some doctors do tell you to do instead of doing a lift if wear a few pair of shoe insoles in the shorter leg.
If it's any consolation my THR was a nightmare as well. I was hospitalized for a month, on crutches for 9 months and the pain didn't cease until two years later. I had several complications. I was 27 at the time, I'm 40 now. My hip is now failing 13 years later and I am having a revision done this summer. I'm pretty upset about it.
Limping Redhead
06-09-2006, 09:10 AM
I`m sorry to hear about the revision. I wonder what that entails? I heard that Paul Stanley from KISS is on his 3rd THP. I have to go back to work next week on my feet and I am totally dreading it. I wish I could get a desk job or just stay home. I am so depressed about the whole thing...I think about every step that I take before I take it. The customers that I have seen so far have all said that it looks like I didnt even have anything done!
Kissa
06-09-2006, 01:40 PM
The revision will be replacing the liner that's in the cup or socket and replacing the ball. I have a plastic liner which isn't really used these days but was 13 years ago. They break down over time and the body doesn't absorb the debri so it's causing undue pain and inability to walk well. I just had a CT scan and am waiting to hear from the doctor about the cup, he doesn't think it will need to be replaced but wanted to be sure prior to scheduling the surgery. The rod seems to be stable so we are good there, thankfully!
legtoolong
08-10-2006, 05:18 PM
Hi,
I have just celebrated the 1 year anniversary of my leg length healing. Praise the Lord. My hips are great and I walk without a lift. We have had an active summer with lots of travel and I had no trouble keeping up with the tours and hikes. God is so Good!
Legtoolong
:wave:
I have just celebrated the 1 year anniversary of my leg length healing. Praise the Lord. My hips are great and I walk without a lift. We have had an active summer with lots of travel and I had no trouble keeping up with the tours and hikes. God is so Good!
Legtoolong
:wave:
Buggalugs
06-25-2009, 11:56 PM
Hi limpingredhead
I know this is a long shot but I found your posts on this site and wondered how you are going on with your leg length....did it ever even itself out? I am only 5 weeks post surgery but already know that my right hip (operated one) is longer than my left and this is compounded by my right leg always being longer but now its even longer. Just as you expressed I am so upset by my surgery, everyone who I spoke to had only good things to say but it has been a horrible experience for me. I already wear orthotics and then to put a lift under this is awful.....I will never get shoes to fit me properly. I am so depressed and have no one to discuss this with. I am near to tears every day now, when I walk my left leg thigh muscle really pulls and gives me such pain, pain I had thought Id got rid of with my custom orthotics. I am rambling...sorry. Just wondered if you would update me as to how the outcome was for you.
Thank you
Buggalugs
I know this is a long shot but I found your posts on this site and wondered how you are going on with your leg length....did it ever even itself out? I am only 5 weeks post surgery but already know that my right hip (operated one) is longer than my left and this is compounded by my right leg always being longer but now its even longer. Just as you expressed I am so upset by my surgery, everyone who I spoke to had only good things to say but it has been a horrible experience for me. I already wear orthotics and then to put a lift under this is awful.....I will never get shoes to fit me properly. I am so depressed and have no one to discuss this with. I am near to tears every day now, when I walk my left leg thigh muscle really pulls and gives me such pain, pain I had thought Id got rid of with my custom orthotics. I am rambling...sorry. Just wondered if you would update me as to how the outcome was for you.
Thank you
Buggalugs