Anterior Hip replacement

[CJT]

My leg with the hip replacement seems to be longer than my good leg. Has anyone else had that happen and how long does it last the dr. says that will go away in time.

[gmk]

CJT wrote:

My leg with the hip replacement seems to be longer than my good leg. Has anyone else had that happen and how long does it last the dr. says that will go away in time.

I'm six weeks post-op and mine still seems longer even though they measure at the exact same length. It does seem better, and I'm told my the PT that it will eventually adjust as my muscles strengthen. Ginger

[CJT]

I am exactly 6 weeks in also and they also told me it measures the same length.It is driving me nuts. I want to put something in my shoe but they tell you not to so that the pelvis can adjust naturally. I also have had some lower back pain. Thanks for responding Is it just me or does it bug the crap out of you?

[gmk]

CJT wrote:

I am exactly 6 weeks in also and they also told me it measures the same length.It is driving me nuts. I want to put something in my shoe but they tell you not to so that the pelvis can adjust naturally. I also have had some lower back pain. Thanks for responding Is it just me or does it bug the crap out of you?

LOL. It DOES bug the crap out of me, that's why I bought a dr. scholl's jelly insert to put in my one shoe. It really does help and I'm told everything will adjust in about 3 months regardless. Let's hope!!! Both my dr. & PT didn't have a problem that I'm using it. Since I use it in every pair of shoes I wear, it's starting to flatten down and I've noticed my limp is lessening when I don't use the insert. My lower back is indeed hurting at times and it helps to ice it. I'm quite sure it's from walking unevenly/limping. It sounds like we're experiencing the same things & I guess that's good since we'e at about the same stage! It will be 7 weeks for me on Wednesday. I finish my physical therapy this Friday. Did you do PT as well? Now I am going to join a gym (although I don't want to) to continue building the muscle as my dr. said "you only get one chance to do this right." I certainly don't want to backslide!!! ginger

[CJT]

Hi Ginger, I have physical therapy at home but she really just shows me excersises to do and tells me to do them 3 times a day. DId you have the anterior hip replacement? It is so great to talk to someone going through this too. Did you go to physical therapy or have someone come to your house? My Dr. is not the friendliest guy so He just kind of brushed off the one leg being longer and said it would get better in time. My P.T. said it would be better not to put an insert so it could adjust naturally. I am glad to hear that your dr. said it would get better either way. I went out today and had to take my one sandal off because I feel so odd. Are you walking? I have been walking 15 minutes a day and just upping it to twice a day. I have one of those Tony little machines and it has been great because you are elevated and you dont feel that uneven thing. I get upset when I start walking because I feel off when I walk. You said your Dr. said you only get one chance what did he mean? I am so glad to be chatting with you I feel better knowing it must be common if you have it too. I always hated my limp befor but I didnt notice it people would ask why Are you limping. But this I notice thanks for being my hip replacement buddy It really helps to talk to someone else going through this. Which dr. scholls insert did you get. I would think it would be better to be motivated to walk with the insert than not to walk at all. I got some funny looks today with one sandal off. Did your dr. tell you any special shoe to wear. My dr. said nike or natural balance. Have not gotten any yet. Thanks again for your input. CJ

[gmk]

Hey CJ-I had to laugh at you walking with only one sandal but I'm positive it was much more comfortable! The limping is so frustrating. I'm going to outpatient PT three X week and it ends Friday. I use some machines & do most of my exercises with a 1 1/2 pound weight on my ankle & some days I really struggle with the leg lifts but it's definitely helping to strengthen my muscles. I also use the treadmill but don't walk outside too much since I live in PA and it's been very rainy since summer. I'm so jealous that it's still warm enough for you to wear sandals!!! I am back to work and go shopping quite often mostly just to get myself walking around more. The comment my Dr. made about only getting one chance was to encourage me to join a gym and get the maximum benefit from the surgery by working the hip muscles for at least six months and preferably a year in order to be in top shape. He really stresses the exercise program but didn't suggest any special shoes to wear. And since I really dislike sneakers, I rarely wear them but did buy reeboks because they were light weight. It is good that we're chatting because there are so many similarities - even not noticing the before surgery limp!! People always asked what was wrong with me too! Anyway the dr. scholls insert was some kind that had 'arthritis' on package and they seemed pretty cushiony that's why I got them ($10 pair). Its made a difference for me & minimizes my limp. The surgery I had in Pittsburgh was called minimally invasive and I have two very small incisions, one front & one back and no muscles were cut. I think the procedures are very similar, less pain, easier rehab & shorter recovery. Let me know if you try the insert and how you like it. I think you'll REALLY see a difference! Talk w/you soon. ginger

[gmk]

CJT wrote:

My leg with the hip replacement seems to be longer than my good leg. Has anyone else had that happen and how long does it last the dr. says that will go away in time.

Hey CJ - I went to the chiropractor for an adjustment yesterday since my lower back is sore and it really helped! My back feels much better and the limp is minimized BIG time! How are you making out?

[CJT]

Hi Ginger, did you get my last response? It is not showing in the communication boxes. Let me know. I will resend . how are you doing?

[gmk]

CJT wrote:

Hi Ginger, did you get my last response? It is not showing in the communication boxes. Let me know. I will resend . how are you doing?

No...I didn't see anything from you - please re-send it! I'm doing well now. Joined a gym last week and went for the first time Wednesday. I didn't want to push it, so I only used a few of the hip machines & then the eliptical for a total of 20 minutes. Apparently I did something wrong because I woke up the next morning in pain - I really stressed my IT band (band of tissue that runs up the side of the leg from hip to knee). I started limping real bad again and was totally disgusted. Two steps forward and five steps back!!! Anyway, it's much better now after treating it for a week. I'm hoping to get back to the gym this weekend and will probably just use the eliptical and/or bike! They seem to be safe for me. I've been looking for posts from you; hope you are doing well! I'm anxious to see how your walks are going and wondering if you tried the shoe insert. I'll wait for you to repost so I can catch up! Ginger

[CJT]

Hi Ginger, Well, I was wandering if you needed blood after surgery. I did need a transfusion and it seems my energy is slowly returning. My hemoglobin was 14 in my preop and 7 after surgery. After the one transfusionit went to 9 and they just wanted me to regain the rest on my own. Anyway just curious.

I told you my dr. is a man of few words but his P/a who was in the surgical room assured me again to be patient with the limp. I did get the insole and it does help. At least I want to walk more. The first month that really deterred me from wanting to walk because I hated that so much. But I have been walking a mile a day for the last seven days still in the eightys her in Southern California. The PA also told me that my rehab would really be the walking. In the hospital the physical therapist told me not to do weights for a while and my Physical therapist at home just gave me pics of excersices and did them with me once and left. I am sure that was an easy pay day for her. I have that Tony little machine which is great because you are elevated and you move your legs back and forth, so you get the movement but you can use your arms to control the gestures. When I went for the first dr. appt. she did not recomend me doing excersises that would pull my legs sideways, I told her I had a leg magic machine and she told me not to do that so I am just walking. I am proud of you with the gym. I am sorry you had a backset but just stick with the bike and the eliptical. I think my leg length thing is better but I still notice it. I have one slipper on as i type. Look forward to hearing back from you. Take care CJ
P.S. How cool is the internet for two strangers to become friends and share an experience from the two most extreme sides of the country.

[gmk]

CJT wrote:

Hi Ginger, Well, I was wandering if you needed blood after surgery. I did need a transfusion and it seems my energy is slowly returning. My hemoglobin was 14 in my preop and 7 after surgery. After the one transfusionit went to 9 and they just wanted me to regain the rest on my own. Anyway just curious.
I told you my dr. is a man of few words but his P/a who was in the surgical room assured me again to be patient with the limp. I did get the insole and it does help. At least I want to walk more. The first month that really deterred me from wanting to walk because I hated that so much. But I have been walking a mile a day for the last seven days still in the eightys her in Southern California. The PA also told me that my rehab would really be the walking. In the hospital the physical therapist told me not to do weights for a while and my Physical therapist at home just gave me pics of excersices and did them with me once and left. I am sure that was an easy pay day for her. I have that Tony little machine which is great because you are elevated and you move your legs back and forth, so you get the movement but you can use your arms to control the gestures. When I went for the first dr. appt. she did not recomend me doing excersises that would pull my legs sideways, I told her I had a leg magic machine and she told me not to do that so I am just walking. I am proud of you with the gym. I am sorry you had a backset but just stick with the bike and the eliptical. I think my leg length thing is better but I still notice it. I have one slipper on as i type. Look forward to hearing back from you. Take care CJ
P.S. How cool is the internet for two strangers to become friends and share an experience from the two most extreme sides of the country.

Hey CJ. Yep, I needed blood as well, two units. That upped my count to 10, it needed to be 9.9 before they'd discharge me.Sounds like we had similar numbers too! I've been having a hard time getting it to increas so my PCP put me on iron supplements and it's helped. I need to get tested again this week. I'm so jealous that you have temps still in the 80s - we're down to the 40-50s but today was an exception, close to 70 and perfect for working outside raking leaves. At least we got all that yard work done before the snow hits! eeks! I'm feeling a bit stiff after that 'manual labor' but suppose that was good for me. Hoping to go back to the gym tomorrow now that my injury is better. I'm just planning to use the eliptical though. My surgeon is the person who pushed this gym issue and stressed how he wants me to use the hip machines as well as walking and/or swimming. I may do the treadmill too but I'm staying way from machines for awhile, at least until my muscles are stronger. I'm really impressed that you're walking a mile a day. WOW! I better get moving so I can catch up to you!!! Glad to hear that the shoe insert helped a little. I do use mine when I go to the mall or grocery shopping as well as when I go to work, but don't bother with it around the house. How's your lower back; does it still ache? Mine still does and I'm assuming it's due to the uneven walking since everything hasn't settled yet. I hear that the limp seems to disappear around 3 months post op. We're almost there!!! Talk with you soon. Ginger

[CJT]

I am jealous that you have beautiful leaves to rake. I love california but we really dont get the seasons. I grew up in Nebraska so I really miss fall especially. I was supposed to have 2 transfusions but the nurse was such an idiot that she never gave me the second one and the dr. said I could just get my iron up on my own. It was 9 after the transfusion. 7 befor. 14 befor surgery. My lower back is better and I definitely feel the difference since I have been walking the mile a day. I really was bad the first 4 weeks though, because that discrepency made me feel really grumpy and I hated to walk. It was stupid on my part but I just was so bummed about that I couldnt figure how it could feel shorter no matter what the drs. said. I thought I would be the unlucky one that was stuck that way. But the walking has improved that and the back pain by 50 percent so now i have hope and am motivated to walk more. Hope you are well email me your progress. Conni

[Medicineman]

I had a total hip replacement using the anterior approach Tuesday November 17th. My surgeion Dr. Jeffrey Wiley with the Concord Ortho group in Concord, NH was terrific. He sent me home on Thursday November 19th in very little pain and moving well with the use of a walker. Prior to surgery he discussed both the lenght issues and the blood loss. He asked me if I felt that my right leg seemed shorter than my left prior to surgery. I said I had not noticed it. He said that was good because my right leg was a little shorter due to the degeneration of the cartidge from the arthritis. He told me his goal was to restore the leg length with the new hip, as this would help prevent dislocation, so it may seem the right leg was now longer than the left even though it was not. So far I can't see a difference in leg lenght. I also discussed blood loss with him and if I needed to bank some of my own blood. He said if I wished to do so he would make the arrangements but did not think I would need blood since his hospital uses a cell saver system in both the OR and in the drainage lines. I essentially had my blood loss captured, washed and re-infused. I never required a donor transfusion and my blood levels for Hemotocrit and hemoglobin remained in the normal range.

Thanks for this info, it helped me make a great decision on procedure. Even though I live in Connecticut, I went to New Hampshire to take advantage of this procedure and the skills of Dr. Wiley. Concord Hospital was also a very positive experience. My VNA in CT. cant believe how well I am doing.
Steve

[gmk]

Medicineman wrote:

I had a total hip replacement using the anterior approach Tuesday November 17th. My surgeion Dr. Jeffrey Wiley with the Concord Ortho group in Concord, NH was terrific. He sent me home on Thursday November 19th in very little pain and moving well with the use of a walker. Prior to surgery he discussed both the lenght issues and the blood loss. He asked me if I felt that my right leg seemed shorter than my left prior to surgery. I said I had not noticed it. He said that was good because my right leg was a little shorter due to the degeneration of the cartidge from the arthritis. He told me his goal was to restore the leg length with the new hip, as this would help prevent dislocation, so it may seem the right leg was now longer than the left even though it was not. So far I can't see a difference in leg lenght. I also discussed blood loss with him and if I needed to bank some of my own blood. He said if I wished to do so he would make the arrangements but did not think I would need blood since his hospital uses a cell saver system in both the OR and in the drainage lines. I essentially had my blood loss captured, washed and re-infused. I never required a donor transfusion and my blood levels for Hemotocrit and hemoglobin remained in the normal range.
Thanks for this info, it helped me make a great decision on procedure. Even though I live in Connecticut, I went to New Hampshire to take advantage of this procedure and the skills of Dr. Wiley. Concord Hospital was also a very positive experience. My VNA in CT. cant believe how well I am doing.
Steve

Glad to hear everything went so well for you. My surgeon gave me the same speech about leg length degeneration and blood loss. The Pittsburgh hospital I was in did the cell saver as well and we were hoping that would do the trick for me. Unfortunately my levels didn't come up enough and I was so weak that I agreed to a couple of units. My counts were borderline going into surgery so this was something I anticipated. Just keep up on your daily exercises and you'll notice an improvement every day. Good luck to you!

[Medicineman]

Thanks for the advice. I do actually feel better every day. Thanks for the good luck wishes.

Steve

[CJT]

Hi Ginger, Just the other day started feeling stiff in the hip nothing horrible, but backed off the walking a bit. When you had your backset what happened. I am a little nervous as you always wonder if everything is ok when something odd happens. Conni

[gmk]

CJT wrote:

Hi Ginger, Just the other day started feeling stiff in the hip nothing horrible, but backed off the walking a bit. When you had your backset what happened. I am a little nervous as you always wonder if everything is ok when something odd happens. Conni

Hi Connie! Let's see...at first my back felt tight and then starting hurting on the side opposite the THR. And that still bothers me and I'm quite disgusted about it but keep plugging along! LOL But the worse part was after I was at the gym, I felt pain in the knee and lower thigh on the surgical leg. That's where the IT Band is located and apparently I injured it on one of the hip machines. It hurt so badly I could barely do my leg lifts for a day or so. Ice, rest and stretching exercises are about all you can do to heal that. Try either laying on the floor and putting your legs on the sofa, bent at the knees, or doing it with an exercise ball, putting your legs on it with the ball at the back of the thighs for 15 minutes. That was suggested by my friend's sports medicine doctor and it's incredible how it relieves the tension and tightness in the lower back. I just tried it today and was surprised that my lowerback ache had lessened when I finished. I have walked about 1/4 mile a couple nights this week and my limp is lessening - Whoohoo!! Do you ever use heat? That might help to loosen you up as well. It's probably nothing to worry about but keep me posted. Will talk later. gmk

[CJT]

Yes I have been alternating heat and ice. It is like it is stiff all over again. not real pain but just stiff. do you feel that also, right at the hip joint? I didnt walk for 3 days but made myself today because I thought maybe it would help. Does your hip at the incision still feel odd. Not quite normal to the touch. Like numb alittle. I figure thats normal and is getting better every day. My back is much better but when it did hurt it was the other side not my hip replacement side and it was excruciating. I did lay on the floor and that did help very much. My back has been better. THe limp is still there I still wear the heel in my walking shoe I did wear new shoes last week and they bugged me. I am not wearing them again. Keep me posted.
When you say IT Band what does that meaN?

[gmk]

CJT wrote:

Yes I have been alternating heat and ice. It is like it is stiff all over again. not real pain but just stiff. do you feel that also, right at the hip joint? I didnt walk for 3 days but made myself today because I thought maybe it would help. Does your hip at the incision still feel odd. Not quite normal to the touch. Like numb alittle. I figure thats normal and is getting better every day. My back is much better but when it did hurt it was the other side not my hip replacement side and it was excruciating. I did lay on the floor and that did help very much. My back has been better. THe limp is still there I still wear the heel in my walking shoe I did wear new shoes last week and they bugged me. I am not wearing them again. Keep me posted.
When you say IT Band what does that meaN?

Hi Connie! Hope you had a nice holiday. Just wondering how your hip is feeling, still stiff? I didn't have that happen at all. Are you still doing the leg stretches and exercises from your PT? I know I've really kept up with them and haven't experienced any stiffness except in my lower back. And unlike you, I haven't walked much, that's when it really hurts, but I'm using the gym. I've been using ice & heat as well and yesterday I carefully laid on an excercise ball which really streched my back muscles. Today my back is SO MUCH better as well as the limp! I don't have any wierd sensation around the scare, but I had hip surgery (osteotomy)20 years ago and still have no feeling around that incision. Guess that's typical when nerves are cut. As for the ITBand, it's the band of tissue that runs on the outter thigh from hip to knee. It's suppose to be pliable but when it becomes injured, it's hard and strained and quite painful, especially in the knee area. That seems to be healing now. When do we get to feel GREAT?!? It's so nice comparing symptoms and sharing with someone who is at the same stage...for that I am thankful! Happy Thanksgiving!!!(a little late!) gmk

[CJT]

No My physical therapist really didnt do much with me she would give me a list of excerises do them once and then tell me to do them three times a day. Well I have slowed down a bit on walking because it was kind of hurting. So I guess I need to be doing more excersises. Were you born with a hip problem or did you develop one? Also When you lay on your side is it still a little tender at the incision site. Not hurting really just tender? I have been bummed it seems like this is really dragging on. I still cannot go up stairs on that one leg without pain. Every now and then its ok but for the most part I go good leg good leg. I really do not feel that much better than befor surgery. I was not in that much pain after I stopped working on it 8 hours a day. I just want to cross that point where I feel better than when I started. The limp thing still bugs I do think its better My back has been much better. I guess you should walk for your back and I need to do the excersises for the stiffness. A happy medium. So you dont feel stiff at all, I say stiff but what I mean is it just feels odd not like the other hip. kGod I want to be done with this. But then I think it has only been 9 weeks. I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving too. If you touch your incision you dont feel anything? I appreciate your sharing it is so great to compare I am so grateful for you. E me when you can Conni