I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: tito on February 23, 2011, 03:03:02 PM

Title: Hip replacement
Post by: tito on February 23, 2011, 03:03:02 PM

I haven't been writing much lately, but as some may remember I had a hip replacement that went wrong last June. The hip itself is ok, but I was left with sciatic palsy - a numbness and paralysis due to an injury of the sciatic nerve during surgery. I spent a month learning to walk again, then intensive PT throughout the fall and winter.

There is nothing that can be done except wait to see if the nerve will come back on its own. Meanwhile, I have constant nerve pain and cannot move my foot at all. I learned how to drive again (right foot), by placing my foot on the pedal and using leg strength to depress it. Can't feel the pedal, but if the car stops, I must be on the brake!

Because this was a bilateral hip condition (osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis), I am in terrible pain on the other side. Went to see a different surgeon this week and was very impressed - he used 3d computerized mapping and computer-assisted minimally invasive surgery. I could possibly  be discharged the day after surgery with this method, although, unfortunately surgery is not until August. He has a long waiting list as you can imagine.

Also saw a lawyer today as I may file a malpractice claim against the original surgeon. Too early to tell - many records were withheld from me when I wrote to the doctor and the hospital. The attorney is going to work on getting everything. And, I have to see a neurologist and have the dreaded EMG test. Someone we know described it as literal torture. He's a 2G (second generation Holocaust survivor) and he has nightmares about torture and concentration camps anyway. So, is it as bad as being in Auschwitz?

Meanwhile, believe it or not, PD is going swimmingly. Just can't walk and have constant pain. That's all!

Title: Re: Hip replacement
Post by: WishIKnew on February 23, 2011, 03:07:53 PM

So so sorry that all of this is happening to you, on top of dialysis!  Hang in there!

Title: Re: Hip replacement
Post by: willowtreewren on February 23, 2011, 04:17:10 PM

Good luck with all you have on your plate, Tito.

I hope this all works out for the better!  :boxing;

Aleta

Title: Re: Hip replacement
Post by: galvo on February 23, 2011, 11:09:07 PM

Sorry to hear this, Tito.