Hi There,

I joined this group a few weeks ago, but have really just been skulking around since then. I thought I'd introduce myself today. I am a 39 year old female with congenital hip defects. I have a wonderful husband and two fantastic kids, a son (12) and a daughter (6). We live in Nova Scotia, Canada. After 10 years of severe pain and subluxations, I was finally convinced to have my hips replaced. My age did not deter the surgeons because my situation had deteriorated to such a degree.

I had my left hip replaced on May 4th of this year and the surgery could not have gone better. I was back at the gym, weight training 10 weeks later. I had my right hip replaced Oct. 29th. My plan was to have the surgery, and be back to "normal" by Christmas. Well...I awoke from surgery paralyzed from the shin down on the right side. I was devastated. I went home 6 days after surgery and spent 3 weeks in this paralyzed, devastated state. By the 4th week, my motor function began to return (I am at about 85%). By the 5th week, however, the searing, burning neuropathy set in. I was prescribed Lyrica for this but, after much research, I decided that I did not want to take it. This intense pain was constant for 12 days. Since then (I am 7 weeks post op), the pain has receded some, and is mixed with parasthesia and allodynia. I have begun PT as my OS believes I will heal completely. I am trying to remain positive, however, I am quite afraid that this may lead to a chronic condition. I had begun researching PN on my own and then the PT asked if my OS had mention RSD. Now I have begun to research RSD.

I am sorry that this post is so long, but I guess I am just looking for some support of any kind. My emotional state is much better than it was during the first few weeks and I am trying to stay positive for my kids (Santa is on his way). However, I still get quite depressed dealing with the pain and the fear.

Thanks,
Vanessa