[Nessie]

Hi There,

I am new to this site, and not quite sure if I am in the right place. I am a 39 year old mother who had congenital hip defects. After years of pain, I finally began the process of total hip replacement surgery (I live in Canada so there was a waiting list). On May 4/09, I had the left hip replaced. Everything went extremely well and I was back at the gym weight training by August. This considered, I scheduled my right hip replacement for October 29 so that I would be feeling "up and at 'em" by Christmas. Unfortunately, I awoke from surgery with no feeling or movement from my right knee down. My surgeon was completely stumped. After a CT scan to rule out blood pooling, it was decided that the nerve was either compressed by the retractor or stretched during the procedure. He said it would take 6-8 weeks to heal. Then, I met with a very good friend who is a neurosurgeon. He did an exam and said I was looking at 3-6 months. He also scheduled and EMG with a Neurologist. I had the EMG a week ago and I know the results are in but haven't spoken to my Neurosurgeon yet.

Since the surgery, 5 weeks ago today, I have recovered a little movement in my foot and toes. However, I have been suffering from severe nerve pain. This pain, lately, has been searing, stabbing pain that keeps me up at night and makes it very difficult to do anything during the days. Christmas is near and I am having a difficult time getting ready, emotionally and physically. My kids deserve better. I am trying to put on a brave face, but I know I am not very good at it. Today, my husband bought a bottle of Neuragen for me to try. We put it on 2 hours ago and the pain did subside quite substantially. I will keep and eye on the clock to see how long this lasts.

I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience to mine. Anyone have any ideas what it feels like when the healing starts? Even if you don't, any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[aussiemom]

Hi
I had something similar, only it was surgery on my neck. A laminectomey?sp?. When I woke up, my right arm was totally numb. I was in worse shape than before the surgery! The partner doing rounds said it was the position I was in. And it wasn't just my arm that was numb, my upper right chest and shoulder (scapular) area. When I tried to brush my teeth, the toothbrush landed in my left ear, because I had no muscle control. It took a good part of 2 years for most of the numbness to go away. I still have no feeling in my right thumb or pointer finger. Makes typing hard! I'm 5 1/2 years after that surgery now.

My point is, it may go away pretty much, and just leave a toe or two numb. I can deal with these two fingers.

Good luck!!!!!

[nide44]

This is a repeated story over, & over.
The surgeons who made the mistakes will never admit it as such,
just a 'surgical complication'. (or act clueless as to your plight)
They always say it will heal in anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months,
but we have posters here who have had the 'complication' persist for years.
Sometimes it is reversible if you get a neurosurgeon who really knows what s/he is doing and understands the situation.