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Avatar universal

Hip Pain - 1 year post op

Hello all, I'm sorry, this will probably end up being long.

Roughly one year ago I had arthroscopic surgery on my left hip to repair two labral tears, remove a bone cyst on the neck of my femur and repair some cartilage that was torn from the bone. I'm told the surgery went well, but I may have some arthritis in the hip from the cartilage damage.

Things were going well until around March when I started having more then minor pains in my hip again, in June the pain was excruciating, the swelling so bad my pant leg would be tight, I'd having numbing/tingling in my toes and pain in my left buttock and lower back from compensating. I went back to my doctor in June who recommended a cortisone shot. I've had these before in my shoulder and knee and they went well. The pain became even worse after the shot. I had started a light weight program that November, with the OK from my doctor and physical therapist and was working with a personal trainer who specializes in rehabilitation. I explained this all to my doctor, he immediately blamed all the pain on my personal trainer, that I was working out too rigorously which was false, I was taking things very slow. He then refused to do anything further except place an order for PT. I've had other joint surgeries and I felt this level for pain was too much almost a year post op to be normal and elected to seek a second opinion.

My new doctor ordered a repeat MRI with contrast where they found some pacities in the hip, he is having a specialist review them this month. My x-rays looked good.  I have tried multiple times to get my operative report from the old clinic, they refuse to send it. I have lost a lot of my ROM in the hip, it is extremely painful when flexed to my chest or rotated outward, inward doesn't seem to bother much. I can't sit in a chair for more than 30 minutes nor stand still for a long period of time.

My new doctor has stated her doesn't care for arthroscopic surgery in hips, the spacing is too tight and is talking about needing to open the whole hip up to explore and or re-repair some things pending the experts review. I requested copies of my previous medical records and my old doctor flat out lied in about half of my last visits entries. I'm beyond frustrated with this whole experience. I'm an emergency veterinary technician and I need functioning legs to do my job. My new doc was willing to prescribe some major anti-inflammatories (my old doctor wouldn't even consider it) to try and get me comfortable until we have a solution but they barely work at all. Icing helps but only for about 15 minutes. I'm miserable. Has anyone else had post op issues with this type of surgery? Am I wrong to be so upset with my previous doctor for not taking me seriously?

I will also note that I have continued my physical therapy exercises, stretching (my hamstrings and quads are unusually tight, it runs in my family) and the partially passive therapy with the yoga ball to try and keep it loosing and moving. I'm hesitate to get lawyers involved but I feel like the ball was dropped here somewhere and I don't feel my doctor was being 100% truthful with me. After surgery he told me I might have some minor arthritis in the joint, back in June he tells me I have a reconstructed hip and it's going to cause my lifelong issues. He's changing his story as we go. He is also trying to convince me this is a back issue not a hip issue because he wasn't listening when I told him the back pain comes after the hip has been blasting me all day, the back wasn't bothering me previously.

I will also add, there was no injury leading up to this issues. One day about 4 years ago it starting hurting, becoming much worse last year. It's been an issue ever since.

Thank you for your advice, or just words of support.
3 Responses
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10389859 tn?1409921868
It is difficult when the doctors know each other and they don't want to say anything against the other or they cover up for the other.  That is why I mentioned going to a different hospital where neither one of them practice.  But if you are happy with this one, they see how it goes.

If the doctor doesn't get back to you, then you call him.  If you still get no response, then it's time to go elsewhere.  Research the new doctor to make sure they have no affiliation with the others.

In the meantime, as difficult as it is, continue with your care, hang in there, and we are here if you need support or someone to listen to.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for the reply and support. I do like my new doctor and feel he is listening to me. I was turned down by two other doctors for a second opinion because they knew my first doctor. I did finally receive a copy of my operation report and turned that into my current doctor. He is taking my scans to a specialist for review, so I feel he is taking my pain seriously. I hope to find some relief soon, I'm in pain 24/7 in varying degrees, this weekend is was so severe I debated on urgent care but because of costs I didn't go. I'm hoping my doctor gets back to me at the end of this month.
Helpful - 0
10389859 tn?1409921868
I am very sorry to hear about the problems you have been having but glad to hear that you are determined to resolve it and willing to work through it.

If the old MD office is giving you a hard time getting your medical records, then ask to speak to the "HIPAA Compliance Officer" for the office.  By law, they have to provide the records for "Continuity of Care" (i.e. for you to continue your care with a different doctor).  You can get copies of your films by the places you went to have them done and all put on a disk.  If you are getting the feeling that the older doctor is hiding something, once you have received your medical records (not before), then seek an attorney for a free consult to review your case for any neglect or wrong-doing (he will also need a copy of your records).  Document everything and try to put everything in writing.

If you are not happy with the new doctor, then get another opinion.  Do the two doctors know each other?  Often times if they do, one may cover for the other's mistake if one was made.  You may want to try getting another opinion from a doctor that is from a different hospital.

In the meantime, keep up on the treatment you are doing, which sounds appropriate.  Please keep us informed and know that we are here to support you.

Helpful - 0
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