leg is longer

[nmn1024]

I had my right hip replaced in Oct. 2006. To make a long story short, the incision opened up and the doctor had to go in again to make sure there was no infection. I decided to go to a different ortho doctor when I started to have pain in my left hip and knee and was told that my right leg is now significantly longer than the left. I do have arthritis in that hip  but had not planned on having that one done for at least another 5-10 years. Now the new doctor tells me I should have it done asap. I am only 53 and admit that the first one took a lot of of me mentally. Did the first doctor make a mistake  in surgery? Any suggestions? Or should I just go ahead and have the left hip done now?

[Ladisten]

Hi,

I suggest to send your x-rays emailed to Ladisten Clinic (***@****) for review, maybe our specialists will be able to assist it..Because we do perform limb length correction at clinic but need to see the x-rays to see if this applies or you do need hip replacement on another leg.

Thanks,
Ladisten

[nellieann]

Thanks for your feedback.  I am trying to get help for this problem, but I feel I will have to look outside my HMO.  I haven't had the greatest support from them, including dealing with my depression.  I'm still in a lot of pain and I can't understand why.  I'm trying to exercise, but it's difficult when it hurts so much.  I will certainly consider getting a second opinion.

[nmn1024]

One of the reasons I had my hip done was because the pain was affecting the quality of my life. I could barely walk 5 feet before I had to rest the leg and I am now doing the same with my left one. After a full day of work, I could barely get to the car.

I'm so very sorry you are depressed. I have been on depression meds for years and I know that being in constant pain just wears you down. Have you thought of getting a second opinion? I know I couldn't bring myself to go back to the first doctor this time. My incision actually opened up 2 weeks later and I was put back in the hospital for more surgery. When the new doctor asked why I went there instead of the original doctor, I just told them that I had a bad experience with him and the hospital. They didn't question me any further.  

Please let me know how you are doing. I really don't think you should still be in pain after all this time.

[nellieann]

I had my right hip replaced in November, 2007.  And now, just like you, my right leg is significantly longer than my left.  Not only does this cause me to limp like Grampa McCoy, but I am still experiencing pain in that hip; much more than I had before.  In addition,  I now have back pain and a swollen knee because of the difference in height.  My ortho tells me that I'm healing just fine, and that I will "settle" into my new hip.  This whole experience has left me depressed and feeling much older than my 60 years.  I had been an active person, but now I'm so limited that I feel like I've lost my whole life.