Question
QUESTION: I had hip surgery almost 5 months ago.  I have pain in my groin and left side. (left Hip replaced) Everytime I went to the doctor he would just say, "Wait 3 more weeks.)  He also gave me a placebo shot telling me it was a cortisone shot.  I had a nerve test and it showed nerve damage.  I still walk with a cane.
I am numb on the inside of my thigh down to my ankle.  Was this caused by something my doctor did wrong.

ANSWER: Dear Allison

I was on my palm pilot when I answered this question and I didn't feel the answer was complete enough so I thought I'd add to it.

Nerve damage is a real possibility when you have THR's.  Normally I have heard that if the nerve pain does not go away on it's own within 18 months, you are not going to see anymore improvement.

You can't say that a doctor did anything wrong when this happens, because he may have done all he could, but when you have surgery, such as a THR, you do take the chance that something will go wrong.  

I have nerve damage in one leg in the knee area due to a long and involved THR revision and my surgeon was the best in the nation.  I have numbness and tingling but there is nothing that can be done, and I have learned to live with it.  

You might want to consult a neurologist and see if something can be done using that type of doctor.  I wish I had better news for you, but that's really all I can say at this time.

Best of luck to you.

Sharon

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Can you walk without using a cane or any aid since your knee is damanaged.  If so how long did it take before you could walk unaided.
Thanks,
Allison

Answer
In all my surgeries, I was normally walking unaided after about two months. With the nerve damage it took about six months for me to walk without a cane.  I still have problems at times, and always carry a cane with me in case I need to feel a bit more supported.

Sharon