Question
My 80 year old mother fell 4/16/07 and broke her hip. Dr. said it was a bad break but everything went back together nicely with pinning.  She was released from hospital as weight bearing as tollerated.  Went back 2 weeks later for recheck.  Pins had backed out just a bit so Dr. put her non weight bearing for 6 weeks, then another 6 weeks, until finally she was non weight bearing until 8/6/07.  She was in a nursing home for 4 months and 2 weeks recovering.  She was getting some therapy during the time she was non weight bearing.  Then when she could put weight on her foot, they started walking therapy, but not what she should have gotten.  We brought her home 8/30/07 because she was just about to lose her mind in there.    Now she is getting PT and OT 2-3 times week. She seems to have improved a little but not what I expected in almost 4 weeks. PT & OT says that they are allowed to work with her for 2 months.  Not sure that will be enough from what I see today.  She has the same goin pain that she has had since the surgery.  Since there is no new pain or severe pain, the Dr. is not concerened at this point due to the long recovery time.  The right leg is now shorter.  She also had TKR August 06 and was doing wonderful until she fell.  I have heard it may take a year to recover.  She is scared to death to try to walk without someone behind her.  My daughter and I are over there at least three times a day and I work full time and my daughter is a senior in HS.  My Uncle goes over at lunch during the day to check on her.  Is this continued pain in the groin normal?  How long can she expect this to last? Could it be something else?  I have researched the web for answers and found this web site to have the best info.  I have heard it may take a year to fully recover.  Any info you have will be greatly appreciated.  Sorry for the long ?.

Answer
Hi Gail

I am so sorry for all you are going through.  As someone who has had both a mother and grandmother in a nursing home, I do understand your frustration.  

Your mom has had a lot of surgery, and then complicating factors which has severely limited her recovery.  I agree with your mom's idea of not walking unless someone is behind her.  Just the fact that her right leg is shorter, will cause her walking to be compromised.  In fact, she may experience back pain from the leg length discrepancy.  See if you can get a lift put in her shoe of the shorter leg to even out the length.  Once that is done she may feel comfortable enough to walk on her own.

I really am not qualified to answer much more of your concerns, but if I were you, I'd check to see if there are any options through your place of worship to see if you can get some respite care to stay with her so you and your family can have a break.  The stress on you and your family must be incredible.

As we age, it takes longer to bounce back and at your mom's age it will take time.  It also sounds as if the nursing home created more of problem back in August by initiating the walking therapy before she actually could tolerate it.  As far as the therapy ending in two months, see if her doctor can get involved in lengthening the time she receives the therapy in light of her injuries.  The groin pain my be muscular in nature due to the difference in the length of her legs.  Ask her doctor about that and see what he can do to either put a lift in her shoe or build up the outside of her sneaker to make the legs equal.  That will certainly begin to help her out.

I hope that I have helped.

Sharon Davis