Re: Re: please help me- post op 12/9/03

[Guest guest]

Gay,

I had RKR Dec. 8th and the new knee/leg is now 1 inch longer. I hate having to wear only one shoe and one sock to be balanced. When I wear 2 shoes, my hip hurts and I can't walk very well. They've talked about putting in a lift but it's hard enough getting a good fit with my shoes they way they are now!

I'm bummed that the doc put in a protheses larger. I am thinking he did that to guarantee that I'll get the other leg done to even it out. It does need a TKR but not for awhile!

Very discouraged,

[Guest guest]

Bummer, ! Now that tells me to get both mine done at the same time!

Is there a way to insist that they measure our legs before they sew us back up? Or is it just the luck of the draw whether they are both even or not?

Judie

----- Original Message -----

From: cathyk231@... I am thinking he did that to guarantee that I'll get the other leg done to even it out.

[Guest guest]

Two thoughts for you:

1. After my THR I found that my leg was 3/4 inches shorter than the other. I was upset as you were. I went to a different MD to discuss this and he advised me that this was within normal surgery limits. At least I knew, although I had not been advised of this possibility prior to the surgery. You may want to talk to another MD to get a different view about this.

2. I went to the trouble of have my shoes - then and subsequent - rebuilt so that the lift was placed in the shoe for the short foot. It is not beautiful, but it is helpful in walking.

Remember, replacement parts are never as good as the original equipment.

Best wishes.

A. I. Gordoncathyk231@... wrote:

Gay,I had RKR Dec. 8th and the new knee/leg is now 1 inch longer. I hate having to wear only one shoe and one sock to be balanced. When I wear 2 shoes, my hip hurts and I can't walk very well. They've talked about putting in a lift but it's hard enough getting a good fit with my shoes they way they are now! I'm bummed that the doc put in a protheses larger. I am thinking he did that to guarantee that I'll get the other leg done to even it out. It does need a TKR but not for awhile!Very discouraged,

[Guest guest]

Hi Judie,

I have no idea if the doctor knew that one leg was going to be longer but I suspect he did since he did put in a very large size protheses in attempt to straighten my very bent knee. After 2+ years of barely walking on a bent knee, I'm just thrilled to beable to stand straight and tall. I'll ask the doctor about this when I see him.

The latest is that I've developed a surface infection on the knee for which I'm now taking antibotic Leviquin. Have been to the doc's every other day this week plus the nurse is coming everyday (yes, even today - Christmas!) to change the banage and disinfect it. There's little pain and luckily I'm still able to do my exercises.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[Guest guest]

I, too, have one foot shorter than the other. To compensate, I brought my shoes to a shoemaker who re-built the shoe for the shorter foot so that it is now larger in the sole and heel. It may not look pretty, but it helps me walk better. You may want to consider this.

A. I. Gordoncathyk231@... wrote:

Gay,I had RKR Dec. 8th and the new knee/leg is now 1 inch longer. I hate having to wear only one shoe and one sock to be balanced. When I wear 2 shoes, my hip hurts and I can't walk very well. They've talked about putting in a lift but it's hard enough getting a good fit with my shoes they way they are now! I'm bummed that the doc put in a protheses larger. I am thinking he did that to guarantee that I'll get the other leg done to even it out. It does need a TKR but not for awhile!Very discouraged,

[Guest guest]

,

I hope your knee is healing well......I dont want you having any setbacks!

Is this common to get infections in the replaced knee after surgery? I know it can happen just wondered if it was very common?

Judie

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[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/31/2003 12:51:32 AM Eastern Standard Time, jhensel@... writes:

Is this common to get infections in the replaced knee after surgery? I know it can happen just wondered if it was very common?

I don't know Judie, but I'm off to the dr. in 15 min. and will ask him.

[Guest guest]

My dr. said it's not real common but surface infections do happen.