Uneven hips after surgery?

[Cimbom]

Has anyone else had this problem? Even hips was the one thing I really wanted to achieve after surgery but it doesn't seem to have been the case. It's making me feel quite upset lately as I had really psyched myself up about the improvements I'd get prior to surgery. My doctor also said that he thought they would get pretty even and that you'd only be able to notice a slight uneveness if looking closely. Well that doesn't seem to be the case now. My left hip is still more prominent than my right and I can tell this quite simply with a quick look. I still have very little in terms of a hip on my right side. I don't know what to do or think, I just feel really overwhelmed. I had a big fear of regretting the surgery once I had it done and I really hope I don't. I just want normal, even hips.

The post-op x-ray looked almost straight so I don't know why this is the case. I assumed if my spine was straight, my hips would be too. Even my doctor commented that he thought I got a really good result. I feel quite lost :confused:

[Doodles]

Cimbon--
I woke up real early this morning due to worry over my hips. Yesterday I posted the thread on "torso shift" a few down from here. Later in the day I sat on a hard bench for a moment (I'm usually on pillows, etc.) and realized if I sat evenly on my hip (sit) bones I totally leaned left--which would explain this torso shift that I talk about in the other thread.
I'm not sure if we are discussing the same type of hip problem--since you mention the protrusion, but for years my "alternative" methods chiro, rolfing, etc. always worked on getting my hips even. On an X-ray you could draw a line straight across the tops of hips and it was level if I had been under care. When it got off I would need some manipulation.
When the hips aren't even across, it makes one leg seem shorter. I now sit with knees bent and my right knee extends about an inch farther out than the other.
I was so worried about this and having to have a lift to correct being off balance that I asked about it at both of my appts. My worry was if the hips aren't square and I'm fused into pelvis--well, nothing could correct it. They didn't seem to see a problem. Then I've looked on here and searched "shoe lifts" and got 15 pages. I know some are for other reasons, I'm sure.
This leaning to the left came on so fast and then making my hip discovery last night has me about sick. Despite my extensive surgery, things seemed to be going well and all medical people, pt's etc. were amazed at my progress. So this is very disheartening. I have e-mailed Dr. Lenke's nurse for some direction but sure I can't get anyone until tomorrow.
Not sure if we are even on the same sort of problems, but thought I'd vent for a while this morning. So sorry you are having problems. This just is never easy is it? Janet

[Singer]

I can only speak for myself, but in my case, it took about 6 months for my body to settle into its new shape due to residual swelling, numbness, and stiff muscles. I hope that's the case for both of you.

[Susie*Bee]

This may not be the case with either of you, but sometimes it takes awhile for things to settle down after this surgery... especially with your muscles needing to relearn what/where/how they should be their business. I remember at 6 months post-op working with my PT to develop a "sense of straight" by looking in the mirror and adjusting the position my shoulders and hips were in.

I also remember noticing, when lying on my back on the PT table, with my knees bent and feet aligned, that my right knee jutted out longer than my left. There was/is a slight discrepancy in leg length, but not enough to warrant doing anything. I REALLY don't think I look off anymore. Hopefully your bodies are just still getting used to the major shifting they've just been through. Best wishes as you both adjust to the new yous!

[LynnMarie74]

It seems as tho alot of us have similar problems in this area...a few weeks out of surgery I was limping...one leg was shorter than the other...ekk! I was freaked out...it just kinda went away on its own...no explanations. I still have a more prominent waist line on my left side -vs- the right....but its not nearly as noticable than what it was before surgery. And my most recent issue now.....is my right shoulder blade is noticably sticking out more than the left, when after surgery, they were pretty much even. Im actually going in for Xrays on Thursday to rule out anything "bad". We are hoping it will end up being something w/the muscles or possibly nerves. My right side has been then bad side right out of surgery...looks like this will just have to be something I need to just deal with. We all knew going in, that the surgery may not completely correct our "deformed" bodies.....but Im certain we all beleived it would..myself included. I am just as disappointed.....all I wanted since I can remember, was a nice, straight & even body. Its MUCH better...like I said....and this is the best that it gets, I guess,other than more surgeries.....no thanks....I will just have to accept me for me. :)

Happy Memorial Day every.....enjoy the day!

[WNCmom]

For six months post-op I was concerned my 13-yo son's hips weren't going to straighten (he's fused T2 to L4), but at his 6-month follow-up, x-rays showed they had leveled considerably. So I had to concede things were improving! Things take time--I've had to learn and learn that.

Mary ellen

[Doodles]

Thanks all of you! I hope you are all right and this just takes some time. Susie Bee,I know you often preach patience, and I know you are probably right! Janet

[Cimbom]

Thanks for all your replies. It seems to me when lying in bed that the hip bones themselves are straight but my hips are not even sort of like this (but less extreme now) /_|

I'll call my surgeon either today or tomorrow and ask about it. I hope I'm one of the lucky ones and it'll continue to improve.

[debbei]

My hips didn't look uneven after surgery, but I did have problems with my left hip where it felt like the ball just didn't fit properly into the socket. It was the wierdest thing. If I moved the leg past a certain point I had a very uncomfortable and painful feeling. I knew it had to have something to do with the surgery because I never had that problem before.

The physical therapist assured me that it would get better with lots of stretching and thankfully it did. It's pretty much back to normal now 7.5 months later. I think it probably had the most dramatic change at about 6 months.

Good luck,

[always smilin']

My hips are killing me right now - I don't know why - so it helped to read some of these postings...I didn't think I'd have hip trouble - but I can hardly stand the pain which is why I rarely get to check this site out...too much pain when in one position for too long!

[debbei]

My hips are killing me right now - I don't know why - so it helped to read some of these postings...I didn't think I'd have hip trouble - but I can hardly stand the pain which is why I rarely get to check this site out...too much pain when in one position for too long!

It really shocked me to have hip problems and then shoulder problems after the surgery when I never had any before. Actually that's not true--years ago off and on I'd have problems with my RIGHT hip, which looking back I know was related to my spine. But after the surgery it was my LEFT hip giving me trouble! I just hope that I can resolve my shoulder problem as easily with PT as I did for my hip.

My PT has to always remind me that moving the spine around affects the WHOLE body not just the back.

[JenniferG]

Is your shoulder problem showing any signs of improvement Debbe?

Next Tuesday I am three months post op. Dr. told me I would feel like I've been hit by a bus for three months, so I'm expecting some improvement soon. I have actually felt like I was hit by a Hyundai Excel (small car) but still, a bit of improvement would be nice.

So far I have had no nerve pain, no muscle spasms (I am touching wood here) and no pain for nearly 2 months. Just the eternal dizziness, which is slowly easing. And today I had a blood test for my Graves Disease (hyperactive thyroid) which has been in remission. All the symptoms are back. Seems there's always something.

[debbei]

Is your shoulder problem showing any signs of improvement Debbe?

Next Tuesday I am three months post op. Dr. told me I would feel like I've been hit by a bus for three months, so I'm expecting some improvement soon. I have actually felt like I was hit by a Hyundai Excel (small car) but still, a bit of improvement would be nice.

So far I have had no nerve pain, no muscle spasms (I am touching wood here) and no pain for nearly 2 months. Just the eternal dizziness, which is slowly easing. And today I had a blood test for my Graves Disease (hyperactive thyroid) which has been in remission. All the symptoms are back. Seems there's always something.

Hi Jen,

Since I started my exercise class the shoulder is a lot better, but it's still not what it should be. My PT wanted me to start yesterday but I couldn't since it was my first day at a new job. Maybe I can start next week.

I'm up now in the middle of the night because of muscle spasms, but won't take a muscle relaxer since I have to drive in the morning. Maybe I'll get into the hot tub. It won't be the first time I've done so in the middle of the night.

Let me know what happens with your tests. ((Hugs))

[JenniferG]

I will Debbe. Probably Friday or Monday.

I feel for you up in the middle of the night with the muscle spasms and unable to take a relaxant. What about a half tablet? How's the new job going?... I know it's only early stages. Are you working full time?

I hope you are sleeping like a log now.

[Doodles]

Debbie--I agree with Jennifer about the shoulder and not being able to take a muscle relaxer. I'm so fortunate I retired; I can't even imagine going back to work after this!
Jennifer--I can't believe your dizziness is back full force;the little bit I had was so annoying. I hope this gets resolved and your tests come back OK.
My own little setback this week had to do with meds. I was able to go from oxycontin and percocet to vicodin a couple weeks ago without difficulty. Then they said the vicodin 750 I was taking needed to be scaled back. I tried with 3 fewer tablets than the 12 per day for 2 days. Day 3, yesterday, was payback. Not good. I got my own GP to agree to another refill so I'm OK. I'm not even quite 2 months so I don't know what the giant rush was. I don't get why pain can't be alleviated for a longer time while we are healing! Janet

[asccbodypro]

Debbie,

You mentioned the problem with your hip. During your postop period did you ever have you hips pop and grind? I ask because this is what mine have been doing. It only happens at night while I am in bed and roll over after sleeping in the same position for a while. I can't really say that it is painful but it feels extremely odd and I also feel it at my fusion area(I am fused from L5-T5). When it happens it certainly scares me because I am concerned that something could be wrong. I am hoping that it is just the hips and sacrum. I can't imagine the fusion being compromised since I haven't done anything to do so. It never happens when I am out of bed so I am hoping that's a good sign. I have my postop in 2 weeks so I guess time will tell!

[asccbodypro]

Cimbom,

I am about 4 1/2 weeks out and I noticed in the past weeks that my right leg is shorter than the left. My husband noticed that I started walking a little funny and would say watch how your stepping! I first noticed it sitting on the toilet in our masterbath of all places lol. My leg doesn't quite reach the floor anymore like it did when I first came home. I am trying not to worry. I know a few others here on the site that had similar problems. It does take time though for all the muscles to settle back into their correct positions. It is frustrating though. Even though you can prepare yourself ahead of time and read about these matters here on the site you always think well that won't happen to me. I think we have all done it to some degree. I know I did. I though I would be feeling great at 4 weeks postop. Not that I would be up and physically doing alot, but I thought that I would feel better than I do. The past week I have been sick in bed. No energy what so ever, sick to my stomach, hard time breathing....it seems to be getting a little bit better. Today was better. My husband took the kids to hockey tonight and my in laws went out to dinner and it was the first time I was left alone but not in bed! It was so nice. Since my husband and I didn't walk today I picked up a few things around the kitchen and family room. I didn't over do it and it felt so nice not to have someone behind me saying no :O) I used my reacher/grabber that the hospital gave me and it was great. A small little milestone for me. Hang in there and I hope things get better with your hips...I think they will in time;)

[debbei]

Debbie,

You mentioned the problem with your hip. During your postop period did you ever have you hips pop and grind? I ask because this is what mine have been doing. It only happens at night while I am in bed and roll over after sleeping in the same position for a while. I can't really say that it is painful but it feels extremely odd and I also feel it at my fusion area(I am fused from L5-T5). When it happens it certainly scares me because I am concerned that something could be wrong. I am hoping that it is just the hips and sacrum. I can't imagine the fusion being compromised since I haven't done anything to do so. It never happens when I am out of bed so I am hoping that's a good sign. I have my postop in 2 weeks so I guess time will tell!

Actually, my hips used to pop once in a while before surgery, but afterwards, the left one just WOULDN'T pop and felt like it NEEDED to. It's hard not to worry that something is wrong, but try to stay positive. (note--I'm the pot calling the kettle black here).

Let us know what the Dr. says about it at your appointment.

[JenniferG]

Janet, I agree, it's still early days for you. A search of this forum will show that some patients are on pain meds for well over 6 months. If you need them, you should not be pestered to reduce them.

My dizziness isn't getting worse, it's actually improving. It's still there, but very s l o w l y reducing. I keep thinking I'll wake up tomorrow and it'll be gone, but so far that hasn't happened, but it's much, much better than a few weeks ago. I am hopeful that it will eventually be completely gone.

[Cimbom]

Well it seems as though it's slightly improving but the strange thing is my right side still looks almost straight once I have clothes on. My surgeon said it'll improve a bit more. I really hope I can have semi-even hips. Doesn't have to be 100% even, but 70-80% would be nice :confused: