My Drop Foot Experience

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Name: Sharon
Email: Sharonokay@aol.com
Date: 01 Mar 2002
Time: 03:54:13
Remote Name: spider-mtc-tg041.proxy.aol.com

Story

I developed drop foot after a hip revison surgery in June of 2001. Although I realize how much worse my condition could be, what a mess. When I came out of surgery, my entire left leg was paralyzed. My doctor never once paid a visit to me in the hospital. Because I was in a university hospital, resident physicians came in droves. They kept asking if I could move my leg, poked around and left. I was fitted with the standard AFO (cheap piece of plastic) for my lower leg and NO-ONE explained what was going on. My questions were not answered and I was treated as if my feelings did not matter.

From the hospital, I was sent to the nursing home from hell. As some of the feeling in my leg returned, I developed severe pain. Although I would push my room button in an attempt to have someone come and assist me, many times it would be well over a half hour before someone opened the door. One night, I moaned for hours. I could hear the nurses and aids outside my door with what appeared to be a party going on, but no one even checked on me. Just a little comfort would have been wonderful.

As these months have drawn on and after seeing many specialists, they believe my sciatic nerve was either partially cut or stretched too far. I have had severe pain, particularly my ankle and foot. Most of the time, my foot feels as if I am being electrocuted or my foot is going to explode. An EMG reflects some permanent damage. I have lost a lot of muscle in my leg.

To add an additional whammy, I was laid off of my job of 30 years. Although other people were laid off, I strongly believe my "disability" had something to do with my layoff. I am only 50, so what now?

I began seeing a pain management doctor. During the early months, he prescribed doses of pain medication that finally gave me some relief (Oxycontin, Nuerontin, and Percocet). After two months, I began to receive monthly injections of cortisone near my spine. These injections have allowed me to begin to reduce the pain medication.

During this time, I searched the Internet for information. After reading about some new treatments being used on people who are completely paralyzed, I decided to begin some therapy on my own. People who have lost all lower motor function in their legs, are placed in harnesses and use a treadmill. The information said the most important thing is to keep the walking motion. I realized that the rigid AFO kept me from performing a normal walking motion. I began to walk, increasing my distance each day, without my AFO. I used crutches just for balance.

While researching the Internet for information regarding this condition, I hit on a site for an orthodics company in Maryland. They manufacture an AFO that is light weight, yet allow ankle motion & keeps the foot from dropping. They guaranteed 24 hour fittings for people from out of state. My husband and I decided it was worth a try. Getting this new orthodic (NFO) was the best thing I have done since I developed drop foot. In fact, now I can walk with a normal gait.

Recently, I began physical therapy. During therapy, electrodes are attached to my lower leg as I do various exercises to improve my balance and strength. The hope is the electrodes will stimulate my nerves. At home, I do a routine at least three times a day of stretches and use "a large therapy rubber band" to try to keep my ankle motion. I continue to walk. In addition, I ask anyone who is willing to help me to massage my foot and leg. I have seen a slight improvement in movement. All of this hurts and I know it may take years for significant change, but I need to continue these routines of exercise to beat this thing.

A little over two weeks ago, I overcame my greatest fear that a subsequent surgery would result in the same painful condition. I proceeded with hip replacement surgery on my right hip (of course a different surgeon). The surgery turned out wonderful. I have less pain in my right hip than there is in my left leg and foot!

Take care and please feel free to contact me to discuss anything to do with this condition. Sharon

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Name: Justin
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