Leg lenght discrepancy due to fractured leg.

helpmeout
helpmeout Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
edited May 2023 in Talk about your impairment
Hi everyone i hope you are all keeping well.

I'm Andy a 55 year old male that had a motorcycle accident 30 years ago and am still paying the price unfortunately.

It has been established recently that i am in need of a hip replacement operation as all my cushioning in my hip has deteriorated over the years, and also my lower leg below the knee is appropriately 2 to 2.5cm shorter. (From when i broke it 30 years ago)

So i have a leg lenght discrepancy, 
I currently suffer from alot of hip, knee, and back pain, and sometimes can walk ok other times i struggle to walk at all, put my socks and shoes on and so on. I struggle to get in and out of a car and going up and down stairs.

And wondered what my options are to get this issue sorted.

Not sure what category this post should be in so apologies in advance,

Many thanks Andy

Comments

  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,538 Championing
    Hi there @helpmeout and welcome, thank you for posting. I hope you don't me moving your discussion over into physical and neurological impairments, this will make it easier for everyone to find. 

    I'm sorry you're struggling with pain management and mobility at the moment, that's frustrating. I have CP myself, my right leg is a touch shorter than my left, and on a bad day when things are playing up I can feel quite limited.
    And wondered what my options are to get this issue sorted.
    Could I ask what your ideal outcome would be? :) 

    I don't know if you've had one already, but speaking to your GP about a needs assessment with your local authority would be a good first step. 

    Have you chatted with your GP about how things are at the moment? They can support you in managing your pain and ongoing condition, and they can refer you to specialists such as a physiotherapist, or an occupational therapist. 

    Do you have a date set for your hip replacement?
  • helpmeout
    helpmeout Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    Hello Alex 
    Many thanks for moving my post to the correct category.

    I have been on long term sickness and have been dismissed from my job due to capability.

    I am currently suffering depression and am currently receiving Employment Support Allowance and have been assessed for the basic rate of PIP (telephone assesment call)

    This was before i had my appointment with the orthopaedic team, who informed me that i have a leg lenght discrepancy of 2cm and i am in need of a hip replacement.

    They say i need to have a CT scan first as i have a metal plate in my hip from the motorcycle accident 30 years ago.

    As for an appointment for the scan or hip replacement nothing yet unfortunately.

    With my mental health at present i have good days and bad, as for my physical self, I'm struggling with day to day tasks and that is unfortunately impacting my mental health.

    Constant pain so taking cocodimal tablets, which help a little but also make me feel tired most of the time.

    My aim is to try and get back to some sort of normality if that is possible.

    I am aware things will hopefully improve but at present I'm struggling...

    Thanks Andy 
  • helpmeout
    helpmeout Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    Hi 
    Could someone please confirm one way or another if leg lenght discrepancy is classed as a disability in the uk or not.

    Tia Andy
  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,538 Championing
    Hi again @helpmeout there's no class or register for specific conditions to be called a 'disability' offically. There is a register for sight impairment at a local authority level, but when we think about what disability is here in the UK, you might like to use the definition under the 2010 Equality Act: 
    You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.
    If you feel your leg length discrepancy is having a negative or limiting impact on daily activities such as getting dressed, cooking, bathing, moving around etc., the you can choose to identify as disabled if you wish. Does that make sense?

    I'd definitely speak to your GP about a needs assessment if you can, it's worth mentioning the impact on your mental health too. 

    If it helps, the mental health charity Mind has some guidance on self-care when you're feeling low. Do you have anyone you can talk to at home?
  • helpmeout
    helpmeout Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    Many thanks Alex for the detailed information it is much appreciated...
  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,538 Championing
    Not a problem, @helpmeout, anytime :)

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