Just wondering if anyone has the same problems I am having. I have a tumour in my hip which can't be removed. I also have four fractures in my pelvis which don't cause any problems. My pelvis is tilted to the left quite a bit and so now I am 3cm. (approx. 1and1/4"). Causes me to limp. Also affects my right foot to turn out and slide sideways. Not as bad as it sounds but I don't want it to get worse.
I have investigated trying to get my pelvis some what straightened again. My doctor referred me to a orthotics clinic. I went to a local one.
3cm is to much to put inside a shoe and I didn't want to go to the expense of having all my shoes rebuilt so we decided to try 9cm. inside the shoe to at least alleviate some of the tilt. It did seem to help for about 2 weeks and then I developed Sciatic pain. I wasn't sure if it was the orthotics so I took them out and now 4 days later the pain is subsiding but still there in the background.
Anyone else here, have solutions or tried anything like this?
Cheers, June S.
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Hi 8576: I had a pelvic MBC tumor in my left acetabular that could not be operated on. I had 5 SBRT radiations on the tumor & it healed over 7-8 months. I was in a lot of pain & could not walk or bear weight on the left side. I can fully walk again & I am on Faslodex/IBrance & Xgeva (for bone strengthening). I am on a few other supplements (you can look at my profile to see my previous posts) and I have been NED for a year. Coming up on my next PET/CT SCAN in late October. Praying it is good news.
Hello my friend, I have a lot of hip pain but thno fractures but new to those game... maybe that is likely in the future... anything you can suggest to prevent it? I like to hike but maybe that will break soemthing if I keep going too much. Also that sounds so painful. How do you cope?
Thanks for your response. I am sorry I can't help you with your problem. Ask your Oncologist or family doctor they might be able to help you with your exercise regimen.
My pain generally is covered by medication. The only exception is when I get Sciatic pain. (pinched nerve) Not sure if you have ever had that but it is not nice. I am not even sure it is Sciatic. Usually it can be alleviated with some stretches but this one isn't letting go. I don't have it very often so not sure the Orthotics set it off.
I will wait for my CT scan next Monday and then ask the Oncologist. It may be hip getting worse.
All the best to you and let us know how you make out with your exercise.
Hi, I just thought I’d share that in my own personal experience (and knowledge as a trainer) keep on moving! It’s the best thing you can do for yourself. That is, move a lot and just be mindful. With covid I started to have discomfort and when I did more exercise it went away- none of us are moving about as much as we were before so it’s vital that we pay attention to this.
The only caution I have (again from my personal perspective) is not too “push” into extreme positions(that’s in general-like yoga stretches), and if you’re on a long walk and get achy, it might be time to have a break.
Very helpful! I am lucky to be in NZ where we don’t have CV and so no restriction- so I have no excuses... I have been trying hard to stay fit so we can do a 3 day hike we booked over Xmas starting dec 24th since all our family and both modes are in the USA!
Hi. It is excellent recommendation. This is what I do
My MBC was diagnosed due to the ongoing and worsening hip pain. When they finally sent me for an MRI my hip was a total mess. I had a total hip replacement and it made the world of difference. Before I was using a walker and dragging my leg and had the same issue with my foot not being aligned. After I have a slight limp as my muscles haven’t built up to what they were before but the pain and other related problems are gone.
I don’t know if this surgery would be an option for you but it improved my life. The surgeon had to add a cage and reinforcements to keep the new hip secured due to my pelvis also being a mess but it’s been 2 years and it’s still good as new. Just something for you to mention to your doctor. ❤️ Sarah
Great response. Thanks so much. I saw an Orthopedic surgeon a few years back and he mentioned the surgery you had. Putting in a cage etc. He did say he could refer me to a hospital where they were doing the surgeries more often but he really felt that it was too much surgery for me because the recovery time was very long and I might come out worse off.
It might have been my age. I was 77 at the time but in fairly good health. Not a lot of meds or other problems. I decided to take his advice and skip the referral. My Oncologist agreed. May I ask how old you are? Think I asked before but have forgotten.
Now reading your description I am sorry I didn't at least investigate it. It may not be too late even now. Have to think about it.
I am 56 and I was in Ibrance at the time. I had to stop the Ibrance for two months to cover pre-op and after surgery. This was for infection prevention. The recovery was easy. I was up walking the next day which I think was easy for me as I had been in such bad pain and my leg wasn’t working well so having it woke was a Miracle. Age may play a factor in your surgeons decision.
It was wonderful to read about your successful surgery. As you might remember, I had a total breast surgery with lymph nodes included in January this year. Came through with no problems. I had to go off Ibrance as well. Do you feel that was detrimental in keeping your cancer under control?
I really feel I was mislead and at 77 I could have handled the hip surgery. It was not wise to not get the second opinion. Something I advocate strongly. Especially on major decisions or where what is being said doesn't sound right.
I am tempted to investigate the hip surgery even now reading your success story. I don't think we hear enough about the successes that occur. Thanks so much Sarah.
You are welcome June. My orthopaedic surgeon is amazing and I was surprised when he said he wanted to replace my hip. He is all for lessening pain. I think it helps that he works with a lot of ortho patients that have cancer that affects bones. You are right about successes, we tend to come on here as we are upset and worried. We need to share the good things also no matter how big or small they may seem. ❤️
I am loving hearing these success stories! Perhaps times have changed, surgeries have improved, timing of your surgery for you’re injury plus we all have different outcomes and needs for things like joint replacement. . I had a friend years ago had her hip replaced but I think she was too sick when they did it and it didn’t go well for her, so it is good to get my view of this altered to a positive! May I ask where you had it done?
I am interjecting here. I also think surgical procedures have improved vastly. My full breast removal went amazing as I have said more often on here. I could not believe that I had no discomfort after surgery. All healed nicely and no problems.
I don’t have any personal experience with this but have worked intensely as a trainer with a client who had a severe leg shortening after a bad surgery. First I was thinking building your shoe up would be the best option. However, with pain you describe Id say not. It depends partly on how long you’ve been walking around with your pelvis tilted like so - probably it has been a a gradual time to get to the degree you have now. So, it’s possible that your spine has gotten “used” to this new alignment of the pelvis enough that after being pushed back up with the orthotic it has caused you a nerve pinching.
One option is You could ask the foot doc if he can give you something only slightly lifting your foot, to gradually get used to it. BUT It’s complicated by possibly wearing slippers (no lift), then shoe with lift, etc, too much chopping and changing for your back. Option two -probably best - get referral for PT to help improve your core in a safe way to improve muscles that support your spine. And also help with your sciatica. In other words, the core work might be able to even help with alignment by adding postural strengthening, and then not worry about trying to equal your leg length right now. I hope this makes sense to you! I didn’t explain it the best.
Thanks for the reply. You explained it well. I have a problem exercising my abdominal muscles as I am afraid of worsening my four pelvic fractures or creating more. I have been referred for physical therapist to see what can be done but the waiting time is 5 months to have it covered by health care and I cannot afford to pay for physio anymore.
I did enrol in an exercise program for seniors which was very good and quite gentle but I felt that caused the fractures as I had difficulty even there performing some of the simple exercises so stopped going.
I am otherwise, I feel quite strong, given my problems, as I can do many things. Walking usually with a cane but now because of the Sciatic also with my walker, even in the house.
I say this because my husband and I live in a townhouse. Lots of stairs. Looking to get out of here. Yet, I can drive my car, cook, clean, do laundry etc. grocery shopping. So I consider my self fortunate.
Having said that, I am always looking at ways to improve my situation or keep it from worsening. That is why I posed the question here. I think I have too many issues to find answers here. I was glad to hear of others experiences though.
To answer your suggestion on trying to slightly lift my foot. I am not seeing a doctor just an orthotics store. The owner measured me and I am out (1 1/4").
She gave me just under a 1/4" piece to put in my shoe.
Then we went to a piece just at 1/2".
That all went well with my slippers and outdoor shoes. Then we put them together. So there was a gradual build up to approx. 1". I wore that for two weeks and then the Sciatic pain started.
Problem is I don't know if it was the orthotic pieces that is doing it. I took them out to see and the Sciatic pain is still there. But who knows.
In writing this, I don't think anyone can tell me what specifically is causing the pain. I think I need an x[ray of my hip and I get a CT scan next Monday. After I see my Oncologist I will book in with my family doctor to get an x-ray.
I appreciate your informed answers though. Will let you all know how I make out. Sorry for the lengthy answer.
Thought I would add this. About the length of time with the pelvis tilted, it has been quite a few years. I was diagnosed in 2013 when they found the breast cancer in the hip. I know from scans that the pelvis has been quite tilted for at least 4 years. So maybe it is best left alone. I just worried that it would finally crack and give out on me. Thought I might be able to slow the progress.
You’re very in tune with your body and that’s great. Be reassured that there are ways for a PT to guide you for ab work without putting your pelvis at risk, and it’s great you’re giving things a try! What a pity for the long wait. Our medical systems are not set up well enough. Plus Covid slows down access to everyone too.
So in the meantime always sit in well-supported chairs ( not too soft) and do keep moving It is a blessing to be able to do our most basic of life’s needs, that is true! And I know what it’s like to not be able to do anything - been there before.
One basic exercise that won’t harm anything at all: sit (back well supported), or stand, and draw your abs in all around you (think of a wraparound corset) as you exhale, then allow body to naturally expand on inhale. Repeat x 10 and you will get a nice little ab workout. Repeat throughout the day.
The orthotics person sounds like they were being careful. Perhaps the 1/2 inch won’t aggravate your back but provide some support?
Scan is in good timing, X-ray might be a good call too. Keep us posted!
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It is a blessing to be able to do our most basic of life’s needs, that is true! And I know what it’s like to not be able to do anything - been there before. 
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