Hello all, I'm a 31 year old male, Navy. PO2. Some time in my first year at my command I began developing a limp that I thought would go away, attributing it to simple soreness from flight line operations and wearing a tool belt. However after sometime it was discovered I had a labral tear in my hip that was only getting worse, eventually very severely affecting my gait and causing my limp to become incredibly bad. During this time after receiving multiple MRI/X-Rays, I was also diagnosed with Degenerative disk disease because before the labral tear they thought it could be spine related. During the the course of treatment which consisted of steroid injections and Physical therapy I found no relief and was given labral tear repair surgery and debridement. Post operation I was 6 weeks on crutches, and during this time I believe due to prolonged limping, standing on one leg and through crutches use, my back problems became much much worse. Normal day to day things such as standing from sitting, walking, twisting my body all cause discomfort or cause me to seize up entirely and I have to drop to the floor. While the surgery helped, I'm not 100 percent and I have an awkward gait still along with quick fatigue when walking what most would consider a trivial length. I just finished a 6 month LIMDU period and just got approved for 6 more. Also last night after reviewing my findings on an MRI, I found the doctor who reviewed my MRI believes I have gluteal minimus fraying as well. My recovery has been unexpectedly slow, I feel totally crippled some days and the mental stress of losing my physical capabilities has been very difficult for me. During this time I have asked my doctor straight up to recommend me for Med board, but he has not been pursuing that avenue. However I believe I should have been recommended to Med board. I'm not sure if I have other avenues to pursue some kind of relief, I don't think its possible i could go to a ship in my condition and I cannot reenlist and risk putting my body through the physically demanding work the military requires. I'm just looking to see if anyone has a similar experience, wand if they might have some advice on dealing with the process of trying to get sep'd for my sake and the Navy's sake.
Hip Labral tear, DDD and lumbar spine disc bulging. LIMDU, no PEB, seeking advice.
- Thread starter Grape
- Start date
Yes I was medically retired for bilateral hip labrum tears and bilateral hip impingement. Is it both hips that are hurting or just one side? isolated labrum tears are generally rare, they are usually a symptom of another issue such as hip impingement or hip dysplasia. I would highly consider consulting with a civilian hip specialist to see why your surgery failed. Back pain is common with hip issues, perhaps your back is compensating, but a diagnostic injection can help pinpoint where exactly the issue is stemming from. Have you done any of that?
All of my hip issues are isolated to my left side, while my back pain is both. Funnily, my orthopedic doctor is a civilian as I am located in a remote area of the United States. Part of my issue is actually availability of the care itself, as I have to drive hours on end if I want to make sure to be seen. The ortho has an office here but has blown me off more than once by "rescheduling", tho I suspect he may simply have not wanted to make the 3 hour hike from his home office. For the back pain, I have been diagnosed with DDD, radiculopathy and have bulging disc's in my lumbar spine but the exact letter and numbers I can't remember and they have yet to upload that file onto the online portal. While I'm not sure if my surgery failed, it certainly feels like something is still not quite right as I still continue to stumble and still have weakness, and trouble ambulating.. really what I'm looking for is advice on moving forward, I feel as if I'm more of a liability to the navy now with my body in this condition. Not even really sure what kind of advice I'm seeking, just looking to see what you guys suggest. Ideally I would be sep'd and continue my care somewhere with readily available Healthcare professionals rather than here, a place that literally has no radiologist.
I don’t agree with your doctor not medboarding you especially after so much Limdu. If this is a civilian doctor can you get a second opinion at a military treatment facility? Especially if you can’t do a PRT because of the pain. I mean does this doctor think he’s just going to put you on Limdu forever? I would try and get a second set of eyes to look at your case
Aloha Grape and happysailor,
I'm new here, but saw this thread and it really reminded me of my own situation. Developed bilat hip pain in 2012 while on AD, ultimately diagnosed with very similar conditions as you, happysailor. I went on to R hip arthroscopy after non-invasive intervention failed. VERY long story short, I still experience hip and back issues, again, similar to what I'm sure you both experience. Ultimately, I was never referred to a MEB despite countless trips to the military and private clinics for associated conditions. I am now fighting the good fight (after being found 100%P&T by the VA) to be found unfit for duty and processed for medical retirement. As you mentioned Grape, the mental aspects that go along with such a debilitating, constant, life altering condition are so confounding. If you are both still on this forum, I'll keep you apprised of my situation. I'd also love to hear how your process is going Grape and how the med retirement process for your hip issues unfolded, happysailor.
Cheers to you both.
I'm new here, but saw this thread and it really reminded me of my own situation. Developed bilat hip pain in 2012 while on AD, ultimately diagnosed with very similar conditions as you, happysailor. I went on to R hip arthroscopy after non-invasive intervention failed. VERY long story short, I still experience hip and back issues, again, similar to what I'm sure you both experience. Ultimately, I was never referred to a MEB despite countless trips to the military and private clinics for associated conditions. I am now fighting the good fight (after being found 100%P&T by the VA) to be found unfit for duty and processed for medical retirement. As you mentioned Grape, the mental aspects that go along with such a debilitating, constant, life altering condition are so confounding. If you are both still on this forum, I'll keep you apprised of my situation. I'd also love to hear how your process is going Grape and how the med retirement process for your hip issues unfolded, happysailor.
Cheers to you both.
Charlie Mike. Your provider did not recommend a MEB. You do not get to choose. Continue to seek care from your provider until they decide if and when it’s necessary at all to recommend a MEB. Otherwise continue to serve to the best of your ability until you have served your time and exit service. Take care battle buddy!