Anyone else have this experience???

[KylieM]

My dad had a THR 3 weeks ago (this coming Tuesday). Two days after the surgery he was admitted to ICU with several blood clots in his legs and a mass of them in his lungs. He was put on 2 blood thinners, but because of this his hip wound continues to bleed (he is still saturating 2 pads everday with blood--3 weeks post op). And this led to it becoming infecting (so he is on 2 antiobiotics for this as well as a PIC line for antibiotics administered through and IV daily for the next 6 weeks). He spent 16 days in the hospital (due to the blood clots, bleeding and infection), but the insurance said he couldn't stay any longer. He's been home for 4 days and is still in lots of pain and has nausea and indigestion (he thinks from all the medicines he's on). But his biggest question is when will his hip stop bleeding??? Did anyone else have theirs bleed this long? I know right now he wishes he never had the surgery done, but I keep hoping with time he will not have the pain he did before and maybe be glad he went through all of this.

 

[loghaula]

KylieM,
So sorry to read of your dad's distress. I have had both hips replaced, separately, but did not have any such problem. After the first day, there was hardly any drainage from either wound.
I was put on a blood thinner shot twice daily immediately after the surgeries to prevent the blood clots and have been taking 325mg aspirin since I have been home as the shots are too expensive for me to keep using. Have not had any problems.
The antibiotics will make your dad feel ill. I had the same experience after a prior surgery when I was given them intravenously.
The blood clots is one of the dangers of this surgery, and I hate that your dad has had to suffer like this, as the surgery is really worthwhile, removing all of the former agony we have had to put up with.
Do keep writing and keep us up to date with your dad's progress. We really do care and we are all here for each other:thmb:
Our forum advisors, Jo and Jamie, will be able to give you the help and advice you need, I am sure.

Glenys
LHR 5/28/09
RHR 7/23/09

 

[Troweltalk]

My experience was about as far from what you described as it could be.

I had a drainage tube in my leg for two days after surgery while I was still in the hospital. By the time I got home on day three post-op I had a little spotting on the bandage which disappeared to nothing but a small amount of translucent fluid that wouldn't cover the area of a dime for the next week. After that there was nothing whatsoever.

I was on cumadin for four weeks with no clotting issues.

 

[Josephine]

It's not actual bleeding as such, more like oozing.Almost as soon as you mentioned multiple blood clots I knew immediately what was coming next. My heart goes out to you and to your father. Because truthfully, no-one can tell how long it's going to go on. I only wish it were possible.

 

[Jamie]

Kylie, welcome to BoneSmart. I'm glad you have come here to obtain support for yourself and for your dad as you go through this. I am so sorry to hear of all that has happened! God bless you and your dad!!!

The bleeding you describe is not the norm, but it sounds as if he is still taking some type of blood thinner. Is he? If not, it should subside with some time. I take Coumadin (Warfarin) and my doctors have told me it takes at least 3 days for it to be out of your system once you stop taking it (like I had to do for my knee surgery).

What worries me more is your statement that your dad was not permitted to stay in the hospital any longer because his insurance refused to continue paying for it. Does his doctor feel he should be under hospitalized care? If so, you need to talk directly with the doctor to start the process of fighting the insurance company. Not all these decisions are final and doctors frequently will help in the fight by writing letters, changing the way they write orders, and other ways than can give him the care he needs.

If the doctor feels it is okay for him to be home, talk with him about pain management. It is critical. If the surgeon won't prescribe adequate pain meds, get with your dad's primary physician. The pain makes healing much more difficult.

Please keep in touch here as we are concerned about you and your dad.

 

[JudyS]

Kylie
I do feel for your dad. I had a smooth experience with no problems. I hope things improve for him very soon.

judy