Revision THR gavinmac’s long and winding road

[gavinmac]

Hi I had my 2nd revision surgery 11/11/19. Other than pain I think I’ve done well. That is until yesterday. Now at 10-11 days post op my incision started bleeding. I can’t get hold of anyone at my surgeons office. My follow up appointment is in 2 days. I’m not really freaking out but I am concerned. This is the 3rd and hardest replacement on the same hip. I just needed to vent, thanks. Gavinmac

 

[Celle]

Hello @gavinmac - and to recovery.

Please will you tell us the full dates of your other hip replacements and which hip it is, so we can make a signature for you? Thank you.

Why did you need two revisions?

It's difficult to advise you, because you haven't told us how much your incision is bleeding. Is it just a small amount that is staining the dressing, or is it more, coming through the dressing onto your clothes? Is it still happening, or has it stopped?

Did the bleeding start on its own, or were you doing something more active than usual at the time?

If there is a large amount of bleeding, ask someone to take you to the ER. If it's not so bad, keep trying to contact your surgeon. If no luck there, try your own doctor.

 

[Celle]

Here is the recovery reading we give to everyone with a new hip:
Hip Recovery: The Guidelines
1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now, they are almost certainly temporary
2. Control discomfort:

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rest​

elevate​

ice​

take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)​

3. Do what you want to do BUT

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a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you​

b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.​

4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of these

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BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy​

5. At week 4 and after you should follow this

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Activity progression for THRs​

6. Access these pages on the website

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Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications​

Wound Care In Hospital​

Pain management and the pain chart
Healing: how long does it take?
Chart representation of THR recovery

Dislocation risk and 90 degree rule
Energy drain for THRs
Pain and swelling control: elevation is the key
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

BIG TIP: Hips actually don't need any exercise to get better. They do a pretty good job of it all on their own if given half a chance. Trouble is, people don't give them a chance and end up with all sorts of aches and pains and sore spots. All they need is the best therapy which is walking and even then not to excess.

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery.

While members may create as many threads as they like in a majority of BoneSmart's forums, we ask that each member have only one recovery thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review history before providing advice.

 

[CricketHip]

Gosh, I am sorry you have this to worry about and yes, I would be worried, too.
I like Celle's idea of contacting your primary care Dr if you can't reach your OS.
I am guessing it is a slight amount? Do you think it can wait til morning or are you thinking maybe an ER visit is needed?

It would be good to get a little more info into your past surgeries and the reasons behind them.
Please take care and let us know how you fare with this?

 

[gavinmac]

Thanks for the support. My first surgery was in 2008. Then due to increased pain I had a revision in 2010. At that point they changed the cup and ball. Then after surgery they found infection so I got to do the PICC line antibiotics thing. I could stand the idea of having the two step revision after just having 2 surgeries two years apart. I was still working and had kids in college etc etc etc. so they put me on suppressive antibiotics. After 9 years I decided I could handle it so my OS sent me to someone that specializes in one step infected revisions. Guess what my new OS didn’t find infection when he opened it up. But he said my post had slipped and twisted. So he took everything out. Long surgery. Still can’t lift my thigh but I can walk with the walker. So jump to my concern. I had the staples (61 of them) open to air and all seemed fine. Yesterday I started leaking out the top of the incision. So my hubby put a couple 4x4s on it then I drained through that. Then he put a bigger dressing at it seemed ok for awhile. Then this morning it drained through and then again this evening. No foul smell, no visible opening in the incision. It’s more than I’m comfortable with. I did have a nurse friend come over and she saw and felt no pocket of fluid. I’m planning on calling my OS first thing in the am. I have confidence in them. The weird thing is when you call his voice Mail is full and it says to call the office. It’s a circle.

 

[VSlowLife]

Are you on a blood thinner?

 

[Layla]

I'm sorry to hear of the misfortune you've experienced.
Prayers for your comfort, peace of mind and that your OS determines all is well. Stay in touch, we're here for you if you need us. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!
@gavinmac

 

[gavinmac]

I’m on aspirin 325 twice a day. No other thinners. I’m wondering if that’s too much for me but I’m scare of blood clots. Hopefully I’ll get direction from my OS tomorrow. One problem is the specialist OS who did my surgery is 4 hours away.

 

[VSlowLife]

Does your OS have an emergency service that takes patient’s calls?
Just wondering. Mine is far, too.
Hope all goes well and you have a good night.

 

[Celle]

Hopefully I’ll get direction from my OS tomorrow. One problem is the specialist OS who did my surgery is 4 hours away.

If you don't get instruction from your OS, or if the bleeding hasn't stopped, I think you should go to the ER tomorrow.

 

[CricketHip]

It will be interesting to find out what the OS thinks about the bleeding. It is very strange about the voicemail being full. Sounds like you had his cell number, doesn't it?
Hopefully you will have a good night's sleep and will be ready for whatever happens tomorrow.
Good luck and I hope you update and let us know.

Have a restful night..

 

[Layla]

Hi @gavinmac
Stopping by to say Hi and wish you a Happy Two Week Anniversary!
Wondering what the surgeon had to say today. We're interested, if you care to share.
Wishing you a peaceful evening!

 

[gavinmac]

Got hold of the OS today. He didn’t seem overly concerned. Just wants it redressed every 4 hours do it doesn’t stay wet. He was glad I was seeing him tomorrow. However, he said he probably can’t remove all the staples if it’s not closing well. Auggggh. With him being 3-4 hours away I was hoping to get it all done. We are now thinking about getting a hotel just in case for after my appointment.

 

[VSlowLife]

@gavinmac A hotel might not be a bad idea with such a long trip.

 

[CricketHip]

Well, that is a good update.. sounds like he wasn't too concerned and glad it can wait for your appointment tomorrow. That's a shame about possibly another trip for the staples, though.
It's easy for me to say but I think it's better to be safe than sorry and I'm sure you feel that way, too.

The hotel idea might be a good one, if you think you will be comfortable there.
I like his recommendation of keeping the bandage dry.
I hope you can relax and rest well tonight and good luck tomorrow with the appointment.

Thanks for updating us!

 

[gavinmac]

Thanks for all the support it means a lot. I’ll update after the appointment.

 

[Pumpkin]

Safe travels tomorrow, hope all goes well with your OS.
Good idea to stay overnight in a hotel, several hours driving each can be too much for our new hips.

 

[Elf1]

Hopefully your visit with the OS went well today and that the ride wasn't too much for you. Pop in when you get the chance and let us know how things are.

 

[gavinmac]

Wow what a day. They took out about 1/2 my staples and I did fine. Then after a few minutes I told the hubby I was lightheaded then I passed out. The staff was very responsive. The doc also came pretty fast. 5 little bottles of water and a small sprite and a while later I was feeling much better. We have to go back next Tuesday because of the drainage. He also cut back in my blood thinner. He saw no sign of infection! I do have a small fracture in my femur that will heal with time. Not having infection is a huge relief.

 

[Elf1]

What a day is right! Do they have any idea why you passed out or was it maybe dehydration? Happy there is no sign of infection, I'm sure you let out a big sign of relief. Are they having you limit your weight bearing due to the fracture? Please take it easy tonight.