THR I am the Storm

[danelady]

Oh happy day! I am so happy I found you all! Thank you for having me!

I'm going to start by saying 2 words....Protrusio Acetabuli. That's where my hip is at today. My story starts in January 2017 when I went to an ortho with hip pain. After some scurrying about I found myself rolling into the OR to get a brand new hip installed. It was my left hip, anterior approach THA and when I woke up I was disco dancing on my way to the bathroom! I easily walked out of the hospital the next morning (with a huge school girl crush on my surgeon, lol).

The next 4.75 years I kinda forgot about my new hip, it was wonderful....unless I was asked at a DOT physical since I was a long haul trucker.

February 2020 I had a spinal fusion (bouncing on the roads will do number on your bones! 3 months later I climbed into a new truck to work in and was greeted by a different world than the one I left not long ago.....truckers couldn't find food, couldn't find bathrooms and it was the busiest I'd ever seen....and THAT'S what a pandemic will do. End of June last year I'd had enough.....got a new passport, a new metal detector and RETIRED.

I wrote all this to let you know I was active, I had plans and I was fearless! Then, at the beginning of October I was limping, by the beginning of November it felt as though there were glass shards in my hip. I was house bound and learning everything I could by reading articles, watching webinars and lectures. I learned it was Dr Paproski who classified the different levels of damage in hips, but he also stood out in my mind for another reason. At the end of one of his lectures he looked at the audience and warns that should they be faced with such a damaged hip they should find someone else and pass it off to them, preferably to someone they dislike.

The first ortho I was refered said my hip is broken, he won't touch it and refered me to another 'specialist' who said...Wow, never seen anything like that before but I like a challenge. I went home feeling hopeful until he called and said he was passing me off again to another ortho....but he'd assist. Huh? Now, I've never had problems with anesthesia, actually I eagerly wait for those special words...count backwards from... That meant I was on the road to recovery. As they were ready to wheel me out of that preop room they suddenly asked which anesthesia do I prefer...General or Spinal? WHAT? You're asking me now? I've never had a spinal, the general was nice and mellow. I won't write about what went down in the minute before I was unconscience but I have never been treated so horribly! They probably thought eh, she's old...she'll never remember. the next day I was in horrible pain waiting for my ride.

January 20 was my follow up when I got the bad news that the implant moved. OK doc, why did it move? They moved because you have soft, brittle bones....and then these words left his mouth 'Didn't you take care of yourself in that truck? Um no, I was too busy making sure the store shelves were stocked. He never mentioned the word 'osteoporosis'. He barely spoke to me about what was next....something about a plate as he quickly exited the room. Oh, and keep using the walker he said. I've been on a walker or a cane that I woke up with my elbow frozen at an angle and very painful.

Then a couple of weeks later I discovered his notes on this really cool app...MyChart. I have no idea who he is talking about in his notes, but it was NOT me like he said it was. I don't know what is going on at all. He wrote on January 20 I would be back in 4 weeks but haven't a peep from him. His notes also said I have severe osteoporosis...remember that. He contacted a radiology place and ordered a CT scan. when I got the results the radiologist said I had osteolysis around the implant but my bone stock looked good. Honestly, if he lied in his notes about what was said between us, can I really trust him again with my hip? Still haven't talked to him. Personally, I think he's looking for the next surgeon to pass me off to. LOL.

 

[djklaugh]

@danelady Welcome to BoneSmart! My goodness, you have been through a lot in a relatively short period of time! If you would please give us the dates of your surgeries we will create a signature for you and that will help us address your concerns more specifically.

As to the current surgeons notes.... 1) print out from that "my chart" function all of this doctor's notes as well as the CT scan note and go through them line by line to identify what you feel does not apply to you. 2) call the surgeon's office to make that follow up appointment ( yes it probably should have been scheduled for you before you left the hospital or at least give you a # and specific instructions to call), 3) take the print outs with you to the appointment and insist the surgeon explain them. While it is very rare, it does occasionally happen that a doctor will chart on the wrong patient or mix up two patients - and there are ways he can remedy that if that is what happened. And yes there is a BIG difference between "severe osteoporosis" and "osteolysis around the implant".

As for the bit with the anesthesia - yup it sounds like they really did leave that important question to the last minute! But that is also my experience with having had 4 joint replacements.... anesthesiologist visit and question(s) were the last thing done before being wheeled into the operating room. Why I don't know but this does seem to be standard practice with many hospitals.

How is your hip feeling now?

 

[danelady]

HI! I am pulling my hair out learning how to navigate on here, lol. Wrote a long reply and now I can't find it....
Think I'll just post the scan taken 2 weeks ago and take a break. I have barely been able to move since November, I'm sure my muscles have a serious case of atrophy, chocolate cake and whipped cream with a cherry on top.
Thank you for introducing yourself. This is the first time since last fall I don't feel like I'm freefalling into an abyss. I still am, but I'm around people who 'get it' now.

 

[CricketHip]

@danelady Hello and I am so sorry about your situation!! How frustrating and painful.
Can you verify that this most recent surgery was on your left hip again, and both surgery dates would be so helpful too. I know you said January but we like having the full dates. It helps us to get a clear picture of your situation.

You definitely need to call your OS and get a follow up appointment. Hopefully you won't need to wait a long time to get in to see him. I like the suggestions @djklaugh gave you about printing out your My Chart notes. If possible I would advise having someone accompany you at that appointment. It definitely sounds a bit like there was and is some confusion in regards to your bone density.

As for navigating the website.. you will get the hang of it.. I've learned to type a bit, post it, then start another post. That way all that I was typing doesn't disappear. Most of us have had that frustration!

Wishing you are best and hope you stay with us and keep us updated with your situation.

 

[CricketHip]

Just in case some of the guidelines help you, I will leave them here for you:

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:

​

rest​

elevate​

ice​

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

3. Do what you want to do BUT
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

​

BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy​

5. At week 4 and after you should follow this

​

Activity progression for THRs​

6. Access to these pages on the website

​

Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications​

Wound Closure​

​

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 the at each member have only one recovery thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review history before providing advice.
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:

​

rest​

elevate​

ice​

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

3. Do what you want to do BUT
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

​

BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy​

5. At week 4 and after you should follow this

​

Activity progression for THRs​

6. Access to these pages on the website

​

Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications​

Wound Closure​

​

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 the at each member have only one recovery thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review history before providing advice.

 

[danelady]

@danelady Hello and I am so sorry about your situation!! How frustrating and painful.
Can you verify that this most recent surgery was on your left hip again, and both surgery dates would be so helpful too. I know you said January but we like having the full dates. It helps us to get a clear picture of your situation.

You definitely need to call your OS and get a follow up appointment. Hopefully you won't need to wait a long time to get in to see him. I like the suggestions @djklaugh gave you about printing out your My Chart notes. If possible I would advise having someone accompany you at that appointment. It definitely sounds a bit like there was and is some confusion in regards to your bone density.

As for navigating the website.. you will get the hang of it.. I've learned to type a bit, post it, then start another post. That way all that I was typing doesn't disappear. Most of us have had that frustration!

Wishing you are best and hope you stay with us and keep us updated with your situation.

ARGGGH!!!! I don't understand why I keep erasing my entire reply when I try to send it!!
Need to just step back slowly and take a few breaths. WAHHH!

 

[Layla]

Hi @danelady
See if this link on articles pertaining to navigating the forum is helpful to you. If not please let us know what you’re struggling with in particular and we’ll be more than happy to help you.
https://bonesmart.org/forum/view/how-to-use-this-forum.134/

 

[danelady]

Yes! Thank you to everyone who suggested reading the directions on how to navigate the forum, it really does work. My fingers are also re-learning how to use a 'real' keyboard after always using that phone, lol

 

[danelady]

@djklaugh @CricketHip The suggestions to print out the physician's notes and discuss them with him was the catalyst I needed to finally get my own personal printer. Never needed one while on the road and I was ALWAYS on the road. I decided I would go to town and shop for one when I once again had that face/palm moment...when I momentarily forgot I am now in a new normal. I can't stroll through a supermarket, go to a fair/zoo/museum but I am not ready to see the world from a little scooter. I have to buy groceries online and settle for whatever substitutions they have available. I'm not complaining at all, oh no. I live in a tiny town on a dead end street going nowhere but not only is it the most beautiful place on earth (to me) AMAZON delivers here everyday! So my new color printer will be here day after tomorrow, lol.
It's been a tad difficult deciphering the notes and diagnoses from my phone's screen, every time I go back I see something else I missed and what I think I am seeing is that my surgeon is no longer my surgeon. I called my insurance and asked if they received a request for authorization for another surgery, or anything to do with me. But they haven't had anything for me for 2 weeks. That was the CT scan that my Dr never discussed with me. I distinctly remember reading that the Dr had written down that I needed a custom tri-flange cup that he had already ordered.
Well, trying to stay awake and still keep from losing half my post, is a losing game, so....
One more question, is it normal for surgeons to write thank you letters to a PCP about how much they enjoyed working with one of their patients, just let me know if you need more help."

 

[danelady]

@danelady Hello and I am so sorry about your situation!! How frustrating and painful.
Can you verify that this most recent surgery was on your left hip again, and both surgery dates would be so helpful too. I know you said January but we like having the full dates. It helps us to get a clear picture of your situation.

You definitely need to call your OS and get a follow up appointment. Hopefully you won't need to wait a long time to get in to see him. I like the suggestions @djklaugh gave you about printing out your My Chart notes. If possible I would advise having someone accompany you at that appointment. It definitely sounds a bit like there was and is some confusion in regards to your bone density.

As for navigating the website.. you will get the hang of it.. I've learned to type a bit, post it, then start another post. That way all that I was typing doesn't disappear. Most of us have had that frustration!

Wishing you are best and hope you stay with us and keep us updated with your situation.

Hi CricketHip! You asked me to verify this is my left hip. Can I send you a larger picture that actually has my name on it? Here's one of his notes the last time I saw him on January 20. Pain improved? PAIN IMPROVED??? Is he insinuating that I uon the mend with part of my implant puhing through a bone and putting more pressure on one of the big nerves down there that sometimes a scream escapes me?
Even a broken clock is right twice a day, doesn't mean it's working right. So I'm just waiting till the whole thing finally breaks through and I drop like a stone.
I'm sorry. Rainy, cold and I'm feeling a little sorry for myself. For so many years I was a strong, independent woman. This was me 5 years ago when I woke up 6 hours after the THA. My recovery was a breeze, only needed NSAIDS for pain.
Oh well.....not able to send pic from phone. Drat.

 

[danelady]

So, when you finally made the decision to to have your hip replaced and you got serious about all the particulars of the operation, did any of you go to youtube to get info and stumble upon an actual operation, and then watch it?
I could watch an animated version, but if a real leg, a real scalpel popped up on the screen I quickly averted my eyes, lol!!
But it is now 5 years later and the implant is not working as it should so I spend hours upon hours looking for any and all videos and apparently my vomit sensor has become acclimated to the sight of blood.

So, anybody else pop up a big bowl of popcorn for an evening's entertainment of hip joints getting replaced? Lol!

Look, I am trying to deal with this conundrum the best way I know how.....by being ridiculous and funny (I hope, lol)

 

[Going4fun]

Sorry to hear you've had trouble with the surgery from five years ago. How is the revision going?

I looked at surgeon videos pre my surgery. I didn't know how I would respond. The videos and the cutting and the blood ... none of that bothered me in the slightest. It all seemed quite clinical, predictable and controlled. The surgeons and their staffs had isolated the field, had tubes for carrying off fluid and blood, had a predictable pattern of steps ...

The surgeons I was watching were narrating the exact details of what was going on in the patient's body. And my brain, I assume, approached this process from the framework of dang, they are performing this amazing potentially life-changing (for the better, often dramatically for the better) surgery.

Plus the hip surgeons seemed so relaxed. They just seemed relaxed in an intense concentration, perhaps flow state.

Now on the other hand, I might react differently seeing the intensity and sped-up decision making of say trauma surgery or other emergency surgery, situations where people are talking intensely to each other.

 

[danelady]

@Going4fun Yes! I find it all so interesting how we can install new parts in our bodies that will last longer than the original equipment. When I saw (and heard) the power tools used in a video I felt like I was in the repair shop watching techs disassembling and reassembling an otherwise strong piece of equipment. My THA was so smooth I swore if I ever won the lottery I would have ALL my joints replaced! Honestly, it's really because it's the only way I get breakfast in bed. As far as my revision goes....ehh, not so smooth.
Actually, I spend an awful lot of time watching vehicle repair vids now. You know how you're never allowed to enter the work area of a garage because of insurance? Well now I get up close and personal with mass airflow sensors and tie rod ends. Our muscles, tendons and joints are such amazing technical designs. I read that the first hip replacement was done in the 60s. Oh how people suffered back then, that's without even mentioning dentistry, lol.

 

[newguy]

I never even thought of watching any . I went to one of the best hip Surgeons in America. I trusted him . Period. I listened to what he wanted me to do post op and have followed his recommendations the past 14 weeks . So far so good here . Find the best to help you . PM me for info .

 

[danelady]

Well thanks for touching base, newguy! I had absolute confidence in the surgeon doing the original THA (I even had a school girl crush on him....he was handsome and I smelled like diesel fumes...but shh, don't tell anyone else. Lol. He was knowledgeable and it was easy for me to ask him questions and he answered easily as well. His crack team members were like a Nascar pit crew. I told them when I wake I want to see a cup of strong coffee in front of me. He released me for hiking in one week.
I guess I was always one of those people that liked to take things apart to see how they worked, but when I put them back together I always found a few extra pieces left over. I said I liked to do it...didn't say I was good, lol.
I enjoy watching people who can put things back together again even with their eyes closed if they had too.

 

[danelady]

I'm so sorry. I'm sure I'm just over thinking this....but...where do I start? How do I do it?

 

[Jamie]

The place to start for your recovery is to read the articles that were posted for you above. Then ask questions about specific things that concern you.

 

[TomT]

Dane lady are you posting on a computer or phone? If computer it might be easier to type it in MS word then copy and paste here so that you don't accidentally lose your message

 

[danelady]

@TomT Oh gosh Tom, that's a great idea. I think I figured out what I was doing wrong. For years in the truck I had a laptop and my phone but the laptop was too cumbersome in the truck so I used only the phone. Now that I'm home my fingers have to get used to using a 'real' keyboard and they sort of hit all kinds of buttons they shouldn't. I seem to be getting better....hopefully, lol.
Thanks so much for your help!

 

[danelady]

I will be seeing my surgeon this Tuesday and I'll be showing up carrying pen and paper with questions to ask and to write down his answers.

I respect medical professionals immensely and the monumental responsibilities that were placed on their shoulders when Covid hit is mind blowing. The surgeon who originally did my THA and the surgeon who did my spinal fusion AND their respective teams were out of this world! I never left an appointment without totally understanding what was going on. I guess for me, they set the bar so high anything less is a real let down and I need to proceed cautiously now. I been reading other posts from members who had somewhat similar situations.....'Pick Your Surgeon Carefully'....but that feeling of broken glass painfully digging into my hip made me just want to find anybody who could make it stop.....

So until Tuesday you know where I'll be......on YouTube watching more hip surgeries, more vehicle repairs and hanging out with you guys!