THR I'm a chicken and not proud

[scaredincayce]

My OCD and health anxiety are off the charts. I have surgery scheduled with Dr. Sliff Ulrich Midlands Orthopedics and Neurology in Columbia, SC. on December 14. My hip is now completely bone on bone. My brain is now telling me to run away from this surgery. Here is the mental conversation I'm having: "What if you get a deep prosthetic infection in the hip joint and you have to deal with a an antibiotic hip spacer for several months all alone. You will be homebound and not be able to cope." There is a part of me that wants to get this done and get my life back. I am so mentally ill. I'm in therapy but it's not helping my OCD. Has anyone here had an antibiotic spacer? Can you get out and drive and be somewhat mobile?

 

[Layla]

We've had members that had antibiotic spacers and went on with their lives, recovering from their infections.
We all take a risks everyday. If you drive, each time you get in your vehicle to go somewhere you're taking a risk. You could get in an accident with way worse consequences than dealing with an infection. I am assuming it doesn't stop you from driving. Infections are rare and if it happened, you'd deal with it just as you would any other catastrophe that happened in your life.

You mentioned you have family, wouldn't they come to help you short term if you were ill or hospitalized for any reason? If you're bone on bone, unfortunately it's not going to improve, but only get worse, as I'm sure you understand. The pain will likely increase, making it difficult to rest, sleep, sit, drive. Your range of motion will continue to decrease. You may develop additional bone spurs. Your gait will be off as you limp, shifting your body weight to favor that bad hip. This can affect your other hip, your knees, and your back, creating more problems. You're increasing your risk of falling also. l'd hate to see you cancel the surgery over only 1% to 2% chance of developing an infection. I wish you were able to change your focus to all the good surgery will bring over an occurrence that is uncommon to most. Hopefully between your therapist and your surgeon, you're able to manage your fears enough to move forward.
Wishing you peace of mind.
@scaredincayce

 

[scaredincayce]

Thanks, Layla. Unfortunately my brother has not been well so he can't come and stay with me. I think I may have to move back to Huntington, WV long enough to get my surgery done. I would like to go back to see Dr. Yerasimedes in Louisville, Ky. but I'm embarassed to see him since I cancelled the surgery a few months ago.

 

[Layla]

A move over a rare possibility of infection seems unnecessary.
I understand your concern of not having family close by if something were to happen after surgery. But I wonder if the fear of infection is making you look for reasons not to move forward. We can not plan our lives around every worst case scenario. Rather than canceling out of fear, consider talking to your OS about your concerns. Share your exact fears, asking what would happen if it occurred, and what resources would be available to you, if you needed help. There are skilled nursing and rehab centers that can provide nursing care in that situation you fear most, if you qualify, which would depend upon your medical needs and your insurance coverage.

 

[sistersinhim]

I recovered mostly alone, and did fine. It just takes planning ahead. Have you made any friends there yet? Are you a member of your favorite faith-based facility? You can do some voluntee work to meet people that could be available if needed. And of course, there are always some government agencies available for help or guidance.

I agree that you not think of the worse case, but the better case. Infections are extremely rare, so it's best not to even think about them, just enjoy your new hip. You will be so glad you had it done!

 

[EalingGran]

I know logic isn't that helpful when you are anxious but prosthetic joint infection is incredibly rare. Also the people who do get it after hip surgery are often the very elderly, with serious other health issues. Plus it is more common after emergency surgery following fractures rather than elective surgery. The surgeons also test you for skin infections like staph aureus beforehand.
Just try to hold onto these facts and go for it- given your pain is so bad.

 

[EalingGran]

would like to go back to see Dr. Yerasimedes in Louisville, Ky. but I'm embarassed to see him since I cancelled the surgery a few months ago.

Don't feel guilty. They must get this all the time and be used to anxious patients dropping out

Share your exact fears, asking what would happen if it occurred, and what resources would be available to you, if you needed help.

This could help. The surgeon could look at your health profile and reassure you that you are very low risk.