THR Juanita's Hip Recovery

[SaraK]

Juanita, I'm so glad you finally found and answer to your pain! This CT explains why the psoas release didn't do the trick. Now on to getting it fixed and getting back to life!

 

[Elf1]

Juanita so sorry you're still having issues but at least it looks like you have a definitive answer now. Hopefully you can now get a way ahead so that you can finally get on with your life. Gentle hugs coming your way.

 

[Fit4Family]

My heart goes out to you @Ryesgma I don’t have any experience with your complications, but can seriously relate to long suffering and very delayed diagnosis.

It may not seem like it now, but finally knowing what is wrong will enable you to find a skilled surgeon to fix it. They exist, you just have to look until you find someone you trust. I hope you find someone quickly. Best wishes Juanita. Hugs.

 

[Marvy]

Hi @Ryesgma !

Yes, @Mojo333 is correct in that I did have issues with a screw.

Your story sounds a bit like mine in the sense that we know that there's something wrong, but no one will believe us. After my THR, I had groin pain so bad that I couldn't hardly walk. The OS just kept telling me that my x-rays were "textbook perfect". I had blood work for infections, testing to see if I was allergic to any metals (even though my hardware isn't metal - or at least the "old" kind). I also had a hip aspiration and an injection into the hip joint for pain (which helped for maybe a couple weeks). I had found an article diagnosing my issue as the screw being the culprit. My OS dismissed this and basically told me to stop searching what's wrong with me...

I had a CT scan (remember this point....) Then my OS ordered an MRI of my back when the CT didn't show anything. Like so many others, I have the "typical L5-S1 issues", so he sent me to pain management. I had 2 injections into my lower back that did absolutely nothing.

It wasn't until I went to a revision specialist that when they saw the images from the CT scan, he was like "well no wonder you are in pain! The screw is protruding into your psoas!" However, the radiology report for the CT scan totally missed the protruding screw. The OS never looked at the images - he went strictly by the report!

I went to a second revision specialist at a different practice and he said the exact same thing! "You've got a screw in your psoas!" I then had an MRI to confirm this. This OS also sent me to radiology where I had a guided injection for pain at the location where the tip of the screw was. He said if that helped, then that definitely was my problem.

So I did have surgery to remove the screw. In addition, they have to replace the liner. (They did not do a psoas release) He also replaced the ball as well. I do not have any screws in my hip at this point. From what I've been told, you actually don't need them and some surgeons do hip replacements without using screws at all.

Due to bad luck, I had to have a 3rd surgery for bursitis, etc. So FINALLY(!) I am getting back to a new normal. I think I am in the same situation as @SaraK - I'm not as strong as I was prior to all this, I don't have the flexibility I had and still can't lift my leg up as high (so, as she stated, no rock climbing). But, it is definitely better than it was.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask and I'll try to answer them best I can.

In the meantime, I wish you all the best and that this can be resolved and you can move on with your life! You have been through so much and I admire your strength and determination!

Keep us posted!!! We are all here rooting for you!

 

[Ryesgma]

@Marvy I'm so glad to have found someone else who has had this issue , my biggest worry now is that the revision specialist I saw that ordered the CT scan won't do anything to fix it , I know it sounds crazy to think this way but with everything I've been through and the fact that not one of the surgeons I e seen has taken me seriously it's a real concern .
I'm not sure how much more being jerked around I can take , mentally this has taken a huge toll on me . I also don't understand how all these surgeons I've seen can look at my x-rays and say they look perfect when there's this screw protruding into my sciatic nerve? Is this just something that shows up on a CT scan and not a xray ? I just want this fixed , I've already had the partial psoas release and no success , is there anyway that they will tell me that it will just be left the way it is ????
I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm asking stupid questions but I've been let down by my surgeon many times and I really don't have too much faith left in any of them anymore .

 

[VSlowLife]

I've been let down by my surgeon many times and I really don't have too much faith left in any of them anymore .

Perfectly understandable with your experience. I am so sorry you had to go through this, and suffer, longer than needed.

I am glad you have found the reason for your pain.

I am no expert, but I do know certain technologies capture better images of some tissues than others, depending on the situation, in my experience.

Sometimes the staff members can make suggestions and recommendations of surgeons. So glad they knew of someone who had a similar problem and that person responded. This is an amazingly resourceful staff.

 

[Marvy]

Hi @Ryesgma !

I agree with @leejaa in that you should call the records department and get copies of all of your records! Sometimes, I do this for office visits as well (depending on what I'm there for). I have found discrepancies in these based on what a doctor told me vs. what they put in the notes. But how do you "fight" that and get it corrected? I would also get a copy of any imaging you have had as well. They can put them on a CD for you - some will charge around $5-10 for this, some will do it for free. (I have a stack of CDs accumulated over the years!)

Unfortunately, your x-rays can look perfect (as mine did). The angle of the x-rays never showed the "other side" of the bone where the screw was sticking out. But both the CT and MRI showed it quite clear!

When I told the original OS about the screw, he said "well, it's only sticking out 2 or 3 threads". Well to me and my body, it felt like 2 or 3 inches!

When do you go back to the revision OS who ordered the CT? Sad to say, there is always the possibility that they will say there's nothing to be done. But, we MUST think positive here in that he will say "we need to get that screw out!". I would definitely listen to what he has to say and if he doesn't answer your questions, be prepared with a list. If he doesn't suggest surgery to remove the screw, maybe ask if a pain injection where the tip of the screw is would help in the diagnosis (like what I had done)..

I know it is mentally, emotionally and physically draining. It seems as though it consumes your life to be on this quest to be pain free. And it doesn't help when doctors dismiss your concerns. Keep fighting! You will get this resolved!!

It sounds as though with your insurance you need a referral to see someone else? Depending on what the revision OS says, I would ask your insurance if there is any way to see someone out of network to review your case..???

Please let us know what the revision OS says!!!

 

[VSlowLife]

should call the records department and get copies of all of your records!

It is a good idea to have a copy of your records, but sometimes they charge you and it can take a while. I have found records can be sent to another doctor, usually for free, and quickly sometimes, by fax.

Also you can ask your doctor to print out your records. I have been fortunate to have them do this without a fee, from my GP, when she is sent a copy of my records at my request.

Depending on where you live, there is also a network where medical records are easily shared between hospitals. You just need to fill out a form to give permission. They can mail you the form, you fill it out, and mail it back.

Or they can fax or e-mail it to you, you fill it out, take a picture of the form, and e-mail it back, to get things expedited.

 

[Ryesgma]

Thank you all so much for all of your kind words and advice , this whole experience has been sooooo hard on me mentally that I no longer feel like the happy go lucky 49 yr old I should be . I'm just waiting to hear back from the orthopedic surgeon and see what he has to say , if need be I will have to request yet another referral to see another revision specialist if I'm not satisfied with this one's answer .
I'm seriously not trying to be difficult , I just want this fixed and my pain gone more now than ever , especially since my husband said that now that we have a reason for my pain that he can get his wife back , this just broke my heart . I just wish these drs would realize how much stuff like this impacts not only the patient but their significant others and the entire family.

 

[Ryesgma]

Got a call from the orthopedic surgeon's nurse who said she put the CT scan report on his desk and that he will be calling me tomorrow at 11am to go over the results , not sure how I feel about having a telephone appointment about this it kind of makes me feel like he's not going to do anything about it . I know I should try and be more positive but I'm finding it more and more difficult to do that , especially when I spend everyday crying in pain and utter frustrating over the lack of concern from any of my drs . But I will try my hardest to think the best , because at this point I have nothing else to lose , I've already lost my quality of life and interest in anything I used to enjoy

 

[Mojo333]

Perhaps he wants to expedite your consultation and if he is overbooked thinks that this is a chance to talk to you sooner than setting an office visit many days out.
Might be a good thing.

Keep the faith friend...we are rooting for you.

 

[CricketHip]

My thoughts are the same as Mojo’s.
I think he is trying to keep this thing moving..
Stay strong!!

 

[SaraK]

With my first hip, the psoas release and now the rotator cuff surgery, delivery of diagnosis and treatment plan was done by phone. As suggested, it can allow them to get the news to you more quickly but you can still ask the questions you need to. He's saving you time and money by not having you come in. It doesn't mean he's going to say nothing to be done.

 

[Layla]

Hugs to you, Juanita
The news you've received lately gives me hope that you're closer to resolving the problem. You have what seems to be a reliable diagnosis and now you're working toward the solution. I am encouraged and pray you feel the same, I believe relief and perfect healing are finally within reach.
Hang tight...
@Ryesgma

 

[Marvy]

@Ryesgma - I am so happy to hear that you have an appointment today! I would not be concerned with having a phone appointment. Since he has seen you and has the CT results, I think a phone appointment came much quicker than an in-person appointment.

We will be anxiously awaiting what he has to say!

I would though, be prepared with a list of any questions you may have so that you can get them all answered.

Sending positive healing thoughts your way!

 

[Layla]

I hope today is a good one and your phone appointment is informative. @Ryesgma

I'm thankful for the wonderful support you're receiving from, Marvy, who is able to relate to your situation. You've needed this and thankfully, Marvy, not only fits the bill, but offers useful, sound, supportive and encouraging advice.
What a guy!

 

[Ryesgma]

Today's the day!!!! I didn't sleep well last night , I guess being anxious and in pain kept me up . I'm sitting here now with my phone and my list of questions I can't wait for my phone call ..... Im so greatfull for this forum and all of you amazing people!!!!!!!!

 

[VSlowLife]

Good luck!!!

 

[Ryesgma]

Well I'm completely destroyed at this point!!!! The surgeon is sticking by his initial assessment and stating that he believes that my pain is from three hip surgeries in a year and a half and not the protruding screw , he doesn't think that it's any big deal and said he wouldn't do any surgery on me for a year . He had stated that he's seen this many times and it's no big deal , I'm beyond upset and don't understand how they can think it's ok for me to be in constant agonizing pain 24/7 !! I honestly don't know what to do at this point my life is destroyed!!!!!!!!

 

[SaraK]

What you can do is take all your records, including that scan down the road to another surgeon. There is no reason you should be in this much pain unless something beyond 3 surgeries, blah, blah, blah. You might consider asking the next whether continued trauma to the sciatic nerve or psoas (which is what Marvy's screw was sticking into) will be more difficult to resolve if you wait.