THR Living without a hip

[medic4355]

@macca Wow what a life story. Let me start by saying I can't help you with any advice on that situation. I don't know where your beliefs lie and I am not trying to force mine on anyone but I will begin and continue to lift you up in prayer.

I personally had an accident on 2009 where I broke 24 bones in. My right hip was pretty bad injured in the accident but they tried to repair instead of replace due to all my other injuries. After 5 years and 15 surgeries I now walk with rods in both of my femurs and a newly replaced right hip. The way they tried to fix my right hip left it growing back crooked and it would constantly spontaneously dislocate. After years of this I decided for a hip replacement. I had that done on Dec 31 2013 and I am still dealing with some major pain. My Dr's have just told me that pain will be a part of my life from here on out. I still take pain meds but I keep mine to a minimum versus the pain I can handle because I too have a 11 year old daughter that I want to be there for.

As many have suggested allow this place to become the place where you go when you just need to vent. As a man I understand that we are so physically wired that when changes like this come they are often devastating. For a season I had to take anti depressants and to be honest after 5 years there are times I think about getting back on them but I choose not to. You are at a place where survival is more important than thriving. Use the people that are here because that's what we are here for and then pour the rest of yourself into your family.

If you have any questions about the pain meds just post it. I have been on almost any they have to offer. I am down to 2 Loratab7.5/350 three times a day now. They have offered me some heavy pain patches but I just won't take them.

I am truly sorry you are at this place in your life, but remember because of where you are your life will function a little different. Take satisfaction in your family and when they don't understand let us know. Good luck and please keep us posted in what you do. If you do go through with the no hip option it will give us all some insight that we don't have.

If there is ever anything I can do for you let me know. I lived and worked in Sydney for about 9 months for an oil company. I still think Australia was one of the most beautiful countries I have ever seen and I have lived in 18 different countries.

 

[macca]

@medic4355 Thanks for your post. you have been through the ringer mate. I remember being in hospital feeling so sick I was throwing up every hour or so. I refused all meds and took out the drip myself and after two days I felt so much better. They were not happy that I did this but I was and that was the main thing. I also remembered the food as soon as the trolley hit the hallway I could smell the food and would vomit instantly. I ate fruit mostly while I was in hospital.

 

[medic4355]

@macca And whoever said you get rest in a hospital should run for president with lying skills like that.

 

[Poppet]

Good luck with your appointment with the new surgeon Macca

 

[Josephine]

macca, I don't know how this was hurting from so early on but I've really studied these xrays and though you've only given them to me in junks, I am becoming more and more convinced that you have a loose stem. I think it possible that the cup is loose too. Whether this is in connection with any infection or not, I couldn't say. But it looks loose to me.

 

[fulafoto]

Hi again Macca - I haven't been here for a few days but so pleased your situation is progressing and there is at least a tunnel now mate! Please do keep us updated and let us know how you go with the appointment!

 

[Poppet]

Hi @macca - I have been thinking about you and wondering how you got on with the new surgeon? Would love to get an update from you

 

[macca]

Thanks for thinking of me @Poppet things are still the same living the best I can. I have seen a revision specialists and he was great, just wish I seen him before my first op. He has taken over from my previous doctor now so he is getting back to me after consulting my other Doctor. He believes he can help me so I have to wait until he calls me to come in again. I try and keep positive everyday and hope this nightmare will end one day. I will keep you and everyone posted on future updates. Thanks again for thinking of me.

 

[bottomshollow]

@macca, I have my

fingers, my

toes,

my

arms, my

legs, and my

eyes

crossed for you. And am also praying that this revisionist is the one for you.

Take care and keep us posted. We care.

 

[macca]

Thanks @bottomshollow

Just an update on my situation. Thanks @Poppet for finding me a new specialists. I have been recovering from key hole surgery to release a tendon and they also had taken samples to test for infection and other things. I went back and saw the doctor today and he tells me all went well, no infection or other problems were found. They had great success releasing the tendon but he also found a lot of scar tissue and he thinks this could be causing my pain.

He would like me to have more surgery in 2 months time but this time it will not be keyhole but full open surgery to remove all bad scar tissue. I was wondering how he is going to remove scar tissue from where it actually hurts above the Acetabular. We also discussed full removal of the implant and he tells me that he does not think the implant is causing my pain but can not confirm this.

I guess I have no option but to have this surgery done in 2 months time. He tells me that this may not work so do not to get my hopes up just yet. He did have a patient just like me once and this type of scar tissue removal had helped.

Anyways still a pain to get in and out of a car or going to bed but after a 18 months like this who`s complaining.

 

[Poppet]

Hi @macca - so pleased to get an update from you and that you were able to see the new OS. I am not surprised that he indicated 'not to get your hopes up' - they have to say that - don't be disheartened by it though

This seems to be an improvement to where you were sometime ago, considering a more radical approach. I am thrilled for you.. But still baby steps, please keep me updated, I love to hear from you - hang in the Aussie friend there is hope of a better future for you xx

 

[Josephine]

We also discussed full removal of the implant and he tells me that he does not think the implant is causing my pain but can not confirm this.

I disagree. If he does get in there to take a look, I'll bet my frilly nurse's cap that he finds one or both implants are loose!

All the best macca. Hope it goes well for you. Do please keep us posted. We worry when our members go AWOL at such a time!

 

[macca]

thanks @Josephine. I am unsure if it is loose as they have been in there twice now and said it was not loose. I am in trouble now as the pain has got worse over time. I am afraid I will be unable to walk with crutches because it is that bad. I am really worried because no one really knows why I am in so much pain. I can not sit on a toilet still and any movement creates major pain now.

Does anyone on here think it would be scar tissue up around the Acetabular that is causing this pain. IMO I do not think it is. I have been in so much pain since Aug 2013 with no improvement. It feels like where the Acetabular prothesis was put in is where 99% on the pain is and which stops me bending. I can not lift my leg to get into a car just have to keep it straight at all times. I still go to work everyday in pain and I do not take pain killers because it does not help at all. I am really running out of hope here and have to wait until 15/01/2015 to see my Doctor again who wants to go back in and remove scar tissue???

Would love some advice on what anyone thinks. I will be monitoring this post as it has been hard to get on a computer but I have a new cpu now so all good to chat.

 

[Josephine]

It feels like where the Acetabular prosthesis was put in is where 99% on the pain is and which stops me bending.

Yes, because it is loose! Your signs and symptoms are classic of it.

Does anyone on here think it would be scar tissue up around the Acetabular that is causing this pain.

in short - no! Can you not get yourself seen by another surgeon a long way from this one?

 

[macca]

Ok I will check with the Doctor again. I have been seen by 4 OP surgeons and they all say it is not loose. I do not know where that leaves me now. I will be seeing my OP this week as my foot this morning has changed colour and a bit of swelling now with more pain then usual. I tell you I am sick of this and the bills just keep on coming.

 

[Me2]

Wow, just reading through all you have been through. I cannot even begin to imagine. But, I can send you some positive energy and high hopes that you will find someone who can help you . . . my bet is on Josephine solution . . . keep on looking for a doctor that can help. Best wishes!

 

[Poppet]

Hi @macca - you are certainly caught between a rock and a hard place. I appreciate the difficulty and expense associated with trying to get another opinion in a different state, Australia is a large country and QLD is a large state in its own right. Would you be in a position to consult with a Sydney surgeon? Who was the last surgeon you consulted with in Brisbane?

Definitely get back to your GP regards your the issues with your foot changing color etc.. Sooner rather than later I would suggest.

I guess as a last stage you could rock up to ER and see how you go with an on call trauma OS - problem with this is I understand you have been consulting privately and going to the ER means the public health system which I understand is not the best in OZ.

I certainly feel for you...

 

[macca]

Hi @Poppet

The doctor I am seeing now is Dr Gamboa with Dr Morgan. They are both trying to help me but I have lost all confidence in all doctors specially after my first surgeon Dr Halliday said I am best off having the implant removed and live with no hip.

I can not see Dr Gamboa until 15th Jan now as they are all on holidays. I am at a loss in what to do. My only option is to go ahead with more surgery and take it from there. If that does not work then may have to go to Sydney to find better help. It is just crazy as I feel I am the only one researching for the cause. I really appreciate everyones help and advice.

I

 

[Poppet]

Hi @macca - oh good! Dr Gamboa is part of the practice that I recommended, he is with Dr Morgan. I am really keen to see what comes of that appointment as when I researched appropriate surgeons to review a difficult issue as you have noted, these two are the best... I am going to have faith that Dr Gamboa is the one! Hang in there

 

[Josephine]

My only option is to go ahead with more surgery and take it from there. If that does not work then may have to go to Sydney to find better help.

You know, I really wouldn't do it that way round. You need to get an opinion from Sydney before you have more surgery as it might be unsuccessful and there is a finite number of surgeries you can have before it becomes a case of diminishing returns. Get your ducks in a row first.