THR Post Op - Techniques for closing incision

@Skydove - I reread your posts from the beginning for context. I also googled “trochanter fracture and hip replacement” - and learned you are not the only one to experience this complication (which apparently can happen years after surgery, not just so soon as in your case!). So you are definitely not alone.

I ask myself what I would do in your situation, understanding the geographical challenges as well as other comments you have shared about your surgeon. Everyone is different and I know very little (apart from what you’ve reported) about health care where you are. So I don’t really know what I would do…just what I think I might want to do, especially while confined to bedrest for a few weeks: (1) learn as much as I could about this kind of fracture; (2) learn as much as possible about any other surgeons experienced with this complication (perhaps more experienced with it than your current OS; and (3) see if I might schedule a consultation with such a person remotely (by phone or e-Visit) to see what they suggest. What I hope you can find: a caring person who is not only an expert in this area but compassionate as well! Sending strength and caring thoughts. Keep us all posted!
 
Hello @Skydove
This is heartbreaking and certainly an unusual situation. You deserve help now. I’m so sorry you have to endure this.

When is your OS back from holiday? If I’m understanding right, he is expecting you to lay around for an additional three weeks after you’ve been on your back for 17 days already? If so, I’d do some research over the weekend, then get on the phone on Monday and find another OS. If your surgeon isn’t bothered by the time you’ve already spent, basically incapacitated, and can‘t see you until January 24th, he should be recommending another OS to help you in this situation.

Will your GP recommended a Orthopedic Surgeon? It’s unfortunate you live so far from a hospital and unnerving that it takes an ambulance 50 minutes to reach you in an emergency. Please try to find someone else willing to help so you don’t have to live in fear and uncertainty.

We’re here if you need support. Stop by anytime. Sending a hug and wishing you lots of comfort. :console2:
 
Hi @Skydove, I can’t even imagine, the torture you will go through, mentally and physically, if you have to wait another 24 days. It is unconscionable, that your surgeon is leaving you, in this state.

I am so sorry, you are having to go through this and agree with Layla and Seattle. You need and deserve help, now!
 
Can you get someone at the doctor's message service? I don't know the system in Australia, but in the U.S. there is often a way to leave a message with a doctor who is handling emergency calls for the doctor who is away. Doctors who go away used to (I think still do) have a contact for patient questions in their absence.

Patients often need little bits of advice and direction that doesn't rise to the level of ambulance-call emergencies. I haven't had to do this for a while, but it used to be that if you called a doctor's office at the end, you'll get a "press X" or "dial y" to reach a physician on call. That on-call doctor should be able to give you some directions. Waiting til January 25 sounds utterly ridiculous to me.

Or perhaps better yet, maybe you don't need to talk to a surgeon--a good surgical nurse or physician assistant will know what to tell you to do (or could make 2 quick calls to find out). I always got directions from my surgeon's nurse when I experienced unusual pain and so on. Is your surgeon's staff also away?

You need practical advice and you need it soon, because your mood is in danger at this point. No need to suffer by the injury itself.

I suggest you call the surgeon's office and tell the person answering the phone about your situation and tell that person you need some guidance ASAP. And after you get the information you need, hopefully you can also get these folks to advance your appointment with the surgeon. But don't want for meeting with surgeon to get tips on what to do now.

It's ridiculous that you're having to go through all these delays. You need info to get clear on the next steps. You worrying about being in bed for six months is not good for you or anyone else.

Excellent move, by the way, to go to your GP. Really excellent.
 
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Hi going4fun
I have rung OS office a few times but message says office is closed and to call back Jan 10 which I plan on doing.

thanks so much for your support, it certainly helps.
Cheers
Skydove
 
Hi Layla

the message on his machine just says”Office is closed till Jan 10th” that’s it. My apptmt with him is on 24th Jan. I’m going to ring his office on Jan 10 and see if I can get a telephone apptmt with him. Not too enthusiastic though.

thanks again Layla I appreciate your thoughts and caring,

cheers
Skydove.
 
Hi Seattle1522
Thanks for your reply and I think I will try what you’ve suggested. I’ve already done number 1) so will see what happens with the rest.

thanks fo your email and kind thoughts.
 
Ugh. This is disheartening to read, given what you’ve shared about your physical and emotional state. Unless you feel he is worth your time to wait as long as you have to, for who knows what type of solution, I wonder if it would be worth the effort to find someone who’s currently available and more accommodating of their patients. Its unbelievable that your OS doesn’t have a back up plan for his patients in situations such as yours. I’m so sorry. Stop by anytime you need some encouragement and we’ll do our best to cheer you up as you wait.
@Skydove
 
Sorry to hear about your situation and the lack of assistance. I have no idea how health care operates in Australia, it's difficult to figure it out here in the US. I am fortunate in that my OS has a great organized system that responds 24/7 including a patient portal that I can access. On the other hand my GP office has it's moments and the phone system is useless. I can get response from them with the patient portal better than the telephone.
I really feel for you and I would wear the telephone and computer links out until I got satisfaction.
 
Hi everyone,

I also have developed another problem which is my wrists. They are very swollen and extremely painful. I’m using my hands for the wheelchair, to push up out of it, push up in bed and off chairs and now wrists are almost as painful as my leg, they are like they’re sprained.

I also have RA, Cancer and Lymohoedema (from cancer treatment) as they removed all my lymph nodes in last cancer operation.

The RA has flared up as I imagine my body is in the process of healing and gone into inflammation as it should. So these other things make it worse. For example, I’m having difficulty in turning doorknobs and holding a coffee cup. The pain in wrists is way over 10 and keeps me awake at night. I’m taking pain meds leg and wrist.

I thought I’d ask if anyone else has RA and how they deal with when I cannot take the specific meds for it.

If only pain would stop in wrists I might be able to cope with the rest.

Any suggestions? :flabber:

Thanks ladies.
 
My wrists hurt badly and pushing to lift myself is painful. I wear a wrist brace on my left when I'm doing any heavy work and it helps. Might want to look into a velcro wrap or brace, the one I use came from Walmart, don't know if you have them there. I take NSAIDS when it flares up to calm it down, don't know if that would work for you. I keep them to a minimum as I also used them for years with my bad hips.
 
Hello @Skydove
Thanks for the update. It seems you are struggling with a lot at once. I can’t imagine with the situation you are in how frustrating it is for you . Can you ask for another doctor to help you thru you private insurance to help evaluate the current condition and future diagnosis/prognosis?
My second hip surgery I also suffered a greater trochanter fracture .
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers . Sending blessings your way to help give you all that you need to sustain you thru this journey.
 
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Skydove, I’m really sorry for all you’ve been through in relation to your health. At this point it seems one thing is contributing to, or exacerbating another. I’m sure the over-exertion due to your current situation not being addressed, along with the stress it’s causing you and I’m assuming poor sleep, it’s not surprising you’re developing additional issues. This is sad and until you push to get the help you need and deserve, I worry your situation may only get worse, rather than improve. If you’re not already practicing a diet for RA, that may be something for you to research and begin also, hopefully lessening the flare you’re experiencing. Wishing you comfort, relief and restorative rest.
@Skydove
 
Thanks again Layla for your support and advice, wich I will look into.

Cheers
Skydove
 
Hello @Skydove
Thanks for the update. It seems you are struggling with a lot at once. I can’t imagine with the situation you are in how frustrating it is for you . Can you ask for another doctor to help you thru you private insurance to help evaluate the current condition and future diagnosis/prognosis?
My second hip surgery I also suffered a greater trochanter fracture .
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers . Sending blessings your way to help give you all that you need to sustain you thru this journey.


Hi Hippie Life,

Thanks so much for this reply. Can you please tell me what happened with your fractured Greater Trochanter. Did you have surgery or any treatment? I would be very interested to know.

Thanks again.
Skydove
 
Hi @Skydove, I have had some issues with my hands this past year, too, and saw a certified hand therapist for awhile. It helped, though my focus has been so much on my THR these past few months, I’ve not been good at keeping up with the exercises. My problem focused on the thumb joint and so the treatment was for that. I had picked up several thumb braces from Walgreens, and those helped some. The therapist suggested a more expensive option, which worked better - details below - and she measured my hand to ensure I ordered the right size. But I think there are directions for measuring yourself online. It is called Metagrip Push Thumb Brace. (You should be able to find in a google search.) It is left or right hand specific, not both. She suggested wearing it at night when my hands needed a rest.

She also showed me a technique for pulling gently on the opposite thumb - crossing thumbs together to bring the two thumb webs together, then pulling gently to get the bones aligned. She also worked with me on making “C’s” with both hands, then lifting the index finger while maintaining the C shape, to strengthen key muscles around the thumb. Not sure this will be helpful in your situation but it has helped me!
 
Thanks for letting me know this, Seattle 1522. All good information. My pain which is off the chrarts is in both wrists. Not sure what to do but am seeing GP on 6th Jan, so she may throw some light on it.

thanks again
 
Hello @Skydove
Thanks for the update. It seems you are struggling with a lot at once. I can’t imagine with the situation you are in how frustrating it is for you . Can you ask for another doctor to help you thru you private insurance to help evaluate the current condition and future diagnosis/prognosis?
My second hip surgery I also suffered a greater trochanter fracture .
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers . Sending blessings your way to help give you all that you need to sustain you thru this journey.


Hi Hippie Life,

Thanks so much for this reply. Can you please tell me what happened with your fractured Greater Trochanter. Did you have surgery or any treatment? I would be very interested to know.

Thanks again.
Skydove

Hi Skydove,
In my case there were some component complications. Component loosened in the femoral area and surrounding soft tissue. Pressure from movement - then the fracture in the greater trochanter. A hip revision has taken care of the issue by a revision specialist. Mobility and quality of life has greatly improved. I have osteoarthritis. My first hip replacement is now 24 years old & still ticken .

Sometimes it’s important to be your own self health advocate and push for answers and better care. The UK has a joint registry that documents all joint implants. It may be worth while to check through some of the current records which have been cataloged and recorded with complications similar to yours, check with the same manufacturer of your components, hospital & surgeon. This could be very useful in your case for understanding what components were used along with follow up after surgery and with other similar case studies similar to your experience. Ask for a copy of your ‘Total OP Report‘ to obtain information needed,(not Op summary), and copies of the manufacturer tags from each of the components used. Learning the manufacturer and background of other surgeries from case studies can help give you a better understanding to find the answers to your questions.
 

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