Hip Infection* Westy's Hip Recovery Thread

[WestyII]

Hi Mojo333 and Pumpkin, thank you both for responding. I found a long thread right here on the site that has a lot of good information on H.O. Earlier this morning I called a recently retired highly rated OS, who also happens to be an old friend. We grew up two houses from each other. He didn't do hips and practiced a bit too far from my house, otherwise I would have probably used his partner that specialized in hips.
He listened as I explained the whole thing and the timing of everything and concluded that this is most likely a direct result from the trauma involved from the surgery itself. Although not heard about much, he estimated that H.O. is more common than I imagined. He wouldn't put a percentage on it, but he was fairly certain about it being a direct result of the surgical procedure, which he described as "pretty barbaric" and very tough on the human body. He also wouldn't blame the OS, saying it can happen to anyone having a THR.
I put in a request through the electronic massaging system we use here for an RX pain killer. I haven't heard back. My OS is non stop busy, seeing a patient every 15 minutes like clockwork. If he doesn't respond by tomorrow, I will follow up with my GP about this and ask him for something to get me some relief. My GP, who I absolutely admire and respect a ton is the one who recommended my OS. Now I have to wait until November for the MRI of the hip. Once those results are in, hopefully we'll have a complete and clear diagnosis. Then I can discuss my options, assuming it is in fact H.O. with him.
The thread on the forum that I mentioned earlier made it pretty clear that if it is H.O. there's nothing much that can be done until I'm at least a year out from surgery.
I appreciate your responses, and am grateful to this forum. This place has a treasure trove full of information based on real life experience. That's pretty hard to beat.

BTW, Mojo333, I'm pretty mad at myself for not asking more questions during my pre surgical office visits. I put too much faith in the whole system thinking this was just a regular routine surgery.

Have a great week all,

Westy

 

[Pumpkin]

Glad to year you have someone to help you find the right OS to address your HO.
You might get a faster response if you call and leave a message with his nurse.

 

[Eman85]

Sorry to hear of your complications. Because my hips have been bad for so long and having consulted with surgeons that were very straight forward I knew this wasn't a sure thing. The ones I consulted with were not afraid to spell out worse case scenarios and weren't booking patients every 15 min. I had one OS many years ago that allowed me to drive home and back to get my x-rays and waited for me.
This is a great procedure and does offer relief of pain that otherwise we would continue to suffer from. That said it is barbaric and does have risks, it's just a matter of weighing them out and hoping for the best. I'd never heard of HO before even with th reading I'd done. It does seem odd that you would have these bone islands happen so quickly. You said that you need to wait for a date for an MRI to confirm diagnosis, I know it's hard but I think I'd wait for that info.

 

[VSlowLife]

@Westy Try not to be mad at yourself. We can’t possibly know about every complication, and I think it is difficult to list every complication. Just like when you look at the side effects of a new medication online, there are the most often reported side effects, the less reported side effects and the rare side effects.
Since we are all genetically different, we never know which if any complication may develop.
In my experience, it seems the surgeons will advise about the major risks of the surgery, when you meet them, because those are the most important risk factors we need to know.
I am so sorry to hear this has happened to you. I “googled” H.O. hip surgery, and there are a few easy to read research papers about it. It seems to be one of those things that you may get a little bit and never notice, or have enough that you do notice it and need help with. That is why your friend could not put a percentage on it, I think.
I thank you for joining us, so we can all learn, and support you.

 

[Mojo333]

BTW, Mojo333, I'm pretty mad at myself for not asking more questions during my pre surgical office visits. I put too much faith in the whole system thinking this was just a regular routine surgery.

I did the same.

 

[Jamie]

@Westy .... in case this isn't the thread you found here on BoneSmart, here's a link to one member's experiences with HO. It is more common than most people realize.

I'll be interested to hear what your surgeon proposes for you if this is what's going on. Be sure and ask any specific questions you may have. We're here to support you. Just tag me if you like and I'll get back to you faster. To tag, you type the "at" sign (@) followed by my username with no space.....like this @Jamie

 

[WestyII]

Hi Hipsters ,

It's me, and the news is BAD! After practically forcing my OS to take another X-Ray and MRI, he now thinks one of my tendons is detached. I'm sorry I can't be more specific. Once I heard the him say we need to go back in to fix some stuff up, I went numb and didn't really hear another word he said. I'm not the least bit scared of the surgery, or my fate while on the table, cuz I know I don't control that. What I'm terrified of is the stay in the hospital after the next procedure. Last time, the nurses came real close to killing me with the Pain Meds. I'm not being dramatic, that's what really happened.

The radiologist found so many possible things in the MRI that i can't possible list them all. LOL
The real bonus was they found a Hip Labral Tear in my right hip this time. Does it ever end, the bad news? My OS is going to use the same incision and claims the surgery should last 45 minutes. Last time he said 75 minutes and it ended up being 2 hours and 5 or 10 minutes. I feel like I've gotten the run around and I'm frustrated as heck. Surgery is happening sometime this month.

One funny thing, I asked him what would cause a tendon to become detached and he said, you must have taken a mis step or possibly twisted the left leg the wrong way. I'm thinking to myself, yeah Doc, no chance you screwed it up right? I can say with zero hesitation, having my left hip replaced via elective surgery is the single worst decision I've ever made in my life. I haven't really had a totally pain free day since 27 June. The pain level now is BAD. The weakness in the left side is alarming as well.

Who knows what this will actually end up being once Dr. hacksaw gets in there? I was going to go for a second opinion, and had it all lined up, but my insurance said, nope, we're not paying a dime for that. So, I'm stuck. My OS has a stellar rep in the area and all docs screw up here and there, so I'm not really too angry with him. I honestly don't think I am at fault, but who really knows? Maybe i overdid things too soon?

I'm also bummed thinking about another recovery period. Anyway, wishing you all Happy and healthy holidays. I'll check back in when I know more.

Westy

 

[Debru4]

Boy, it must feel like you can't catch a break. What a rough time you have had! I also have serious issues with opiates and after every surgery I have ever had, I have had serious reactions to them. I also am unable to take any NSAIDS, so my medication options are limited. It is an awful way to try to recover from surgery, when it's impossible to adequately manage the pain. In my case, after much trial and error, I have found that Tramadol is a narcotic I am able to take. It is in a different family from the other more commonly used ones. While not as strong as they are, it does take the edge off the pain for me when used in combination with acetaminophen and tons of icings. I remain hopeful that in the future better options for pain management will be found, but like you, I currently worry every time surgery is needed, knowing the meds are going to mess me up. So I do understand your apprehension.

I think you have had a run of really bad luck, and hope that once you are able to take care of this issue, you will be able to reset and start a more positive recovery path. Did your surgeon tell you you could not have a 2nd opinion, or did you call the insurance company yourself? I ask because a friend of mine ran into a situation where she was told by her doctor's office that her insurance would not allow a 2nd opinion. However, when she called directly and explained the issues she had had following her surgery, and the multiple issues she now was facing, the insurance willingly covered a 2nd opinion, as they too benefit if the problem is resolved, and doesn't end up needing further treatment. So if you are not totally confident in your current diagnosis/treatment plan, it might be a good idea to make some follow up calls/emails yourself, and to keep calling even if you already have--that's what I'd probably do. Good luck in sorting this all out. I don't envy you!

 

[Mojo333]

Hi @Westy
Was glad to see your name on the lineup but...Sure didn't like hearing how you have been struggling and then having to fight to get answers for your ongoing pain.
I'm sure you knew something was not right but I would imagine you are still trying to digest the outcome of your tests and subsequent solution.

What I'm terrified of is the stay in the hospital after the next procedure. Last time, the nurses came real close to killing me with the Pain Meds. I'm not being dramatic, that's what really happened.

You really need to stress these concerns at preop...they should have record of your bad reaction to Dilaudid but I would beat the drum loudly so there can be a plan.

The radiologist found so many possible things in the MRI that i can't possible list them all. LOL

That's really terrible...why so many problems? Because you've been walking around with a detached tendon?

The real bonus was they found a Hip Labral Tear in my right hip this time. Does it ever end, the bad news? My OS is going to use the same incision and claims the surgery should last 45 minutes

Can you clarify...you aren't referring to them going in at same incision on right hip...where they found the labral tear...you are referencing the left, correct?
I hope you can get another appointment with the OS which is what I would ask for. I would tell the office you were in somewhat of a state of shock at the news and want to be confident that this will be fixed.
I don't know how to go about appealing insurance denial for 2nd opinion but maybe some others on the forum do?

I hate that you have this to deal with over the holidays, but hope you know we are rooting for you.

 

[VSlowLife]

@Westy I am sorry to hear you so distressed. It is good you have some answers and a plan, to have a better recovery.
It is alarming when you find out your “good” hip has a problem, too. I know. It took me a while to accept it. My”good” hip has two labral tears, but there is already too much damage, so it can’t be fixed.
Wishing you a better outcome.

 

[CricketHip]

Good morning Westy. I am just now reading your thread and my goodness, you've had a bad time of things.
Please don't beat yourself up over the what if's. I don't think you could have continued with the arthritic hip as it was. they can be so painful without treatment.
I hate that you think you need to stay with your current surgeon though.
I liked Pumpkin's advice to you earlier and will leave it here for you again:

Westy,
Sorry to hear you are having problems with your hip and HO.
Suggest you need to seek out and OS that has extensive experience with HO for a consultation.
Most likely you will find a person with HO experience at a university medical center.
Heterotopic ossification prophylaxis – an updated review

If you are now happy with your OS then I apologize for bringing this up but I would think you would want a revisionist or someone highly familiar with HO, especially since I read through your thread and you didn't sound very confident in your OS.
I am so sorry you have this to go through again and then you have the other hip showing signs of trouble. But you will get through this, it is taking longer than you had anticipated but hopefully soon, you will be on the other side of things.

 

[WestyII]

Good Morning all,

I had my "fix it" surgery on the 19th. My OS did a "major" repair job on my Gluteus Medius, which had become almost totally unattached. He used 4 metal clamps and some stitches to make the repair. The surgery took 1 1/2 hours.

He opened me up using the entire prior incision, and told me if I'm not a maniac this time, this should be good to go in time. The anesthesia doc elected to go with no spinal and at my request used Propofol to put me under during the procedure. The worst part was and remains a sore throat, not a super big deal. The PA to the OS closed me up and shot me up with a ton a local so I had close to zero pain in the hospital for the one night I had to stay. I ended up taking a total of two Norco's all night long and nothing heavier during my stay in the hospital. This recovery experience was like night and day. So much better this time. YESSSSSSSS

I'm in a lot of pain right now, and ended up taking a total of 6 Norco since I was released from the hospital. I'm still feeling "out of it" so I don't want to type too much in my reply here.
Thank you all so much for the well wishes and comments. I was pretty bummed and anxious going into this one. Again, not scared of the surgery, it was the after surgery experience from the original June 27th
TLHR that had me all wound up.

I will follow up with another reply when I feel a lot less out of it. I'd like to wish you all a very joyous, safe, and healthy holiday. Thank you all so much for being a great community of support, I'm grateful for all of you.

Westy

 

[CricketHip]

Hi @Westy Glad you are through the surgery and the post surgical report is positive!
Not so good that you are battling the pain. I hope for you that this recovery is stellar in every way!

Please keep giving us updates, we do care. Oh and can you please leave us your surgery date? You can post it right here on your thread and one of the moderators will add it to your signature.

Congratulations on getting the Gluteal muscle repaired.

 

[WestyII]

Hi @Westy Glad you are through the surgery and the post surgical report is positive!
Not so good that you are battling the pain. I hope for you that this recovery is stellar in every way!

Please keep giving us updates, we do care. Oh and can you please leave us your surgery date? You can post it right here on your thread and one of the moderators will add it to your signature.

Congratulations on getting the Gluteal muscle repaired.

Hi CricketHip, I'm sorry, i thought I had entered my info already. I'll do it again. My original TLHR was performed on 6/27/2019 and my Gluteus Medius repair surgery was performed on 12/19/19. Both were done by the same OS in the same hospital. Both surgeries required a one night stay in the hospital. If you need any other information, I'm happy to share.

Thanks,

Westy

 

[Eman85]

I'm glad it's all working out and I hope you have an easy recovery.
Dumb question for you but does the guy that doesn't want you acting like a maniac want you doing PT again?

 

[ForumUser]

Hope this op solves it!

Your profile doesn‘t show your age ... some things are age appropriate.

1. Elevate and ice.
2. Skip the PT completely - stretch a bit and walk a lot.
3. I found 4 g a day of tylenol worked well for pain.

 

[Fit4Family]

Hello @Westy

I just read your whole thread. My heart goes out to you. I have had quite a few detours this year too, and it’s hard not to feel responsible for not being more cautious in my choice of surgeons.

I really hope this last repair has you on the road to recovery very soon. This is a great group here. Many people have had success after complications, so try to hang on to that hope. Looks like there are many of us lined up this Month for revisions, so we will have company in recovery. Best wishes to you. Sarah

 

[WestyII]

Good morning and Happy New Year to all of my Hipster online friends,

You've all been so helpful and nice to me throughout this terrible journey, I am grateful beyond words.
I wish i was coming here this morning to report good news on my "repair" surgery. Sadly, I'm not. :(
A few weeks after the Dec 19th repair surgery, I started showing signs of an infection in the incision. This happened over a weekend, so i was left with no other options than to deal with some P.A. who was on call for the call in service. He had me send him a picture of the suspected infection and through the magic of his training he said, no need to prescribe antibiotics, and i should see my OS on Monday. I knew better and fortunately had some fresh antibiotics on hand. I started taking them as soon as I hung up.
I went in to see the OS's P.A. pm Monday and he prescribed Cepelexin <sp?> just "to be safe" He said if anything, it's probably just a superficial infection if an infection at all. After 7 days on the Ceph, it had gotten worse, was more red and spreading. I'll be a gentleman and spare you the details of what was oozing from the incision. LOL It was GROSS, but, i do have to say, it didn't have that "foul" small to it, nor did I ever burn a high fever. The amount of discharge from the incision was enough so that i had to have my 9" bandage changed 3 times a day.
During my next visit, the P.A. cranked up the antibiotic to Bactrim from Ceph. Here I am today, Jan 13, and I woke up this morning with my bandage pretty well soaked with discharge. The incision itself is mostly closed now, and the redness has subsided by a ton. However, the fact that I had the repair surgery on 19 Dec and I'm still seeing a lot of discharge is, well, bothersome as heck. I did have a blood draw. My white count was within normal range, but my C-Reactive Protein was 2.61 mg/dl but should be under .30 mg/dl. My SED rate was 31 mm/hr while normal range is 0-12 mm/hr. That tells me something is way out of whack, as these numbers were both normal range pre repair surgery.
Long story short, I see the P.A. in a few days and at that point they'll decide if they need to open me up again and do the clean up wash of the infection.
Needless to say, I'm beyond frustrated and know fro certain this was the single worst decision I've ever made in my entire life. I'd rather still be in pre June 27 2019 pre original surgery pain, because at the very least, I had some quality of life. I hate to come here and sound whiny or whoa is me, that's not my intention at all. It's more of a place where I can come and tell a group of online folks who've all been through the same procedure about my experience.
My insurance company won't pay for a second opinion, but I'm dialing them up today and I'm going to insist on it now. Enough is enough.
What do you all make of my situation? Many of you have had complications. I appreciate any input. Finally, seriously, I'm not looking for anyone to feel bad for me, LOL, I'm a big boy and I knew going in this could be the outcome, but the OS has an infection rate of less than 1% and he does a ton of hips and knees. I guess I'm in the 1%, but the wrong 1%.
Again, Happy, Healthy, and Joyous New Year wishes to all of you.

Westy

PS, one of my son in law's has a buddy who had his hip replaced 6 years ago by my same OS and had the same outcome. Sheesh, what are the odds? Of course, i didn't find this out until just this past weekend.

TLHR 6-27-19
Gluteus Medius Tendon Repair Surgery 12-19-19

 

[Eman85]

I'm sorry to hear you're having such problems. Insurance is great but your health is more important. Just me but I have no problem paying cash to a DR. if that's what it takes for a second opinion. I don't know where you are but places like the Cleveland Clinic or the Mayo Clinic is where I'll be if I ever have healthcare complications and want the truth.

 

[WestyII]

I'm sorry to hear you're having such problems. Insurance is great but your health is more important. Just me but I have no problem paying cash to a DR. if that's what it takes for a second opinion. I don't know where you are but places like the Cleveland Clinic or the Mayo Clinic is where I'll be if I ever have healthcare complications and want the truth.

@Eman85 I completely agree with your thinking. We'll see what happens when i see my OS and his PA later this week.