Well I have my appointment at RNOH Stanmore for Monday week ..... here we go again.
For those that don't know the story, I had a THR in Oct 2015 which was put in badly, had revision to correct it but that failed, and it finally exploded a week or so ago. So right now I have all the metal parts where they should be, but no ceramic in the joint to pivot my leg on - so it's all loose and flapping around inside my leg. All that's holding me together is the muscle I have built up in the last two-and-a-half years - thank goodness my physios and I did a good job.
I have just had a week of COMPLETE hospital bed rest, on my back in one position for the entire week, 24 hours per day , and not allowed to move my leg at all !
At home resting up now, and gathering my things ready for the next round in this saga.
Omg Rocketman. Can you come to the US? Perhaps get a referral from one of the best US doctors? I would avoid asking anyone on bonesmart. they are liable to sue its members for offering advice. I'd really like you to find great success with this new surgery brother. Can I assist in any way? Are you completely satisfied with your new surgeon?
Wishing that your surgeon has all the skill, and that you have all the 🍀 luck 🍀 !
It is so difficult to stay in one position for even a few hours, never mind a whole week, and I wonder how you managed it. How did they keep you from getting bedsores? When a person is bed bound, frequent repositioning is required to prevent them.
Great about a date set. I'm amazed how long it seems to take in the UK for all of this. I suppose it's all connected to the overall form of health care system.
You know the prep involved. Get ready, both physically and mentally for your THR to be done the right way.
Omg you poor thing fingers crossed you will all be sorted soon, I’ll make sure I do my exercises 3 times a day as to strengthen my muscles so my hip won’t dislocate for a 3rd time A week since my hip dislocated still aches like mad
Tell me about it! that has been a really long week, I had some really good jovial room-mates, plenty of reading matter, and my steel determination not to move as I know it would only make it worse.
Having previous THR history, I knew to rearrange the pillows into an inverted vee behind me to keep air circulation going as much as possible. It is good to have regular bed-baths - normally not the nicest thing to have - but for me they were essential to keep cool and get the circulation going in the back and rear-end.
I know the doctors were amazed by my almost total lack of pain, but really that was down to strong muscles, the sort we need following THR, so my previous recoveries helped in a strange way.
I will be back with new tips and ideas to add to my website - I will take good note of how long everything takes this time.
When you are admitted for an emergency THR after a fall, there is no time to prepare (like me this time last week), but those of us who had time to prepare, what would you consider essential items to take in. From this last week I found I needed these items ; Books, Kindle, Phone, Charger, Power Bank, cables, small change for newspapers etc. I also saw that it is very useful if you use any regular medication, to have at least one complete list of what, how much and when you take it.
I am already preparing everything for my next stay in hospital in 9 days time.
More tips; Having previous THR history, I knew to rearrange the pillows into an inverted vee behind me to keep air circulation going as much as possible. It is also good to have regular bed-baths - normally not the nicest thing to have - but for me they were great to keep cool and get the circulation going in the back and rear-end.
I created an updated list (including dosage) of what meds and supplements I take and when I take them. I included info (with dates) about medical conditions, tests, immunizations, and surgeries. My primary doctor is listed at the bottom of the page. I keep a copy of this on my mobile phone for easy access. It makes it easier to be able to look at it rather than trying to remember everything.
Once it's set up, easy to make simple changes and it's always ready for new doctors, etc.
I had to wait for ages and had to apply for funding. I had quite a nasty fall in the swimming pool but I fell on the good hip. Everyone said I should have fallen on the bad hip and had it done as an emergency!
I am recovering from my third! I too had a revision socket in December 2015 and it never bonded with my bone . I had mine redone by Alister Hart at London clinic. I wonder if he is sorting you out as I know he operates at Stanmore.
I am sure you are in excellent hands and you have been so unlucky . My hip now feels better and I am only 5 weeks post op. Life is certainly unfair sometimes.
Oh my goodness. Best of luck. I hope the first surgeon is held accountable in some way. To do things incorrectly twice is just wrong.
I take inspiration from your good physical strengthening etc. I'm doing the same. Onto my 2nd hip recovery now and have my long list of exercises and when to add difficulty.
Great ideas there. I had my old X-Ray on my mobile phone which was a great help in A&E. Also my SOS locket with the list of my hip parts was like a gold nugget to the diagnosing surgeon.
I really do recommend some sort of SOS device to everyone, with or without a THR, recording name, address, contact details for you and next of kin, blood type, religion, allergies, regular medication, and other relevant medical information.