I had my original hip implant uncemented 2 and a half years ago.
All went well for the first 4 m and then I began to get pain at mid thigh which became so bad that I could not walk 100 yards without severe pain.
Consultants all denied an issue and after considering all their suggestions - lose weight (I did) use a crutch for a while (I did) I eventually decided that at 52 I had become disabled. I was not supposed to be disabled after an op that was supposed to be better, not worse, so I demanded a revision (yes demanded) I was given wide eyed looks and eventually they tested for infection and xays and Gamma rays. The Gamma showed a glow at the tip of the implant. They tried to tell me it was no biggy but I asked if it was likely I would improve, they had to say no. No reason in their eyes to have a revision, but I insisted on seeing another surgeon who agreed suffiicient pain == a revision, except he kept on finding reasons not to put me on the list. He wrote to my GP saying when I had a BMI under 38 he would do it (I WAS ALREADY under BMI 38) but when I pointed this out he ignored me. I returned to first consultant and confirmed I wanted him to do the revision, he wasnt keen saying so many risks. I said quality of life was very important. He said 50/50 for a cure and he suspected he would have to break my leg to remove current implant.
Even the day of surgery he asked if I was sure. I said yes.
Upon waking no weight on leg for 10 weeks,No driving. No upstairs so I had to sleep on a riser recliner and wash in the downstairs loo, get someone to wash my hair and use a commode at night.
I followed his directions and now am allowed to drive and am on crutches to walk and I am not quick BUT no thigh pain..... Arse pain yes but the really bad pain seems to be gone.
I am still disabled for now and it will take another 6-9 months to heal the femur and regain muscle waste BUT I think it will be fine. The spike is near my knee now and the gait of my walk I think put pressure on the old implant - the new one seems to be good. So the moral is do not accept second best, quality of life is EVERYTHING
so glad you got your revision in the end, but what a lot of argy bargy to get there, it never ceases to amaze me how the NHS try to save money at the cost of their patients health, so again well done, you were so right to bully them, hope you continue to recover, good luck,
No the implant was too short for the gait of my walk causing micro scoring or the bone, I think. Consultant said he is baffled. I believe that the mechanics are often not taken into account of fitting a replacement hip
Again, congratulations. I learned a long time ago you have to fight for what you believe is right for your body after all you know it best. What a journey your poor body has been on though - I am sending love and light for a good quality of life now - that's what it's all about, isn't it?
I agree, mechanics need to be considered more! My first hip snapped after 18mths and I am sure it's because it was not properly stress/load tested. Of course I was advised that I was just 'unlucky'
Well done for sticking to your guns. You maybe back to square one but if he had done the job right in the first place you would not have had to go through all this. May I suggest you ask to see your hospoital records and look back at your old surgery and see what they did to you. It may give you a clue as to why it went so wrong so quickly. I hope this time it lasts longer and you are pain free from now on.
Thank you everyone for your kind words and wishes. The objective of publicising it was to ensure those who do have a problem not to give up and accept being disabled rather than take the risk that a revision can give you back your mobility.
Although I will not be sure for some time due to the braking of the femur, I can say that I am on less pain relief than before the op, although still staggering about on crutches (sometimes 1 crutch) the leg does feel that the muscles are healing more quickly than before, which has pushed the depression of being held back from my usual whizzing here and there. (mind willing body not quite able). I have pushed my self not to be so gungho and allow myself time to heal rather than push push push that I would normally do.
I think that as soon as I was mobile at all I learnt my lesson - I have several of those litter pickers and attempted to use one to empty the washing machine and ended up giving myself tennis elbow for the Wimbledon period and beyond so the second injury shouted at me - just dont!
Thanks byteme for you encouraging story. I am a 46 y/o female who is 1 year post total hip replacement with SEVERE pain. Nothing is found on my bone scan, and it is impossible for a person to imagine such pain. I have an appointment is a few days, and with your encouragment, it looks like I will have to demand that I have a revision. I am nearly crippled at 46, I can't enjoy life with my granddaughter, and cannot enjoy a pain free outing with my husband. I am nearly confined to my home and bed. Again thank you. I will follow up soon.
Insist. You are too young to just accept the pain. There are risks, but lets face it at 46 you shouldnt be crippled and they will try and bully you.
Ask for second opinion and third if necessary.
Did you have a gamma scan? This showed a glow at the tip and they popooed it at first, but they person doing the scan showed me there was something going on.
just a qiuck follow up. I to my orthopedic doctor today, and he immediately told me that I need the revision. I was completely floored, because for so long I have been going back and forth to doctors about thr pain since my thr, and they found nothing. Thank God for second and third opinions, and a doctor who was willing to listen to my concers. Just waiting for the scheduler to call so that I can get on the calendar for next month. I will keep you guys posted on my progress. Thanks to everyone for your advise and encouragement.
Good for you! It is a long and bumpy road from here, but worth it for your age and as they say quality of life. Be prepared for longer in hospital this time (I was in 8 days) ask for morphine patches if you cant control the pain and ice packs in hospital - they have them and they help. Dont feel put off by my comments, the quality of life is the aim, and this is just the bump in that road.
Make sure you ask for laxitives too or 8 days and no do is uncomfortable (i know!) and take loads to read BUT make sure you rest as you will be very tired to start with and explain to everyone you wont be texting and FB ing all over the place unless you feel like it and lastly dont be afraid NOT to go home until you feel you can manage.
Normally I am an in and cant wait to get out, but initially felt so tired i wanted to be left alone to sleep, in between cracking jokes with the elderly ladies and letting them phone using my mobile to worried friends and hubbies. ONWARD!
Whilst it is now some 7months since my revision, all is not yet well, 2 inches longer on my left side means lopsidedness at the moment and the femur has not yet healed (takes up to 18 months) BUT now on 1 crutch unless walking dogs and sometimes i loap around the kitchen without until i am tired or sore. Still taking pain killers some days better than others but generally I am more active, having adopted a new rescue furbaby helps.
I hope in the next few months to discard the crutch and see about insoles/build up wedges for my right leg (until the arthur gets my right hip)
On the upside the increase in height lowers my BMI