Girdlestone Procedure

Hello @conroy, I moved you discussion to the Bones, Joints & Muscles support group where other members have talked about having the girdlestone procedure done. I'd like to invite @cmarsh, @koala78, @femz76, @foxden6, @tammy4444, and @nicoleb21809 to this discussion dedicated to the procedure as they have gone through it or had a loved one who had the procedure done and they may be able to share some of their experiences. Many of them talked about their story in the "Walking Without a Hip Joint" discussion, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/walking-without-a-hip-joint/.

@conroy, are you able to walk at all, or are you pretty bound to wheelchair? You mentioned you used a walker, but does that cause too much pain for sustained mobility? Have any next steps been discussed?

Hi Justin, Thanks for moving me to the right category! It is easier for me to navigate my apartment in a wheelchair. However, I can walk using the walker over 300' with no pain. I have a custom shoe for my shortened leg - 2.5". Last week I walked about 40' with a cane and the help of my PT. He is familiar with Girdlestone; most PTs aren't. I am housebound for the most part but have minimal pain, Thanks for contacting me. Joan

Wow Joan! It sounds like you are doing well in terms of mobility, ask things considered. How in the world did you find the unicorn PT who is familiar with the Girdlestone procedure? Congrats on that. I had mine 6 months ago. No hope of getting another hip. My leg is still very unstable, "knocking around" in there all the time, as if it's dislocating but if course there is no joint to dislocate. Did you go through that phase, too?

Hello Joan....sounds like you are doing quite well after Girdlestone Procedure. I had my left hip removed almost 2 years ago after sepsis and they felt it also originated in my mouth from dental work as infection was 'strep'. I am doing quite well and riding upright exercise bike for 10 miles daily. I am 71 and live in Michigan, USA. I also have a tricycle to ride outside in the summer. I had a minor setback for a few months when I tore my meniscus on my other knee, but I have gotten better from that with no surgery. I have a lot of arthritis in my good knee and hip, so I am trying to keep as strong as possible by doing lots of exercises daily. Since I don't work, I have the time to dedicate to this. I can walk with a cane or one crutch, but I don't feel confident to go far as I feel I may tumble forward and fall. I did fall while using my rollator walker a month ago and ended up with a huge bruise on my arm and hurt my pride. The fall came out of nowhere....just happened while in the house. My husband has built up my shoes for me by gluing soles of one shoe on top of the other and works pretty well for me. I can still drive a car and we have a fishing pontoon that we go out on. I tried our bass boat, but it was pretty awkward getting up and down and I think that's how I tore my meniscus this summer. I also have very little pain, but I do take Mobic (NSAID) daily for my arthritis all over and sometimes OTC Tylenol. I was able to go swimming and walking in my nephews pool this past summer and it felt great. I'm hoping to do a lot more of that this next year. I have connected with several other people that have had a Girdlestone also on this website and also on a Facebook forum called "Hip Replacement Complication Forum". It's a good site to give and receive support. Wishing you all the best and keep up the good work. ......Cindy

Hi Janeen, I just lucked out getting my PT (Sent from the agency I had in Rehab). I'm not sure that Girdlestone procedure was absolutely necessary but I was so sick that I didn't know what else to do.
I favor the wheelchair to get around my apartment but my goal is to be sturdy enough to solely use the cane. I had my operation (actually 3!) this past March. Then went to rehab and one month in assisted living. I came home in June and started working with Dan, my PT and an occupational therapist, Lauren, who I didn't need for very long. My biggest hurdle was getting into my bathtub to shower. I conquered that with an aide's assistance. I now can do it solo by dragging my right leg into the tub.
I do a lot of walking using the walker and am up to 400 feet.
I believe upper body strength and good posture exercises
are crucial to improving so we focus on those quite a bit.
Do you have leg length discrepancy requiring a custom shoe? Stay in touch.

Hi Cindy, I envy you being able to go swimming! And the bike riding is something that I will definitely look into.
I tried a rollator but found it more unsafe than a traditional walker.
Did you have to have any equipment installed in your car to be able to drive?
Stay in touch.

Hi. I too had my left hip removed and also a drop foot besides. Like you and others I have a lift on my shoe and I am going to PT to help me with the pain in the groin. I had surgery in March and I do walk with a walker and a wheelchair. Thank God my husband is an Angel. I was very upset over this because I was going in for a left hip replacement and developed an infection and had to take the hip out. I was devastated and in shock. I am trying my best. We bought a NU step machine and helping me to move my legs. I am praying that I can get a new hip but I have to lose a lot of weight first. I wish you all the best🙏

Hello Joan...I think it was close to a year before I graduated from 2 wheel walker to the Rollator walker. It was too fast for me in the beginning and it would get away from me. As I got stronger, I just kept trying it every now and then and finally it worked for me. Do you live someplace where you can try out a pool? Maybe try to get some Physical Therapy that has a pool or if you have a spouse, kids who can help you, go to an open pool or a hotel with one and try it out. Have you done steps yet? I can go down a few steps with just one handrail, but if I'm going down my basement steps, I need to use handrail and one crutch. I thought in the beginning a recumbent bike would probably be better for me, but as it turned out it wasn't, so I got an upright one like I rode in Physical Therapy. I bought a used one off Facebook Marketplace for $50. I buy everything used if I can! I have no special equipment in my vehicle to drive. It's a Ford Explorer so it's a nice height to get in and out of for me. My left hip is gone and since I drive with my right foot, I've got no problem with it. I think if it were my right hip gone, I would have no problem using foot for the gas pedal, but would probably have to brake with my left foot....so otherwise, drive with both feet as some people do this anyway. When we go camping, we drive separately as my husband tows the 5th wheel and I tow the pontoon. Walking, biking and hiking were my favorite things to do. Since I knew I would never be a real walker/hiker again, I really wanted to ride a bike. I feel so free when on the tricycle and when we stop to take a break, I can just sit there on my bike, haha. I have a big basket in the back and I carry my foldable crutches in there in case I want to get off bike. I was thinking of going with the electric tricycle, but went with a 7 speed instead and very happy with it. Tell me more about yourself. If you want to send me a private message, feel free to do that also. I'll keep you in my prayers as I do with several other 'girdlestone' people I've met.....Cindy

I had the girdlestone procedure done just 2 months ago. I am not using a walker yet but am at least starting to stand with one now. I need to build a lot of muscle in there hoping my leg will get stronger and my foot will get a little more pointing in the right direction. Sepsis caused my problem too which is why I did not want to get a hip replacement unless I have to. How are you doing as of today? Lauri

Cindy I love your story!! What an inspiration!! I just had my 67th birthday. My husband and myself are fortunate enough to belong to a gym where we like to use the warm water therapy pool. Haven't been been back yet since it's only been 2 months since my surgery but I need to go soon? Does your foot turn sharply to the side of your procedure or did that get better?? I will be praying for you as you are praying for others. Lauri