1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

Living without a hip

Posted by mary121658 @mary121658, Dec 5, 2018

Does anyone know how it is to be without a hip. I've had 4 surgeries in the past 6 months all due to infections in the artificial hip. The hip was removed and replaced with a spacer and that got infected within weeks. They removed the spacer and put antibiotic seeds in. I've been without a hip since June. I can't walk, have sex or even stand for a minute. I'm on antibiotics permanently which I believe after so much they no longer work. I don't even know how I got the first infection cuz I had the hip replacement for over a year when I woke up screaming one day. Any advice would be appreciated. Oh I don't have much luck with this kind of surgery cuz the other hip was done 3 years before the 2nd one and that leg is useless. The surgeon cut nerves and I woke up screaming and a neurologist did nerve conduction studies and found I had RSD. Very excruciating painful disease due to the mistakes made during surgery. I have drop foot and rotation up above the knee so I can't even count on that leg for help in walking. If anyone has experience with this I'd appreciate hearing from you

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Cindy | @cmarsh | Dec 2, 2023
In reply to @vmwjbc "My hip was removed October 2022 due to a severe bacterial infection. I had an antibiotic..." + (show)
@vmwjbc

My hip was removed October 2022 due to a severe bacterial infection.
I had an antibiotic spacer until this August when I got a new hip
So far no sign of infection
No pain
Have to do exercises and still be careful

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That's wonderful! Wishing you continued wellness with your new hip!

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1 reply
gently | @gently | Dec 3, 2023
In reply to @cmarsh "That's wonderful! Wishing you continued wellness with your new hip!" + (show)
@cmarsh

That's wonderful! Wishing you continued wellness with your new hip!

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Cindy, where were you treated. Who was your surgeon.
I wonder if they could help Mary.
Did you have an entire hip bone and joint replaced.
Thanks

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1 reply
Cindy | @cmarsh | Dec 3, 2023
In reply to @gently "Cindy, where were you treated. Who was your surgeon. I wonder if they could help Mary...." + (show)
@gently

Cindy, where were you treated. Who was your surgeon.
I wonder if they could help Mary.
Did you have an entire hip bone and joint replaced.
Thanks

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Hello....I live in Michigan, but my surgery was done in Feb 2022 on an emergency basis in Gainesville, FL at U of F Shands Hospital. I had to have Girdlestone Resection, due to sever infection and necrosis. They had to remove my previous metal implant, Vastus Lateralis, IT band, and part of my gluteus medius due to infection. I do not have any hip joint at all on that side (Girdlestone). Due to chronic osteomyelitis in femur and pelvis, surgeon advised it was too risky to ever try to put in another implant. I'm on lifelong antibiotics for my osteomyelitis also. I do get around with a walker and crutches and I have some quality of life as is. I'm 71 and my surgeon in Michigan also advised against trying for a hip. He said I could end up a lot worse and in chronic pain. Right now my pain is minimal and controlled with just Tylenol. My husband builds up sole of my left shoe with other soles to compensate for the 3" leg length difference. I read Mary's story above. It's so sad anyone has to go through all this. Praying for her to get some relief. I'm happy to chat with anyone who would like to through the private messages section. I've met 5 other people online that also have a Girdlestone.....Cindy

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stargirl13 | @stargirl13 | Dec 17, 2023
In reply to @mhard50 "I have had a hip replacement that didn,t work. My whole leg got infected, they had..." + (show)
@mhard50

I have had a hip replacement that didn,t work. My whole leg got infected, they had to remove the prosthetics put in my hip. I,m now going on 6 years with just scar tissue in that hip area. I walk with a walker, and I have a limp but have not had any other problems. Thank GOD

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Not meaning to be rude or mosey but I’m curious if you work a job? I too am newly living without a hip and wondering what I will be able to do for work.

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stwhittington | @stwhittington | Feb 5 8:48pm

Yes I'm living in agony with both of my hips. I can't have sur

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stwhittington | @stwhittington | Feb 5 8:52pm

I can't have any surgery because I'm on blood thinners. Both my hips are worn out along with my knees. I stay in agonizing pain!!! I can't have any pain meds because I have Chronic Kidney Disease stage 3. I wish you all the luck in the world. I hope some one is there helping you. .

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foxden6 | @foxden6 | Mar 12 1:26pm
In reply to @patenelson "Hi there! I've been without a hip since my last surgery in Aug of 22. This..." + (show)
@patenelson

Hi there!
I've been without a hip since my last surgery in Aug of 22. This was due to an infection that was attracted to foreign material. I was on crazy antibiotics for about a year and a half. I just had my blood work and I finally am not showing any infection. I vacuum, work in my kitchen without any support. I'm still not able to sleep through the night due to pain but days aren't too bad.
My question is has anyone had a new hip Put in after not having one for a little over a year?

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My husband had 6 operations in 2022 for infection of the prosthetic hip, the last operation was to remove all hardware (Girdlestone). The original THR was in 2008 with no complications at all. Then he woke up one morning to extreme pain which started the journey. He was on a variety of heavy duty antibiotics from Feb 2022 until March 2023. After several visits to Mayo-Rochester, he had an antibiotic spacer placed last Thursday. The surgery was long due to scar tissue but he is doing well. There were no signs of infection in the hip or the bloodwork. The surgeon was able to "clean" it up, install the spacer and regain the original leg length. He is on toe-touch only on that leg for six weeks. Then we will return for a post-surgical appointment with ortho and infectious disease; at that time they will determine when he can have the permanent hip placement. He had been without a hip from Sep. 1, 2022 until March 7, 2024. We live in Michigan and came to Mayo for second opinion.

Lori Fox

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2 replies
patenelson | @patenelson | Mar 13 7:01am
In reply to @foxden6 "My husband had 6 operations in 2022 for infection of the prosthetic hip, the last operation..." + (show)
@foxden6

My husband had 6 operations in 2022 for infection of the prosthetic hip, the last operation was to remove all hardware (Girdlestone). The original THR was in 2008 with no complications at all. Then he woke up one morning to extreme pain which started the journey. He was on a variety of heavy duty antibiotics from Feb 2022 until March 2023. After several visits to Mayo-Rochester, he had an antibiotic spacer placed last Thursday. The surgery was long due to scar tissue but he is doing well. There were no signs of infection in the hip or the bloodwork. The surgeon was able to "clean" it up, install the spacer and regain the original leg length. He is on toe-touch only on that leg for six weeks. Then we will return for a post-surgical appointment with ortho and infectious disease; at that time they will determine when he can have the permanent hip placement. He had been without a hip from Sep. 1, 2022 until March 7, 2024. We live in Michigan and came to Mayo for second opinion.

Lori Fox

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So happy for him! The spacer didn't work for me so they took that out as
well. But every case is different.
I'm trying one more time in May to put another one in. I'll go back on
antibiotics indefinitely but it's definitely worth it!
Best of luck with your journey.

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Cindy | @cmarsh | Mar 14 11:55am
In reply to @foxden6 "My husband had 6 operations in 2022 for infection of the prosthetic hip, the last operation..." + (show)
@foxden6

My husband had 6 operations in 2022 for infection of the prosthetic hip, the last operation was to remove all hardware (Girdlestone). The original THR was in 2008 with no complications at all. Then he woke up one morning to extreme pain which started the journey. He was on a variety of heavy duty antibiotics from Feb 2022 until March 2023. After several visits to Mayo-Rochester, he had an antibiotic spacer placed last Thursday. The surgery was long due to scar tissue but he is doing well. There were no signs of infection in the hip or the bloodwork. The surgeon was able to "clean" it up, install the spacer and regain the original leg length. He is on toe-touch only on that leg for six weeks. Then we will return for a post-surgical appointment with ortho and infectious disease; at that time they will determine when he can have the permanent hip placement. He had been without a hip from Sep. 1, 2022 until March 7, 2024. We live in Michigan and came to Mayo for second opinion.

Lori Fox

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I am so thrilled to see this Lori and look forward to hearing how he's doing. You both are in my thoughts and prayers. Maybe we'll actually meet sometime this summer in Michigan!!!! Cindy

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rickyp1 | @rickyp1 | Mar 19 4:09pm

Hi. I am living without a hip. I am 73 years old. I had chondrosarcoma cancer in my hip and pelvis. It was stage 2. Last Feb I had a 14 hour surgery to remove it. I now have an 8 inch cavity where my hip was. It was a very tough year with very bad pain and no walking for 3 months. I am now cancer free for 13 months. For the past 7 months I use a walker and wheel chair. I exercise my leg daily to regrow muscle tissue. My femur bone has now moved up 2-1/2 inches so I wear a custom shoe. I am moving on the walker better and better and have almost gotten off the wheelchair. There is still discomfort because the femur has moved up into muscle and nerves. The area feels packed but it is slowly getting better. I also have a lymphedema fluid problem so I get medical massage weekly to help move it. I am now practicing walking with 2 canes and can go about 60 feet. My goal is to walk with just a cane by this fall. It is a long journey but you have to determined. This is a 3 year recovery. I live my life, get out to diner, visit friends and family. I’m about 80% back so I am ahead of what the doctors told me. Be strong and determined and you’ll get there. God bless you.

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