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Can walking be accomplished without a hip or hip replacement?
I had to have 8 surgeries this year for a hip replacement which didn’t take due to bacteria. I ended up with MRSA so bad it took many additional surgeries to clean it out over and over, they finally made the decision to just remove the hip replacement and clean it all out again and not replace it. It bought me almost a whole year in a care center and much physical and mental anguish. They don’t want to put another replacement in and I personally don’t want one. I want to live without one , but I’m wondering how do I go about walking again with the assistance of maybe just a cane? I’m currently using a Walker around my house and a wheelchair when I go out shopping or to events, I can’t stand or walk for too long without dealing with major pain. I also have one leg longer than the other now so I am also wondering if a shoe lift could help out my situation in the future if I try and walk with just a cane.
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Hip replacement w/Girdleston is extremely rare. The danger is the return of infection/Sepsis.
Conroy.....I love reading this! So happy for you doing so well. I too, am walking without a hip joint, but mostly with crutches or a walker. I can do a short distance inside the home with a cane, but don't trust myself outside with one. I've been thinking about getting 2 walking/hiking sticks to try them and see how steady I feel with those??? Congratulations.....it's nice to hear someone doing so well. Wishing you continued wellness.....Cindy
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1 ReactionHello linamend.....there is no hip with the Girdlestone procedure. It is a salvage operation and they remove the joint and top of femur causing your leg to be 1.5 to even 3 inches shorter. Scar tissue takes up the space where your hip joint was. You can Google 'Girdlestone Resection" for more info. The procedure was named after Dr Girdlestone who first did the procedure. I had my Girdlestone procedure done 2 years ago. I hope this info helps you and wishing you wellness.... Cindy
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1 ReactionHi Linamend
Very rarely will they insert a replacement. Most of us here do not have replacements due to high risk infections and or other related issues. Girdlestone resections are performed as a last resort measure.
I myself had several bone infections of the right hip and then had Girdlestone resection performed due "severe reoccurring sepsis".