Living without hip joint after replacement has been removed permanent!

I'm amazed by the vigilant, strong spirit and attitude demonstrated by all who posted. One day at a time is what it's about. Some wonder why God would do something like this, but that is not a helpful thought. It is what it is. When dealt blows, we must deal with it, do our best, and be thankful for what we do have. I met a young man (lawyer) recently. He was a gymnast in college, did a flip, injured spine, and has be quadriplegic since. He is now in his late 30s. He finished college, law school, and does his best to find legal work he can perform virtually with numerous technological aides and accessories that help him type. His mother is his primary caretaker. Why does something so tragic happen? This young man's spirit and positive outlook make me feel ashamed when I complain. Stories like these are all we have to encourage and help us gradually better deal with just damn bad luck. Wishing you all the best in your life!!

How’s he doing and how long has it been? I’m 68 but I am probably headed in that direction. Very bad infection from having my staples removed. Very aggressive and after months of IV anabiotic treatments, I got a clean test. However, as we all know, those hip infections can linger in little places in the body and come back. I feel some of the same sensations and pains. They’re telling me they could do a spacer, is there a reason they could not do a spacer on your husband? It was my understanding that that was the best way to deal with it. Perhaps I am mistaken.

Hello Kraman....I certainly didn't know this could happen so long after either until it did. It was a Strep bacteria and they feel it came from dental work, even though I took my premeds for dental work. The surgeon said it had been brewing in there for a long time with no real symptoms until I went septic. I was very active after my hip replacement. I walked 5 miles a day, hiked when I could and rode bike for fun. I now have a tricycle I ride outside and an upright exercise bike I ride inside daily. I pretty much did everything after original surgery, except ride horses. I rode my horse a couple times, just at a walk, but gave that up. She was getting old too, haha! It sounds like you are doing well and that is great. Keep up with walking, it's the best thing to keep your bones strong, prevent osteoporosis and prevent fractures. Wishing you continued good health......Cindy

Wow that is really scary as I was watching an on-line seminar this am and they were saying root canals harbor infections. You can’t feel the infection because the nerve is dead. They said they did research on 100 people who had their root canal tooth extracted and 100% of them were infected, with bacteria, even mold and fungus. Ugh I have had 2 if not 3. I’m super active too since my hip replacement in 2017. Started having pain in that upper leg area last Aug. Rested it for 3 months but pain still there. It’s just a mild pain but wasn’t there before I started playing pickleball. Have since stopped playing. Only walk and swim, climb stairs. But for the last dental work I had the doc said I didn’t need antibiotics any more. Scary. Getting an MRI this coming Weds. Wish me luck. Thanks you sooo much again for the info. I will definitely think of you next time I have dental work and ask for antibiotics.

Have you considered a second opinion? There are many different approaches to hip replacement surgery and perhaps someone with a different approach might have a way to do it. My surgeon has an engineering background and was the prime inventor of the Superpath system.

I'm glad you are getting MRI done. When I had my hip replacement in 2007 originally, my surgeon said I would take premeds for dental work for the rest of my life and I did do that. Even now, with no metal in me and no hip, my Infectious Disease Dr said I need to take premeds before Dental work for the rest of my life. I have chronic osteomyelitis (bone infection). Interesting info you had about the root canal seminar. I wonder why some surgeons say not to take the premeds. I'm actually on lifetime daily antibiotics and then have to take extra prior to dental work. If you are on Facebook, there is also a forum called " Hip Replacement Complication Forum" that offers info and support for patients. I joined shortly after my surgery 2.5 years ago when my daughter found the forum.....Good luck and wishing you wellness.

Thanks again for the info Cindy. Will check out that FB forum. I’m a retired nurse as well by the way! Was in the ER most of my career.

Kraman...you are welcome! I met another nurse on the FB Forum who helped me a lot right after my surgery and gave me support. She has been a Girdlestone patient for 9 years. Actually, there are several nurses I have chatted with that have been in the same or similar position. I worked in Family Practice mostly for my career. I'm in Michigan. Keep me posted how you're doing. .....Cindy