I'm really glad for you both @foxden6 and @conroy . Nothing better than a happy ending!
As for my case, the infection in my hip was left to flourish for too long and it destroyed what is needed to support a new hip, so that's out for me. If I were to get a second opinion at the Mayo clinic, how do I do that?
Go to the Mayo Clinic website and "Request an appointment" or call the number to request an appointment. They will ask questions and tell you how to submit your medical records. If they can help you, they will make an appointment. We live in Michigan and most all of Bill's records were transferred electronically. It is worth a try. The worst Mayo can say is "no". We had already heard that and I am sure you have too.
I'm really glad for you both @foxden6 and @conroy . Nothing better than a happy ending!
As for my case, the infection in my hip was left to flourish for too long and it destroyed what is needed to support a new hip, so that's out for me. If I were to get a second opinion at the Mayo clinic, how do I do that?
I had an artificial hip for 12 years prior to my sepsis diagnosis which spread from my mouth to my hip. That is why the Girdlestone procedure was necessary I was told.
If you are confident that there is no other option, I would proceed with it. I've been told that MAYO has an excellent doctor who is an expert on Girdlestone. His name is Dr. Mark Morrey. I was operated on by Dr. Scot Brown at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. Best of luck to you! I am just happy that I suvived Sepsis!!
Lori, One of the best Girdlestone experts in the country is supposedly at the Mayo Clinic. His name is Dr. Mark Morrey. So I am hoping that Janeen hooks up with him if she hasn't already. I was operated on at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia since I was virtually "on my last legs". I was misdiagnosed at my local hospital and due to the time lapse I was in a desperate situation. I had a great surgeon but no time to explore other options.
Janeen
My husband had a Girdlestone in September of 2022 in Lansing, MI. It was the 6th surgery on that hip in 6 months. He never was able to get the pain under control. In December of 2022 we made our first visit to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Our first visit the orthopedist said he would do nothing but moniter for one year after the Girdlestone. My husband did PT to try and keep that leg strong while he gradually was weaned off antibiotics in March of 2023 (He had been on antibiotics either IV or oral since Feb 2022. Finally in Sept 2023 he was told that if he could make it one year off antibiotics, a new hip could be possible (Lansing doctors said too risky to ever have a new hip). After much consideration of the risks, he had an antibiotic spacer placed in March 2024. The infectious disease doctor signed off at the 6-week post-surgery checkup. Yesterday he had the spacer removed and a permanent hip. Infectious disease doctor was consulted before surgery and his recommendation is 2 weeks of oral antibiotics for this surgery.
I know some can never come off the antibiotics. Bill has felt so much better. After one year of fighting two different types of infections, he is greatly improved. His ID dr in Lansing wanted him forever on antibiotics but after nearly two years off of them. The drs here in Rochester are confident that this surgery will be a success. Do not hesitate to get a second opinion. Sometimes your hometown doctor does not have all the answers.
Lori....that is wonderful news about your husband. I have been wondering how he was doing. Prayers that he continues to do well and can get back to his gardening and outside this summer!!! Keep in touch......Cindy
I was born with a congenital hip dislocation and had 3 surgeries between the ages of 2 and 15. At the age of 26 (1985) I had a THR. There were 3 revisions, the last in 2006 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. In 2013 I was admitted with sepsis, a massive mrsa infection which later mutated into visa. March 2014 the prosthesis was removed and I spent 2 1/2 years in a wheelchair and on IV antibiotics most of that time. Last summer my case was taken over by another surgeon who deemed it unwise to try another revision and we agreed. A new infectious disease doctor changed antibiotis and I am now mrsa/visa free. I have no hip and no spacers, the femur is significantly shorter, leg length difference is 3 1/2 inches. The new surgeon has me walking with walker and crutches and a 3 inch lift on my shoe. 3 months physical therapy to strengthen muscles atrophied from so much time in the wheelchair. I am about to move to one crutch, and the goal is a cane. Xrays show excellent build up of scar tissue supporting the leg. My original question was wondering if there are others having the same experience.
Hello there my friend. I myself am currently going through the same exact dilemma as you have gone through with your hip! I successfully had my right hip replaced by Allen Associates and was up and going good in a few weeks. That was 2018 and it was three rotator cuff surgeries following the hip replacement in 2019. All three attempts were unsuccessful and as a result of carelessness and lack of concern to my complaints post surgery, my suprascapula nerve was severed during surgery and it went undiagnosed for so many months that when I finally found out through a nerve conduction study it was too late to repair the nerves and muscle atrophy is now permanent. So let’s talk about my left hip! After Covid holds on non emergent surgeries, I started seeking out a different surgeon to fix my left hip which was in very bad shape. I found a surgeon local to my location and he seemed to have all the right answers and wanted to jump right in and get started with the surgery, so I committed to his offer of services. Surgery for him was backed up and it was nearly three months before I would finally have surgery. During that wait, my hip became unbearable to even touch. It swoll up almost the diameter of a basketball and I could not even get out of bed to get to my surgeon to see what in the world was going on with it. My wife tried on several occasions going to his office with pictures and video of my hip and leg and she was told that I was going to have to “Tough” it out until surgery which was ,at this point; still three weeks away. I can not even explain the amount of severe pain my hip and leg went through during this swelling period! November 8, 2025, day of surgery had finally arrived. I had been stuck in the car for 5 days because I was scared to try and get out and make it up three sets of steps & back to bed and not being able to make it back to my car for surgery day! It took a team of people at the hospital to get me out the car and to the OR. My wife spoke to my surgeon and he told her to give him a couple to three hours and he would call her when surgery was complete. My wife left and 21 minutes later , on her way to get breakfast @ 620am; she was being called to come back to the hospital immediately! Upon arrival, she was told that my hip was completely infected with MRSA and two other infections and he had to put a drain in and immediately close me up to battle the infection that”HE WASNT AWARE OF AND SAID HE WAS NEVER INFORMED THAT MY HIP HAD GOTTEN SO BAD”! I spent the next 33 hours battling for my life with my hemoglobin down to 3 and 4 and a temperature of 103.5 to 104.3! Seven blood transfusions later I was back in surgery to clean out infection, put in an antibiotic spacer and close me up for 8 weeks of at home IV vancomycin 3 times a day via pic line! I walked for three days after completing antibiotics and was back in bed in a more painful condition w/o the swelling, just extreme pain, god awful spasms and overnight muscle atrophy it seemed. My leg from pelvic bone looking down towards my foot looked like a sucker, my femur bone being the sucker stick and my knee being the sucker ball! I was transported via EMS on the 11th of this month (April 11, 2025) and I am still at the hospital as I type this. This go around I have just three infections with MRSA being the heavy hitter, no hip joint or spacer anymore and my left leg is in an immobilization brace that has my knee hyperextended and so painful and am flip flopping between to potential antibiotics and just was informed three days after surgery that he had broken my femur during surgery and I have to have another surgery to install a plate and sleeve to strengthen by femur bone and my pelvic bone apparatchik needs reinforcement where the new prosthesis will eventually go. After surgery this coming Monday or Tuesday to install just the surgery damage fracture reinforcements then it’s back to IV at home antibiotics for 11 weeks this time then if all bloodwork and tests confirm infection is no longer present…….surgery 6 ……. Final prosthetic hip. I know I’ve gone off point with all the details of what I have gone through with this left hip and none of it have I ever questioned, blamed, look confused or didn’t know what was going on at all times but when that surgeon told me that I could walk without a hip joint and approximately 6 inches of femur missing, nothing has had my mind rapidly trying to visualize this in my head! I am a retired, 32 year career electrical engineer and have myself personal designed and manufactured some really neat and mind puzzling devices but I have tried to visualize in my head and even on paper the capability of walking without no hip joint and no connection to the femur. Please explain to me how this is possible because if it has validity to it I’m canceling all these repeat upcoming surgeries and getting my life back. Thanks
OMG I can't believe what have n are going n through. I give you immense credit for hanging in there n persevering through it all.
First, you need yo get an attorney. To me, it seems you have a malpractice on several levels.
Secondly, you will be able to walk with assistance of several aides - a shoe with a lift after your leg is measured for length deficit. You will probably eventually need to use a crutch or walker indefinitely. Thirdly, depending on which leg with deficit, you'll be able to drive but with hand controls.
Life will be different but you'll still have a life. All.if us on this blog, in one way shape or form, have life an manage to get through it daily.
You're a strong person to get this far. DON'T GIVE UP.
Oh most importantly, you need to have a sense of humor. Studies have shown people who can laugh have better outcomes. So you hang in there. We're all here rooting for you n can sympathize with you.
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I'm really glad for you both @foxden6 and @conroy . Nothing better than a happy ending!
As for my case, the infection in my hip was left to flourish for too long and it destroyed what is needed to support a new hip, so that's out for me. If I were to get a second opinion at the Mayo clinic, how do I do that?
Go to the Mayo Clinic website and "Request an appointment" or call the number to request an appointment. They will ask questions and tell you how to submit your medical records. If they can help you, they will make an appointment. We live in Michigan and most all of Bill's records were transferred electronically. It is worth a try. The worst Mayo can say is "no". We had already heard that and I am sure you have too.
Lori
I had an artificial hip for 12 years prior to my sepsis diagnosis which spread from my mouth to my hip. That is why the Girdlestone procedure was necessary I was told.
If you are confident that there is no other option, I would proceed with it. I've been told that MAYO has an excellent doctor who is an expert on Girdlestone. His name is Dr. Mark Morrey. I was operated on by Dr. Scot Brown at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. Best of luck to you! I am just happy that I suvived Sepsis!!
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1 ReactionLori, One of the best Girdlestone experts in the country is supposedly at the Mayo Clinic. His name is Dr. Mark Morrey. So I am hoping that Janeen hooks up with him if she hasn't already. I was operated on at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia since I was virtually "on my last legs". I was misdiagnosed at my local hospital and due to the time lapse I was in a desperate situation. I had a great surgeon but no time to explore other options.
Lori....that is wonderful news about your husband. I have been wondering how he was doing. Prayers that he continues to do well and can get back to his gardening and outside this summer!!! Keep in touch......Cindy
Hello there my friend. I myself am currently going through the same exact dilemma as you have gone through with your hip! I successfully had my right hip replaced by Allen Associates and was up and going good in a few weeks. That was 2018 and it was three rotator cuff surgeries following the hip replacement in 2019. All three attempts were unsuccessful and as a result of carelessness and lack of concern to my complaints post surgery, my suprascapula nerve was severed during surgery and it went undiagnosed for so many months that when I finally found out through a nerve conduction study it was too late to repair the nerves and muscle atrophy is now permanent. So let’s talk about my left hip! After Covid holds on non emergent surgeries, I started seeking out a different surgeon to fix my left hip which was in very bad shape. I found a surgeon local to my location and he seemed to have all the right answers and wanted to jump right in and get started with the surgery, so I committed to his offer of services. Surgery for him was backed up and it was nearly three months before I would finally have surgery. During that wait, my hip became unbearable to even touch. It swoll up almost the diameter of a basketball and I could not even get out of bed to get to my surgeon to see what in the world was going on with it. My wife tried on several occasions going to his office with pictures and video of my hip and leg and she was told that I was going to have to “Tough” it out until surgery which was ,at this point; still three weeks away. I can not even explain the amount of severe pain my hip and leg went through during this swelling period! November 8, 2025, day of surgery had finally arrived. I had been stuck in the car for 5 days because I was scared to try and get out and make it up three sets of steps & back to bed and not being able to make it back to my car for surgery day! It took a team of people at the hospital to get me out the car and to the OR. My wife spoke to my surgeon and he told her to give him a couple to three hours and he would call her when surgery was complete. My wife left and 21 minutes later , on her way to get breakfast @ 620am; she was being called to come back to the hospital immediately! Upon arrival, she was told that my hip was completely infected with MRSA and two other infections and he had to put a drain in and immediately close me up to battle the infection that”HE WASNT AWARE OF AND SAID HE WAS NEVER INFORMED THAT MY HIP HAD GOTTEN SO BAD”! I spent the next 33 hours battling for my life with my hemoglobin down to 3 and 4 and a temperature of 103.5 to 104.3! Seven blood transfusions later I was back in surgery to clean out infection, put in an antibiotic spacer and close me up for 8 weeks of at home IV vancomycin 3 times a day via pic line! I walked for three days after completing antibiotics and was back in bed in a more painful condition w/o the swelling, just extreme pain, god awful spasms and overnight muscle atrophy it seemed. My leg from pelvic bone looking down towards my foot looked like a sucker, my femur bone being the sucker stick and my knee being the sucker ball! I was transported via EMS on the 11th of this month (April 11, 2025) and I am still at the hospital as I type this. This go around I have just three infections with MRSA being the heavy hitter, no hip joint or spacer anymore and my left leg is in an immobilization brace that has my knee hyperextended and so painful and am flip flopping between to potential antibiotics and just was informed three days after surgery that he had broken my femur during surgery and I have to have another surgery to install a plate and sleeve to strengthen by femur bone and my pelvic bone apparatchik needs reinforcement where the new prosthesis will eventually go. After surgery this coming Monday or Tuesday to install just the surgery damage fracture reinforcements then it’s back to IV at home antibiotics for 11 weeks this time then if all bloodwork and tests confirm infection is no longer present…….surgery 6 ……. Final prosthetic hip. I know I’ve gone off point with all the details of what I have gone through with this left hip and none of it have I ever questioned, blamed, look confused or didn’t know what was going on at all times but when that surgeon told me that I could walk without a hip joint and approximately 6 inches of femur missing, nothing has had my mind rapidly trying to visualize this in my head! I am a retired, 32 year career electrical engineer and have myself personal designed and manufactured some really neat and mind puzzling devices but I have tried to visualize in my head and even on paper the capability of walking without no hip joint and no connection to the femur. Please explain to me how this is possible because if it has validity to it I’m canceling all these repeat upcoming surgeries and getting my life back. Thanks
OMG I can't believe what have n are going n through. I give you immense credit for hanging in there n persevering through it all.
First, you need yo get an attorney. To me, it seems you have a malpractice on several levels.
Secondly, you will be able to walk with assistance of several aides - a shoe with a lift after your leg is measured for length deficit. You will probably eventually need to use a crutch or walker indefinitely. Thirdly, depending on which leg with deficit, you'll be able to drive but with hand controls.
Life will be different but you'll still have a life. All.if us on this blog, in one way shape or form, have life an manage to get through it daily.
You're a strong person to get this far. DON'T GIVE UP.
Oh most importantly, you need to have a sense of humor. Studies have shown people who can laugh have better outcomes. So you hang in there. We're all here rooting for you n can sympathize with you.