Walking without a hip joint

Posted by dzoneill @dzoneill, Mar 10, 2017

Is anyone currently walking without a hip joint?

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@hip2012

I am currently without my right hip because of infections in my hip replacements. I had both hips replaced my left in 2012 and my right in 2015 I unfortunately got infections after both hip replacements and have been in server pain since .My new consultant told me I needed a revision of both hips,so in early June I had the first stage revision of my hip done,one week later they felt it safe to put my hip back in when they did I got another infection in my hip. I had two washouts in a week followed by a 3 week course of iv antibiotics,two days after stopping the antibiotics my hip flared up again so my consultant took me back to surgery an removed all of the hip implants ,then started another 6 weeks of iv antibiotics.I have now been home for the past 10 days without a hip joint the day time is pritty much pain free but in bed at night is quite painfull,I have an appointment in mid October to see if my infection has cleared up and if it has they will make an other appointment for me to have my new hip joint put back in this will be the 3rd replacement on my right side.my hopes are that it will not get infected again and my recoveary will go well,when it is strong enough my left hip has to be revised.I am 44 years of age with 3 small kids and my hips problems have taken over my life in the past few years I have not worked in 5 years or even driven a car in the past 7 years,my original problem was I had AVN of both hips but my constant recurring infections have realy complated things.Any advice or peoplewith similar hip problems their advice would be appropriated.

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Good to know u r well 

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@hip2012

I am currently without my right hip because of infections in my hip replacements. I had both hips replaced my left in 2012 and my right in 2015 I unfortunately got infections after both hip replacements and have been in server pain since .My new consultant told me I needed a revision of both hips,so in early June I had the first stage revision of my hip done,one week later they felt it safe to put my hip back in when they did I got another infection in my hip. I had two washouts in a week followed by a 3 week course of iv antibiotics,two days after stopping the antibiotics my hip flared up again so my consultant took me back to surgery an removed all of the hip implants ,then started another 6 weeks of iv antibiotics.I have now been home for the past 10 days without a hip joint the day time is pritty much pain free but in bed at night is quite painfull,I have an appointment in mid October to see if my infection has cleared up and if it has they will make an other appointment for me to have my new hip joint put back in this will be the 3rd replacement on my right side.my hopes are that it will not get infected again and my recoveary will go well,when it is strong enough my left hip has to be revised.I am 44 years of age with 3 small kids and my hips problems have taken over my life in the past few years I have not worked in 5 years or even driven a car in the past 7 years,my original problem was I had AVN of both hips but my constant recurring infections have realy complated things.Any advice or peoplewith similar hip problems their advice would be appropriated.

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@bjg883 well I know how you feel but unfortunately the doctors do what is best for your health vs. what would make our lives easier. I went 4+ years without a hip because I had 4 THRs fail due to infection and they told me the best thing to do was to leave it out as long as possible. The longer you can go without infection the better your chances will be for a successful reimplantation. Now nothing is guaranteed obviously... even after leaving mine our for four year #5 still got infected and they had to remove it and said that I was no longer a candidate for THR because my body would basically reject it. Obviously my case is rare but it does happen and i'm only 35. Have you applied for disability?? Some state programs pay for someone to come into your home and help you so your spouse could work. I was lucky enough to still be able to walk without a hip (at 1 yr. post op) plus I was already on disability (because it has been going on for 12 years)

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@hip2012

I am currently without my right hip because of infections in my hip replacements. I had both hips replaced my left in 2012 and my right in 2015 I unfortunately got infections after both hip replacements and have been in server pain since .My new consultant told me I needed a revision of both hips,so in early June I had the first stage revision of my hip done,one week later they felt it safe to put my hip back in when they did I got another infection in my hip. I had two washouts in a week followed by a 3 week course of iv antibiotics,two days after stopping the antibiotics my hip flared up again so my consultant took me back to surgery an removed all of the hip implants ,then started another 6 weeks of iv antibiotics.I have now been home for the past 10 days without a hip joint the day time is pritty much pain free but in bed at night is quite painfull,I have an appointment in mid October to see if my infection has cleared up and if it has they will make an other appointment for me to have my new hip joint put back in this will be the 3rd replacement on my right side.my hopes are that it will not get infected again and my recoveary will go well,when it is strong enough my left hip has to be revised.I am 44 years of age with 3 small kids and my hips problems have taken over my life in the past few years I have not worked in 5 years or even driven a car in the past 7 years,my original problem was I had AVN of both hips but my constant recurring infections have realy complated things.Any advice or peoplewith similar hip problems their advice would be appropriated.

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I'd say, it's more unethical to perform another surgery on someone who has had a hip eaten away by infection, was septic and has spent 3 months in the hospital. Why would you want another surgery? Your risk of getting another infection is much greater due to what you've already been through. You know that staph can hide in your body for years and then just show up one day right? You need to start working on your upper body strength so you can get out of that wheelchair and onto a walker and maybe on a cane later. I've been living without a hip for almost 15 months. I started walking 3 days after the final hip was removed, in the hospital. I had already taught myself to walk 3 times after 3 surgeries. I'm never having another hip replacement surgery, I'm far too scared. I've had 2 staph infections and I'm not getting a 3rd. Too risky. You need to start a medical malpractice case against the idiots who told you you were exaggerating and invest that money in a house so you have a roof over your head. Your life does not have to be over, not by a long shot. Get pro active about your care and take your body back! You can do it.

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@JustinMcClanahan

Hello @dzoneill, and welcome to Connect.

Would you mind telling us a bit more about your question? We have a lot of members who have discussed having hip issues or replacements, but I have not come across the question regarding lack of a hip joint. Is this from an injury, surgery, or other medical issue?

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To whom it may concern: It has been brought to my attention that by me encouraging others and having an amputation that I may be making staph infection look like a walk in the park or that I was hiding my outcome. After 5 THR failing due to infection I ELECTED to have an amputation. I did not have an amputation because the doctor said it was my only option....I did it because I was never going to have a chance at another THR and at 35 I wanted more options, so by having the amputation I will hopefully have good luck with a prosthetic leg. I was on here simply to encourage others to keep fighting, not because I think numerous surgeries are the way to go. Anyways I really hope you all do well. Again I am sorry for offending anyone

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I am currently living with no hip and no surgery scheduled. I can only walk with a walker, it’s terrible

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@cheryl99

My hip was removed 2 years ago. I had a great Doctor At UNC Chapel Hill. Hip was removed because of radiation damage and a infection caused by a cat bite. I was in a brace for 9 weeks after surgery to let scar tissue build and support the leg. While I was in a wheelchair for a while, I went to therapy and worked really hard with my goal being able to walk. Today I can walk very well with a walker. I use a rolling walker when outside the home and can use a cane for short walks like going into a doctor office or restaurant. I know there was doubt as to whether I would be able to walk but I tried to maintain a positive attitude and faith that God would allow me to walk. I do wear a raised shoe because my right leg is a inch and a quarter shorter because of the hip removal and the dead bone removed. I believe this was a factor in my walking. I will not be able to have a new hip because of the damage to the bones because of radiation.

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@cheryl99 Congratulations Cheryl your a warrior for sure

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@onehip2016

I am currently living with no hip and no surgery scheduled. I can only walk with a walker, it’s terrible

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Have you talked to your doctor about a shoe with a lift? You may find that it would really help you. Having one helps me to stand even preventing back pain, plus allows me to walk with a cane. I can even move around the kitchen and house some even without a cane although I end up with some leg pain on the good leg when I over work it. Although you probably will never walk like you use to things can hopefully get better....by the way, I even go to the gym and walk on the treadmill to help uild my muscles. Have to hold on but it helps. Good luck

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Any updates on people living with no hip?

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@onehip2016

I am currently living with no hip and no surgery scheduled. I can only walk with a walker, it’s terrible

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Question How soon did you get a shoe lift. Its been 7 weeks since my surgery. I can put weight on the hip (not all my weight but some without pain)

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It was 2-3 months. I asked my doctor when I could get one. I remember it was after I came out of the brace and I was in that close to 2 months.

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