I am not surprised by the refusal to do another hip surgery - in fact I am more surprised that we haven't heard from more people in your situation.
There are always reasons for implant failure - sometimes more than one. Most commonly it is MRSA, other bone infection, bad osteoporosis or a fracture after the implant.
My cousin has been without a joint for over 10 years - she had MRSA, and also is diabetic and overweight - no surgeon is willing to risk another surgery. Another friend had to find an ortho who specializes in dealing with complex joint implants after failure due to weak bones - it took 5 years for the 2 of them to agree it was the right time to try again - her results are marginal - still quite a bit of pain, and she will always walk with a cane. (Sorry, I can't provide his name - he has left the area, and I think retired.)
Sorry you are all suffering these difficulties. I suggest that if you believe the underlying cause of failure has been resolved, you seek a surgeon who specializes in complex cases. Mayo, your local University medical school or a teaching hospital is a good place to start looking.
I am Diane O'Neill. I believe I started this thread in 2017, looking for people who were experiencing the same issues I had, trying to walk without any hip joint of any kind. As life kept getting in the way, and I wasn't getting responses or answers from anyone including doctors or physical therapists, I lost track of time. Now here we are, in 2021. Nothing has really changed, and I see so many responses now from those still looking for answers. I wish for all of you the answers you seek, maybe this will be our year.
I've had 3 hip replacement. Last year I was diagnosed with MRSA in my hip. I went through a stage one procedure which did not work. My second was a stage two and now have a spacer. For the first time in years I'm pain free and in rehab using a walker and moving to a cane shortly. My doctor suggested keeping it in and hold off with a prosthesis.
My question is how long can a spacer be kept in?
I've had 3 hip replacement. Last year I was diagnosed with MRSA in my hip. I went through a stage one procedure which did not work. My second was a stage two and now have a spacer. For the first time in years I'm pain free and in rehab using a walker and moving to a cane shortly. My doctor suggested keeping it in and hold off with a prosthesis.
My question is how long can a spacer be kept in?
My cousin has had a spacer for 14 years, but due to other major health issues she is not a candidate for another implant. After several years of walking with a walker, she has moved to using a wheelchair. But without the infected hip, she also was pain free.
Sue
I've had 3 hip replacement. Last year I was diagnosed with MRSA in my hip. I went through a stage one procedure which did not work. My second was a stage two and now have a spacer. For the first time in years I'm pain free and in rehab using a walker and moving to a cane shortly. My doctor suggested keeping it in and hold off with a prosthesis.
My question is how long can a spacer be kept in?
Since 2014 I have no spacers or any other apparatus in the hip space. The ball was removed from the femur and there is no trochanter. It's basically a flat ended femur which has bottomed out on the pelvis. The leg is about 3 3/4 inches shorter than my other leg. I have a built up shoe. I also am pain free. I can walk with the Rollator walker and crutches, sometimes one crutch. So I don't have any direct experience with spacers.
I've had 3 hip replacement. Last year I was diagnosed with MRSA in my hip. I went through a stage one procedure which did not work. My second was a stage two and now have a spacer. For the first time in years I'm pain free and in rehab using a walker and moving to a cane shortly. My doctor suggested keeping it in and hold off with a prosthesis.
My question is how long can a spacer be kept in?
Same spacer for 14, years... WOW. I am a candidate for another replacement. I'm 65 but I'm very active, at least as active as I can be under the circumstances. I'm not ready to surrender to being wheelchair bound and crutches are bad enough. I'm using a walker now that's temporary stopgap before a cane. Other than my hip I'm in fairly good health. I'm following a vigorous physical therapy regimen. I exercise several times a day concentrating on my hip muscles that has atrophied in the past few years. What held me back the last couple of years was the MRSA infection which gave me enothing but severe and chronic pain. Pain gone I exercise harder.
Same spacer for 14, years... WOW. I am a candidate for another replacement. I'm 65 but I'm very active, at least as active as I can be under the circumstances. I'm not ready to surrender to being wheelchair bound and crutches are bad enough. I'm using a walker now that's temporary stopgap before a cane. Other than my hip I'm in fairly good health. I'm following a vigorous physical therapy regimen. I exercise several times a day concentrating on my hip muscles that has atrophied in the past few years. What held me back the last couple of years was the MRSA infection which gave me enothing but severe and chronic pain. Pain gone I exercise harder.
I had 4 replacements over the space of 38 years. (Beginning at age 26). The first three I simply wore out. The 4th was in December 2006. Seven years later in 2013 I went septic and nearly died. The hip was infected as well as all around the femur. After 6 months of picc lines and daily IV antibiotics the prosthesis was removed. I remained on IV antibiotics another 6 months when it was discovered the MRSA had mutated into a rare form called VISA. Yes, I've heard all the jokes. New drugs were tried and I finally had good blood markers in 2017. The surgeon who had promised replacement number 5 reneiged on the promise. A second opinion was that the infection could never be claimed 100% gone and any surgery is highly dangerous. I now have a third surgeon who also refuses to do another replacement, but is working with me on walking on the leg with assistance. I applaud your determination and I wish you luck.
Same spacer for 14, years... WOW. I am a candidate for another replacement. I'm 65 but I'm very active, at least as active as I can be under the circumstances. I'm not ready to surrender to being wheelchair bound and crutches are bad enough. I'm using a walker now that's temporary stopgap before a cane. Other than my hip I'm in fairly good health. I'm following a vigorous physical therapy regimen. I exercise several times a day concentrating on my hip muscles that has atrophied in the past few years. What held me back the last couple of years was the MRSA infection which gave me enothing but severe and chronic pain. Pain gone I exercise harder.
Sounds like my history. 3 hips and the last one done 2005. 15 years later MRSA sets into the hip. Had a stage one done last year. In hospital 30 days p.o. with picc and antibiotics. Continued on oral antibiotics to no avail. Had a stage 2 Dec 3 and currently in rehab getting antibiotics via picc. Doctor wants me to consider not having another implant even though I'm a candidate for one. I'm doing alot of research so I can make an informed decision. Not sure what I will do but looking at all the angles.
Sounds like my history. 3 hips and the last one done 2005. 15 years later MRSA sets into the hip. Had a stage one done last year. In hospital 30 days p.o. with picc and antibiotics. Continued on oral antibiotics to no avail. Had a stage 2 Dec 3 and currently in rehab getting antibiotics via picc. Doctor wants me to consider not having another implant even though I'm a candidate for one. I'm doing alot of research so I can make an informed decision. Not sure what I will do but looking at all the angles.
Ask your doctor for the specific reasons he doesn't want to do another one. Mine really laid it out and there was no question in my mind. I need shoulder surgery on both shoulders and a hernia repair and all surgeons consulted have refused. I am considered a major MRSA risk for life. Along with the complications and risks for the hip surgery, I'm quite ok with how things are. I'm pain free, not stuck in the wheelchair and living a pretty good life just as I am. I was 66 when the hip was removed, so I get where you're coming from. Good luck!
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pseudomonus infection stays in the body have to take antibiotics for life if they open me up again it may make it worse
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1 ReactionI am Diane O'Neill. I believe I started this thread in 2017, looking for people who were experiencing the same issues I had, trying to walk without any hip joint of any kind. As life kept getting in the way, and I wasn't getting responses or answers from anyone including doctors or physical therapists, I lost track of time. Now here we are, in 2021. Nothing has really changed, and I see so many responses now from those still looking for answers. I wish for all of you the answers you seek, maybe this will be our year.
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Helpful -
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2 ReactionsDo you have part of the hip joint? Are therapists able to determine where muscles and tendons have been reattached?
I've had 3 hip replacement. Last year I was diagnosed with MRSA in my hip. I went through a stage one procedure which did not work. My second was a stage two and now have a spacer. For the first time in years I'm pain free and in rehab using a walker and moving to a cane shortly. My doctor suggested keeping it in and hold off with a prosthesis.
My question is how long can a spacer be kept in?
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionMy cousin has had a spacer for 14 years, but due to other major health issues she is not a candidate for another implant. After several years of walking with a walker, she has moved to using a wheelchair. But without the infected hip, she also was pain free.
Sue
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1 ReactionSince 2014 I have no spacers or any other apparatus in the hip space. The ball was removed from the femur and there is no trochanter. It's basically a flat ended femur which has bottomed out on the pelvis. The leg is about 3 3/4 inches shorter than my other leg. I have a built up shoe. I also am pain free. I can walk with the Rollator walker and crutches, sometimes one crutch. So I don't have any direct experience with spacers.
Same spacer for 14, years... WOW. I am a candidate for another replacement. I'm 65 but I'm very active, at least as active as I can be under the circumstances. I'm not ready to surrender to being wheelchair bound and crutches are bad enough. I'm using a walker now that's temporary stopgap before a cane. Other than my hip I'm in fairly good health. I'm following a vigorous physical therapy regimen. I exercise several times a day concentrating on my hip muscles that has atrophied in the past few years. What held me back the last couple of years was the MRSA infection which gave me enothing but severe and chronic pain. Pain gone I exercise harder.
I had 4 replacements over the space of 38 years. (Beginning at age 26). The first three I simply wore out. The 4th was in December 2006. Seven years later in 2013 I went septic and nearly died. The hip was infected as well as all around the femur. After 6 months of picc lines and daily IV antibiotics the prosthesis was removed. I remained on IV antibiotics another 6 months when it was discovered the MRSA had mutated into a rare form called VISA. Yes, I've heard all the jokes. New drugs were tried and I finally had good blood markers in 2017. The surgeon who had promised replacement number 5 reneiged on the promise. A second opinion was that the infection could never be claimed 100% gone and any surgery is highly dangerous. I now have a third surgeon who also refuses to do another replacement, but is working with me on walking on the leg with assistance. I applaud your determination and I wish you luck.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionSounds like my history. 3 hips and the last one done 2005. 15 years later MRSA sets into the hip. Had a stage one done last year. In hospital 30 days p.o. with picc and antibiotics. Continued on oral antibiotics to no avail. Had a stage 2 Dec 3 and currently in rehab getting antibiotics via picc. Doctor wants me to consider not having another implant even though I'm a candidate for one. I'm doing alot of research so I can make an informed decision. Not sure what I will do but looking at all the angles.
Ask your doctor for the specific reasons he doesn't want to do another one. Mine really laid it out and there was no question in my mind. I need shoulder surgery on both shoulders and a hernia repair and all surgeons consulted have refused. I am considered a major MRSA risk for life. Along with the complications and risks for the hip surgery, I'm quite ok with how things are. I'm pain free, not stuck in the wheelchair and living a pretty good life just as I am. I was 66 when the hip was removed, so I get where you're coming from. Good luck!