Walking without a hip joint

Posted by dzoneill @dzoneill, Mar 10, 2017

Is anyone currently walking without a hip joint?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.

I am not at this point but have just been told that I need a sixth surgery on the same hip for reasons unknown. The only issue was an allergic reaction to the metal implants that started with two stainless steel screws in 2008. That contains nickel which I am severely allergic to. Fast forward to 2016 after 4 surgeries, I had fired my surgeon after determining that he lied to me about what he put in my body. The fifth surgery worked great and up until the last few months was a raving success. The hip is now loose, the bone deteriorated dramatically and we still dont know why as I am not allergic to the titanium based on multiple test. The sixth surgery to implant another much longer stem and cadaver bone is not guaranteed successful and it is possible I will end up with no hip. I'm doing the research to help make my decisions so am looking for information. I'm 65 and live in Canada

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@ladyelaine

I am not at this point but have just been told that I need a sixth surgery on the same hip for reasons unknown. The only issue was an allergic reaction to the metal implants that started with two stainless steel screws in 2008. That contains nickel which I am severely allergic to. Fast forward to 2016 after 4 surgeries, I had fired my surgeon after determining that he lied to me about what he put in my body. The fifth surgery worked great and up until the last few months was a raving success. The hip is now loose, the bone deteriorated dramatically and we still dont know why as I am not allergic to the titanium based on multiple test. The sixth surgery to implant another much longer stem and cadaver bone is not guaranteed successful and it is possible I will end up with no hip. I'm doing the research to help make my decisions so am looking for information. I'm 65 and live in Canada

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@ladylelaine I'm glad your doing research we all have to be our own advocate

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Never give up,i am six weeks post hip replacement after a dislocation at 2 weeks after no hip for over two years early days yet just need to take a day at a time. I have a Proximal Femoral Endoprosthetic Replacement, every day is a bonus,good luck thinking about youx

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@lioness

@ladylelaine I'm glad your doing research we all have to be our own advocate

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Thanks. You’re so right about being your own advocate. Information is power

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@clodaghcov

Never give up,i am six weeks post hip replacement after a dislocation at 2 weeks after no hip for over two years early days yet just need to take a day at a time. I have a Proximal Femoral Endoprosthetic Replacement, every day is a bonus,good luck thinking about youx

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Why did you go two years without a hip before the replacement

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@ladyelaine

Why did you go two years without a hip before the replacement

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I had bone infection twice in 4 years so had a spacer in for 2 years with iv antibiotics,the spacer was quite comfortable and i could also drive, I now keep my fingers crossed after having sepsis everyday is a bonusxx

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So true! It took 4 years of almost continuous IV antibiotics to get rid of my infection which was MRSA that mutated. No hip is fine....just being alive is a blessing!

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@ladyelaine

I am not at this point but have just been told that I need a sixth surgery on the same hip for reasons unknown. The only issue was an allergic reaction to the metal implants that started with two stainless steel screws in 2008. That contains nickel which I am severely allergic to. Fast forward to 2016 after 4 surgeries, I had fired my surgeon after determining that he lied to me about what he put in my body. The fifth surgery worked great and up until the last few months was a raving success. The hip is now loose, the bone deteriorated dramatically and we still dont know why as I am not allergic to the titanium based on multiple test. The sixth surgery to implant another much longer stem and cadaver bone is not guaranteed successful and it is possible I will end up with no hip. I'm doing the research to help make my decisions so am looking for information. I'm 65 and live in Canada

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So many decisions! I would certainly want to determine why the last prosthesis failed before I did it again. My cousin had the same allergies to metals. She had three shoulder replacements, the last was titanium which failed even though tests said it would work. She lives without a shoulder joint now. Do your research and in the end do what you feel is the best solution for you. Good luck!

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@hopalongnm3

Wow my friend! You have been through hell and back and from the sounds of your letter you’ve still got a lot more gumption left in you. I thought I was having a bad time. Sounds like the change of doctors really helped. I am not living with the same issues that you are just, just looking forward to a total hip revision in the near future. Always had really good luck with my hip replacement that is now 22 years old. I just really have to say that you inspire me. Humans like you are rare. Keep on. And thank you.

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Just saw your post. Thank you so much for your kind words. They are appreciated. This month is the 7 year anniversary of the prosthesis being permanently removed, and the 5th anniversary of the new surgeon and the adventure of living hipless. No spacers, just me. I drive, use crutches and have a scooter. While walking is allowed it isn't something that works for any distance. I just started riding a stationary bike for exercise and circulation and do therapeutic massage twice a month. These things keep the leg healthy. Since this seems to be my lifestyle now it's time to get on with it. I'm thinking of trying kayaking this summer! Good luck to you...I hope you find the best solution for you.

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@ladyelaine

I am not at this point but have just been told that I need a sixth surgery on the same hip for reasons unknown. The only issue was an allergic reaction to the metal implants that started with two stainless steel screws in 2008. That contains nickel which I am severely allergic to. Fast forward to 2016 after 4 surgeries, I had fired my surgeon after determining that he lied to me about what he put in my body. The fifth surgery worked great and up until the last few months was a raving success. The hip is now loose, the bone deteriorated dramatically and we still dont know why as I am not allergic to the titanium based on multiple test. The sixth surgery to implant another much longer stem and cadaver bone is not guaranteed successful and it is possible I will end up with no hip. I'm doing the research to help make my decisions so am looking for information. I'm 65 and live in Canada

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I am going to ask that you start a new discussion "Need 6th hip surgery with special implant in Canada - any recommendations on doctor or facitility to contact?" You may very well find someone who can help you specifically
Sue

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