Fractured hip following replacement surgery
My hip broke in two places following hip replacement surgery. It actually happened the same day as Surgery just as I arrived home as I got out of the car. My femur snapped at the end of the prosthetic and broke off my greater trochanter. I have had a total of five surgeries on this hip since and I’m still not able to walk without a walker or a cane in the house , on one of the surgeries I had to have some metal removed as it was causing problems following that surgery I developed 2 large seroma Two pockets. A Surgery followed, and these were cleaned out and scrubbed the bone and the prosthesis was scrubbed, and it was closed back up four months later I still had an open incision and fluid started coming out of it. Another set of seromas another surgery not once have I had an infection according to culture studies that were done. I am still having severe problems with pain being mainly in the quadriceps and around the inside of my knee these pockets have now been drained 2x , 1 pocket is superficial one is very very deep along the prosethesis the swelling that goes along with these goes all the way to my toes all into my groin & affect my being able to urinate properly at times , this last time that I went to have it aspirated the radiologist said that he couldn’t find the pockets he found one and thought that it had about 2 cc in it but the swelling is still so huge. My leg is like three times the size of the other leg, has anyone ever had anything like this? I’m afraid Im going to lose my leg at the hip Im 67 years old and this began September 21, 2021 Im tired
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What a horrible nightmare-understandable you are exhausted. My femur fractured during the surgery and it was wired together for healing. My thigh remained swelled for three months and looked scary as it was three times the size of the other thigh. Two years later, I had the other hip replaced and it was only one and a half times The size and healing was twice as fast. (as far as the swelling goes) the only thing which occurs to me is getting a second opinion than a new hip doctor to look at your situation. I had multiple opinions and did two years of investigating before I settled on my surgeon. He was amazing and everybody raved about him, but I still had problems because of extenuating circumstances he didn’t anticipate. But a good orthopedic surgeon has a good team to help. And I can’t impress enough upon you how you have to continue to go back and continue to go back and continue to call Until you are satisfied that you are on the path to recovery. I needed extra attention and I had to demand the attention I needed that was about 13 years ago. I can only imagine that medical conditions — wait, not imagine — I know that medical industry is overwhelmed now and people get way less attention now than they did 12 years ago. Squeaky wheel gets the oil. It’s exhausting. And if you don’t feel well enough, get a family member or friend or advocate with the state to help you. It’s not easy but sometimes we have to speak up and get what we need. I wish you luck.
Curious as to whether you had an osteoporosis issue or was the implant too large?
Am facing my second hip replacement, but good success with the first.
Can’t imagine your pain. So sorry. Hope you can get answers and help.
I was told that one percent of hip replacements end this way.
I too researched for about 2 1/2 years knowing I needed a hip replacement, but wasn’t willing to just dive into it. I read reviews. I got word of mouth recommendations, the surgeon following the second surgery, which he should’ve never done. I should’ve been sent up North to a trauma surgeon Treated me terribly accused me of falling, which I did not. I have a security system around my home and there was no fall. I got out of the car and it broke. It’s surely been a horrible ordeal and destroyed my life, my husband and only child since this happened has both passed away they were my support & advocates. I am seeing my trauma surgeon tomorrow to talk about what the next step is. I just had five level fusion in my neck February 13 and I’m not Kean on another surgery. I feel like all of these surgeries have taken so much out of me I’ve not been able to recover between them. I guess I’m just venting. Thanks for your comment. I too am in need of a right hip replacement, but I just can’t even imagine going through that terror again.
September 21 will be four years that this began. I’m seeing the trauma surgeon tomorrow to see what the next step is I just recently February 13 at five level fusion in my neck and I’m I’m not up to another surgery. This is taking so much out of me. My sister reminded me today that I only have I had all these surgeries But my only child and my husband died throughout this my hip dose dislocated twice and then this neck surgery and a lumbar, ablation one thing after another I just wish they could figure out the swelling. I wear compression garments pretty much 24 seven the pain is primarily towards the inside of my knee and all up my thigh the quadriceps so like I said, I see the surgeon tomorrow and see what his plan of action is and go from there. Thanks for your comment. It helps just to talk about it with someone. That’s not tired of it and me.
awwwww.... you poor thing! Yes, its a lot. My husband died to during my recovery this year (but we were separated) . I had cervical spine fusion 2 years ago - it was a DOUBLE surgery because the screws moved during the post op visit. Now I'm a bit immobile because of the rod they stuck in my back. So, yes, every other year since 2012 has been a MAJOR joint replacement. Almost died from a pulmonary embolism during the lumbar fusion in 2018! I empathize entirely. Its a struggle! I have been on low-dose opioid since 2007 for the tailbone problem they can't eradicate. I have a lot of other stuff, but I figure my life is so GOOD because I have my art making, my home, my pain in the butt doggie, and my philanthropic causes, I keep plodding along. The trick is to find something you LOVE and are passionate about and do that thing in a manageable way. Love to garden? do it in a counter planter box if you can't get outside; try to be creative and find some outlets. Make a list of a variety of things - like an amazing book or movie, a trip to the library, a nap; a treat on amazon, a greeting card to a friend....It is hell going through what you are going through. Talk about proper pain med management with your doctor too, until they figure out what's wrong. My magic words are "I am SUFFERING. What can you do to relieve my suffering?" good luck tomorrow!
Indyjo- I am so sorry for your terrible ordeal. To suffer the loss of the people you love on top of your physical problems is a lot to bear. Wishing you comfort and a way to improve your current pain issues.
Sending hugs