Living without a hip

That's wonderful! Wishing you continued wellness with your new hip!

Cindy, where were you treated. Who was your surgeon.
I wonder if they could help Mary.
Did you have an entire hip bone and joint replaced.
Thanks

Hello....I live in Michigan, but my surgery was done in Feb 2022 on an emergency basis in Gainesville, FL at U of F Shands Hospital. I had to have Girdlestone Resection, due to sever infection and necrosis. They had to remove my previous metal implant, Vastus Lateralis, IT band, and part of my gluteus medius due to infection. I do not have any hip joint at all on that side (Girdlestone). Due to chronic osteomyelitis in femur and pelvis, surgeon advised it was too risky to ever try to put in another implant. I'm on lifelong antibiotics for my osteomyelitis also. I do get around with a walker and crutches and I have some quality of life as is. I'm 71 and my surgeon in Michigan also advised against trying for a hip. He said I could end up a lot worse and in chronic pain. Right now my pain is minimal and controlled with just Tylenol. My husband builds up sole of my left shoe with other soles to compensate for the 3" leg length difference. I read Mary's story above. It's so sad anyone has to go through all this. Praying for her to get some relief. I'm happy to chat with anyone who would like to through the private messages section. I've met 5 other people online that also have a Girdlestone.....Cindy

Not meaning to be rude or mosey but I’m curious if you work a job? I too am newly living without a hip and wondering what I will be able to do for work.

Yes I'm living in agony with both of my hips. I can't have sur

I can't have any surgery because I'm on blood thinners. Both my hips are worn out along with my knees. I stay in agonizing pain!!! I can't have any pain meds because I have Chronic Kidney Disease stage 3. I wish you all the luck in the world. I hope some one is there helping you. .

My husband had 6 operations in 2022 for infection of the prosthetic hip, the last operation was to remove all hardware (Girdlestone). The original THR was in 2008 with no complications at all. Then he woke up one morning to extreme pain which started the journey. He was on a variety of heavy duty antibiotics from Feb 2022 until March 2023. After several visits to Mayo-Rochester, he had an antibiotic spacer placed last Thursday. The surgery was long due to scar tissue but he is doing well. There were no signs of infection in the hip or the bloodwork. The surgeon was able to "clean" it up, install the spacer and regain the original leg length. He is on toe-touch only on that leg for six weeks. Then we will return for a post-surgical appointment with ortho and infectious disease; at that time they will determine when he can have the permanent hip placement. He had been without a hip from Sep. 1, 2022 until March 7, 2024. We live in Michigan and came to Mayo for second opinion.

Lori Fox

So happy for him! The spacer didn't work for me so they took that out as
well. But every case is different.
I'm trying one more time in May to put another one in. I'll go back on
antibiotics indefinitely but it's definitely worth it!
Best of luck with your journey.

I am so thrilled to see this Lori and look forward to hearing how he's doing. You both are in my thoughts and prayers. Maybe we'll actually meet sometime this summer in Michigan!!!! Cindy

Hi. I am living without a hip. I am 73 years old. I had chondrosarcoma cancer in my hip and pelvis. It was stage 2. Last Feb I had a 14 hour surgery to remove it. I now have an 8 inch cavity where my hip was. It was a very tough year with very bad pain and no walking for 3 months. I am now cancer free for 13 months. For the past 7 months I use a walker and wheel chair. I exercise my leg daily to regrow muscle tissue. My femur bone has now moved up 2-1/2 inches so I wear a custom shoe. I am moving on the walker better and better and have almost gotten off the wheelchair. There is still discomfort because the femur has moved up into muscle and nerves. The area feels packed but it is slowly getting better. I also have a lymphedema fluid problem so I get medical massage weekly to help move it. I am now practicing walking with 2 canes and can go about 60 feet. My goal is to walk with just a cane by this fall. It is a long journey but you have to determined. This is a 3 year recovery. I live my life, get out to diner, visit friends and family. I’m about 80% back so I am ahead of what the doctors told me. Be strong and determined and you’ll get there. God bless you.