Walking without a hip joint

Posted by dzoneill @dzoneill, Mar 10, 2017

Is anyone currently walking without a hip joint?

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@coonhound

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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Hi,i had my spacer in for 2 and a half years it was very comfy,although i walked with crutches i could drive and did long haul flights,unfortunately the middle of November it fractured and ,y surgeon in the UK put me in a Proximal Femoral Endoprosthetic replacement as i had no femur after infection 3 times in 8 years,its early days but so far has gone better than we could of imagined. I went to theatre not knowing whether i would have another spacer or replacement,everyone was very thrill ed there was no infection and beautifully clean,i am on no antibiotics.,and had been off IV for 18 months. Only time will tell,i have had masses of bone grafting around my knee and a new cup called an ice cream cone was made whilst my pelvis was re built. My feeling sf last as long as you can with a spacer the more chance of getting rid of the infection you will have.Good luck and thinking of youxxx

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@coonhound

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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Hello coonhound, I am Sunnyflower. May I ask, what is a spacer? You have endured an awful lot of trauma on your journey! My heart is heavy reading your story. I wish you God's comfort and peace through Christ which surpasses human understanding. Many blessings and may you stay well and have no further problems with your hip/s!! Warmest wishes, Sunnyflower

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@dzoneill

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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Dearest dzoneill, I am Sunnyflower. I just read your story and my heart is aching for all that you've been through. That is a lot of suffering, stress, anxiety, fear, etc. for anyone! I will be upholding you in prayer that God will work a miracle in your life and heal you all the way permanently and give you just the right doctors and care you need along the way. I will also be praying that you experience God's comfort and peace through Christ which surpasses human understanding. Warmest wishes, Sunnyflower

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@sunnyflower

Dearest dzoneill, I am Sunnyflower. I just read your story and my heart is aching for all that you've been through. That is a lot of suffering, stress, anxiety, fear, etc. for anyone! I will be upholding you in prayer that God will work a miracle in your life and heal you all the way permanently and give you just the right doctors and care you need along the way. I will also be praying that you experience God's comfort and peace through Christ which surpasses human understanding. Warmest wishes, Sunnyflower

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The REMEDY® Hip Spacer implant is intended for temporary use only (180 days or less). It allows basic joint mobility and releases antibiotics into the joint area to protect the implant from bacterial colonization. A second surgery will be required at a later date to remove the REMEDY® Hip Spacer and replace it with a permanent hip joint implant.

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@dzoneill

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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Are you able to walk with a walker with no hip?

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@dzoneill

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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Are you walking with a walker

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@maryjo8388

Are you walking with a walker

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Don't know if you are talking to me. I had a spacer put in 12/03/20. I'm using a walker and crutches but slowly transitioning to a cane and also have a 2 1/2 inch deficit therefore I'm using a lift to compensate. I'm pain free after surgery except for the muscle pain from exercising atrophied muscles. I'm hoping this continues with the pain decreasing. I don't know yet bcuz it's too early post op.

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@maryjo8388

Are you able to walk with a walker with no hip?

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I can walk without a walker around the house but terrain I need a walker and can only go short distance I need my wheelchair to go far

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I apologise for the delayed response I just saw your messages

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@bjg883

I can walk without a walker around the house but terrain I need a walker and can only go short distance I need my wheelchair to go far

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Did it take a lot of physical therapy?

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