Broken stem

Posted , 12 users are following.

Hi, I'm new to the forum but I'm hoping someone can help me. I'm 46 years old and need a third hip replacement due to prednisone use for chemo when I was 21. I have had 3 surgeries postponed due to weird blood tests but finally discovered it's because I had my spleen removed. I found out today that my stem fractured, probably at least a week ago, but my new surgery, just scheduled today, won't be until next Monday. It's quite painful and I've been on Vicodin for close to a week. My family is upset, worried that this could be dangerous. Am l OK waiting a week? Not sure I have any choice. Thank you for any help.

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  • Posted

    Oh my dear that is horrible for you. I am so sorry. I can imagine the pain - I had osteonecrosis and the bone was breaking up, and that's also so painful you wonder how you will bear it. For reasons, I had to wait three months. But your doctor would never put you at risk. I understand why mine had to wait - his preference would have been to do it straight away, but that wasn't in my best interests for a successful surgery. I'm sure you doctor is making the best judgement call for you.

    ?Stay strong. The next few days will pass quickly enough. And good luck.

    • Posted

      Beth is right, waiting a weeks,, so long as your not doing anything too energetic,, will be fine, rest and keep it as pain free as possible and it will be sorted before you know it, treat it like you did when you first had hip replaced.

  • Posted

    Your THR device was made by what manufacturer? They need to reimburse you for for pain &  suffering.  Plz contact the OP REPORT. The stem was not aligned properly ot the femur implant became loose . Not designed to come loose or break unless it's very old or other issues .THE BONE GROWS ONTO THE IMPLANT AND SECURES IT IN PLACE THE FIRST 4-6 months. 

    i have had a similar issue. Will go thru revision on implant done 5 years ago. It is toxic due to MoM stem in femor component also has to be removed. I have issues that I never thought would ever have to cope with as you have many as well. My other hip THR  is 17 years old . 

    I hope you have lots of support at home and will be in a good place for revision recovery. 

    Soo sorry you have to have a revision. You have been thru way more than most who have had THR . 

    Many hippies ARE ALL here for you to support you all the way thru the next THR REVISION to help make it as easy on you as possible.

    Hopexxxxxx

    • Posted

      I know exactly what Hope is talking about.  There is a class action suit against several companies that manufactured this device.  I'm not sure how it is in the UK but the US, there's major advertising regarding this problem you seem to be having.  

      I wish you luck.  I had THR a year ago September.  The only problem I'm having is a constant  sciatic nerve pain,  I did mention this to the surgeon when I had my first checkup and he said it would go away.  It's been a year, is that long enough or does it take longer, anyone know?

      I hope all goes well for you, Candice,  Just keep faith and prayers close to you and I'm sure you'll be taken care of!

      Good Luck,

      Frustrated

    • Posted

      I'm so sorry you have suffered siatica pain for so long . It's a disc pressing on the nerve in your back, a herniated disc .  I had the same issue L -4, L-5 before with the first hip replacement 17 years ago. I had to have the disc repaired. I was so glad I did. It was such a relief.

      THR is hard on our bodies and especially our back some surgeons assistants are not gentle when moving the femur into position to insert the prothesis. I asked both my surgeons to be careful I had a bad back and they said they would be gentle moving the leg back and forth as needed for implant. It's so complicated .

      its like that saying it all goes down hill. The back gets jurked around, then the hip implant effects the knees then down to the nerves in the ankles . 

      i am worried about getting drop foot. I have had this for so long. 

      Have you seen a spinal specialist. Siatica does not go away on it own. It is major pain and so annoying as well frustrating! As you know all to well by your nick name.

      You are right about this hip it is one of those recalled hips by the manufacturer seen on tv with class action law suit in the US. The revision after suffering for 5 years is scheduled for Jan. The THR surgeon that did the primary surgery MoM neck which caused many health issues left the State three months later after the recall. The neck at the femur junction is with small MoM components that Frey metal into the body from movement and broken as well. I have toxic levels of cobalt in my tissue & blood just to name a few of the side effects of MoM implants. I have been sick for 5 years lost my life as I knew it and cannot walk without a cane. The revision doc said it is a difficult proceedure and the revisionist did not want to risk it until absolutely necessary, Till cobalt level were high or joint failure? A bit crazy to me! 

      I knew about MoM was told by my first surgeon 17 years ago. I asked the 2nd surgeon if there were any MoM components and he said "NO" knowing full well there was. The ease of implementation of the components was why the design was so popular with docs these with small neck pieces were not coated in Stryker hip components as the othe types were coated that were approved by the FDA. Since this style had already been approved the coated components style, then the non coated components were not caught and did not require paper work approved since one like it the coated types were similar in style the FDA assumed it was coated not MoM. 

      I hope you you can receive treatment for sciatica soon. You don't need to suffer from it as it can be repaired. 

      Heeling Blessings sent your way and 🙏🏽.

      HOPE

       

  • Posted

    Are you talking about the femur fracturing around the stem? My assumption would be that even though extremely painful, if you stay off of it so as not to cause more damage, waiting shouldn't be an issue. However, keep an eye out for any signs of infection and or hematoma in your thigh. Hope all goes well, keep us posted. 

     

  • Posted

    I don't have any knowledge of how to help you Candice . But I'm shocked at what you are going through. I pray you will receive the care that will lead you on the road to recovery.

    Bless you....Rob

  • Posted

    21 is young to have to face cancer, hug. Ugh, osteoporosis! Me too.

    If your surgeon is aware of your history and has decided to wait a week, I would be aggravated but not worried.

    I had to to wait seven days for my surgery...ate Vicodin like candy too...hugs

  • Posted

    hi candice, 

    warm welcome to this wonderful hippies forum where we share our personal stories and experiences ...

    I am so sorry to hear what you are going through ... I am not sure if I can answer your question but agree with other posts that, at this point, you have to trust your surgeon ... I am sure that he/she is aware of your circumstances - 

    Do you trust your surgeon?  Was there an x-ray taken and did you see it for yourself ... 

    Sending love, light an healing and please come back here any time okay?

    big warm hug

    renee

  • Posted

    Hi Candice

    ive also had my spleen removed.  It was nearly 55 years since it was removed, I was knocked down by a motorcycle. Do you have any problems not having one.  When it happened I was told it was part of the immune system and if I contracted a disease it could be more severe.

    over the years I have built up my immune system and luckily nothing serious has happened. I've just had my left hip replaced, the hip is pain free but I'm having problems with my foot.  I'm having a nerve conduction test next week and hope to find out what is the matter with it.  It's 10 months since the op and I'm struggling to walk far.

    All the best Brenda C

    • Posted

      I know I'm suppose to get a pneumonia shot and watch for strep. I just want to thank everyone so much for your support. I was a little panic-stricken yesterday and your responses helped so much. Not happy about the breakage but my hip is 18 years old so we knew the replacement was coming. I'm lucky that my hip is the only real lasting complication and the second hip was great for quite awhile. I wish you all the best and I wish all forums had such nice people.

    • Posted

      You will be fine and keep posting so we can egg you on so that you will be dancing on the tables in a few weeks time, OK bit optimistic but couple of months easy I'm sure.

    • Posted

      Candice, 

      when in panic mode,come here and share your concerns ... it really helps .. 

      good luck darling

    • Posted

      Hi Candice

      That is what I was told about colds could turn into pneumonia.

      Keep looking after yourself and you will lead a normal healthy life.

      All the best Brenda C

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