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Aseptic Lucency (Loosening of THR cap)

Posted , 8 users are following.

edarlingb
edarlingb

Had right hip revision in 2007. Fail. Extensive and extreme nerve damage.)

Improved nothing. Left with same, or higher, level of pain.

Eventually had revision in 2009, with device secured by 7 screws because of poor bone quality. Consultant said he'd never go in again because it was 'a mess'.

October 2014 had LTHR, different surgeon as I'd last faith in first. Success. Despite fact I developed blood clot in lung. He then turned attention to other, right, failed hip and showed me via xrays how cap of device had loosened and was 'migrating' up into pelvis. I asked him to go back through xrays with me to show when this loosening had begun. He reckoned 2012. Obvious question from me: why was this not picked up by first surgeon at the time. He more or less just shrugged his shoulders: not going to drop his colleague into it, was he? Also, on seeing X-ray post op, showing both devices, clearly recognised disparity in size of devices. Old one was 50% bigger than left, latest successful op.

Seems I have no option but to have second revision. Scheduled for May, after course of warfarin.

I've been told I have x3 usual risks with this coming op. Very, very scared. Especially given nerve damage.

Has anyone had anything like this experience? Advice/comments most welcome.

2 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • deborah33754
    deborah33754 edarlingb

    Posted

    I am blessed to have a fantastic surgeon.... he was recommended to me by a colleague... she had an expereince similar to yours but also her first hip was metal and started deteriorating... her first doctor was much like your experience,,,,, she did take a deep breath and did the replacement with a new surgeon.... she had signiificant bone damage and he could not completely repair the hip 

    BUT -- she is pain free, she will always need the cane and, like you, has several screws in her pelvis.... she is so positive about this op.... and praises the surgeon....

    you seem to have found a good surgeon.... what are his recommendations?

    • edarlingb
      edarlingb deborah33754

      Posted

      Hi Deborah

      He's all for it, saying he believes he can improve on the status quo. There again, if I don't have op, the migration will worsen, literally with every step I take. 

      I just know I couldn't go through the nerve damage thing again. It was 24 hour excruciation. Thankfully, it's eased somewhat over the years but is always there and regularly flares up. 

      Should have added fact that I've been left with 'Trendelenburg' gait. Bummer!

      Thanks for reply. 

  • lynne09047
    lynne09047 edarlingb

    Posted

    Hello Deborah,

    so sorry to hear of your plight, all I can say is this new surgeon seems to know his stuff, hopefully all will go well this time, wishing you the best of luck for may,

    love,

    Lynne.

    • deborah33754
      deborah33754 lynne09047

      Posted

      lynne

      oh, not me a friend of mine....--she recommended this surgeon to me.... when I started asking around, I asked 11 people, 9 of them recommended him!  I am doing great (getting a bit tired of being in the house.... that's all)  I can move around with the walker and will try two canes later in the day....  I feel truly blessed to have such a great surgeon.... he is rated in the top three in the country!

    • edarlingb
      edarlingb veronica58657

      Posted

      Not sure, here, who is being replied to. Has there been some confusion?
    • veronica58657
      veronica58657 edarlingb

      Posted

      I was trying to reply to the person who said that 9 out of 11 of their friends recommended a certain surgeon, just wondered what his name was.
  • Sredni393
    Sredni393 edarlingb

    Posted

    Elaine you've been through the worst. Nothing can get worse for you. You must live with hope and yes, you are at higher risk, but all surgery carries risks. anaesthetists can monitor so closely and your bloods will be at safe levels before they proceed. If I were in your situation I'd opt for minimum sedation, so that your body is less overloaded. Mindfulness, meditation and as much as you can do for as many days weeks beforehand. Breathing relaxation and I'd even have hypnosis, acupuncture, the whole 9 yards ...put yr mind in a place where you're planning ahead to be pain free mobile and off most meds.  Don't waste these weeks fretting, invest in them preparing mind and body. It will get better.

    sarah

    • edarlingb
      edarlingb Sredni393

      Posted

      Thank you, G. Wise, as always.

      I do practise meditation and mindfulness, though have just felt overwhelmed at this point, over 8 years.

      I can't do anything other than general anaesthetic: had a bad experience with that in my first operation, hearing the hammering and conversation clearly; had nightmares for months afterwards.

      But will try to get myself in the best place possible for the day.

      E x

  • jackie56101
    jackie56101 edarlingb

    Posted

    Hi Edarling, IM so sorry I do have nerve damage from revision I had done last year very painful I have been told I have sciatic nerve damage . I will be praying for you

    Jackie

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