Dual Mobility Hip System

I am still researching and still very afraid.

Having now seen two different surgeons I am no more confident.

No this was not offered to me,in fact very little information was offered except that Anterior would not be ideal as my joint is stuck in an awkward position and needs better access than Anterior approach could allow.

Then having said that he contradicted himself and said it would depend on whether it gets worse by the time I have the op.and he would do Anterior as it is now but not if it is worse.

Still very unsure what to do.

Nice to hear from you,how are you doing yourself?

Best wishes

Joyx

As I said I am 

Joy,

I couldn't do what you are doing. ..how do you know what to look for

I would have lost the plot long time ago ...

do you have someone you are working with? someone knowledgeable?

Big warm hug and good luck. ...

renee ????????

Thank you Renee for your good wishes and welcome hug.

No it's just me.

Everyone has lost patience with me,which is not surprising.

I just put in key words on google,it's amazing what comes up and one answer leads to another.

Problem is sorting the wheat from the chaff so to speak.Deciding what is helpful from what may be dangerous or misleading.

The more I investigate the more worrying facts I find.

Joy x

I believe anyone can dislocate.Of course being aged and living alone puts one at more risk, or at any rate more fearful of risk.

The product is advertised as offering easier recovery with fewer problems,as patients of any age would appreciate.

Hi Alex 

I did find it on google,that,s why I want to know about experience of other people, good or bad!!

The info I found makes it seem a great option,but that might just be advertising!!

The problem is all products are subject to intense marketing.

Independent experience is the only honest and reliable guide.

This forum is the ideal place to find it,but most people don't seem to realise that.

The best way we can help each other is by openness and honesty.

The product manufacturer is not the best place to seek advice!!

Hi Gloria, I've got a Stryker Duel mobility hip. But I've had huge previous problems with a corroding prosthesis, one that the stem was put in the wrong angle , dislocations because of this and massive tissue and muscle loss !! My new cosultant Prof Alister Hart, Royal National Orthopeadic Hospital , is one of the top guys in this field and researches all prosthesis. Look up The London Implant Retrieval Centre, So this Duel mobility  is what he put in in March this year. I feel that he should know! Where are you in the UK?

Good luck with everything. X

thank you for sharing -

How are you doing yourself ?  

big warm hug

renee 

Thank you Patsy

So sorry you have had problems. What a pity you had to endure that before getting to see Prof.Hart.at RNOH.

Not the first time this sequence of events has occured.

It seems that first an incompetent surgery takes place,and only after that a referral to the best hospital and one of the best surgeons to put things right!

Surely not the most efficient use use of nhs resources!Getting it right first time should be a priority and would save time, money and beds (which we understand are limited),not to mention the stress pain and worry to patients.

When first diagnosed in my innocence and recommended by a neighbour I requested RNOH at Stanmore as my neighbour reported a good experience.

RNOH was my choice and Prof.Hart was on my short list of preferred surgeons.

My choice was refused however and unwilling to be hurried into selecting a Hospital/Surgeon without finding out more I began researching all aspects of hip replacement.

It turns out that the so called choice is not the case.The overused phrase post code lottery is very much in force, and the quality of treatment depends so much on the luck of the draw as follows.

A  Lucky to be located in an area where a top class experienced surgeon is available.

B  Lucky to be near an excellent hospital with experienced staff.

OR

C  Lucky to know someone who can pull strings .My neighbour as it turns out had worked for the family of a top surgeon at RNOH and he arranged for her op and performed it himself.

She enjoyed transport to and from hospital as needed,2 weeks at a rehab facility with physio and on returning home OT provided everything needed.All courtesy of the nhs.

My GP however informed me that I would be unlikely to be referred to my choice of hospital and also if I go out of area I would get no help with travel,after care OT etc.this being the province of my local hospital.

Another recommendation was for a surgeon in my area by someone who works at my local hospital where she reported that she had her thr.

When I checked him out on the njr his credentials are first class.He is however not listed for my local hospital,only at a private local hospital.

Another case of the luck of who you know.

An excellent surgeon recommended by someone living in London prompted me to request referral to that London hospital.

Again was told I would be unlikely to get it but have been lucky this time.

However so tedious and slow is the referral system that by the time my apt came round the recommended surgeon is no longer listed there,but appears on lists of a number of private London hospitals.

It seems when nhs surgeons reach a level of excellence they get to be in demand at private hospitals.

D)Another anomaly that I have learned is that in some areas of the country (where presumably nhs hospitals are not available),lucky patients get to have a top surgeon and the luxury of care in a private hospital.All courtesy of the nhs.

The more I investigate the whole system the more unsatisfactory it looks.

When did our nhs get so mixed up with the private system ?

I note that my local hospital is now advertising private care too.

I am located in Dunstable Bedfordshire. 

Maybe I will have to draw on my hard earned savings to get the service I want and am in theory entitled to.

I am glad you are now being looked after at Stanmore and hope you will make good progress.

Best wishes for your recovery

Joyx

Hi Joy [sorry calling you Gloria before]

I have to agree with everything you said. I have been lucky and have Bupa insurance. However that by no means you get the best treatment, my first hip was done privately and has been the cause of all the problems. Even with that it has still cost us thousands with appoitments etc not covered by our policy. When my hip dislocated we has to get a private ambulance £600 to get me to London. The NHS ambulance although came to me, couldnt do it, even though it was agreed that my local hospital in Kent was not suitable for such a complex case. Bupa have been fantastic and Prof Hart told me that it takes at least 7 months to see him on NHS!  trouble with going privately is that your out of the system for physio,OT. hydro and any other support. Its also been very isolating, this has been going on for 6 years and while family and friends are kind, its tough for them too. I havent been ble to work in that time. I used to teach, exhibit, loved cooking gardening travelling etc. I cant even have my little grandons sit on my lap! My poor husband who is fantastic, drives me everywhere and does so much admitted this week that he is stuggling seeing me in so much pain. I now feel that I need to hide things  from him, I do understand it must be so distressing for him.  Prof Hart informed me last weekl that because I have so much tissue and bone damage I'm at a huge risk of infection for the next year, if that happens I would be in hospital for a year with no hip! a terrifing thought.

When things go wrong it seems they really, really go wrong.......so please everyone look after your well functioning hips, they are not as good as the real ones.....dont take them for granted.

Thanks Renee for your hugs...they're always welome. 

Hope you get to see the surgeon of your choice, Joy. Would it be worth paying for the initial consultation and seeing what he could do for you?

Hope I've not frightened the life out of you, I have been incredably unlucky. 

Keep in touch

Patsy X

Hi Patsy, 

Amazing woman you are ... There is so much I want to say to you but can't find the right words - My heart goes out to you -

there is so much love out there for you 

big warm hug  and angel blesssings

renee

I was named Gloria Margaret Joy at birth,but only ever known as Joy.

Confuses everyone.

I am so sorry for what you have been through, but your story confirms what I already knew that going private is not necessarily the answer to all worries.

Having always believed totally in the nhs it had never occured to me not to trust it until this hip condition caused me to research all options.

Clearly the nhs is superb for emergencies and life threatening conditions.

The thing about OA is that the choice of surgery is optional and elective.

My research has led me down so many avenues,there are so many aspects to consider.

As for frightening me,not at all.I applaud your honesty and openness in sharing your experience.

We all need to be aware of all the risks.

Reasons for choosing the private option may be shorter waiting times

and the right to select your consultant/surgeon.

I have actually booked an appointment with a consultant in London who only works in the private sector.This is because I want a second opinion.

This opens up a new dilemma if I choose the private option for my thr.

The actual operation is one thing,but what happens after is so important in terms of recovery.

If anything should go wrong the costs could escalate and I am not a wealthy woman.

Also once starting the process in the private system I fear that I would be home on my own after the op not knowing who to turn to or call for after care.

I have no idea whether the nhs would help with staple removal,assistance with ted stockings or worst of all signs of infection.

My next step is my upcoming apt with the private consultant.

My anxiety levels are peaking now as I feel that decisions soon need to be made.

I wish you the very best for your future recovery.At least you are now under the care of the best the NHS can offer.

Private care is all very well when everything is straightforward.However the NHS is there to pick up the pieces when problems occur.

The trouble is that demand these days is in excess of supply and quality so variable accross the country.

The last time I needed hospital care way back in 1983 it was a different story.

My then GP (who has since died) made sure I was referred to the best London hospital .

The current referral system in my area is a different thing altogether.

Sending you love and best wishes for what you are dealing with.

Joyx

Dear Patsy

So much to say to you,I forgot to mention,so glad you have a wonderful husband to support you.

Best regards to him.

Of course the strain on him must be very great too.Seeing those we love suffer is very difficult.

I would suggest though that trying to hide things from him would not be the best. In my opinion openness is always the best way and I imagine he would prefer to know exactly how you are in order to help you.

I hope you don't mind me offering my opinion,it is well meant and I only wish you and he and your family the very best.

Joyx

Okay, so you are doing this research all by yourself and doing a hell of a job, darling ...

but how about talking to someone at your health isurance company who can tell you what will be covered regarding post-op care, equipment, treatment and such ...

Hi Renee

I don't have health insurance.

I had always believed in the NHS and in the past I trusted it totally and would never have dreamed of going private. I considered going private  a betrayal  of our NHS.

Things have changed however and I now have less than total confidence.In fact I feel betrayed by the overlap between public and private.

The complexities of all aspects of hip replacement require careful consideration. 

After care is important as well as getting an experienced and capable surgeon. 

The thing about the private option is that  costs could easily escalate if unexpected problems occur and I am not a wealthy woman.

Thank you  for your interest

How are you doing yourself?Clearly THR is not a walk in the park.

Recovery can take a long time,especially for us older folk for whom time is precious.

Joyx

I don't actually believe the NHS minds us going private. My GP refused to even let me have an xray on the NHS, when I said OK can I pay for it, his eyes lit up. Aparently they get a nice Christmas present for private referrals though I may be maligning them. The surgeon said I needed a THR pretty urgently. My GP said that I should see a rheumatologist first, he wanted me to go private, but I said no, NHS. I have been waiting five weeks and still have not received an appointment date. I think I am going to have to go privately for my hip operation or I will be in wheelchair in a care home at this rate. As you say it is pretty expensive.

Hi Joy

How are you doing? If you decide to have the Op privately you should be able to access the after care on the NHS. Mine was an emergency operation so I couldn't arrange anything before hand. Speak with your local hip team at the local hospital, to see if they can help. You'll need raised toiet seats, frames etc. as well as physio. My GP is very good about helping with this, but then quite frankly after everything that has happened to me, I think he would give me his first born, if I asked!!! 

The other thing you need to consider is that if you pay for yor operation you would also have to pay for the follow up consultaions, which he) always asks for X rays too. 

As for my husband, he is wonderful. I'm not sure I would have coped as well if the roles were reversed. I must just keep cheerful and optomistic. 

Patsy X