In this third and final part, my Client describes the agony she endured following the first revision surgery and how, in desperation, she made the decision to undergo a second revision surgery, her third hip surgery in six years.
Part 3
First Revision Surgery “Extremely Difficult”
My recovery from the first revision surgery had been extremely difficult; nothing like the recovery from the original implant surgery. I was on a walker for two months. I could not walk without a cane for almost six months without great discomfort. I stayed in physical therapy for a year. I would do exercises prescribed by the physical therapist and others almost every day in order to regain my strength and motion. My therapist finally released me in April 2012 without much hope for improvement. Pain relievers were required every day. I could walk, but I walked with pain and a limp. I could not remain seated for long periods without discomfort. It was difficult to travel. I could not easily bend over. Until my revision, I played tennis and played ball with my children; that was no longer possible. There are many normal movements that remain difficult or impossible for me to do. Housework and yard work are difficult to do. I was very worried about my future. How was I going to manage my life and family?
I did not want to return to my original doctor or hospital. In desperation, I sought out another orthopedist for a second opinion. He recommended a pain management group. He gave me no hope that there was anything else that could be done to improve my hip. I was devastated.
Resolute in my Rehabilitation
I remained dedicated to daily exercises to strengthen my leg. I practiced whatever yoga postures I could do. Acupuncture gave me some short term pain relief. I went to acupuncture as often as I could afford. The pain management group was helpful. I was thankful for any progress or pain relief. It was only because I was absolutely resolute in my rehabilitation and exercise that I could walk with some strength and stamina. Pain medicine was required to get through the day, but such medications are also a toll on the body and mind and blood pressure.
I heard nothing from the original doctors or Depuy. I should have been in my doctor’s office screaming from the top of my lungs for some help or relief, but I became resigned to my condition. I thought that this was the best for which I could hope; however, I slowly realized that I could not live in this condition. There had to be something else I could do. I started to research some other doctors that had been on the cutting edge of hip revisions.
Hip Condition Worsened Dramatically
In August 2013, the pain and my hip condition worsened dramatically. I scheduled an appointment with a new doctor at a different hospital and practice. It took months to get to see him, but it was worth the wait. Even though several other doctors had taken X-rays of my hip and saw no chance for improvement, my new surgeon immediately saw a problem with no bone growth into my hip implant , and he recommended a third hip surgery (and second revision surgery).
In March 2014, I had a very successful (third) hip surgery. I am very grateful to my surgeon. He saved my life.
It has taken great effort and dedication on my part to rehabilitate my hip and recover muscle strength and agility after the second revision. I work on my hip and overall conditioning every day. I will never be completely well or return to all former activities, but I can now enjoy an active and engaged life. I no longer take any medications. I am pain free.
Note: This post and and all related posts are copyrighted by the client, who remains anonymous for the purpose of this website publication. She has given me permission to publish these posts, yet she retains all rights to the contents herein.