FWmaker Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Well all, I'm in the waiting room at NY Presbyterian Hospital for Special Surgery. Mom was taken up about an hour ago. She had a hip replacement done in the beginning of December of 2007. Problem is, "it didn't take." She's been in unbelievable pain ever since and can barely walk. The Doc (new Doc, not the one who did the operation) believes it is due to an infection around the prosthesis. I've come to be very cynical lately and am not sure if it's true or if they don't know what's wrong or if Doc is covering for Doc. Either way, it's been decided to remove the prosthesis for six weeks to allow for healing. This is done by puting in a concrete "spacer" that takes the place of the prothesis. This slab of concrete is infused with antibiotics. She'll be home in about 6 days and on intrevenous at home until they open her up again to put in a new appliance. No matter what I think - whether it's a conspiracy or not - I'm hoping that the procedures go well (obviously) and the mere fact that they are actually opening up mom to see what the hell is really going on, and that she's getting a new appliance, will alleviate her problems. She's been very depressed and that's been a burden on everyone involved. One good thing here...I've got three of my clients that are nurses in this hospital and will be able to look in on her and will feed me info. I'll be back later. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Dick Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Yikes. Positive vibes to your mom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loaf Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 good thoughts sent! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chargerz Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Hip problems like this can be nasty. I'm wishing your mom the best possible outcome and a speedy recovery! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rajncajn Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 That's horrible H. Hope all goes well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocknrobn26 Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 FW, The best wishes and prayers are coming for your Mom! Moms are special to sons! FWIW...I was at the Vet's office the other day (We know the whole family real well) and my Vet's Mom had a problem with her Hip replacement also. She slipped on the stairs and somehow it broke some bone and shifted. She got it replaced but will be in a rehab center for at least 2 weeks. See her as often as possible. Be the brick and keep her spirits high! That's all you can do, but do it! Keep us apprised of the situation also! My best to you also, as it won't be easy! rr26 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark5 Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Prayers here and hope everything turns out well... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 yikes good luck to her Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ziachild007 Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Wow, thats tough man. Prayers and good vibes sent to you and your mom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmypg Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 That sucks. I wish your mom the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yo mama Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Wow, that doesn't sound fun at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Czarina Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Poor Mom! Hope it all goes smoothly (this time). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaP'N GRuNGe Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Sounds like no fun at all. I wish her all the best in an as pain free as possible recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puddy Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Sorry to hear that Howard. Hoping for the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chargerz Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 (edited) Why couldn't they just fill her up with antibiotics and leave the hip in? Sounds like they're going to pump her full anyways? Bone infections are extrememly difficult to cure (due to the poor blood supply of bone tissue itself) and having a foreign material (a prosthesis) present in the same area can make it impossible. The fact that patients who need hip replacements are elderly and may not be in the greatest of health makes fighting infection even tougher. While not knowing all the details of her situation, it seems likely that her doc was faced with this scenario and had to take the unfortunate step of removing the first prosthesis and inserting the antibiotic spacer to clear the area of infection. After this occurs he can go back again later to insert a second prosthesis with hopefully better long-term results. Edited July 22, 2008 by Chargerz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alchico Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Prayers and Good Vibes for your Mom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh 0ne Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Thoughts and prayers for your Mom, Howard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FWmaker Posted July 22, 2008 Author Share Posted July 22, 2008 Thanks for the well wishes and good thoughts. Chargerz hit it on the head. The doctor is well respected in this field from what I understand and he brought up my mom's case and films with some collegues/friends at the Mayo Clinic. They agree with the course of action take. By the way, last night's surgery went ok. Doc said infection did not as yet adversely affect the existing bone or soft tissues in the area. The old prosthesis goes now to pathology for testing and cataloging like the Ark of the Covenent ("Raiders of the Lost Ark"). Labs will be testing for different infections on tissues taken during surgery. Can be aerobic or anaerobic infections - some more difficult than others to screen for. I'll update when I can. Probably won't be for some time now as we are playing the waiting game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Cid Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Wow. Good thoughts sent for you and your mom. Stay strong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muck Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Wow. When someone has health issues, it sure puts other problems in perspective... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piranha Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Good vibes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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