Failed hip resurfacing

[baxter]

On Sept. 2007, I traveled to Coimbatore, India to have bilateral hip resurfacing,
the surgeon was Dr. Bala. After returning home I started having night sweats.
Unfortunately, I learned that I had an infection. I saw an infectious disease Dr.
and a Orthepedic surgeon. The Orhto. Dr. informed me after seeing my x-rays,
that my right hip was installed incorrectly. He went on to say that my right
hip would at some point fail. On May 3nd 2008, my right hip resurfacing failed.
  Since May 3nd, I have had two surgeries to correct the failed right hip. I am
also continuing I.V. anti biotic's twice a day. It has been one year since my surgery
in India. I am sorry that I didn't know more about what could go wrong. I read several
testimonials, all of which were postive. Looking back on my journey, it would have been
helpful to have had more information before making a decision.
  Another twist to my story is that I have been diagnosed with Hep. C. After my first
surgery in India, I recieved a blood transfusion. The question at hand is of course, did
I get the infection from the blood transfusion. At this point I don't have an complete answer.
  It has been a challenge to return to a normal life. I am working very hard at keeping
a positive attitude. Right now all I want is to be able to walk without a cane and pain.
 
Sincerly,  Gary     

 

[John C]

Gary,
I was very sorry to hear about your trials, but believe that with your positive attitude, you will eventually walk away ready to move on. As nice as it is to read all of the positive stories, I want to thank you for sharing yours as a way of reminding everyone of the serious risks that are out there.
Keep that positive attitude, and I believe that you will find a way through this to a positive end.

John

[Pat Walter]

Hi Gary

I am very sorry to hear about your problems with your resurfacing.

I would not know where you got the Hep C since I am not medically trained.  I do know that people here in the US have received infections and problems too.

I think we all worry about infections no matter where we have our surgeries.

Do you have a THR now in one of the hips? or have they removed the hip device completely and are waiting until the infection is gone to give you a THR?

Again, I don't know what to say.  Many people have gone to India and had fine outcomes.  I know I have heard stories from a number of Dr. Bala patients.  I think that is the thing we all think about when we have to travel to another country for a surgery.  I know many of us had no other choice including myself.  I went to Belgium because I was not sure I wanted to travel so far to India.

I will post your story on the main website if you let me under the problems page http://www.surfacehippy.info/hipresurfacingproblems.php   I do want people to know that problems can happen.  I don't want to completely candy coat hip resurfacing.  Fortunately, there are not a large amount of problems, but there is always a small chance of failure, infections and serious blood clots.  People need to know that.

I wish I could give you some other advice, but I can't other than to say that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Please keep in touch and I know you have the support from all the folks here on Hip Talk.

Pat

[baxter]

Hi Pat,

  Thank you for having a place where people can share their stories.
When I first returned from India, I was so proud of myself for taking
care of my hip surgery. Since I am uninsured I was responsilbe for
the complete cost of the surgery. So cost was a big factor in my discision
to where I would have the surgery done.
  I have had two additional surgeries on my right hip since India. In the first           surgery the failed resurfacing was removed and replaced with a temporary
prothesis. I was put on anti biotic's for two months until the infection was
decreased. My third and last surgery was done on Sept. 2, 2008. After this
surgery I was put on I.V. vancomycin. I am going into my 6th week of treatment.
  My left hip which was also resurfaced in India, has been sucessful. My right hip
is a THR(Styker-a polyethylene cup and a ceramic head). I am told by my Doctor
that I will be able to return to my surfing and active lifestyle. I look forward to
living without hip problems.
  I appreciate your input.

Sincerly,  Gary       
 

[baxter]

Hi John,

  Thank you for your positive thoughts. I believe I will be able return to
a healthy life. I look forward to being able to walk without a cane. I will
appreciate each and every step.
  Thank you again for your encouragement.

Gary 

[obxpelican]

Gary,

I think I can speak for all of us surface hippies that we're all praying and sending positive thoughts your way.

Thanks for posting your problems because it helps inform us all like Pat said that not every surgery goes completely as planned. 

A fellow by the name of Spencer posted about problems with his infection and it was very informative to all of us.



Chuck

[sroberts]

Gary,

I'm very sorry to hear about your infection. Use this forum as a means for support. You will definitely get it here. Are you going on your last week of Vanco?  You will feel so much better once the antibiotics are done. Hang in there and stay positive. We're all pulling for you.

take care,

spencer

[baxter]

Hi Spencer,

  I am in my 5th week of vanco, I don't how long this will last. I was told
by my Ortho Dr. that I may need to take an anti biotic for the rest of my
life. Assuming that the infection remains in the  bone. It is possible that I
picked up an additional infection during my surgery here in the states. My
infection changed from my 2nd surgery to my 3nd. After my 2nd surgery
I was informed that the infection was not mrsa and would be easily cared
for. After my 3nd surgery I was told that the infection was now Staph, and
was told that it would require the big guns( vanco).
  Thank you for your support. I am looking forward to reading others experiences.
I appreciate the support.

Gary

[baxter]

Hey Chuck,

  Thank you for your prayers. I do appreciate the support. It has been since Oct
2007 that I have been dealing with my recovery. It has been a roller coaster ride,
lots of ups and downs and sharp corners.

  Gary 

[Big Bill]

Gary ...Big Bill here ....if you were tough enough to make the decision to hve your initial procedure ...you are tough enough to beat the infection. You WILL have a ton of support from your fellow Hippies...please contact me personally if there is anything I can do !!

          Big Bill    C.A.S.H.   7/9/08