Sikcell: People living with Sickle Cell

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Hip replacement at young age

I had osteomyelitis (bone infection) due to a salmonella septicaemia when I was 11 years old, it almost drove me out of life, but fortunately my body recovered although I had to wear a wheelchair for almost 3years and do a lot of physiotherapy.

Now at 25yo, I still struggle with the sequels of the osteomyelitis, with a last-degree arthrosis in the right hip and a collapsed head of the left femur...I have indication that I should have hip replacement (put prothesis), but that it should be postponed as much as possible because of the time span these prothesis have and how complicated surgery is. However I am in constant pain and have limited my movement back to a wheelchair, which is taking a huge emotional toll in me...

What should I do? Has anyone dealt with a similar situation?

Thanks for all the support!

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Permalink Reply by Darryl Alladice on June 9, 2015 at 11:56am

I've had acute neucrosis of the right femur since the age of 22; I'm 61 now. It comes and goes. I have more good days than bad. I keep my workout regimen to three days a week, doing lots and lots of hip stretches, steams, etc. Even the pool helps. A surgeon told me I was too strong to be put on his table.

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Permalink Reply by Aidin on June 10, 2015 at 6:10am

Woow that's good to hear!
I hope my history follows as yours :)

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Permalink Reply by Pam on June 10, 2015 at 10:27am

Would it be both hips?

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Permalink Reply by Aidin on June 10, 2015 at 10:36am

Yes, both :( I really don't know what to do...

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Permalink Reply by Pam on June 10, 2015 at 10:38am

What exactly are your reservations about having it done? I had a left hip replacement done at age 15.

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Permalink Reply by Aidin on June 10, 2015 at 10:42am

Because the doctors said that these prothesis have a limited time span, and that in 15y I would have to re-do it and that such situation is very complicated... At the same time I am afraid of complication because apparently my unhealthy femur has only 2.5cm approx a bit more than 1" of width which complicates the process...

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Permalink Reply by Pam on June 10, 2015 at 10:58am

Well I'm not sure about the prothesis, it sounds like your situation is a bit more complicated than what I had but I did a video on my experience here, I hope it can help you some..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO6Aj91VKTU