BHR not 'right'. Help!

Folara

In November 2009 I had a BHR, metal on metal. It took ages to heal properly and got a bit infected, and I got a blod clot which added to it all.

I know there has been a lot in the news about these type of replacements and the untoward side effects. I've also read recently that it shouldn't have been done on someone as short as me (5ft nothing :roll: ) as the margin for error in placement is much too great.

However I have not ever heard a thing from my surgeons or anyone else about it.

The hip has always made an odd noise and never really settled but just recently it's got beyond a joke. I have less movement than when the old hip was playing up, it hurts and I don't just mean a little. Its like I have massive cramp of the hip and bum but not necessarily in the groin area, this is a constant pain that either gets unbearable or is just niggling.

Today, it felt like something locked up in it and I was in agony. I had to force myself to move through tears and gritted teeth and then it unlocked.

I have complained occasionally to my surgeon but I feel like I get ignored. I don't know what to do?

Help please?

Fols x

stickywicket

I'm not sure what kind of THRs I have but I intend to ask next time I see my surgeon. You're in a different position, Fols, because you've had problems with yours.

Now, forgive my ignorance but I thought (Could be wrong. Often am) the problems were with THRs not BHRs which, though metal on metal, is a resurfacing process not a replacement process. I hope, for your sake, I'm right.

In your situation I'd be getting my GP on board. I'm lucky in that they're all good. Other than that I don't know.

Folara

Thanks stickey. It's basically anyone who has had metal on metal implants. I have had a resurfacing but I still have a metal cup and ball implant. Today was very scary. I am seeing my doc next week but I need to talk to him about the fibro 'report' I have had to compile so I am not sure I can also ask about my hip.

I get so embarrassed when I have to ask about so many things.

Fols x

applerose

Sorry you're in so much pain Fols. Don't worry about how many questions you have to ask. You need and are entitled to answers. Sometimes you need to keep pushing to get things done.

stickywicket

Thanks for enlightening me about the implants. I learn something new all the time on here.

Now, about the appointment. In my surgery, with a normal appointment you can ask what you like but usually, if I've more than one thing, I say so at the outset so that they know how much there is to get through. If you make a 'same day' appointment it's supposed to be fairly urgent and therefore 'single issue'. Not all practices are the same though. Why not ring yours and ask if it'd be OK to mention this at the same time. They might say yes (Good), no (You'd need to make another appt) or that you'd need to make it a double appt ie longer.

I know it all sounds very simple when someone else suggests stuff like this and it all seems much more complex when it's you in the driving seat. (I'd be much more dithery if it were me.) But, if you need an answer, you need an answer and this might be a way to get one.

daylily

Hello,
I am sorry your BHR is playing up.
Please please go back to your Doc and insist on a referral to an expert consultant in BHR's as they are different to THR's.
I do not mean to worry you but I had a revision of a BHR to a THR in September last year as I was in exactly the same position as you, in much worse pain than before the BHR with very restricted movement.
I have to say on a positive note that the THR is brilliant, it feels (and felt immediately) much much better than the BHR ever felt.
My BHR was also a metal on metal and when my present consultant took the 'cup' bit out he found that it had not bonded with bone as it was supposed to do and was in fact loose.
You need answers and need them fast.
Please let us know how you get on and do not let the GP put you off seeing a consultant, in my experience GP's have little knowledge of the problems associated with metal on metal implants.
take care

Folara

Off to the docs next Tuesday and I've done myself a little reminder to make sure I don't chicken out of asking what I want to know. Tbh they are usually pretty good, I think it's just me.

Thanks for your help.

Fols x

sally14

HI folara... INSIST that they sort this. i had exactly the same, i too was in worse pain after the op than before. it turned out that i had had a severe reaction to the metal used and....although i dont want to scare you but i think you need to know... my muscle was being infected and i went on to have a THR in ceramic but it took a year of complaining and moaning and the feeling that no one was lisening and that the fact that i should be grateful that i had had the operation....but you do need to hound them, if they tell you its just settling in, ask for another opinion, they are bound to allow you to have one.
i dont want to worry you but i do believe that if asked then an honest answer is given, no **** footing....good luck and i hope you get a good result, keep us all informed.
Sally.xx

Folara

Thanks Sally. I have the docs next week. Very sadly my old Doc who was just the most loveliest and understanding person, has just retired

I don't know what the new Doc is like for my problems but he is young and up to date on things and I know he's great with the kids as my 15 year old son won't see any other doc.

I need to get this fibromyalgia thing sorted out at the same time. I get very nervous about going to the docs as I hate 'bothering' someone. I was kind of brought up to be seen but not heard.

Any way I will update next week.

Fols x