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Girdlestone procedure
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Girdlestone procedure - May 25, 2008 12:20:52 PM
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wsherk
Posts: 7
Joined: April 4, 2004
Status: offline
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Does anyone have any experience with a Girdlestone procedure? This one was done to remove the prosthesis after a total hip arthroplasty became infected. The patient is 99 years old, in amazing mental and physical health for that great age, but still 99. The femur was shattered during the procedure, and she now has a VRE infection. She has had four general anaesthetics since Jan. and has had blood transfusions equivalent to triple her own blood volume - trying to deal with the infections and very poor healing.
Her surgeon is still intent on doing another THA once the area is healed. This seems completely bizarre to me as I've discovered through PubMed research that patients can do well without a hip joint. They need a walking aid and have some leg shortening, but often have minimal pain, or moderate pain that can be managed with analgesics, and can function. All this lady wants is to get out of her isolation room, and back to her nursing home where she'd have a life again. I'm preparing my arguments for him (she has no family or outside support), and would appreciate hearing from anyone who could help out.
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RE: Girdlestone procedure - May 26, 2008 3:40:21 PM
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gerry
Posts: 235
Joined: July 6, 1999
From: Montgomery, AL, USA
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My aunt was in a similar situation. Ended up using a wheelchair for her mobility and did relatively well with that. Never know for sure, but I think it was a good alternatinve for her.
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RE: Girdlestone procedure - May 26, 2008 8:48:40 PM
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rwillcott
Posts: 340
Joined: March 20, 2006
From: Canada
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That's a tough situation. Souds like the patient is not being heard. Has she discussed that she wants with the surgeon?
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RE: Girdlestone procedure - May 29, 2008 3:29:13 PM
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wsherk
Posts: 7
Joined: April 4, 2004
Status: offline
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Yes, on different occasions, in the last few days, three different staff spent a lot of time with her. We made sure she remembered all she'd been through, that she had choices, here were the options, and that it was okay to tell her surgeon that she didn't want another operation.. She came through her last visit with flying colours ( this involved an ambulance trip to our regional hospital and hours of waiting there) and he was very understanding once she made him listen. So all is well. Thanks.
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