Question
I had a total l hip replacement 8/2009. I had a difficult experience with this surgery. From blood transfusions, a "wash" a week after the surgery and finally an infection.  My hospital stay was 3 weeks, when I was told I would be home in 3 days.  I always have pain, decreased mobility and unsteady gait after this surgery.  Lately I am experiencing a clicking and popping at that joint which results in severe pain. I feel as though something is popping out and then i have to sit very still until i can ease the joint back into place- this is EXTREMELY painful. Whats going on, I have maintained all precautions, but I never felt that 100% better I was told prior to my THR.  What should I do, I'm afraid of having another surgery on that hip.

Answer
Dear Jenette,

If you trust your doctor-then go get an opinion from him/her. Express your concerns. Find out exactly what went wrong & what the doctor would do to prevent from recurring. Ask lot's of questions and remember there is no gun to your head to redo the surgery. Insist that the explanation is in terms that you can understand. Based on the doctor's empathy & explanations-you can start to move towards a decision. After the opinion, seek a second opinion and compare. Go to a doctor that has a good reputation for revision (redo) surgeries.
If the new hip problem has a good chance to be corrected-and a redo surgery may improve your lifestyle-then you should consider it.  This is what I would do for myself or family member.
Hope This Helps!
and
Good Luck!
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