Question
Sharon,
First, I thank  you for being here. I also have bi-lateral hip replacements. No trouble with the L, but the R has dislocated 23 times since 2000 w/a revision in 2003. I refused to go back to the surgeon that did the hip. I am not sure why, but I cannot find a surgeon to help me.

Actually I am sitting here typing to now with my hip dislocated. It went on Friday the 1st. I called an ambulance, but the hospital I normally go to was on divert, as was my second choice. The hospital I ended up at insisted they reduce my hip in the ER. I told them it doesn't work in the ER and that I had to go to the OR. The doc insisted and tried w/o success. When I came to there was an angry doctor berating me for having had 23 dislocations. He asked me what was wrong with me that I hadn't had it fixed. To make a long story short, still under medication with my  head swirling I had trouble making sense of what he was saying. He was very angry and I remember sobbing to the point that I couldn't speak. He was telling me that he would fix my hip, but only if I was completely on his plan. Medicated, alone, and frightened, I left the hospital AMA thereby missing my big chance to get my hip fixed I guess. I came home on Sunday with my hip out and have been here since.
I guess my question would be how can I find a surgeon to help me? I've seen many Doctor's, but I get turned down; except for the very angry guy.

Thank You,
Martha

Answer
Martha

first of all, how in the world are you sitting and typing with a dislocated hip????? Aren't you in pain????  How can you do that?

Twenty three disocations is unacceptable.  You need to get with a large teaching hospital and get to talk with the head of the orthopedic department.  Your hip may need a revision, not a reduction.

I had dislocation problems with my left leg.  My doctor thought I was doing something to the leg until it dislocated during my physical therapy with the therapist directing me in exercise and she stood up to the doctor and told him I did nothing wrong and that there was an inherent problem with the hip.  

I had to have a revision and a new cup was put in that was larger than the previous cup.  The cup that was original to the hip was too small.  And I am not a large person, I am 5 and half feet tall and weigh 127.  You may need a larger cup.   

I cannot believe you are doing anything to make your hip dislocate, why would you even listen to a doctor that makes you feel that way?

Start making some calls to the largest hospital in the area and get with the department of orthopedics.  Tell them you are alone, medicated and unable to get help and you need quidance on what to do.
Call social services, you cannot be on your own with a dislocated hip because you can't care for yourself.  

Sharon