Being Admitted for Emergency Surgery Due to Collapse of Femoral Head Caused by Avascular Necrosis

[Pixie100]

Hi everyone,

I am new to the forum, but have been dealing with Crohn's and Behcet's disease for quite a while-long before the advent of the steroid-sparing biologics. I developed avascular necrosis of both hips five years ago. My knees were diagnosed with this complication many years before that.

Since I expected avascular necrosis to cause pain, when it came last Christmas I thought little of it. At a recent appointment with the gastroenterologist who is covering off my doc's study leave, he commented on the severity of my limp and said that that needed to be dealt with before addressing my Crohn's concerns. The gastro made an appointment with my rheumatologist yesterday.

He called this morning to let me know that my right femoral head has collapsed because of the avascular necrosis and he is in the process of arranging for me to have my hip replaced on an emergency basis. So, I'm just waiting on the particulars.

This will be my first big surgery and I admit I'm more than a little concerned about it. What complicates matters for me is that injections in the arms cause large, hard purple lumps. I'm not sure if I have the same problem with my abdominal--but those heparin shots will need to go somewhere.

Sorry this post is so long--does anyone have some words of encouragement?

Thanks!

 

[rygon]

Good luck in your procedure. If there any worries like the bruising on your arm I would talk to your doc / surgeon. I'm sure they have come across it all before and will be able to give the right information to make you feel at ease

 

[UnXmas]

Sorry to hear of your troubles. I've had several surgeries, but only one was major. For a while afterwards you'll wonder if you'll ever feel ok again, because that much anaesthetic really takes its toll, but try not to be too depressed during this stage as you will start to feel like yourself again. I'm having another surgery in just a few weeks, which will be my most major surgery to date, and I can't wait to get over the really hard part and get to the point a few weeks later when you'll suddenly be surprised that you can feel well again!

I've not heard of the issue you have with injections. Have you had a pre-op assessment yet? I've found that the nurses who assess you always either know the answer to your question or they know someone who will be able to answer it. Any concerns you have, ask the nurses or your surgeon, they're there to answer your questions.

I hope it goes well. I've only ever had abdominal and pelvic surgeries, so I don't know about hip replacement, but if you have any general questions about surgery don't hesitate to post them.