Failed Surgery. Not sure what to do. (Not seeking any medical advice)

LegacyUser

Hi Folks,

NOTE: I’m not looking for any medical advice.

I had elective surgery last year for a small issue with my leg. The surgeon was very confident of a successful outcome. After a few months it became obvious that the surgery failed. I subsequently underwent revision surgery again early this January. The surgery has also failed. The surgeon said he could operate again but there is no guarantee of success. At the last review he was basically telling me to get on with my life. However, I am now in a lot more pain than I was before the first operation. The pain is quite debilitating and affects me quality of life.

I’m not sure what to do next. I could go back to my surgeon. The thing is the surgery is quite specialist. I think there are only 3-4 surgeons doing this procedure in Ireland. My surgeon seems to have the most experience in this area. He is the most high profile anyway. I don’t know if I should go back to him or go elsewhere. I need to do something. This injury is really getting me down. The initial problem was sports related (running). Now I find it hard to do any proper exercise. I feel I've aged 10 years in the last year

Leaving this thread open for general advice and support - no medical advice please

thanks

Tokyo

Have you considered getting a second opinion? And perhaps legal advice, depending on the outcome of that second opinion?

J_E

I'd look for compensation at the very least if it's made things worse rather than better.

Taltos

Hi OP as above look for a 2nd opinion.
Also maybe talk to your GP about pain management. I am in a similar boat to you, running may have been a factor but is now off the cards, so I am not going to give you the same lines fed to me about taking up swimming etc.

But goto your GP, let them know how much pain you are in, maybe even keep a log of any and all painkillers you are taking (it might surprise you). There are other ways to deal with pain, but part of your recovery may be also accepting your new reality and the new limits you have to impose on what you do.

Persistent pain though is a killer - just in terms of your own mental wellbeing, get help now before it drags on too long. All it does in the long run is wear you down.

ABajaninCork

Is there a pain clinic you can be referred to in the meantime, whilst you seek a second opinion?

LegacyUser

Thanks Folks. I'm not too bothered about compensation. I just was to be pain free and able to exercise. A second opinion sounds like the way to go. I presume I can take the scans etc. from the original hospital I'm tempted just to get the final thoughts from the surgeon who operated and then go somewhere else. I am sorry I ever had surgery.

Rubberchikken

Go for a second opinion.
It's your health and future so hopefully things get better.

jimmyRotator

im in the same boat as you with regard to chronic injuries and pain. Ive also had surgery in the past year. I went to see a specialist in pain management and he recommended that I do an 8 week course in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. It helps enormously with every aspect of my life now, especially the depression associated with pain and not being able to exercise

Dave!

Sorry to hear about your troubles OP. Maybe someone in the Long Term Illness forum would be able to point you in the right direction in relation to pain management.

If it's possible then I'd go for a second opinion though, and be sure that it's not worth trying more surgery.

castaway_lady

Get a second opinion and do your own research also. Would some physio and rehab help in this particular case?

JuliusCaesar

If you can afford it, it might be worthwhile getting your second opinion in the UK,
especially if your original surgeon is the leader in the field here.

Taltos

Post deleted. Can I remind posters that asking the OP to PM you is not acceptable in PI/RI.
This is as much to protect you as it is them.

Thanks
Taltos

IlmoNT4

I would look outside of Ireland and to the UK.

I'm going through something very similar. Talk to your GP about pain management ... Although pain medication can be addictive and really impact your mood and stomach but has gotten me through some really bad days.

There are things they can do for long term pain management if you chose not to have any more surgery...its worth asking the surgeon about these options.

Meditation, mindfulness, there are heaps of information on the internet about pain management through none medication methods. I didnt find these worked for me but they could help you.
I found a Tens machine was really good for when things were very bad.
Physio - it made me worse but could be worth trying
Alexander Technique - helped me to a point (its a method of learning how to move in the way your body is suppose to move)
Diet: Keep a good diet
Sleep: Rest as much as you can, stay away from booze, smoking etc
Try and keep your stress down, I know its hard because its a stressful situation. Keep talking to people, if you have a close friend or family member to talk to how you feel. I know since I got sick, my mental health has really suffered along with my physical health. Especially being stuck in bed