Hi Carolyn

I have had a similar problem to you, and I posted on the group last winter
asking for help. I'd had a hip replacement in August, and I'd only been home
4 hours and it dislocated. Then followed a dash into hospital, where it was
put back into place without the scalpel, but definitely under a general
anaesthetic! I subsequently had 8 further "dislocations" and in January 05 I
had the whole thing re-done with a totally different prosthesis put in.This
has been successful, thank goodness.

At the time, I asked my pt about the sacro-iliac belt and she said it's of
no use if a hip replacement isn't working properly or for younger people.
I'm  59, and live in UK, so I regard myself as being younger!!!!!!!
Perhaps that gent you've heard about isn't too active? You can always ask
your pt about the belt, but a search on the internet will come up with
further details. I think that must be the belt you refer to, but do check
it's right for you before you buy. 4 years is a long time to put up with any
sort of dislocation. What does your surgeon say about it?

Also, you need to differentiate between a full dislocation (ambulance,
flashing lights and further surgery) or a partial dislocation, where you can
feel it has come out of its socket, but a bit of wriggling about on your
bottom makes it click back into place. The latter was really frightening
every time it happened, but a proper full dislocation can only be put right
in hospital.I was given a huge leg brace with endless velcro to wear from
the ankle to the groin. The thinking seemed to be that I would have to move
very carefully and not even have a partial dislocation. That didn't work
for me, but the new joint is now fine. But considering it's been nearly 11
months since it all started, it's been a dreadful time. I can't walk long
distances without a stick and I'm still doing lots of physio at home.

My other hip was done in April 1987 and that's been fine.

Hope this helps
Janet (UK)

Hi Carolyn! It's a small world, I'm in WA as well.

I had my first done in 2001, too. Who was your surgeon?

Sorry, I've never had one dislocation. Have you discussed this with your
surgeon? Have you sought a second opinion? I can recommend my surgeon
for a second opinion (email me privately). His bedside manner is
sometimes atrocious, but then, he's a surgeon! hehe However, his work
has been excellent.

Ari

Hi Carolyn,

Don't have any advice on the hip but wanted you to know I saw your
post.  Seems like you've already gotten some helpful answers.  I hope
you get some relief soon.  I would difinately have a serious talk with
the surgeon and if your not satisfied with his answers then find
another one.

debbie m.

My MIL had this problem and a DIFFERENT surgeon finally
went in to correct it. Turned out that somehow the
first surgeon had put to different size parts. The ball
part was considerably smaller than the socket. All she
had to do was twist funny and out it came. Very Painful.
I think the surgeon put in a bar across the socket
space so that the ball could not fall out but that was
years ago and I got that third hand from my husband who
is notorious for not listening correctly and worse at
forwarding information.
Never heard of an external belt but it would make sense.
Duckie

Hello,
To those who responded to my question, I thankyou and wish
you  pain free days.

Regards,
Carolyn

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Carolyn, both times mine dislocated I had to go to the hospital to have it
put back in place.  The last time I wore an abduction brace 24/7 for six
weeks, and it hasn't dislocated since.  That was 4 years ago.
Gwen