Unexpected Findings After My Hip Replacement
Hello, everyone! I’m a 42-year-old woman, and I recently underwent a hip replacement about two weeks ago. To provide some background, I have been dealing with avascular necrosis (AVN) for the past two years, a condition stemming from a fall I had over three and a half years ago. Despite receiving frequent diagnostic treatments, my original doctor overlooked the issue for quite some time. It wasn’t until my spine specialist pointed out the oversight that my hip surgeon became upset with me, accusing me of lacking trust. Upon realizing his significant mistake, he simply shrugged it off with a casual, "My bad." Additionally, he neglected to prescribe two out of the five medications he was supposed to before the operation, prescribed a medication I'm allergic to, and after I brought this up, he expressed disdain for pharmacists but promised to write the prescriptions before my surgery. Unfortunately, he did not fulfill this promise. After the operation, he failed to follow up with me; I awoke in confusion, entirely unaware of the situation. I attempted to collect my medication before heading home, but he had not called in the prescriptions. This led to a harrowing night at the emergency room, as I couldn’t reach anyone to prescribe pain relief, making it one of my most challenging evenings. The following day, he finally submitted the prescription at 9:20 AM. Recovery has been tough since that night; as warned by the ER staff, the first week saw my pain level hovering between a 7 and 8 out of 10, and my surgeon only provided Norco for relief, opting for prednisone instead. He insists on sticking to lower-tier pain medications, refusing to prescribe anything stronger than Norco or Percocet, which I can’t take due to allergies. About a week post-surgery, I discovered three small, black, U-shaped metallic pieces in my sheets beneath me. Given that my bandages were intact, I was curious yet not overly concerned. However, I continued to find these pieces repeatedly, and my doctor’s office largely dismissed my attempts to raise the issue, despite several calls and emails. Yesterday, I showed them a photo during a follow-up appointment, and their only comment was that it was unusual. An assistant speculated that they resembled surgical sutures, although she noted that they used staples during my surgery, not sutures. I no longer trust this doctor. I have inspected all my bedding, as well as the soft, old T-shirts and underwear I wear, and I found no metal in any of them. No changes in my living environment have occurred either. This morning, I even spotted two more of these mysterious pieces in the toilet, likely detached from my skin, but I’m considering all possibilities. I am seeking assistance in understanding where these objects might be originating from. I would share images, but it appears I can’t do that in this forum. However, I’m willing to try posting on another platform if anyone is interested in seeing the photos.
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 6:31:29 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about your difficult experience following hip replacement surgery. It sounds like you've been through a lot, and it's completely understandable that you're feeling uncertain and anxious about these unusual findings as well as the overall care you've received.
Key Points:
- The metallic pieces you're finding may be concerning, especially given your recent surgery.
- Pain management after your hip replacement is crucial, and it's important you feel heard and supported in managing that pain.
- It's essential to communicate effectively with your healthcare team about both the objects and your pain relief options.
Explanation:
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Metallic Pieces:
- The black U-shaped metallic pieces may be remnants from the surgical procedure, but it’s not common for them to separate from the surgical site or materials used during the operation.
- These could be related to the surgical staples or any other metallic objects. It’s important to determine whether they are part of your surgery, as they should not be in your bed or toilet.
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Pain Management:
- After hip replacement surgery, it's typical to have significant pain during the recovery phase, but how it is managed is equally important. If the prescribed medications are not effectively controlling your pain or if you have allergies limiting your options, it's essential to discuss alternative pain management strategies.
Recommended Next Steps:
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Document Everything: Keep a daily record of the metallic pieces you find—note the number, size, and where you discover them. Take clear photos and write down your observations.
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Communicate with Your Surgeon: Make a formal request for a detailed examination of the pieces. You may want to consider seeking a second opinion from another orthopedic surgeon who can provide a fresh perspective and proper examination.
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Pain Management Strategy: Ask for a referral to a pain management specialist if your current surgeon isn't responsive to your concerns about your pain relief. This specialist can explore other pain relief options, including medications that might be safer for you.
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Follow Up: If you continue to feel dismissed or if you feel your health is at risk, consider reaching out to a patient advocate or contacting a different medical facility for your concerns.
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Emergency Care: If you experience any new symptoms such as increased pain, swelling, or signs of infection (like fever, heat, or redness at the surgical site), seek medical attention immediately.
Your recovery matters greatly, and you deserve to feel safe and supported by your healthcare providers. Please take care of yourself and reach out for the support you need.
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