Decision making time, Any advice?

kandy

Very hard choices

I would pick #3 because less invasive, you could still walk and faster healing. The other two options sound like more complications could arise. Physical therapy could help you learn to walk. Also recovery would be faster. That's what I think I would do. Keep us updated.

Best

Diana

You are not a dog but my only relevant experience is in dogs. I have seen more than a few catastrophic hardware failures due to delayed healing, most often because dogs are difficult to rehab and keep quiet. Because of this (and expense), FHO (removal of the femoral head) is the more common surgery in many veterinary practices after hip/pelvis trauma. These dogs experience immediate pain relief and usually walk right out of surgery, it does take a few months of low impact therapy to get the joint capsule to scar in and become a stable, false joint but they are walking, swimming and seem pain free except the occasional crazy stunt that dogs will pull. We have even done bilateral FHO at the same time, that was a more difficult recuperative situation but still less intensive, painful and restrictive than dogs with hardware. Again, you are not a dog but I can only imagine the risks and recoveries cannot be dissimilar.

Devil, deep blue sea, rock, hard place. Yikes, Kandy--what a dismaying array of "choices." It sounds as if you're dealing with knowledgeable experts, but I do like Susan's idea of consulting with your PCP as well. And Tracy made an interesting point.

Feeling for you,

Tina

Geez Kandy, I dunno. You are a smart cookie - go with your gut. Sending love, SUE

Kandy, Like Susan my empathy is at an all time high. What a sucky situation.....I do not have any personal experience but like Diana and a few other ladies, I would pick the least invasive and more likely to heal OK outcome. A week to decide is a lot of pressure. I hope your Dr's can answer all of your questions well and put your mind more at ease. I am so sorry you have to deal with all of this. Please keep us up to date. We are all with you in spirit here...

Good luck. No advice or experience.

Kandy, my heart goes out to you. I guess the only thing that crossed my mind in reading your post is to wonder if another ortho doc -- one who truly specializes in situations like yours -- maybe an oncological ortho doc vs. a trauma ortho doc (who may deal more with crushing injuries) -- could be any more optimistic about outcomes for option #2. In other words, is there any benefit in getting at least one more opinion, ideally from someone who has done enough similar surgeries to maybe have more optimism re. recovery, or even a slightly different option??? Deanna

Have you done any research on the internet on the subject of helping fractures heal more quickly? I did a search and several things came up but since I know nothing about this I was apprehensive in suggesting any of them. But maybe you can try something that is suggested and give it a little more time?

Kandy, I was just thinking about you all night last night and today. I just hope all the doctors getting involved can collaborate well and help you make your decision easier and help relieve your stress somewhat. We'll be waiting for your news no matter which you choose.

Kandy,

Those are very tough choices indeed. I can only compare to living with a bad hip, because Cancer interfered with getting a replacement. I'm waiting 2-3 months for a new hip now. Of course, it's nothing compared to what you are going through. Reducing pain would be most important, as even if they can create a functional Pelvis, will you be in too much pain still to walk? I don't like the risks major surgery brings, and it sounds like you have no ability to heal. That's asking for an infection. And an infection would be catestrophic. I don't know if they can replace your entire pelvis with man made materials.

You can't discount the outcome of injuries to muscles and nerves either with major surgery.

I know giving up walking is undesirable, but your pelvis may give you no choices. There's lots of mobility devices out there, and many communities have good services helping people who can't walk stay independent and active. How is your support Network? Guess I'm leaning towards option 3 for you

My best friend has had 8+ back surgeries, and just told she needs another, much more complex surgery. She's very upset about the possibility of losing her ability to walk afterwards. I don't blame her at all. If that happens, we'll look at other ways to help her quality of life.

Kandy, I don't have any advice on the matter. Sorry that you are going thru this. I've been following the thread and have you in my thoughts and prayers.

Sending love and prayers!

Good to hear from you Kandy. Some pretty hard choices there and I feel for you. I am praying hard for your healing too and look forward to when you tell us that the surgery is behind you and you are on the mend. Sooooo exciting about the new grand baby!