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2 stage hip revision due to infection

Posted , 9 users are following.

emanuel_ma37639
emanuel_ma37639

can someone share their experience

2 likes, 37 replies

37 Replies

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  • michael11283
    michael11283 emanuel_ma37639

    Posted

    Hi Emmanuel

    I think we belong to an elite club - 1% or so of hip replacements get infected.

    My hip was replaced 8 years ago and was very successful. However I had bowel surgery 4 years ago and I think some bacteria from my bowel got into my blood at that point. My hip became a bit stiff. Once I got it moving it was OK but the first few steps were sore. And I could no longer sleep on it. It became very sore in September 2016 so I went to the doctor then to my local hospital. They referred me to the specialised bone infection unit at the Nuffield in Oxford and, NHS waiting lists being what they are, I was told the'd do the first stage in early Jan and I'm still waiting.

    Since they took a sample (back in November) it has been suppurating which isn't great as I was needing to change dressings 4 times a day but it reduced the pain a lot. I'm still exercising a bit - going for a walk most days - but I do feel that I'm losing fitness and becoming generally stiff.

    I do have a friend who knows someone who had the two stage revision. He had both a hip and a knee (on opposite legs) so was bedridden after the first stage but he's made a full recovery.

    As I understand it the spacer packed with antibiotics that they put in may allow partial weighbearing. But I suspect I will be very immobile for a while.

    How far in the process have you got?

    Mike

  • candice57475
    candice57475 emanuel_ma37639

    Posted

    I'm currently doing antibiotics through a picc line. My hip became infected 3 1/2 weeks after my revision. I has a second surgery to remove the head and liner, wash out the area, and put in "antibiotic pellets". I'm hoping so strongly that this will knock it out. If not, I will have to have the 2 part surgery and it will be the 4th and 5th surgery on that hip. After looking at my x-rays, removing the revision looks incredibly scary. I'd like to follow your recovery.

    • michael11283
      michael11283 candice57475

      Posted

      Candice

      What a shame. Hopefully the infection is not too deep seated and the iv antibiotics will cure it

      I've just got my date 22nd March. It's just after term finishes which is good as my wife teaches and so will be around.

      Good luck with your treatment.

      Mike

    • candice57475
      candice57475 michael11283

      Posted

      Thank you! It seems incredible that you are expected to wait that long. I'm so glad that your wife will be able to care for you. I wish you the best of luck.

    • michael11283
      michael11283 candice57475

      Posted

      Candice

      It is a long time to wait. But then I have had the infection for 3 or 4 years and although it is quite sore now it's not that much worse than it has been. I just thought my joint was wearing out and put up with it.

      Thanks for your good wishes

      Mike

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure emanuel_ma37639

    Posted

    So sorry to her you have been thru so much. I can't emagine how difficult this must be for you. This is everyone's biggest fear and the first question I ask my last dr about infection rate at hospital. 

    They take so many precautions now. I had to wash and wipe with special wipes to decrease skin bacteria night before surgery and day of surgery. 

    Some newer OR rooms have special fans to remove debrie in air as proceedure takes place as well as wearing space suits to not infect patient. Also never wipe or rub any creams on incision and I had a special sealed covering and small computer in pocket to add oxygen to incision and hol it tight for two weeks. It's called a PICO negative skin dressing. 

    So so ver sorry you had to endure infection. So many precautions are taken to prevent this.

    Do you know what type of infection it is or what cusesd it?

    i hope and prey ur better soon as it is a long process. Keep posting let us know how your doing.

    many healing prayers & blessings sent you way.

    Hopexxx

     

    • hope4cure
      hope4cure

      Posted

      I just had revision due to recalled hip 5 weeks out.. Had necrosis, cobalt poisoning, pseudo tumors , erosion from metal om metal section in neck of implant and many other complications. Was on a cane for 5 years waiting for surgery. So I can't ever understand how waiting with pain or infection as well as recalled THR hips are not a priority? 

      It took 5 years to finally get it removed and the greater totancher was fractured all that time which never showed up in xrays or MRI. Found at the time of surgery. I was lucky no infection. 

      I know now we all have stories that can be helpful to others to know that many issues can apply to this THR surgery and so many have experienced complications. Many need to educate and be their own advocates. This forum can help.

      Especially THR is done like clock work and too many are recalled. Surgery complications and infections more than any other type of surgery.

      A Cable had to be added to hold the fracture and 13" revision implant . It's was painful experience . Still hoping I can walk with no limp or cane.

      Hopexxx

       

    • emanuel_ma37639
      emanuel_ma37639 hope4cure

      Posted

      Thanks I think every precaution was taken but unfortunately theses things do happen. I got the staphylococcus Capitis,which is an airborne bacteria in the OT
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure emanuel_ma37639

      Posted

      I think that is everyone's nightmare when going in for surgery. I am very sorry Emanuel . It's been a tough go and you have been so brave to contine to fight and be strong. I encourage you to contine on this path to wellness and that you are given everything you need to sustain you thru this recovery.👍

      Gentle Hugs🤗

      Hopexxxx😊

    • emanuel_ma37639
      emanuel_ma37639 hope4cure

      Posted

      So kind with words thank you, I have no option other then to put up with the different type of infection pain and the dreaded antibiotic side effects for the rest of my life

      thanksxx

  • renee01952
    renee01952 emanuel_ma37639

    Posted

    hi emanuel,  

    warm welcome to this hippies forum ...

    so sorry to hear what you are going through - can you share more about your self?

    what caused the infection and has a surgery date been scheduled?

    eventhough a small percentage, this happens some times -

    please come back here okay

    big warm hug

    renee

    • emanuel_ma37639
      emanuel_ma37639 renee01952

      Posted

      Thanks Renee for the nice welcome, I am 67 yrs old lived in Sydney for 54  yrs, I am a musician plays guitar. Had an accident in 2005 and a year later had to have THR. Since then I had to have some 13 ops on my hip for various reasons but the most devastating thing was that in 2014 I had my hip revised had to have an osteotomy and whilst in rehab my trochanter did not bond so I had to go back in after 3 weeks to have my trochanter fixed back via a claw and scewd through to the prosthesis. All was good had the claw in for 8 months then in 2015 had it taken out in hospital and this is when I contracted staphylococcus Capitis infection. Had had all the washout and everything else but unfortunately the antibiotic side effect are taking their toll on the body and they are just keeping  a lid on the infection for now, so the only chance I have is to have this 2 stage revision. My first stage is scheduled for the 23/2.
    • michael11283
      michael11283 emanuel_ma37639

      Posted

      Emanuel

      Sounds like you have been through a lot already. Success rate for the 2 stage is pretty good. I hope it goes well and that your ordeal will finally be over.

      Strangely my surgeon doesn't want me on antibiotics until they do the first stage. My bacteria is enterococcus faecalis and appears to be susceptible to antibiotics so I'm hopeful of a good outcome too.

      Let me know how you feel after stage 1. I wonder how much mobility we will have but will find out when it happens.

      Best wishes

      Mike

      PS I'm 68 living in the UK where we think it's very cold at the moment (about 4 deg c)

    • candice57475
      candice57475 emanuel_ma37639

      Posted

      You have been through so much already. I wish you the best of luck in your recovery and hope you have a lot of support. Please keep us posted on your progress.
    • emanuel_ma37639
      emanuel_ma37639 michael11283

      Posted

      Hi Michael

      yes I have been going like this since 2005 and really I am over it. I have been on antibiotic for 2 years and all they are doing is putting the lid on things for now. The bacteria is staphylococcus Capitis , I think we need to be patient and remain very positive. In Sydney we have been experiencing very hot temperatures never ever been recorded before.

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