1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Hip Replacement

Anyone else have total hip replacement surgery then have infection and face multiple surgery?

Posted , 11 users are following.

joyce50464
joyce50464

I had my left hip replacement surgery in 2015 , all went well and have been pain free, was having problems with right hip ,, so I had decided to go ahead with total hip replacement on right hip, so on October 25th 2017 I had surgery, went home and then my leg swelled and had horrible pain 2 weeks latter, I called my surgeon and got in the next day, he drew out 2 big suringes  of pus fluid, he said oh goodness, it’s infected!! I was so scared ,, but agreed to go to hospital that very day and the next day after being admitted he opened same incision and replaced all but the stem in the leg bone and cleans and scraped infection out, which was a Staph infection,, by the way my surgeries were done in front of leg instead of the more common incision on the side of hip,,,and after surgery I was sent home with a pic line to administer IV antibiotics for 6 weeks,, well at home my incision drained so much , I went back to doctor and turns out the antibiotics weren’t working as good as he had hoped,, so my final option was to have a antibiotic temporary spacer in place while getting rid of infection,, and longer IV antibiotics with a oral antibiotic added and then 6-8 weeks latter , “time depending on my blood work” then  I would get another permanent total hip replacement and should be back to good , but to get the second hip out and the spacer in ,, he would have to make a larger incision on back side of my hip up through my buttocks,, so that’s what happened,, now after 3 surgeries,, I sit here with a smaller incision in front that still drains a little and a larger incision up my backside leg,, it is now mid December 2017 right before Christmas and I’m in pain and can’t bear much weight on right leg and pretty helpless for someone who is only 48 years old and normally very active,, awaiting my 4th surgery for my last permanent hip that won’t be done until end of January or mid February,,, I’m hopeful but also very depressed,, feeling my life is on hold and mobility isn’t very much , and administering IV antibiotics in my arm every 8 hours, I can’t pick up my grandkids or go Christmas shopping,,

I was wondering if there is anyone out there that has been through a similar situation and now recovered or still going through it like I am?

I would appreciate some insight 

Thanks ,,,, Joyce

0 likes, 25 replies

25 Replies

Prev
  • linda80011
    linda80011 joyce50464

    Posted

    I’m so sorry. Infections are horrible. My hip surgery this year was ok but my knee replacement was infected.  I got through it one day at a time and much praying. It will end. 
    • brenda67955
      brenda67955 linda80011

      Posted

      Did u need the knee replaced? The Dr told me had a pt with all 4 joints infected and ALL had to come out# every few weeks or months they would work n nother joint. I cannot imagine.both knees were replaced 19 yrs ago with no problems but when i went to the ER they were painful and felt on fire.
    • joyce50464
      joyce50464 linda80011

      Posted

      Thank you,, yes prayers help, I was starting to loose my faith in the hospital 

      But ,, once I returned home I prayed about being strong 

  • Milvain34
    Milvain34 joyce50464

    Posted

    Hello Joyce.  I’m so sorry to hear about your tale.  I went through something the same in 2008.  I had a fused hip taken down and a hip replacement done.  It dislocated, so it was redone.  It dislocated again and was then another replacement.  Then I was told I had a staph infection, and was put on oral and IV antibiotics.  I had a couple of operations to debride the site.  I was then put in a rehab hospital.  A couple of months later the infection returned and after seven surgeries, the hardware was removed and I now have no hip at all.  I sincerely hope you don’t end up like I have.  But if you didn’t start with a fused hip perhaps you will end better than I did.  I don’t want to discourage you.  Try to keep the faith, and hope for the best.  Good luck.
    • RichardKen
      RichardKen Milvain34

      Posted

      Dear Milvain

      Just wanted to let you know how sorry I am to hear your story. I cannot start to imagine the stress and disappointment you have had and then been told that that's it. Terrible.

      Best wishes, Richard

    • joyce50464
      joyce50464 Milvain34

      Posted

      I am so sorry to hear what happened to you and how are you coping with this mentally,, I am stressed out all the time waiting for my hip knowing I’m facing yet another surgery,, my goodness you have had seven surgeries!! Why don’t you have a hip now? Why won’t they put another in yet? I can’t imagine what your going through,, 
  • merelina89971
    merelina89971 joyce50464

    Posted

    Hello Joyce! My goodness what a time you’ve had! Mine not so bad so far!!

    First op in June.. second in October with infection on wound and subsequent 2 weeks on strong antibiotics. Wound seems to have healed but now have ticking all round my midriff and lower back since finishing antibiotics. GP thinks it’s a reaction to the antibiotics still in my system but it’s now over 2 weeks later. One suggestion was that my body is rejecting the metal!!! But there wasn’t this reaction after the first one. Am taking antihystamine now, having tried homeopathy and acupuncture. 

    Anyone had something similar? Drives me mad and of course means sleep interrupted all the time. Tried calamine lotion and aloevera for temporary relief . Had recent blood test!

    Merelina

  • jack83876
    jack83876 joyce50464

    Posted

    Joyce. I had a left THR May 2015 and suffered almost 3 years with pain, etc. 4 mris,9 epidurals,countless X-rays,nuclear blood testing, etc,spent tens of thousands of dollars of insurance and my money. FINALLY, the surgeons determined the problem and fixed it at the end of January 2018. Pain free but required a lot of time and patience.STAPH INFECTION! The story is very long but the excellent staff of professionals at Emory orthopedic got me set right. THERE IS AN END TO IT. See the BEST IN YOUR AREA. Good luck.
Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.