Childhood Osteomyelitis, Long-Term Effects as Adult.

i was wondering the same thing. i had osteomyelitis in my leg when i was 2, thats been almost 40 years ago, and sometimes my leg hurts so bad, the pain is unbearable. i dont know if its the weather, or my weight. so i woul like to know too what are the long term effects of this illness.

 

I had osteomyeltis at 4 weeks old, im now nearly 19, the scar is from the surgery is about 8 inches long now sits following the bend of my knee in my right leg.

I am in constant pain from this, clear signs of missing muscle tissue and the cold traps me at home. I think most of this might be down to the placement of the scar being in a place where it gets agitated so easily.

I didn't realise it was common to feel bothered by an infection i had a month into my existence

Hi, I came across your post and, even though you asked your question over a year ago, thought I would respond.

I contracted this infection when I was 7 years old. I had torn the tendons and ligaments in my left ankle and, while healing, got a flu like illness resulting in staph settling in my left fibula. After the infection was detected, I had surgery. They opened my leg from just below the knee to ankle, scraped the bone and allowed most of the wound to open heal to pack and drain. It took two weeks in the hospital and several mire weeks of antibiotics at home to heal.

The infection has never truly gone away and apparently is still lying dormant in the membrane of my leg bone. Following trauma from football at age 10 and 12 the infection returned and required draining and medication. When I was 16 I was injured while wrestling and this caused the infection to again resurface, this time very aggressive. The main infection had actually moved from the area of my original surgery, which was now in my lower left leg to my mid leg because I had grown. I lost some bone through the wound that came out during treatments and it left a large drainage hole where the infection surfaced. Since the age of 16 I've had several minor infections in the area of the original scar but nothing serious. My lower leg is unprotected and prone to trauma so I have to be careful of bumps and bruises.

Additionally, the original surgery damaged quite a bit of the veins and arteries in and around my left foot and ankle and as I have gotten older is has worsened. My doctor has told me to periodically inspect the area for discoloration and related changes.

This infection is never truly eradicated and can lay dormant for many years until some type of trauma to the original wound area or occurs or some related illness.

I hope that this helps! Chris D

In 1995 (15 years old) I was diagnosed with Osteomyilitus in my pelvis along with many other problems, I was in hospital for 9 month but did make a full recovery...

However as long as I can remember I have had trouble with my pelvis back and leg. First thing in a morning getting out of bed is shocking and it takes me at least 30 minutes to come round, and I regularly get pain for no reason. for a 20/30 year old its awful.

I have been told it does lie dormant, but luckily it hasn't struck again.

So yes I believe this is completely down to my childhood osteomyelitis, and hearing so many stories of the same symptoms it does comfirm things.

Sazzle2227

Hi

I am aware this is an old discussion, but it has been very revealing and informative for me. I wanted to thank everyone for their contribution and i wonder if anyone can answer my questions?

I also had Osteomyelitis at 15 (i am now 49) in my pelvice after a car accident. it took a few years to clear up, leaving a massive abscess on the back of my upper thigh. Having taken what i remember to be an extraordinarily massive dosage of antibiotics over a long period i have what i believe to be a few related, long term issues. 

Firstly, my stomach has always been in pain, digestion is not easy and i am prone to cramps and blackouts! I wonder if this is something that has affected anyone else?

As for the pain in my hip, i can sit for around an hour and walk for the same, after that it is agony and takes a few days to calm down.

My second question, and the reason i am here is this. Having struggled all my life with significant memory issues and poor focus i do remember that when i was on the medication it turned me into a zombie (others words not mine) it was noticed by family and friends! I know this is an odd one, but does this ring-true for anyone else?

These days i have managed to work around it and have a fully functioning life, all be it with some fairly extreme coping mechanisms! 

This thing has blighted me for decades and i am only now coming back to it to find answers!

I was 18 months, treatments to Rt upper leg. I'm 55 now. It hurt 24-7, sever pain in the spot I had it.

My son had osteomyelitis in his spine about 6 months ago. He was 19 months old at the time Of his diagnosis. As a result he ended up with collapsed spine and is now in a spinal brace. When ever he catches a cold He complains his back is sore and I'm wondering if this will be the case forever.

Look up CRPS complex regional pain syndrome. I had this disease when I was 13 and dealt with open drainage till I was 48. I went through many operations. I had it from my knee down to my ankle in my left leg. I have not had any drainage in over 10 years now. But I am in constant pain. I believe this is due to the nerve damage this disease can cause. I have found that most doctors don't even know what CRPS is. I spoke to a nurse practitioner and is she diagnosed it and after I saw a neurologist who confirmed it. This is a very good possibility. Unfortunately I have still found no relief. I don't want to get addicted to opiates so I will not take those I do take some nerve medication and that helps. That and a lot of ibuprofen which is no good for me either. I would be curious as to what others think of the possibility of CRPS