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

Infection of artificial hip😞

Posted , 10 users are following.

susan4136
susan4136

Total hip replacement in August 2016 went as anticipated. Physical therapy progressed well and I was on my way to regaining my activity level and enjoying the benefits of a successful surgery. Problems began at 5 week's post op with the incision opening, swelling, redness and drainage. Oral antibiotic and topical ointment were prescribed by the surgeon. However the next few months brought about intermittent fevers, night sweats, return of hip pain and overall pain. It took several months and several physicians to diagnose a staph aureus of the implanted hip. In December, I had a second surgery to replace several components followed by 6 weeks of IV antibiotics. I remain on oral antibiotics (with associated side effects!) and no end in sight. Worst of all, I have no reassurance from MD's that this will address the infection. I am moving well again yet feel overwhelming sadness and concern about my future health. Any guidance or suooort much appreciated!!

1 like, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • AlexandriaGizmo
    AlexandriaGizmo susan4136

    Posted

    Hi Susan my heart goes out to you, it must be saddening to have gone through all this and then have it snatched away from you because of infections.

    What reason have they given you, is it caused by the external infection spreading.

    I don't have any answers for you but hope it gets better, the good news is your pain is now under control so that's a really good sign so think positive and await other comments

    • susan4136
      susan4136 AlexandriaGizmo

      Posted

      The only answer I have been given is very unsatisfying- these things happen sometimes. I am trying to be positive and to appreciate the mobility I do have. Thank you.
  • CelsB
    CelsB susan4136

    Posted

    Oh Susan,

    I think that is everyone's biggest fear and I'm so sorry you're going through it.  I'm surprised it took them so long to diagnose the infection when you were showing all the classic symptoms.  

    I wish I could offer words of comfort or reassurance but I suppose unless you've had it yourself you don't know what the outcome might be.

    I have heard that some people are fitted with antibiotic coated spacer between removing the old hip and putting in the new one, but it seems your second surgery did not go down that route.  I imagine they flushed out the joint space with antibiotics and coated the new components, maybe this is a newer way of dealing with it.  

    Sending hugs and all my best wishes for a good recovery.  Please let us know how things are going with you.

    Cels Xxx 

    • susan4136
      susan4136 CelsB

      Posted

      I am hoping this more conservative surgical approach has been effective. Thank you for your response and concern.
  • judith12644
    judith12644 susan4136

    Posted

    So sorry for you. I don't have any knowledge of infections, but I'm sure others will have good advice. I wish you the very best, and hope you end up having a proper recovery.

  • RichardKen
    RichardKen susan4136

    Posted

    So very sorry to hear about your problems. How terribly stressful it must all be. Best of luck going forward.

    Cheers Richard

  • julie40975
    julie40975 susan4136

    Posted

    Susan

    You poor thing. No exp of that I got a blood clot on my lung and was told it's was bad luck! Hope you start to turn a corner and feel better soon keep your chin up

    Julie

  • candice57475
    candice57475 susan4136

    Posted

    So sorry to hear about your infection! I would have thought they would have diagnosed your infection right away. My hip also became infected but immediately diagnosed. I had my second surgery the next morning with the head and liner replaced, the site washed out and packed with antibiotic "pellets". I just had my picc line removed on Friday and have 6 more weeks of oral antibiotics. There are a few people on the forum who have had a difficult time with infection and have had or going through the two surgeries. That will be the next step if this doesn't take care of it. It's a scary prospect. I would definitely talk with your infectious disease doctor. I would think they could explain exactly what the next steps for you will be. Good luck to you. Hopefully this stage will be much more smooth for you.

    • susan4136
      susan4136 candice57475

      Posted

      All the best to you on your recovery. Thanks to each of you who have responded.
  • kimberley38758
    kimberley38758 susan4136

    Posted

    Hi Susan,

    I can't even begin to imagine what you've been going through.  My heart goes out to you!  I know it's got to be difficult, but trust that the doctors will help get you through this.  I hope you recovery very soon.  Keep us posted and best of luck!

  • amanda1827h
    amanda1827h susan4136

    Posted

    Hi Susan, poor You! It must be awful.Where did you have the Op? I had mine in the Nuffield hospital but on the NHS.The hospital was amazing & staff too.We are all different.regards Amanda

Back to top

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.