Joint infection 8 weeks out. OMG!!!
Posted , 14 users are following.
At exactly 8 weeks out from THR, right hip, I came down with a Staph B infection. High temp, huge warm red patch over the joint and aches in my leg. It came on in 24 hrs time. Emergency admitted me and I had surgery the next morning. The surgeon opened me up cleaned it out and replaced the ball and the socket liner.
Report was my healing was going very well inside. I was actually going to return to work in 2 weeks. I spent 4 nights in the hospital, I am on IV antibiotics for 6 weeks, to be followed by oral antibiotics for 3 months (at least). And, more time off of work.
I am here because I was absolutely devastated to learn that the chances of nailing this infection with these antibiotics is only 50/50. I am 55 in July and healthy in every other respect. Not even any allergies! It was osteoarthritis that led to surgery. If this doesnt go away I will have to go through surgery again, put a cement antibiotic-infused spacer in, clear the infection and THEN ALL new parts. I hate to think of the condition my poor leg bone will be in by then, let alone my psyche.
I am home from the hospital just a week now. I have never identified as a sickly person. I feel completely floored by this and dont know who to talk to. I'm tempted to think I'm over reacting as I know people get much worse news than this every day. But, the idea that this bacteria is living in me and may not go away is REALLY freaking me out.
So, suggestions? Any good outcomes to encourage me? I'm so scared of germs now and can't stop thinking of my mortality and I cry at the drop of a hat. I'm normally not worried or scared about surgeries and have had my fair share but this has made me so afraid now...like for the rest of my life. I dont want to come undone about this. I could use some input. Thanks
0 likes, 29 replies
molly29060
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Sorry. I meant "Strep B infection" (in original post). Couldn't see how to change my post.
hannah36566 molly29060
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As a person you has had their fair share of infections and hospitalized with them my heart goes out to you. I am having my first total hip replacement next week. Infectious Disease doctor might be a good idea.
molly29060 hannah36566
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Hi Hanna. Thanks. I do have an infectious disease doctor. Saw the team first thing in the hospital after surgery. I'm fortunate to have great care. What really struck me was the reality that even the greatest doctors and best care cant prevent some things from happening. I mean I "knew" that...now I KNOW that.
sharon47867 molly29060
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Sorry no advice really! But wanted to reply as I do feel for you! Just when you thought you had done it at 8wks! I'm 6wks now and can't imagine being that news! Stay strong keep busy, friends for coffee etc it will help keep you going! And yes always others worse off! At least it's summer and you can sit/walk in the sun! Best of luck with it all .
molly29060 sharon47867
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jen86183 molly29060
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molly29060 jen86183
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There is absolutely no reason why this happened. Nothing I did. Nothing they did. It's just that a strep B bacteria (a very common bacteria that lives on our skin and in our intestinal track) made it into my blood. Could be through the smallest little pin prick hole that you cant even see. He thinks it probably got introduced the week before my symptoms started. I just encourage you to be very careful with. any cut, scratch, pedicure, etc. Immediately put antibiotic cream on any injury and take it seriously!
Jodi-France molly29060
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Thank you for this information, although sorry you have to deliver it with first hand knowledge. In France my doctors made me take a shower the night before the surgery and I had to completely wash, even my hair, with what I always called mercurochrome, it looked like iodine. You knwo you can buy that on line in a big bottle, it wouldn't hurt anybody who is planning on having a THR to wash with mercurochrome a few times in the week leading up to their surgery.
It's not a bad idea to trim your toe nails before surgery since it is going to be a while until you can get at them, however you would want to be extra careful you did not cut any skin when doing so.
molly29060 Jodi-France
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vanessa24815 molly29060
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molly29060 vanessa24815
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madla39168 molly29060
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Sorry to hear this. I will be 8 weeks soon
Hug Madla 💗
ptolemy molly29060
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molly29060 ptolemy
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ptolemy molly29060
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