My husband spent his first year of this journey of prosthetic hip infection with nothing but pain, antibiotics (some very strong and expensive) and disappointment. The second year began finally off antibiotics completely, but still blood tests for possible return of infection. The third year began with installation of an antibiotic spacer on March 7. At his 6-week post operative checkup, the orthopedic infectious disease has discharged Bill from his care unless he has complications. His amazing surgeon has given him clearance from all restrictions so he can start to build the strength in that leg and hip. He is off all antibiotics and pain medication. He will keep this spacer until it fails or loosens; then they will put in a permanent hip. We cannot say enough good things about Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. It has been a long road. We have learned perseverance and persistence. Any time you deal with infection it will be a LOOOONNG road. My advice to everyone is to seek a second opinion as soon as things start going bad. The surgeon was able to get all the length back during this surgery and remove the scar tissue (almost 2 hours of extra surgery time for scar tissue).
This is not the end but finally this third year things looking positive.
Prayers to all of you that you can find pain relief and expert health care to heal. Lori