Life long antibiotics after knee repacement

Posted by mayfield @mayfield, Jul 3 11:26am

I had double knee replacement and 11 years later developed a severe staph infection in one knee. I had a clean out surgery and a yr later a second total replacement. After another later I am taking still taking antibiotics daily. It looks like I will be taking them for the rest of my life.

I am wondering if anyone has experience with life long antibiotics and what side effects especially gastric issues people have encountered.

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kookyburns1952 | @kookyburns1952 | Jul 3 1:35pm

I'd be interested in your Question, too. I had the same issue.

gravity3 | @gravity3 | Jul 3 2:23pm

I only learned after my tkr surgery that an important question we should all be asking about any surgery is....what is their infection rate. I was lucky because my surgeon had a very low rate of infection. I wish us all well.

lee79 | @lee79 | Jul 3 7:36pm

I had TKR in March 2024 and was told antibiotics are recommended when undergoing certain procedures and which type depending on the procedure. I am used to taking amoxicillin for dental appointments so always have it on hand. Since that is twice a year, I don't worry about side effects or taking too much although there are other instances listed on the little notice I carry in my wallet. It cautions to check with "your physician or dentist for a discussion on considering antibiotic treatment" prior to those listed or others. Glad it is only twice a year now.

cindymattern | @cindymattern | Jul 4 6:36am

I have not had an issue with my TKR however I did take antibiotics for like 3 months due to chronic UTI's and I had to stop taking them. The were giving more issues than it was worth taking them profilactilly (sp). It was a low dose as well but in your case it might be more devastating to stop them. Staph in rections can be dangerous. Praying they find just the right one for you.

Ann Shrader | @annshrader | Jul 4 9:29am

Hi.
I recently had an orthopedic surgery. In preparation for the surgery (and I was also taking a master's level class in Healthcare Systems Engineering) I wanted to look at the process for preventing infections. There is a great deal involved with the process. I looked at how the day of surgery works in prevention, and I also look at what the patient does (I was the patient!). Everything that you do to minimize infection (as a patient) can impact the outcome (surgery). Surgeons and their staff have their accountability as well. It's the little preventative things you do that will make a difference.