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Life long antibiotics after knee repacement

Posted by mayfield @mayfield, Jul 3, 2024

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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lynnn | @lynnn | Mar 25 7:52pm

I had a squamous cell on my hand about 30 years ago. No trouble since.
I wonder if amoxicillan is needed for dental cleaning as well as fillingd. I still have some.
So confusing as the dental association here (in Canada) claims it is not needed for dental work. My dentist said he could not advise but told me the
position of the association. I will try to find more information.

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1 reply
ddsack | @ddsack | Mar 26 10:43am
In reply to @lynnn "I had a squamous cell on my hand about 30 years ago. No trouble since. I..." + (show)
@lynnn

I had a squamous cell on my hand about 30 years ago. No trouble since.
I wonder if amoxicillan is needed for dental cleaning as well as fillingd. I still have some.
So confusing as the dental association here (in Canada) claims it is not needed for dental work. My dentist said he could not advise but told me the
position of the association. I will try to find more information.

Jump to this post

My dentist, doctor, and surgeon's office have all said that current wisdom is studies and statistics have shown that antibiotics are not necessary for routine dental care for joint replacement folks. However, they are willing to prescribe if I feel I want them. I do not take them for cleanings, but had a tooth extraction and implant last year for which I of course took amoxicillin before and after the dental work.

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lynnn | @lynnn | Mar 26 1:00pm

That is what my dentist said also. I think I would feel safer doing as you did before a major procedure such as extraction. When I took amoxicillin before a filling last week, the dentist instruction was to take 4 pills 500 mg 30-60 min. before but none after.

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jdth | @jdth | Mar 27 2:34pm

My husband had a similar issue in 2020. But staph in knee and hip. After 7 surgeries, clean outs and replacements, and months on my administering antibiotics every 8 hours thru a pic line, he is now good. He had bloodwork check annually with an infectious disease dr and also will be on antibiotics forever. He has no side effects or gastric issues. Just glad to no longer be wheel chair bound since he had infected knee and only a medicine ball in his hip for months. An orthopedic oncologist saved his life.

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anderli | @anderli | Mar 31 11:53am
In reply to @cathymw "I was totally impressed by the health grade reports, as well as other reports in regards..." + (show)
@cathymw

I was totally impressed by the health grade reports, as well as other reports in regards to the health system where I had my surgery- one of the top places nationally for joint replacement. Surgery site infection rates are easily available when searching for a joint replacement facility. Definitely ask the surgeon as well.
The week long prep of a thorough Hibiclens from head to toe and the instructions to place decontaminating antibiotic Mupirocin ointment nasally, to help prevent surgical site infections before surgery also made me feel they had my best interests.

My biggest regret of my knee replacement preparation/questions was not finding out the typical recovery measurements, and how it is followed. I had no idea about flexion and extension measurements, and what they should be at certain weeks of recovery. I ended up having to get a manipulation under anesthesia at 11 weeks post-op. It started recovery and PT all over again (minus the incision issue). Ask the surgeon how they will follow up after surgery. I really missed that mark for sure. Seems like the surgeons are most interested in getting you in the door only perhaps?

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I am facing the same thing in a few days because 3 weeks in I suffered a twisted IT band. They put me on steroids and stopped PT for 8 days. I have been fighting to break through the scar tissue for 2 months and I can’t get past 97 degrees bend. My question is after the manipulation and second round of PT how is your progress? Please advise.

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1 reply
cathymw | @cathymw | Mar 31 1:32pm
In reply to @anderli "I am facing the same thing in a few days because 3 weeks in I suffered..." + (show)
@anderli

I am facing the same thing in a few days because 3 weeks in I suffered a twisted IT band. They put me on steroids and stopped PT for 8 days. I have been fighting to break through the scar tissue for 2 months and I can’t get past 97 degrees bend. My question is after the manipulation and second round of PT how is your progress? Please advise.

Jump to this post

125* and 0* 11 months out now. So glad I did it.
You have a non functioning joint and I bet you’re killing yourself and it’s not getting better. Look at other posts today as I remarked about it in other areas. Best wishes.

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1 reply
anderli | @anderli | Mar 31 8:19pm
In reply to @cathymw "125* and 0* 11 months out now. So glad I did it. You have a non..." + (show)
@cathymw

125* and 0* 11 months out now. So glad I did it.
You have a non functioning joint and I bet you’re killing yourself and it’s not getting better. Look at other posts today as I remarked about it in other areas. Best wishes.

Jump to this post

Thank you

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