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Chronic leg pain 7-8/10 due to Sepsis and Chronic osteomyelitis
About two years ago, I developed a blood infection that turned into sepsis from an infected IV and a UTI. After months of unexplained leg pain, I was eventually diagnosed with chronic femoral osteomyelitis in both femurs. Since then, I’ve had eight surgeries, with my ninth scheduled in two weeks. I’ve broken both femurs, the hardware in my left leg failed, and that side turned into a nonunion. I also recently had a relapse of the infection.
These past years have been incredibly painful, and after my most recent surgeries my pain is constantly around a 7/10. My doctors keep telling me things are “stable” and “good,” but the only medications I’m given are Tylenol, naproxen, and gabapentin at night. My mental health has taken a huge hit, and I’m honestly at a loss for what to do next.
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annamwbanana, I hope you get relief from the approaching surgery. I know that teriparatide is sometime prescribed in these cases. It builds bone but also carries away damaged bone, helps join non union breaks, and increases integration of hardware. The drug increases blood circulation helping to ensure the distribution of antibiotics. It is the only osteoporosis drug used for osteonecrosis. This article is interesting https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0020138319303328.
I'm so sorry that this has happened to you. You should be getting better pain medication. Of course, your mental health would take a heavy hit. Best wishes for your recovery.