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What kind of mobility can I expect with an antibiotic spacer in my hip
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Aug 26 2:26pm | Replies (282)Comment receiving replies
I finally made it home last night after a longer than exected 10 days in the hospital. The pain in the first few days following the surgery was something I could never have imagined. Fortunately, my ortho brought in a pain management specialist who inserted a pain block (nerve catheter, pump and bupivacaine) which was a huge improvement. The popping and grinding with the spacer is getting better as I move around more (on a walker), but movement is still quite difficult. For the self-administered IV antibiotics (vancomycin twice daily) I have a PICC line that runs through a vein in my right armpit, so using crutches is not allowed (or at least using a crutch on the right side).
Once I get settled in more at home I'll post more updates. Than you everyone for your advice and guidance. This has been quite an adventure so far, and it's still early.
Replies to "I finally made it home last night after a longer than exected 10 days in the..."
Welcome home. Sounds like you had a lot more pain than I did. I was in the hospital three nights and then in What was called a skilled nursing facility for three more nights but it turned out to be a residence for patients with more long-term disabilities. It was not a good fit for me. I am getting home health care with a visiting nurse occupational therapy and physical therapy.
I transition to a walker into a wheelchair. I don’t feel confident using a walker for a any distance. The hospital had an air mattress on my bed that they sent home with me and I have that set up on a recliner.
The pain is manageable. I am not very active at this point except for getting up for meals and going to the bathroom. Having the spacer in is a very strange experience. It feels like it slips around sometimes.
My doctor thought he got all the fungus infection out. He should have. The scar is about 12 inches long. I see him next week for the first follow up. Maybe get the stitches out. I did not have a bacterial infection and I’m grateful for that.
I admit to having been on an emotional roller coaster because I did not expect to lose so much control over my life.
One day at a time.
Please stay in touch and let us know how you’re doing. This support is invaluable right now.
@janelaine I think you and I are just about in the same boat. I'm quite disappointed at how little mobility I have with this spacer. I knew it wouldn't be anything close to normal but I feel my ortho wasn't as honest (or blunt) up front with me about just how limited it would be. This morning, using a walker, it took me almost 20 minutes to get from my living room to the bathroom...a distance of about 25 feet and I was totally exhausted by the time I'd made the return trip back to my "nest" in the living room. One day at a time is right, one positive I've noted is that the popping/grinding from the spacer has smoothed out somewhat but I'm not able to bear hardly any weight at all on my right leg (post-op instructions said no more than 50% weight bearing, I feel like I can't get much more than 10-15% right now).
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@mrfish So glad you made it home!! The first couple of weeks will be the worst but should gradually improve. I will be praying for smooth sailing from here on out!!! Thanks for the update!
Lindsay