Connect
What kind of mobility can I expect with an antibiotic spacer in my hip
About 11 months ago, I had a total (right) hip replacement. No injuries led me to the decision to undergo that, just arthritic pain that had become gradually worse over 20+ years. Several months after the surgery, I developed an infection at the joint but it took a while to get that properly diagnosed. So, in less than two weeks I'll undergo the first of the two surgeries/stages to elminate the infection and replace the implant. I've read that the antibiotic spacer I'll have for 2-3 months will provide "limited mobility" but I'm struggling with what that really means. I'd apperciate any further information I can get from others who have undergone this same procedure. I expect 2-3 days of hospitalization following the surgery and IV antibiotic infusions several times a day (self-administered).
I'm an (otherwise) healthy 48yo male and I was very happy with how quickly I was able to bounce back from the original hip replacment. I'm sure there will be a week or so of recovery from the surgery itself -- but after that am I going to be mostly home-bound for the interim, or is driving myself and working in an office setting (on a limited schedule) a possibility? What other aspects are there to living for a with a hip spacer?
Thank you in advance for your help on this,
Art in Alaska.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.
Connect
Will do. Thank you
Lin
We did go see the ortho Dr yesturday and he removed the stitches. My husband is relieved on that. We asked him about him stepping down on his left foot (like he did when he lost his balance twice yesturday morning) he said that was ok with the spacer in. He would rather have him do that then to fall. But he absolutely wants no weight bearing on his left leg. The reason for no weight bearing is because the spacer can crumble which makes it much harder to get out and if it crumbles it's creates a whole new problem. But my husband goes back to see him again Dec 4th and has to take another hip replacement class on Jan 4th and see the Drs again. He has another asparation scheduled for Jan 22nd and if no infection and all is good his new hip goes in Jan 31st. Even tho these dates are a couple months away I'm just glad they are scheduled.
Thanks for thinking of us. I will be thinking of you all as well.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@ jim@lisa So glad his hip is o.k. After surgery it always takes recovery time glad your on top of if 🙂
They said 20% weight bearing the 1st 2 wks of PT with the spacer. Then they changed it to 50% weight bearing. Then when I went for hip aspiration Oct 3rd, I told the Dr I could walk with no crutches or walker. He said that was fine, just don't be trying to sprint or go crazy with it. So for the last month & 1/2, I've been walking. But, he said I wouldn't hurt the spacer because I don't weigh very much, only about 115-118lbs. Glad they got y'all scheduled, but I know it seems like so far away, especially with no weight on that leg.
Hi @mrfish I have followed your journey and ups and downs with interest. I am in a similar position and would gratefully accept anyone's advice. I am 70 years old and retired having lived a healthy life until .....
I had my left hip replacement in December 2014 following a fall after finishing radiotherapy for a breast cancer operation in October 2013. All went well with the recuperation of the hip replacement following 6 weeks of no weight bearing using a walker for 6 weeks and 18 PT sessions (quite useless actually).
In October 2017 I had another fall and after two hospital visits, X-Rays, MRI and PT for knee problems, during which time I could not walk, a visit to a private Ortho Specialist in February suggested it was more hip than knee problems and took an X-Ray which showed the stem was loose and had slipped. Briefly, back to original Surgeon, a car accident on the way to pre--ops and 3 hospitals later I came home with a knee replacement, hop revision to be done 6 months later after bone strengthening due to diagnosis of Osteoporosis. Six months pass and October 18 hip revision scheduled. Opened up and infection discovered, hip and femur power washed, spacer installed and put in isolation on IV antibiotics. Five days later infection identified as E-Col, put o appropriate antibiotics (Amoxcillin/Clavulanic Acid) via IV and taken out of isolation. After 8 days taken off IV due to veins collapsing, put on tablets 3xday and sent home with 'no weight bearing' instructions. I have to have blood tests every two weeks and this week was told things going well and cut back medication to 2xday due to my weight (115lns), I have to have 4 weeks clear before replacement can be scheduled.
I am finding it difficult to manage life in general. My staples were removed last Friday and I have a well healed scar. My problem is I cannot manage hopping or standing on one foot. My husband is a Godsend but I know it is a strain on him mentally and physically as I did everything (shopping/cooking/cleaning/gardening) for 50 years besides working full time.
Sorry this is so long but I just need support and encouragement to get me through this difficult time.
.... Disabled in Portugal ....
PS And to add to my woes I have a 5cm leg length deficiency due to the fall.
@izabel
I see you sure are going through a difficult time. It's wonderful that you have your husband there to help you just like I'm here to help my husband. We have just been taking day by day. Some days are better then others.
@jimandlisa Thank you for responding (Lisa, I assume). Does your husband manage well on one foot with a walker? I find it difficult with personal everyday tasks and get weepy whereas I am normally a strong-willed person. I will follow your progress and wish you wellness for the new year.
@linjane Pleased you are doing well. This is really a fight with these viruses. When I was admitted to the hospital for my knee replacement I had contracted MRSA from the previous hospital so on IV antibiotics and into isolation I went before surgery. Needless to say they double checked me for MRSA this time but instead I brought E-Coli to the table!!!
@izabel You poor thing MRSa was bad enough but guess you wanted to keep it company now with E coli hope you feel better soon and quit bringing bugs in .lol
I know how serious this is just joking with you .I came home from hospital with MRSA so know what you went through.
Hi @lioness You have to laugh or you'd cry! Why do these bugs creep up/into us? Actually, my Surgeon and Internist both told me that we all have E--Coli in our system but only 1% will get it, especially if you have something foreign in your body, ie, replacements! The silent killers, like Cancer ... I was perfectly healthy when mine was diagnosed!
I will do my utmost to avoid such aliens in the future!
Have a nice weekend. Hope you are safe from the fires.