What kind of mobility can I expect with an antibiotic spacer in my hip

Sorry for the typo ... linjane instead of lindane

@jbro sorry for not replying sooner to your questions. I'm still doing well, even after the false alarm.
When my infection first presented (after the first THR), I first became suspicious something was wrong because I began to lose strength and range of motion (things I had regained through PT after the THR). The first infection wasn’t clinically obvious until it actually showed as large abcess coming out through the surgical scar but that was probably another 6 weeks past what I felt were the initial concerns I had relayed to my Ortho and his PA.
Through all of this, I had often asked about more rigorous testing. But, to put it into perspective, my infectious disease doc (who I really trust) helped me understand it from his perspective: blood work is only indicative of "something:" going on, and it could be anything from a cold/flu or a stubbed toe to an infection at the joint. He was very hesitant to order a joint aspiration because there’s a risk of actually introducing an infection when it may not have otherwise been present.
I think the biggest problem with my infection was the fact that they weren’t able to get a positive culture for anything until after the 2-stage process. Vancomycin is a powerful and broad spectrum antibiotic and while it effectively suppressed my infection, it apparently wasn’t quite right to eliminate what I had. I think they only offered the single-stage revisions after that knowing that the infection was “almost” gone, rather than something that had been there for a while and was most likely attached to the hardware.
My infectious disease doc would never give me a good answer when I asked him about how long until I could relax. “The longer, the better” is all I got. But I think once you make it 3-6 months out, you’ve made it past the infection you had. However, with this hardware, the risk of infection from a new source is always a possibility. Heck, dental cleanings introduce a potential risk of infection to our THR’s but there doesn’t seem to be anything conclusive in the literature about whether those should be treated with antibiotics as a preventative measure (from what I’ve seen).
Wishing you the very best,
Art.

No offence taken my name is Lin. I had a high temperature with rigors (shakes and chills). My CRP went to 130. The scar had remained painful to the touch even a gentle touch would make me wince, from the surgery 8 weeks previous. My hip kept getting stiffer, and getting upstairs was very difficult. It was confusing as it was the height of flu season here but I'd had a flu jab and I didn't Have the respiratory symptoms everyone one else had. At the time I thought it was the flu but after confirmation the infection was back both my consultant and I agreed that it wasn't flu. CRP can rise with flu anyway it's just tells you there in inflammation somewhere. I do hope you are not having problems but you must see your consultant ASAP if you are not sure. I have to say it's 7 weeks now since 2nd stage and I can now fully weight bear. It's difficult as my muscles are weak from 7 months of 50% but I feel everything is good, antibiotics finished yesterday and now it's just a waiting game but I'm positive this time. I felt after the debridement it wasn't going to end there. I don't feel like this time. Please let me know how you get on but I've got everything crossed for you. Good luck. Lin

Forgot to add with high temperature every bone in my body hurt typical flu like symptoms.

Lin,
Thank you very much for your time and thorough answer. I am 3 weeks removed from the conclusion of my 6-week daily antibiotic infusions, and I was told to contact the doctors if I had two or more of the following: increased pain, fever, swelling, and redness. I was doing fine for the 1st week following infusions, then my scar tissue started to sting and burn most of the time. When I contacted the doctor’s office, they informed me that I had 3 layers of internal sutures that were at peak time for dissolving, which can cause severe irritation in some people. They also told me to resume taking Ibuprofen, along with the acetaminophen I had been taking, and let them know if that did not relieve the pain. It did help for the next week. Since my last CRP lab result (which was just before the beginning of this increased pain) was in normal range, I did not talk further with the doctors. Unfortunately, in the last three days, I have acquired a low grade fever, and the same pain sensations have returned, so now I have two of the symptoms. Since the fever seems to be lessening today, I am hoping it is nothing more than the cold virus that is sweeping through my area right now, and that this virus amplified my pain. Next week I am scheduled for my next CRP lab result. I hope and prayer it will not be elevated. Likewise, I hope and prayer you remain symptom-free, and your CRP lab results will continue to be normal.
Blessings, jbro

Art,
Thank you for taking time to share your knowledge. I am very glad to hear that you were correct in calling it a false alarm, and that you have been doing well since then. It is easy for me to become paranoid when symptoms arise. My infectious disease doctor told me to contact the orthopedic surgeon if two or more of these symptoms were happening: increased pain, fever, swelling/loss of motion, and redness/wound drainage. Therefore, I was very discouraged 3 days ago ( 2-1/2 weeks after ending my 6-week daily antibiotic infusions) when I came down with a low-grade fever and my pain increased significantly around my scar tissue from two surgeries in 1 month (initial THP and wound debridement). Much to my relief, the fever broke today, and the pain decreased at the same time. (I am trusting it was nothing more than a flu/cold virus that amplified my hip pains.) Next week, I get my first blood draw in 3 weeks to check my CRP and Sed Rate. I hope and pray those results are in normal range like they were the last time, and, more importantly, I continue to be infection-free. Likewise, I hope and pray the same for you. It will be a great joy to get beyond our respective observation periods with a clean bill of health.
One question ... what antibiotic did they use after your 2-stage revision, since vancomycin did not eradicate your infection previously?
Blessings, jbro

Before I replied I read Art's reply. I too had increased pain and redness at 3 weeks following my last surgery and whilst I didn't feel it was infection I saw my GP for confirmation. She wasn't happy and referred me to the on call trauma team who decided after many different doctors looked that it was the subcuticular sutures causing the problem or
possibly a haematoma as a result of using an anticoagulant post op. My CRP was 14. It has all settled and this hip has never felt better. It is very easy to become paranoid but everyone agreed I had done the correct thing by checking it out so if in doubt check it out!!! You asked Art about the antibiotic. When they find an organism they will culture it and test sensitivities and resistance to antibiotics to get the correct one for your infection. They may start one antibiotic before those results are in but will switch it if it's not the correct one. So it will be tailored for your needs. I too hope and pray all will be well but we are all still very vulnerable. Interestingly they don't do routine follow up blood work here as CRP and ESR can be affected by many things. They only do it if there are other worrying symptoms. One thing I will say is the pain I described on the wound that made me wince was a sting! I too recently had a cold and ached and i know other people who have had normal hip replacements that say the same. Good luck keep us informed.
Lin x

Lin, Thank you for your experience and wisdom. It really helps. Blessings to you, jbro

Not sure about a hip implant, but I had a knee Antibiotic spacer and was told I would also have limited mobility - which I was told after the surgery means I should avoid placing any weight on my left leg, I learned pretty quickly I would be doing little more than laying in bed for 8 weeks and my muscles atrophied incredibly quickly ! But your youth is in your favor - I'm 68 - IMO, make sure the surgeon makes your limitations are very clear and also learn what Phys. Training you can get during the time of your limited mobility. I think you will need a regular PT program to maintain your muscles which will help speed your recovery.
Good Luck & Merry Christmas.

I too would agree with this I asked many if the team how mobile I would be after and nobody could tell me. I suppose until they get in there and decide exactly what they need to do they can't answer. I was shocked after at how limited I would be. However you do get used to it and find other ways to do things. It's a day by day thing and just getting through it Be positive and don't expect too much of yourself. I was lucky I was allowed to mobilise using 50% of my weight.