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
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