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