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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.
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Hello Hip and Knee Spacer People. I am just doing Catch Up here and do not know how to reply 'globally' rather than individually. Can anyone explain that please?
My heart goes out to those suffering this ordeal, which can be very trying at times.
Saw my Surgeon yesterday followed by bloods and things are going in the right direction. CRP 10.5, should be under 5, and SED down to 36, should be under 30, on last check, 7 December. Anybody got any secrets on getting them within limits? With the holiday season he is not sure when we will get yesterday's results. My next appointment with Surgeon and bloods is 15 January so antibiotics till then at least. That will put me at about three months.
In the meantime, being NWB so immobile, I do get up for 2-3 hours a day and sit in my comfy tub chair during which time I use the leg energiser to pump blood and the peddler with which I do 40 reps backwards as I can't manage forwards. I am so fed up and so far have crocheted 2 afghans and a shawl!!!
In the meantime I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Holiday Season.
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1 ReactionIzabel,
If they haven't already, I would make sure your doctors explain why they selected the antibiotic being used, and the method of delivery. As others have shared in this discussion, doctors will change antibiotic treatment in some cases if circumstances warrant a change.
I will be praying that your CRP and SED rates are within normal range the next time you have a blood draw. Blessings, jbro
Hi jbro. My Surgeon said that Amoxcillin/Clavulanic Acid was the best one to use for E-Coli and I looked it up and it seems to be true. I don't know what the spacer is laced with ... but I can ask.
Thank you for your good wishes and the best to you too. In the meantime I wish everyone ...
Happy New Year Izobel and everyone else in our select group. Let's hope 2019 will be a good year for all.
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3 ReactionsIsabel,
My infection did not involve E-Coli, so I do not know which antibiotic(s) are best for that. You can be confident your doctor started with the best treatment. In conversations I had with my infectious disease doctor, she said there are certain instances when she will change the antibiotic, or the method of delivery. Your case probably doesn’t require that, but it is OK to ask. I bombarded my surgeon and infectious disease doctors with questions because I thought the stakes were too high (with a MRSA infection) not to be fully informed. To fight MRSA, I was given the option of either Vancomycin or Daptomycin, both via daily infusions for 6 weeks. I chose Daptomycin because it only requires one infusion each day, rather than two. Also, they thought it would be kinder to my kidneys. Since making that choice, I have read that a Vancomycin-resistant MRSA now exists (referred to as VRSA), although not widespread yet. Scary stuff. I am praying for the eradication of harmful microorganisms in all of us. Blessings, and Happy New Year, jbro
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3 ReactionsThank you, Linjane. Blessings and Happy New Year to you, jbro
@izabel hi Isabel. Your response was global. To do an individual response you have to PM (private message) a person.
I’m coming in to this topic late so please excuse my lack of knowledge about previous responses. I will go back and look at them tomorrow.
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This whole antibiotic spacer is something I am not at all familiar with. I have had two TKRs but both knees h ave done very well, no problems.
This sounds like a very uncomfortable and difficult problem. I hope you get the help you need to not have the problems younare experiencing.
JK
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1 ReactionHappy New Year Jbro. Lin x
Hi @jk and thank you for your kind thoughts. This antibiotic spacer lark is not for the faint hearted that is for sure as the whole process takes quite a chunk of time out of your life.
I had a dream last night ... and I was walking in it and in my garden, something I have not been able to do for 15 months now. I hope my Surgeon appointment and blood tests on the 15th will give some positive news.
Good luck Izobel let us know how you get on. I used to dream I would get up and walk on my spacer without my crutches and fall flat on my face! I always woke in a cold sweat over that one. X