Hi Catherine....I'm so sorry you have an infection, but glad they discovered it in time where they can put antibiotic spacer in and eventually get another new hip. That's exactly what my surgeon was planning to do to me until he opened me up and saw all the dead muscle and bone in there. He said he had never seen anything like it and was surprised I was walking and hiking my 5 miles a day up until 6 days prior to that! He said he could clean out and take out as much of the infection and dead tissue, bone as he could OR amputate my leg. Of course, I was under anesthesia, and he chose to give me a chance with my leg. I no longer have the hip joint and part of pelvis and glute is also gone, but I survived. I was on IV antibiotics for 8 weeks and now on oral antibiotics for at least 5 years through my Infectious Disease Doctor. My lab work is almost normal after 10 months. My infection was "strep" so they feel it was probably Dental related even though I always took the premed for Dental work. I'm a retired nurse and admit, I took old, expired Penicilin for several of my last dental cleanings...whether that made a difference, I don't know. I've been told even though I don't have any metal in me, I still need to take premed before Dental work and I will do so. My metal hip had been in me for 15 years. I don't have much pain now that a couple Tylenol a day takes care of it. Please keep us posted how your surgery goes and you will be in my prayers......Cindy