OMgosh, you have really been through it, haven't you. I picked up on your post as I had a post-surgical MRSA and Staph aureus osteomyelitis. I'm wondering if the failure to remove ALL the hardware from your knee was the first problem leading to all others. My infection was caused by a cervical fusion. I needed correction surgery and my ortho replaced all components used in the first surgery. He sent the hardware to pathology to see if grew any bacteria and that is when it was discovered I had MRSA and Staph. These tricky bacteria allow the growth of a biofilm on hardware. That's why I'm wondering if your continued wound worsening is caused by an initial osteomyelitis that has not been completely resolved. I had an friend who was a bit overweight and I know Kaiser refused to do a knee replacement for her unless she lost weight. Easier said then done. Are you diabetic or pre-diabetic? That would include delayed wound healing as well. I'm sure you're tired of those questions. I feel very bad for you facing discrimination which I know is true. My sister is overweight and gets judged all the time. Would your insurance allow you to go to Mayo? I went once and my primary issue was worked up though they also focused on other problems they discovered. In your case I would say you're looking for an infectious disease process. I didn't have a direct referral to Mayo, so you wouldn't need one either (unless its changed). I would encourage you to go this route before you have limited options.