7 Days Post-op with a Hip Spacer & PICC line - how do you manage?

Two years ago, in March 2024, I had outpatient THR left and then 7 weeks later had the right hip replaced anterior approach and went home the same day. Both surgeries were very similar as far as recovery, pain levels, and functioning. I have a high tolerance for pain and endured much as my major goal was to be able to drive and move forward as soon as possible.

Toward the end of the year, I was having unusual crackling and other symptoms. I scheduled an appointment with my surgeon who did an X-ray and said it was bursitis and how to manage pain and discomfort.

Several months later, a seroma was forming right on the incision line, and it was becoming red and inflamed. I met with my surgeon who did an aspiration and sent it off and found it was Cutibacterium infection and was prescribed antibiotics. Later that year, another seroma formed and ruptured. A needle aspiration into the joint was tested and it came back positive with the Cutibacterium bacteria. My surgeon discussed the 2-stage revision, and I planned to do so in November.

As I was learning more about this highly invasive surgery and the weeks and months that would follow, I also had other personal and family matters and other considerations that would be impacted. My surgeon said that it wasn't urgent but should be done within a year. I was in no pain or distress other than the disturbing effects of the chronic seroma.

I just had the first surgery 7 days ago where the hip was "chiseled" out and a temporary spacer was put in. My hope was that the recovery would be similar to the THR, but I was discharged two nights later on Friday evening after a PICC line was added for daily antibiotic IV infusions for 6 weeks that was prescribed for me to do at home with home healthcare coming to manage the pic line and labs to be sent to my infectious disease doctor.

Adding the cumbersome wound vac limited my mobility while admitted. The first evening, I was only able to toe hop on surgical leg with two or three nurses guiding. The next morning, it was an avalanche of doctors and specialists assessing my condition. The medical related care I received was superb up to that point. Other than movement, my pain remained consistently at a 0-1 and walking was more constrained by strength and the reduced functioning of a spacer where leg length may play a part.

After a battle of securing a home health agency to manage my PICC line and updates to my infectious disease doctor, I was discharged. I decided to stay at my mom's house for support and easier access to other resources.

The next day, I did my first IV infusion with the aid of a neighbor who was a retired RN. She came over the next couple of days as well until I felt comfortable. I met with the Home Health admissions nurse who changed the dressing on the PICC. I was able to manage to get an Uber to my house to take care of matters and return to my mom's house using a walker.

The second day home I added getting an Uber to go with my mom to the grocery store to pick up prescriptions for us both using a walker and still toe hopping on the surgical leg.

The third day, I took it much easier still attempting to move, but unable to be stable enough to stand on the leg without the use of a walker or cane. I'm unable to do most of the PT exercises I learned after the prior surgeries.

I'm curious how have others have managed their PJI recoveries and to offer any tips from their experiences that may help me get through this.