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Antibiotics before a colonoscopy after joint replacement
Hello all, I have had 1 hip and 2 knee replacements. I always take antibiotics before any visit to the dentist. Should I take before an upcoming colonoscopy? Thanks!
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Best to ask the gastroenterologist.
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1 Reaction@susannf I have nearly too many "new parts" to count, some 20 years old; I get "scoped" every 3 years. Noone has ever suggested prophylactic antibiotics before a colonoscopy to me, and I have not had any infection issues. This would be a question for the orthopedic surgeon. I have heard of using them in two specific situations - when you have a known infection in the colon, or if you have recently had a heart valve replaced.
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1 ReactionThank you, Sue. If I remember correctly you once wrote that you continue to take antibiotics before going to the dentist even though it's not protocol after a number of years. So hearing from a careful person is greatly appreciated.
@susannf Yes, my orthopedic surgeon is in the "cautious camp" and recommends doing it forever. We just discussed it again at my every-two-year check on my hips, and his opinion remains that it is a low-risk precaution to take.