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Total knee replacement infection after 9 years.
I recently had an infection on my total knee replacement, they went in and clean the infected area. I was on 6 weeks of Vancomycin antibiotics through a PICC line, and afterwards, the doctor stated that I would have to be on a low dose of antibiotics (Doxycycline 100mg) for the rest of my life, that it was the new recommendation from the AMA. I have not been able to find that info in the AMA website and my concern is the side effects of taking antibiotics for the rest of my life. Has anybody gone thru a similar infection and is presently on antibiotic for the rest of their life? Thank you
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Was your mom ever able to get a second opinion? I had a TKR and had awful pain. I saw several orthopedists and finally saw an orthopedist who ordered an ultrasound and they found a rare bone in my knee called a fabella. I had surgery and this extra bone was removed. Finally I could sleep at night.
I am sorry that your mom is suffering so much.
Did you have Dental treatment recently without taking an antibiotic premedication 1 hour prior to your appointment ?
I wish doctors were more open with patients regarding the possible ramifications of surgery. Most of us would continue with the surgery but we could be on the lookout for complications. I wonder if we should have periodic blood tests to check for problems?
Hello, I have suffered with all symptoms your mom has for only two years. There is something you might try….it is allergy testing. Both skin patch and blood testing might get an answer for her horrible pain. In fact over the past year I have seen 9 doctors. The current doctor had me take a CT scan of knee, a full blood panel and now I am in process of getting a blood test, which isn’t covered by insurance. My particular blood kit is called a LTT test. It tests for all metal particals as well as cement allergy! My skin patch test showed I am allergic to the cement used. It is called methyl methacrylate. It’s a start, at least for me. Something to consider. I live on L.I. My new Dr.Chen , works at Mt. Sinai in NYC.. maybe your moms doctor can reach out to him for more info. Good luck. I hope this helps.
Irish283@irish283.
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1 ReactionFascinating information. Please keep us up to date along your journey. Such as what is the solution for sensitivity to implant components. I am 7 weeks out and still in pain. I can’t take NSAIDS and Tylenol doesn’t help. I don’t know how much longer I can take it.
Kathleen one more thing…this methyl methacrylate is also used in fillings for teeth. The year prior to my TKR I wen5 to dentist. H3 put a filling in and the next day I was back to his office due to my jaw and lip swelling. That’s when I found out what was used in fillings also is used with TKR and as they say…”one thing leads to another”
That’s how I knew I was allergic to methyl methacrylate. I had never had an issue before with any of my dentists. Just so you know to talk to her de tist. Irish238@irish238
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2 ReactionsMarymelba@marymelba
I’m sorry to hear about your pain. I know most patients HATE TAKING OPIODS. BUT THAT WAS THE ON,Y THING. THAT DID HELP. BUT I GO TO A PAIN SPECIALIST. There was addiction in my family and was leary taking Percocet but my pain dr. Says taking oxycodene is a much easier on the stomach nothing at all like using NSAIDS. The drs. In hospital had trouble controlling my pain but whatever they used certainly helped tremendously. You and I both know regulating all pain is hardly a success, but if your health is good go to your surgeon and get a new prescription and send it over to your pharmacy.
Good luck on any future medicine you’re
actually
I had that panel done. The only thing that showed was a slight aluminum allergy. I don't think they tested a a methylacrylate type glue though. I can't get "lash extensions" because they use an acrylate glue (it's like superglue.) So you might want to avoid fake nails and eyelashes! 🙂
I no it is years later and no one may see this but I have an infection in my 5 year old knee replacement. Scheduled for surgery in two weeks and I don’t want it. I want to find a infectious disease doctor to give me antibiotics and then a doctor to clean it out and let me try that at least before the radical surgery because I have RA severely so I have limited use of my arms hands and my other leg needs a knee replacement. If I have the surgery with the knee taken out I don’t see how I could take care of myself or get up or down off anything. I don’t see how I could go to the bathroom. Nonetheless sit in a chair and get up. I cry every day and hope to God for a miracle to cure my infection.
Have you contacted an osteomyelitis Doctor?
I had an infection after a broken femur that No other doctor could find it. He saved my life as I was ready to drive off a cliff because of pain. Goodluck and I'm so sorry you are going through this! Don't give up.