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What kind of mobility can I expect with an antibiotic spacer in my hip
About 11 months ago, I had a total (right) hip replacement. No injuries led me to the decision to undergo that, just arthritic pain that had become gradually worse over 20+ years. Several months after the surgery, I developed an infection at the joint but it took a while to get that properly diagnosed. So, in less than two weeks I'll undergo the first of the two surgeries/stages to elminate the infection and replace the implant. I've read that the antibiotic spacer I'll have for 2-3 months will provide "limited mobility" but I'm struggling with what that really means. I'd apperciate any further information I can get from others who have undergone this same procedure. I expect 2-3 days of hospitalization following the surgery and IV antibiotic infusions several times a day (self-administered).
I'm an (otherwise) healthy 48yo male and I was very happy with how quickly I was able to bounce back from the original hip replacment. I'm sure there will be a week or so of recovery from the surgery itself -- but after that am I going to be mostly home-bound for the interim, or is driving myself and working in an office setting (on a limited schedule) a possibility? What other aspects are there to living for a with a hip spacer?
Thank you in advance for your help on this,
Art in Alaska.
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Hi everyone I'm on the other side. Its wonderful. The op wasn't straight forward as they had to break my trochanter last time to get the hardware out. This hadn't healed so they have put a plate in. This means I've got to be only 50%weight bearing for next 6 weeks. Just got out of bed and walked. It was the easiest walk I've done in 18 weeks. So hopefully juskunfused it will be the same for you. Awaiting results on all the swabs but I'm back on the Vancomycin again until their back. Looks like this will be what keeps me in hospital. Fingers crossed the swabs will be negative.
Juskunfuzed, I too had the abscesses you describe but mine stayed contained prior to diagnosis. I've had to wait 12 weeks following the completion of my antibiotics (should have been 6 weeks) and what I've read research shows the longer you wait the better the outcome. Christmas isn't so far away but I agree it feels like it with that wretched spacer in! The end is in sight and I wish you well. Will update in a few days.
Lin
Sorry I've been off here for so long!! I'm still waiting, but I've been filling in at work for about 3 wks now. It's only about 4-5 hrs/day so that's not too bad. None of the drs around will even see me because I'm already half-way thru the procedure. Nobody wants to step on another Dr's toes, I guess. I did my PT exercises at home last night. That was the 1st time I've done them in a while because I forget. But today, my leg is hurting!! I'm not sure if it's the exercises, the rain & 40° temps outside, or maybe I've done something to it. I have to think it's a combo of the exercises & the drop in temps, or at least I sure hope so!!
Hi my husband had right hip replaced in March 2014 and left hip replaced on January 2015 and rods with screws in his back. He was doing very good. Everybody said they could not even tell he had his hips replaced. In August of this year he said he had some pain in his left hip, he was due for a follow up here in December anyway. I called ortho and made an appointment. They took a xray and wanted to do a hip asparation and put a steroid in the tenion to see if that would help. We went back a week later for the test results and his levels were so high to which the Dr new he had a infection and said he wanted to do surgery the next day. So Oct 26th he had the replacement hip removed and a spacer put in. He is now non weight bearing on left leg for 3 months and iv antibiotics (Vancomycin ) for 6 wks then the new is to be put back in. But how do they know if the infection is gone? And I'm worried because the Dr said no weight at all on left leg and he lost his balance and stepped down on his left foot twice this morning, will this create a problem with the spacer?
@jimandlisa Ive never had hip surgery but being a retired O.R. nurse if the Dr told him no weight bearing on L.hip he needs to adhere to that the outside looks good but it takes along time for the muscles,nerves bone to heal so please listen to Dr.,does he use crutches ,cane or walker ?this will help him get around without putting weight on that hip.
They will take another sample of the fluid around his hip and test it. It usually takes 1-3 weeks to see if the fluid has any infection in it. Tell the Doc he put weight on the spacer - I had one in my knee and was told No weight on it. I was basically bed ridden for 8 weeks. Not fun at all! I will keep you and your husband in my prayers. Best wishes.
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1 ReactionHi Jamie my spacer very temperamental. My guess is you have tweaked it and it dosnt like it. Mine would settle. When I was on the other side of the second stage I told all the staff to never underestimate the pain involved with a spacer. It really is a joy to walk again even though I can only 50% weight bear until December. Will update in later post. Good luck and be patient I know it's hard as I know where you are coming from but it should be worth it.
Lin
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2 ReactionsHi Lisa. You have my sympathy I know where you are coming from it is a constant worry that the infection may come back. I've had the second stage 3 weeks ago and am doing well but there is a constant fear in the back of my mind. It's a case of taking it day by day and I have to say my new hip feels completely different this time so I feel reassured by this, as I always had pain and stiffness before. He must listen to his surgeon and if he says non weight bear that's what he has to do. I was lucky I had 50%. Although I did fall 2 weeks after the first stage onto my driveway. I saw my surgeon the next day as had an appt anyway. Everything was fine id done no damage. I was lucky. I wish Jim well. Vancomycin is a very powerful drug I had it with first and second stage so you must put your faith it that.
Lin
My latest update. I got out of hospital after 8 days. I'm moving really well and am only on Diclofenac and Paracetamol for pain now. My leg stiffens a lot but I can't really say it's pain. Although getting a lot of swelling. My swabs taken my surgery for the original staph infection showed the bug had gone. Unfortunately the enriched growth at 7 days showed the presence of Staphlococcus Haemolyticus! However it seems my microbiologist is confident it is a contaminant. I'm hoping and praying he is correct. Since those swabs I've had 8 days of IV Vancomycin and now have 6 weeks of Ciprofloxacin 500mg BD and Rifamicin 300mg BD to complete. I have to be positive this hip is so much more comfortable. The last one hurt and was tight and stiff from day one. I wish you all well. Will update when I have more news. Supposed to see my surgeon this week for follow up but have been told he has no appts until after Christmas!!!!! I feel he will see me soon as he is a good man.
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2 ReactionsI'm so glad you're on the other side of it! I had a terrible time with my spacer and was so glad to be done with it. Cultures do get contaminated sometimes, and I'm crossing my fingers for that to be the case with yours. You'll have your mobility back in no time, now get at it with the PT! 🙂
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2 ReactionsWow, over three years and then an infection? I'm sorry to hear that, it must have been quite a shock. With my spacer they said I could be 50% weight bearing, and I doubt I could have really put 50% weight on it anyway...the pain was too great. Did they give your husband a reason for no weight bearing at all?