Knee Infection* My L T K R Diary 2020

I hope this new doctor and staff can get things fixed for you! You are in my prayers.
 
Your knee looks so painful. I pray you are now on the road to recovery.
 
Can you let us know what doctor and hospital you are with now? Is there an infectious disease doctor involved in your case?
 
Can you let us know what doctor and hospital you are with now? Is there an infectious disease doctor involved in your case?
All I know is they have sent a sample down to lab for testing be interesting to see if they put me on a different antibiotic
I am at Broomfield hostpital.
 
Well I have as septic infection on the joint.
They have let me home but I have to go back Monday and stay for a temporary joint on Tuesday.
Then after 6 weeks without full weight bearing I go back another test will be done if the infection has cleared then a fresh replacement.
That's my year over.
 
I'm so sorry to hear you have an infection again, @Defender . Your other surgeon tried to save you from this, more prolonged, treatment by doing a washout and spacer exchange, but now you need to have the whole nine yards. :console2:

The temporary spacer to be put in will be made of cement that is impregnated with antibiotic. At the same time, you should be having antibiotics intravenously and probably taking oral antibiotics as well.

After 6 weeks, you should be tested, to make sure all signs of infection have gone, before the antibiotic spacer is removed and a new set of replacement hardware is inserted.

It's a good idea to have a doctor who specializes in infectious diseases on your team, because he/she is the best person to advise on the most effective antibiotics for you, and to assess your test results, to be sure all signs of infection are gone.

As you probably knew, this course of treatment is going to be lengthy and tedious, but it will be worth it in the end.
We'll be here for you, for moral support.
 
I’m sorry you have to go through this, but it’s the best way to fully clear the infection. As Celle said, we’ll be here for you.
 
Defender,
I am sorry to hear you have to go through a two stage revision, you have been through so much already. It is your best hope for getting your life back, on this long road to recovery.
We will be here for moral support.
 
So what do they meen by a temporary joint all this is a worry to me as I don't know what to expect as regards two more operations.
They will explain it to me on Monday but I have until then before I know.
Are both operations major are they removing the complete joint on my first visit.!!!!
 
Defender,
They put in a cement joint in the shape of a TKR prosthesis, it is impregnated with antibiotics, will maintain your joint space, and will allow you to bend your knee.
I will see if I can locate a photo for you.
 
Here is a photo of some off the shelf spacers for knees in the middle. There are also molds that can be used to make a spacer in the OR. You can ask your surgeon what he uses.
Exactech InterSpace Spacer. InterSpace Knee, Hip and Shoulder are preformed, articulating, partial load-bearing structures comprised of gentamicin-impregnated PMMA bone cement.
 
Thanks so much for all your comments and help.
So are they taking out all the metal parts on my first visit is that why I can't fully weight bear on it
Sorry for all the questions but my head is spinning.
 
Sorry you are having to go through this. As Celle said it will be worth it. It sounds like I went the same route as you with just a wash out at first. It will take time and patience.
 
All of our heads would be spinning if we were in your shoes.
They take out the old knee, put in the spacer, clean everything up with antibiotics. When it looks good the sew up the wound. They probably had ID'd the appropriate antibiotics, assume you will be on an IV ASAP.

Hi @PegGar16, Thanks for stopping by, and sharing with Defender. I am sure he will not feel so alone knowing others have been through so much.
 
I'm so sorry to hear this, but with the consistent swelling you had, I'm not completely surprised. But please do insist on talking with an infectious disease doctor when you see your surgeon next. It's important that a person very knowledgeable in infections is there to coordinate with your surgeon. It will help ensure a successful outcome. Infections can be difficult to get rid of sometimes. An infection specialist will know exactly what to throw at the little devils.

The surgeon will remove every bit of your hardware when the spacer is put in. Once an infection gets established on the metal implant, it creates a biofilm layer to protect itself from the antibiotics. This is why all parts must go. You'll also get a good cleaning out and possibly some antibiotic beads sown in for good measure. This two-stage revision process is very good and it should do the trick for you. We've had a lot of BoneSmarties who've been where you are and are just fine now.

I know this has to be very disheartening for you. You've been through so much and kept the faith in what your previous surgeon was doing. If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask your surgeon about them. He should take time to explain his plan for you going forward. When you have this information, you'll be less worried.

Best of luck to you. We'll be here to help and support you through this challenge. :console2:
 
It is a blessing that they have found the infection and will do a complete cleanout, spacer, antibiotics and then a brand new knee. Knowing what was causing all that swelling is half the battle. Now, they know what to fight with. I agree that you need an infectious disease doctor on your case, too.
 
I'm so sorry you're going through this. Next month will be a year since I had my 2nd stage new knee. I am doing great, but it was a very difficult journey. It is indeed head spinning!

As others have mentioned, please get to know your Infectious Disease specialist. This doctor is an integral part of your treatment.

Here's some things to ask your surgeon:
1. What is the strain of the infection. All are serious, but some more than others. Which kind it is will determine the antibiotic treatment and how easily irradicated.

2. Home health nursing visits or rehab facility?

3. How long you will be on IV antibiotics? (Your Infec Disease doctor will most likely be the one to give you a more realistic answer).

There's more questions, I'm sure, but it's late and my brain is tired. Hopefully others will chime in.

You can look on my thread and read my journey.

It is a long process, but is so worth it. I am walking miles every day, gardening again, and enjoying things I never thought I'd get to do again.

Stay strong.
LB
 
Defender, I am so sorry you're having such a hard time. You've been through such a lot. It's good to hear from others who have been through something similar and come through. I hope and pray this will finally sort everything out for you. Take care. I'll be thinking of you.
 
Thank you all for your support.
Had a good night's sleep back in my own bed.
I go in Monday and stay for the op on Tuesday how long is the hostpital stay on the first stage I know they will explain everything on Monday but I am just trying to prepare.
One thing they did say was the sample they had taken hadn't grown any cultures which I take it that's good.
 

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