Knee Infection* Anxious about 2 stage revision

[Demelsa]

What a journey and what a struggle. I am now 15 months, have been referred to a different consultant who has been trying to solve the issue of pain, slight swelling and lack of range of movement. Following tissue sampling in March i have just been diagnosed with an infection in my TKR joint. So I am now on the waiting list for a 2 stage revision. Lots of questions I didn’t think to ask when I last saw the consultant, feeling anxious about the journey ahead but hoping to get a better outcome at the end of it.

 

[sistersinhim]

Oh no, I am so sorry you have been diagnosed with an infection. Make sure you get an infectious disease doctor on your case. My prayers are with you.

 

[Jockette]

I’m so sorry you have an infection. Here is a list of other members who also had one:

Knee Surgery Recovery Area

For post-operative knee patients, on the "other side"

bonesmart.org

 

[Demelsa]

I’m so sorry you have an infection. Here is a list of other members who also had one:

Knee Surgery Recovery Area

For post-operative knee patients, on the "other side"

bonesmart.org

Thank you. I have so many questions and have not yet got a date to see my consultant again for the pre op so it will be useful to read of others experiences.

 

[Jaycey]

@Demelsa I am so sorry you are having to deal with this infection. I changed your thread title so that others who have been through this experience can come here to chat.

Please keep us updated!

 

[Demelsa]

@Demelsa I am so sorry you are having to deal with this infection. I changed your thread title so that others who have been through this experience can come here to chat.

Please keep us updated!

Thank you, it is a roller coaster of emotions.

 

[Demelsa]

Stage one of my two stage revision is happening on Friday this week (23rd September 2022). Feeling very anxious but also feel there is no other choice. I need to try and fight this infection and dream of better mobility so I can get on with my life.

 

[sistersinhim]

I will be praying for your complete healing.

 

[LaJudes]

Please look at the list of other people that had infection given to you by Jockette, my story is the 4th one down on the list . l too developed an infection a long time after my TKR . Was treated for infection for almost a year then had the 2 stage revision . l had tons of pain with the infection and could barely walk . l had fevers, night sweats and slept all day . Good luck with your revision , it's a long hard haul to get it done . l just pray that the infection l had doesn't come back , no way do l want to go through that again . Mine was a common skin infection , they think l got it with the original TKR surgery as it never stopped hurting and was always swollen and hot !

 

[Layla]

Hello Demelsa,
We haven't heard from you in quite some time. Wondering how you're doing. I hope well.
Please consider updating next time you're on the forum. We are here for support and we care.
Many blessings to you in this new year!
@Demelsa

 

[Demelsa]

Hi, sorry for the silence, I sit to write an update and struggle to capture it in words, what an ordeal! I had my original, infected, knee removed in late September ‘22. Had a temporary knee spacer and antibiotic beads fitted and spent 11 days in hospital on Iv antibiotics….not pleasant, I’m difficult to bleed so being cannulated was challenging and ended up with a mid line. After 11 days was discharged home with a leg brace (unstable knee and no cruciate ligaments), oral antibiotics for 6 weeks and regular physio sessions.
In mid December ‘22 I had an aspiration and the sample shows no signs of infection so I am now on a priority list for another new knee…(however I’m am in the UK and the NHS is under a intense pressure at the moment so I’m not sure that will happen very quickly)
I’m not convinced the infection was all of the issue of my knee not bending (and once the infection was found the new surgeon didn’t look any further) but certainly getting rid of the infection is the right first steps. I really hope I’ll get better mobility but I’m realistic and if it isn’t better then I have already made changes to my life (automatic car, more working from home and moved to a bungalow) and intend to live my very best life even if that means doing things differently.

 

[sistersinhim]

Yay for no more infection found! Have you found a revision specialist to do your revision? It would be better to have one on hand because they deal exclusively with problem knees. I know it's going to be a waiting game so maybe you will be able to locate one by then.

 

[Demelsa]

Time to go again, fingers crossed for an improvement this time! Stage two of a two stage revision is due to happen on Monday!….as long as it’s not cancelled again as I was due to have the temporary knee out in august but was cancelled due to junior Dr strikes (UK)

 

[Jaycey]

All the best on Monday @Demelsa ! Please update when you feel up to it We are all here for you!

 

[Demelsa]

Thank you

 

[benne68]

Best wishes for Monday, @Demelsa. Look forward to seeing you on the "healing" side!

 

[Scully2005]

All the very best for Monday @Demelsa - thinking of you x

 

[Layla]

We'll be thinking of you and watching for your first update, Demelsa.
Wishing you peace of mind and all the best tomorrow!
@Demelsa

 

[Demelsa]

Home to sleep in my own bed! Surgery seems to have gone ok, knee feels nice and strong (which is great after almost a year with a cement spacer) and the pain is under control. Getting 80ish degree bend on my own which is more that I’ve had for the last 3 years. I shall update more as I recover x

 

[Jockette]

Best wishes, and here’s a refresher course for you:

I will leave you our Recovery Guidelines. Each article is short but very informative. Following these guidelines will help you have a less painful recovery.

Just keep in mind all people are different, as are the approaches to this recovery and rehab. The key is, “Find what works for you.“ Your doctors, PTs and BoneSmart are available to help, but you are the final judge as to the recovery approach you choose.

Knee Recovery: The Guidelines

1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now, they are almost certainly temporary

2. Control discomfort:

rest​

elevate​

ice​

take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)​

don't overwork.​

​

If you want to use something to help heal the incision, ​

BoneSmart recommends hypochlorous solution. Members in the US can purchase ACTIVE Antimicrobial Hydrogel through BoneSmart at a discount. Similar products should be available in the UK and other countries.​

3. Do what you want to do BUT

​

a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you​

b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.​

​

​

4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of these

​

the BoneSmart view on exercise​

BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy​

5. At week 4 and after you should follow this

Activity Progression for TKRs​

6. Access to these pages on the website

​

Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications​

Wound Closure​

The Recovery articles:
The importance of managing pain after a TKR and the pain chart
Swollen and stiff knee: what causes it?
Energy drain for TKRs
Elevation is the key
Ice to control pain and swelling
Heel slides and how to do them properly
Chart representation of TKR recovery
Healing: how long does it take?

Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

There are also some cautionary articles here
Myth busting: no pain, no gain
Myth busting: the "window of opportunity" in TKR
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery.

While members may create as many threads as they like in the majority of BoneSmart’s forums, we ask that each member have only One Recovery Thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review the member’s history before providing advice, so please post any updates or questions you have right here in this thread.