Has anybody had to contend with MRSA and Knee Replacements?

[RestAssured]

Hi, my name is Sonja and I have have had 4 rounds of Mrsa staph infections that have landed me in the hospital. I have had terrible knees for about 5 years, but the infection specialist said I have only about a 50% chance of success with a TKR at this time. Well, on Monday of this week my leg locked and my husband had to bend it for me. We both heard the loud "pop" and I have been in excrucating pain ever since. Both Orthopedic surgeons say that I don't have a choice any more but now I am scared. I would hate to lose the knee and then have to have a spacer and then another knee put in. If anyone has any advice I sure could use some! :pzld:

P.S. My Husband accidentally kicked me in the side of the knee while we were in bed tonight and it made the knee even worse!

Thanks,

Sonja :D

 

[Texas]

Hey Sonja welcome .I am so sorry for everything you are going thru.....Wow you have been thru it. Their are a few revisions on here they seem to have been successful....I do wish you the best others will be around to post soon......Prayers your way ........If thats what you need to do in have it replaced yes its is a set back but you cant stay like that.........I sure wish you the nest and please keep us posted..........My heart goes out to you it really does.............

 

[Josephine]

I think you have to grit your teeth and go for it, Sonja. There's really no other options. It's not a pleasant procedure but has to be done and there is a really good success rate with it. Just make sure you get a top class revision specialist to do it as it's not something to be done by your regular, run-of-the-mill hip surgeon.

 

[Max Wallace]

Best of luck!

I was worried about it before surgery but had no problems during or after. Good surgeon, Good hospital, great results. I wish I could help more, there are others here far better qualified than me.

Max

 

[calling_all_angels]

Sonja,
Hello it is so nice to meet you. So you are needing a knee replacement and your
Infection specialist has said there is 50--50 chance that you will get infection.
And now since seeing the Infection specialist your knee has locked up been unlocked
by your husband, which now has caused you to be in a large amount of pain. The
Orthopedic surgeons think now is the time to get the knee replacement. Did I get all
of that right???

Dang you do not have a easy task in deciding what to do. But I think you know that you
are going to have to make the choice that you will be able to live with. This surgery can
be done with a 50--50 chance that you will sail through it and all will be well.
Wish I could tell you what to do but I think you have a good handle on this. And all that
is left is to decide and really only you can do that..
Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

 

[jeney]

I had MRSA 2 times and was hospitalized in 2005. After those 2 hospitalizations, I had no further outbreaks, so in Sept. of 2008 I decided to have my TKR. It has been just a year and all is fine. Just make sure that everyone who comes in contact with you is aware that you have had MRSA and voice your concerns.
The best of luck

 

[RestAssured]

Thanks for all of the replies!:D It is so nice to find a forum that is so supportive! I have had those 4 rounds of MRSA within the last 2 years and so I know it will be risky. Right now though, I am not living; merely existing day to day. My husband and I want to go on trips during my leave of absence and my knees aren't up to it. I want to add "quality" to the rest of the days of my life, not just quantity. I know that so many of you can relate to what I am saying and I appreciate all of you.

Thanks again,:wub:

Sonja

Scheduled TKR Left Knee March 3rd
Follow with TKR Right Knee asap afterwards

 

[Jamie]

Hi, Sonja.....Given what you have written, I feel like you are making a good decision to go ahead with your knee replacements. You are right that just "ticking off days" isn't living. Jeney's advice was very good....make sure that EVERYONE knows of your added risk for MRSA. Be sure you have faith and confidence not only in your surgeon, but also in the hospital where the surgery will be done. Have your sweet hubby serve as your patient advocate...staying with you at all times, watching everything that's done, asking questions and making sure that all nurses and doctors are aware of your increased risk for infection. If he's on a leave of absence, maybe he could even stay with you in the hospital just to ensure everyone practices proper procedures of washing hands before touching you.

Oh....and welcome to BoneSmart. We'll be here for you with whatever support you need!

 

[brs0660]

:thmb:Sonja...sounds like you have a pretty big decision. I am a Microbiogist, so understand the problems that are around with MRSA.

When I had my surgery, they did a MRSA screen as part of preop workup. They now have a new procedure that is faster and more accurate than culture. At any rate, the surgical team takes extra precautions when MRSA is positive. These include isolation post op and special handwashing and glove precautions. With good caution, you could do quite well. Just insist on either handwashing or glove changes by every one who touches you while in the hospital.

The other thing the doc did was give a wash of Hibecleans(spelling is so wrong) for the four days before surgery to lower skin bacteria prior to surgery.

Good luck and hope after your surgery you recovery is uneventful.

 

[RestAssured]

Thanks, Barb.

Two weeks prior to my procedure, my hubby, my mother and I will have to scrub in hibiclens sp? and also apply bactroban to the inside of the nose, armpits, and groin area to kill those little beasties where they like to hide. The sad thing is the people I am around the most are colonized with MRSA and although it doesn't affect them, it would cause me to lose the knee replacement. The infection specialist has already laid out a plan for when I am able to have surgery although now with this current round of MRSA in my eye, it looks like it will be pushed back.

 

[loggon]

Wow so sorry to hear you are having such a rough time of it.
I hope you will be able to get the TKR you need.I so understand wanting to get on with life.

Good luck to you.