Hip Infection* Hip Infection

Bruce

new member
Joined
Nov 18, 2019
Messages
1
Age
59
Location
Gladewater, Texas
Country
United States United States
Gender
Male
I had a total hip replacement on 3/25/19. Approximately two months later, I started noticing pain and it only got worse. I told my original surgeon about the pain and at first he blew me off. I set an office visit with my original surgeon and he drew blood to check for infection ( he still appeared to be set off about my situation and stated if anything it must be nerve damage). The doctor called me back the next week and set me up for an aspiration at the hospital. One week after the hip aspiration, I received another phone call from the unsympathetic doctor to say that the results of the aspiration showed an infection ( staph epidermis). The doctor set me for a clean out of the hip two days later. I had my hip clean out on 6/13/19 and had a Picc line inserted and received 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics. Approximately a few months later the pain returned. Doctor set me up for another hip aspiration in October of 2019 and the results came back as positive once again for staph epidermis. I was subsequently sent to a specialist in Dallas Texas (orthopedic oncologist that also specializes in infections). I went through my third surgery on 10/29/19, in which, the doctor removed the infected left total hip replacement with placement of a temporary implant ( two stage procedure). I was also placed on a Picc line once again for 6 weeks with the infusion of vancomycin. I was told this last procedure had a 90% success rate. However, I am still very worried about this infection coming back once again. Please if anyone has any advice or a story concerning my fears, please share it with me. I am new at this and I am not sure if I put my story in the right place/forum.
 
Hi @Bruce and welcome to Bonesmart, it's a great place to get good advice, and comfort while you recover from your third surgery this year. I am so sorry you are going through this. There are some great members here that have gone or are going through an infection and I will leave one for you now.
She is such an upbeat person and has faced several serious obstacles-but now has her permanent hip and is slowly recovering.


I have some recovery tips to give you also in my next thread. Sure, you've been there and done it, but even if you find one or two nuggets that help, it will be worth the read.
So glad you are here and please hang around and do some reading. We are here for you.
 
OK, @Bruce here is your official :welome:

You did a great job posting your surgery dates and details but I didn't see where you said which hip it is? We will add that information in your signature that will be shown in any post you make. It helps us see the details in a quick glance and in giving the best reply.

I will leave BoneSmart's recovery guidelines. We all hope that they will help:

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


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

5. At week 4 and after you should follow this

6. Access these pages on the website

Pain management and the pain chart
BIG TIP: Hips actually don't need any exercise to get better. They do a pretty good job of it all on their own if given half a chance. Trouble is, people don't give them a chance and end up with all sorts of aches and pains and sore spots. All they need is the best therapy which is walking and even then not to excess.

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 a 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 history before providing advice.
 
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Our Senior Forum Advisor @Mojo333 thought of another BoneSmartie who went through a hip infection. I am leaving it here for you.

@Bruce
 
:wave: @Bruce

So sorry you have had such a rough year.:sad:
I'm guessing you are coming up on another check and I can only imagine how anxious this makes you.
@SCaprae may pop by but if you visit his thread, you can see that he was struggling with some balance issues but was overall doing well.
I will be sending good mojo your way and will be following your story.
 
Thanks for joining us, Bruce. I'm sorry for your misfortune. There are many stories here of those who've triumphed over infection. Prayers and best wishes you join their ranks soon. Stop by often, you'll find lots of support and encouragement here. Will be following your journey.
Peace and comfort to you.
@Bruce
 
Hi, Bruce. Glad you found BoneSmart and decided to join our community. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have. These infections are scary when a diagnosis is made, but I want to reassure you that recovery from it, while challenging, is usually very successful. Hang in there and we'll be right here to help you along when you need us.

Who is your surgeon in Dallas? There is an excellent surgeon there (Dr. Maale) that we've sent a number of people to and I'd like to know an additional specialist if you don't mind sharing.
 
Hi Bruce, my dad had an infected THR and went through what you are - they did remove the infected hip and he was on drip line for a few months before they went back in to do it again. Although it was a dreadful experience, he made it through and enjoyed his hip for many years. His second hip was without incident. I can’t imagine what you are going through but do know there is an end to this terrible state. Please do keep us all posted and wishing you good rest, lots of friends and support, with warm thoughts, chrismcd.
 
:wave: Bruce and welcome to BoneSmart.

I am sorry to read of your journey ... but believe me, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I unfortunately had a fall and my original prosthesis of three years went through my femur. I developed E-Coli in my hip, underwent debridement and removal of the offending equipment and had to go 5 months on antibiotics before I was cleared for Stage 2. I was on tablets, at first three a day then two a day ... I don't believe they do PICC lines here in Portugal. I had blood tests every two weeks then a month clear before I had my second stage and had a 30cm stem installed (I am only 5'2" tall and it is within 8cms of my knee replacement).

In September I was given the All Clear with the lowest CRP and SED results I have ever had. I am overjoyed but this is not to say I do not keep it in the back of my mind it may return. No doctor can make that guarantee. In the meantime I am getting my life back on track and putting my journey down to misfortune. One thing I do is eat Greek yogurt daily and also take a probiotic capsule to keep bad bacteria at bay. I don't know if it works but it sure doesn't hurt ... and I keep a positive mind and attitude and am grateful I am alive.

Now that you have joined the forum, stay with us and visit often. There are many good and kind folk here to lift your spirits when you feel down and, more importantly, there are people who have been where you are and can empathise, which your doctor cannot do.

It is a mentally tough journey, but you will get through it.

Hang .. Better.jpeg Izabel xx
 
I'm sorry to hear about your recurring infections...I understand that they are relatively uncommon, but even so, they definitely rank right up there with dislocations in terms of our worst fears following hip replacement. You've been through a rough 7+ months---hopefully things will turn around because you need to catch a break---right?!?!

I had a similar experience with a hand infection about 5 years ago. I poked my thumb with a rose thorn while doing fall clean up. The thumb got seriously infected and every time we thought the antibiotic had worked, it came back a few days later. The whole process took 3 strong antibiotic rounds and over 2 1/2 months, and ended up resulting in triggering an autoimmune disorder by the time it was done. It was a nightmare. I dreaded seeing the dr. and getting blood draws, and had an ongoing sense of worry. So I do understand. My situation worked itself out, as I'm sure yours will as well---but the whole process isn't fun while you are in it. Good luck.
 
Hello Bruce,
I have not checked in w/ this forum for some time, was able to log in today. I am sorry to read about your situation (have had similar story & wouldn’t wish it on an enemy). Good to see that you are persistent enough to seek out other providers / I have had some dealings with unsympathetic/unbelieving Surgeons. Be strong and speak your mind (search until you find a compassionate provider).
How are you doing?
 
Hi Bruce, :wave:
Stopping by to say Hi and see how you're doing. It's been a month since your surgery and I hope all is going as expected. With any luck you had a relaxing Thanksgiving and enjoyed the day. We'd love to read an update from you next time you're on the forum if you're feeling up to it.
Hope to hear from you soon. :)
@Bruce
 

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