Infection in TKR

[lizabeth]

To make my story quick & simple- I had a TKR in april 2007. I fell on it and loosened the joint. From that I received an infection- I was septic and spent time in ICU.. really had a rough time.

Then I went thru the revision. (Had the block w/antibodics - home w/iv antibodics for two months). When I got a new knee replacement everything seemed to go well until I stood up and twisted my knee. This resulted in a fractured patella. The surgeon tried to repair.. (fractured in 4 places) but since I had resulting bone and tissue loss (from infection??), it was not successful.

So then I had a graft. within a week I had an infection in the graft.. it was removed. I was told by the doctor that the graft could very easily have been the cause of the infection? Now I am facing another removal of hardware, a block, the whole bit again. Hopefully I won't be as sick as I was before. I do not know what my prospects are at this point. Has anyone else been through anything like this?

 

[Josephine]

My life, lizabeth! What a catastrophy! I've never ever heard of anybody having that much history on one knee! I sincerely hope your next event will be the last.

 

[loggon]

Lizabeth
I am so sorry you are having so many problems. I do hope all turns out OK and you will have smooth sailing after your next surgery.

 

[Judles]

Oh! So sorry to hear about your knee problems! I certainly hope.this next surgery proves to be successful and that you can get back to leading a wonderfully normal life!!!

 

[lizabeth]

Thanks!, Reading this forum has helped me a lot in dealing with infection. I am glad to know its not just me!!!

I will keep everyone posted- am seeing the OS Wed a.m.- expect to be in hospital by Thursday to have implant removed. At least its not new to me.. but am getting awfully tired of all of this.

 

[Texas]

Wow Liza you have def. had your share. I sure hope this on goes Fantastic for you. You soooo deserve it. I will keep you in my prayers. Please post anytime, even bored and need to chat !!!!!!!We'er here.....

 

[lizabeth]

knowing this forum is here makes me feel not so alone. My children are grown.. one son lives with me but works and coaches part time in the evening. My family is mostly out of state. Last year my two sisters and daughter took turns being here for me. (They live out of state) Don't know what I would have done without them. I hate being dependant on them again and I dread facing the pain of the revision etc. But I will find it a lot easier having this forum to "cling" to for support.

 

[tooyoungforthis]

Lizabeth, So Sorry on what is going on with you,will keep you in my prayers,Where do you live and do you have family helping you?

 

[tooyoungforthis]

P.S. Its got to be that year (07) that the replacements came from a bad crop!

 

[lizabeth]

I live in Metairie Louisiana (New Orleans).. and family is is Florida and texas!! My brother lives here and transports me to the doctor(s) and my 3 sons in town help as much as they can. But all have to work. It just seems never-ending!!!! My sisters and daughter are already "planning" on being here so I will have help. No way i could ever make it up to them!

 

[Jamie]

Lizabeth, hon.....that's what friends and family are for...to BE THERE for you. They love you and WANT to help. Relax, love them back, and let them take care of you. I'm so happy to hear that you have such a strong cadre of folks to get you through this next (and hopefully LAST) step.

You must be the strongest woman I have ever heard of to have gone through all that you have. My.....sometimes things just aren't fair. But you have come through it...with grace and determination....two very important traits for ultimate success. I believe you will make it just fine this time.

I am so happy to know that you plan to use the BoneSmart forum as part of your support network. As you know from spending any time here, the family of people who choose to be active members online are some of the most caring and supportive people around. They will be here for you any time of day or night. That's the beauty of such a worldwide family -- someone is ALWAYS awake and online here.

So know that we're praying for you. And that we're here for you. (((HUGS)))) to you!

 

[wendylyn]

As posted when I first came on this site, I've had a similar history. First TKR April 2003, broke it in Oct. 2003. In April 2004 had a second TKR. That one had an infection in it and they didn't discover it for several months by radiologic 3 day test. Jan. 2005 second TKR removed and a spacer block put in, and I went home for two months on two strong antibiotics. In May of 2005 a third TKR was put in, and I was okay for the most part. Now they think this third TKR has come loose and moved down into the tibia and slipped out of place. I also had a three day stint in the hospital in August of 2004 for a "clean out". My case so far is one for the books it's so unusual none or the orthopedists have seen a case like mine.

Has anyone else here seen or heard of this type situation before and if so what was done to correct it?

A lot of trepidation regarding an aspiration tomarrow to check for infection and an ESR test for inflamation.

Have you seen anything like this Josephine, and what was the possible out outcome?

Thanks,
wendylyn:sct::pzld:

 

[Texas]

Metairie LA ,I lived In Gretna. I loved it then but now I can Imagine right !!! I moved about 8 yes ago...... We are always here for you the good thing is even at night. Usually me...lol...Post anytime you want. Its ok to have help sometimes we all need it. Most important is that you get well, up at going.....I couldnt remember when are you getting this done...sorry

 

[JudyS]

Lizabeth welcome from a hippy. Good luck on your next apt and procedure. We are all here for you . Post anytime, I sure spend enough time whinning on here and I have not been thrown off yet:pzld:

Prayers for success this time
judy

 

[Texas]

Wowo Wedylyn good grief. Thats is so terrible as well. Geez what in the world. Your not seeing the same Dr are you !!!! Do they have plans yet to fix it or they are just trying to figure this one out still. I sure hope it gets fixed soon. This time hopefully will be it. You both will be in my prayers. When its all said and done .You will be hard to keep up with....lol...Please keep us posted........and hang in there....

 

[Motherofmany]

Lizabeth and Wendylyn,

Mercy, makes me hurt just thinking about it! I can't even imagine what you two have gone through. Also keeps me counting my blessings!

I will be praying for you both for complete healing and success with your procedures.

 

[stives]

Lizabeth and Wendylynn

I'm so sorry that you have both had awful experiences with your knee replacements. It certainly does put other things into perspective realising what some people have been through. We are all told of the risks involved in these operations but I expect, like me, we think it won't happen to us. However, if it does, it must seem terrible at the time.

I hope and pray that you will both have really good outcomes from the next step you are taking, and that it won't be long before you will be joining the rest of us who are very happy with their new knees.

Do keep posting so that we can hear how you are both getting on.

 

[Gringo]

Wow, some really bad luck there. Sorry to hear about all the problems for both of you.

What were you doing that you 'broke' the new knees? Were these serious falls, onto hard surfaces? Or do you just have brittle bones?

 

[Clunker]

Dang Lizabeth,
I truly hope and pray that things get better for you. Please try and keep thinking of better days to come,and they will. We all think we have problems,then we hear of things like you are going through,and our aches seem small.I truly wish you better days to come. :cnsl:

 

[lizabeth]

Wendylyn,- I can feel for you. Does not make me feel so alone. My OS has said my case is unusual too..
I see the OS tomorrow a.m- expect to be in hosp Thurs for removal of hardware (as they put it). Dont know how long in the hospital but will be coming home with the block, iv antibodics etc.-- until the infection(s) are gone (apparently I have two bugs-not one)

This forum and all of you- is a lifesaver. No one here really understands and in the forum I can unload so to speak

Good luck to you Wendylyn,- hope I dont have problem with the 3rd replacement!. I hope yours turns out okay. I heard someone say once, that a knee replacement is wonderful -when it works .. and h--- when it does not. Apparently we are among those who prob should not have even gotten a replacement???