@Suzette, well, I think the abscess is ok. I never had any pain with it but I've taken three rounds of antibiotics, mostly to satisfy myself that I've done as much as I can do. My dentist has done the first part of the root canal, and I'm scheduled to go back for the last of it next week. I've been taking four 500mg amoxicillian before my teeth cleaning since my THR. I'll probably always do that since I'm prone to err on the side of caution. From what I've read (Google can be a dangerous thing!) the bloodstream is so active around your mouth and gums, that it's super-easy for bacteria to travel to your hip area. That said, there is really no clinical evidence that anyone's infected hip area is directly related to dental work as it seems to take a while to surface and by that time, the source of the infection could have come from anywhere. Flu, pneumonia, dental work, it's just hard to trace.
One thing, too, I hadn't thought of until I started reading...the "hip" doesn't really get infected since there is no blood supply to it. There is a "biofilm" that grows quickly around your prothesis shortly after the THR and the bacteria can attach to it, infecting the tissue, etc. around the hip joint. I'm no nurse and I'm sure my explanation is lame, but it makes sense. I think it's one of those things that you just have to accept as a possibility and learn to manage it from being alert to infections of any kind to increased pain in the op hip area.
My little fistule is still there although it's smaller. I would have thought after all the antibiotics, it would have gone away. Worst case scenario for the tooth, the root canal doesn't do the trick and I lose the tooth. There could be a small cyst at the base of one of the roots that the root canal doesn't touch or allow to drain which would require the removal of the tooth. The infection could be coming from this cyst, if one is present. I just don't know if this is what I'm dealing with or not.
I'm sure some of the nurses on this forum might have a better understanding but the chances are relatively slim that all of the above will occur. I'm choosing to believe that we caught it early and once it's completed, I won't give it another thought. Yep, denial.....haha
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️However, I am in no way going to jeopardize this surgery by getting out there too soon. I am determined this is going to be the 2nd best thing that I can do for myself. Also, while I'm not an overly religious person, I do believe in the power of prayer and He does come through for me when I need Him most. I am ready for this and will accept what comes my way! Thanks for your well wishes. It continues to amaze me how supporting and loving everyone is on BS. All like one big family. It's wonderful.
