Revision TKR Left, right, left again

[selketine]

Are you currently in the hospital or did they let you leave? I'm guessing they want to keep you there while they figure this out. It's positive they caught the thing growing in the sample so they can address it before it turns into a problem. Sounds like you are doing well otherwise and it hasn't had any affect on the recovery and they can get it addressed and taken care of before it does. I had never thought about it, but I wonder if it's common that they take a fluid sample routinely to test for everyone's TKR? Seems like a good idea!

Keep us posted!

 

[Toothfairy]

Hi @selketine I am still in hospital. They won’t discharge me until I am on a treatment path. This bug is extremely slow growing and causes a very low grade infection. I think taking samples during a revision may be common practice but I’m not aware of it being done during primary TKR/PKR but I think that’s why they give hefty doses of antibiotics during and just after TKR/ PKR.

 

[mendogal]

Hi @selketine I am still in hospital. They won’t discharge me until I am on a treatment path. This bug is extremely slow growing and causes a very low grade infection. I think taking samples during a revision may be common practice but I’m not aware of it being done during primary TKR/PKR but I think that’s why they give hefty doses of antibiotics during and just after TKR/ PKR.

That is correct.

There's no reason to check for infection in a joint during an initial replacement as there's no reasonable expectation for a person to be walking around with an existing infection.

Initial infection risk anywhere within the entire area comes during surgery - hence the antibiotics - and then long term it's the implant surfaces that become a possible locus of infection.

 

[Toothfairy]

I’ve seen posts on here describing ‘zingers’. I understood in theory what they were but hadn’t had any personal experience until a few minutes ago. What weird feelings. Some nerves must be wakening up and starting on their journey to recovery.

 

[Layla]

Some nerves must be wakening up and starting on their journey to recovery.

Yes, that's what's happening.

Small sensory nerve fibers are cut with the incision, which can cause some numbness. It is a temporary sensation that normally resolves over a period of six months to one year post op. While healing you may experience sensations of tingling, pins and needles, itching, burning and even the feeling of a minor electrical shock. These are usually good signs that the nerves are spontaneously firing through the regeneration process.

I hope you slept well and you're having a good day so far. Happy Weekend!

 

[sistersinhim]

I found them more painful than the surgery recovery. Thank God, they are quick and infrequent!

 

[Toothfairy]

Well I am finally home. Still no decision antibiotics or even whether they are needed. Apparently the latest thought is that it may have been contamination of a sample. The doctor I saw today was prepared to take a decision to send me home. I will apparently get an urgent appointment with my consultant next week to follow up.
I am a bit shocked to have been sent home with just paracetamol. I’ve been on tramadol three times a day. Apparently if I need this I need to contact GP so they can monitor it due to its addictive properties. Not much help on a Friday evening. I’ll just need to see how it goes. That may well slow me down a bit!! Good to be home anyway

 

[selketine]

Wow that is awesome you're home! I bet you are excited!! I'm very happy they've released you.

I don't know what they do in the UK but paracetamol is like Tylenol I think. I've taken tramadol long term in the past for my pre-op knee pain and never had an addiction issue (or issues starting and stopping - but I took like one a day at most usually). You're a week behind me surgery-wise. I thought my surgeon was conservative with pain meds but that seems especially conservative. I hope you can get something over the weekend if you need it. Glad to hear you are home!!

 

[benne68]

@Toothfairy Glad to read you are home, but sorry that you are still in limbo about what is happening -- and that you have to wait through the weekend for follow-up.

Let's hope that the sample was contaminated and that there's no infection!

 

[Layla]

Well this is rather encouraging news, Toothfairy. Let's hope it's determined that there is no need for treatment and you receive some reassurance from the consultant when you follow up next week. Please keep us posted.
Holding positive thoughts!
@Toothfairy

 

[EalingGran]

Apparently the latest thought is that it may have been contamination of a sample.

Hope that is the case.
Hope you can manage the pain OK.
I found icing as good as any pain relief.
I had an Aircast Cryocuff and it was wonderful.

 

[sistersinhim]

I can't believe they sent you home without adequate pain medicine. I pray that you are doing OK today and can get the pain meds quickly.

 

[Toothfairy]

Thank you @sistersinhim I was quite shocked and a bit upset myself but I have been pleased with how well I’ve coped today with just paracetamol and naptoxen and lots of ice. I’ll see how it goes tonight and tomorrow and then decide whether I want more tramadol.

 

[sistersinhim]

It would be fantastic if you don't have to go back on prescription pain meds, but don't be disappointed if you do. You need adequate pain control to heal. Too much movement is bad, but so if too little. You need to be able to take care of your daily needs. If you are too painful to do that, then please ask for stronger pain relief.

 

[Toothfairy]

I totally agree @sistersinhim I am trying to find a balance between movement and medication. I had a good night last night so I’ll see how it goes today.

 

[selketine]

I'm glad you slept well without any stronger pain meds! I had a restless night trying to go without them and eventually took one. The night before I made it through however. I couldn't have done that at the point you are in surgery though since I'm a week ahead of you. I hope that is just a good sign for your recovery that things are knitting up nicely in there!

 

[Toothfairy]

Wise decision to take your pain meds if you needed them. I certainly would if I had them!! Having said that I’m doing well again today. @selketine

 

[Layla]

Things are going well it seems, Toothfairy. Some of these natural worries and concerns seem to be working out for the best. So far, so good! Glad you had a good overnight, I hope today is going well also. I am just beginning my day with coffee and BoneSmart and you're halfway through yours.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening!
@Toothfairy

 

[Toothfairy]

Thank you @Layla I am taking it very easy today. Gentle exercises and lots of elevation and ice. Feeling good.

 

[Toothfairy]

Oops. ‘You left something behind ‘ came the cry from my husband in the kitchen. What said I. He came through carrying my crutches. I had wandered through without them. Totally oblivious.