Knee Infection* My L T K R Diary 2020

Your hospital stay will probably be the same as your stay post TKR.

Sounds like they caught this early which is very good. Hang in there. These bugs require tons of patience.
 
One thing they did say was the sample they had taken hadn't grown any cultures which I take it that's good.
Many times it takes more than a few days for the infection to grow. Don't forget to request a doctor that specializes in infections.
 
Well I have as septic infection on the joint.
Jaycey is right that under normal conditions a person with an infected joint who is receiving a temporary implant would only stay in the hospital for a couple of days after surgery - much like with your original TKR. But according to this comment you made earlier about having sepsis, you have a bit of a different situation.

Sepsis happens when an infection you already have —in your skin, lungs, urinary tract, or somewhere else like your knee - triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Sepsis is a very serious condition and it may mean your doctors would like to keep you longer to ensure that reaction does not worsen.
 
Back in the hospital had temporary knee fitted didn't get any sleep last night the pain seems a lot worse than when I first had it done.
They went to put a brace on but I have a pico dressing and the straps go over the knee so that won't work and it would be too painful.
I have been down today and had another PICC line fitted I thought they were too quick removing the other one.
They know what the infection is now it's been identified but can't remember what it's called.
The PICC line team have put in for me to see the pain management.
 
The pain may be worse because the infection is irritating all the tissue. The PICC line is good, especially if the infection causing the sepsis was found. I had to have multiple procedures done before my final knee was put in and had a PICC after some of them. Mayo was very proactive at keeping the infections away. Why pain management? Doesn't your surgeon take care of that?
 
Yes my surgeon does prescribed the meds sometimes it's not enough especially when getting mobile
What sort of support can I use as any pressure on my knee is too painful
I should have got mobile by now my consultant came round at 7.30 am so hope he's About in the morning
 
I wouldn't worry too much about getting mobile. Your knee has been through hell on earth and needs to just rest, ice and elevate. Do you have an infection specialist doctor?

It is good to hear they have identified your particular bug and can now fight it with the correct antibiotics. My prayers are with you! :prayer: :praying:
 
If you can get the name of the infection, that would be helpful for us. I hope your pain levels can get managed. That will be an important milestone.
 
If you can get the name of the infection, that would be helpful for us. I hope your pain levels can get managed. That will be an important milestone.
@Jamie
Not sure I spelt it right
Staphylococcus
 
There are many Staphylococcus. Please ask which one.

I hope you get some pain relief soon.

LB
 
Lolabee is right. A staph infection is commonly what is seen, but there are specific clinical names for each type of bacteria. You should be able to get that information from your nurse. I'm sure it's in your charts.

This is the type of information that's important for you to know and part of the reason why you need an infectious disease doctor on your case. Each type of infection has specific antibiotics that work on it and you want someone who is very familiar with fighting a particular infection deciding what is best for you.

As the patient, you are a partner with your doctors in your medical treatment. You can be a better advocate for your care if you ask a lot of questions and be sure you understand each treatment option that is proposed. The "why" behind everything is critical. I hope you're having lots of detailed discussions with all your doctors and nurses.
 
A desease infectius doctor is called micro biologists here.
 
So do you have one that your surgeon is working with?
 
So do you have one that your surgeon is working with?
Yes they are taking regular blood tests.
And my surgeon works with the micro biologist.
They put a brace on my leg today and got me up its so painfull and the temporarily joint/ spacer feels horrible /loose.
 
Mine felt funny. When I would bend it it would feel like chalk rubbing together. Did you solve the problem with the brace strap? I only strapped it when I absolutely had to. Otherwise that one was left unstrapped. Remember this is only temporary.
 
Mine felt funny. When I would bend it would feel like chalk rubbing together. Did you solve the problem with the brace strap? I only strapped it when I absolutely had to. Otherwise, that one was left unstrapped. Remember this is only temporary.
I will see if I can add a photo of it.
Still very painful despite on loads of painkillers.

20200723_170312.jpg
 
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I seriously lived on the recliner elevating and my IceMan (Ice machine). My stomach doesn't handle pain meds very well.
 

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That thing sure does look uncomfortable.
 
I am so sorry, that looks so uncomfortable. :kickedout:
 

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