After another blood test and aspirates from both knees to compare to the original stats, it was determined that in all likelihood, I had an indolent knee infection in both knees. In other words, low grade, under-the-radar infection. Bilateral knee revision surgery was recommended.
I have been home now for almost 2 weeks and am recovering well. My first revision was done on May 30th and the second was done on June 9th. Because I was considered an emergency, I was put on a ‘walking wounded’ emergency list and was strongly encouraged to take the first available surgeon. Unfortunately, all my research and subsequent appointments with my preferred surgeon went out the window.
However, the first surgeon seemed very knowledgeable and competent and my knee is recovering well, and for my second surgery, I did luck out and actually did have the surgeon I had hoped for. He happened to be able to fit me in. So 2 weeks in hospital, 2 knees revised, and I am home.
I am managing surprisingly well for the most part. Lots of support. Today, however, I awoke with tear-inducing pain in the lateral part of my 2nd surgery knee. Almost feels like a cramp/spasm. Can’t really put too much weight on it so have returned to bed to massage and apply some heat. Hoping this is normal?
My surgeries are considered a sort of 2 stages in one surgery, in that both knees have been replaced with a spacer that is totally functional. I am unsure what differentiates it from a normal prosthesis. However, both knee prostheses were implanted with antibiotic cement and I have been told they are to be considered permanent. I couldn’t get a time frame as to what permanent might mean in terms of longevity. However, they are to move and function as a normal revision.
I am on a course of IV antibiotics for 6 weeks with a follow-up with the infectious disease team to determine whether or not to stay on oral antibiotics for a time or for my lifetime. I have yet to read up on the pros and cons of these treatments. I am wondering if anyone else has dealt with this choice?
The surgeons didn’t find much damage, thankfully, to my bones due to the infection. They were also unable to grow any sort of bacterial culture from samples taken during surgery.
While waiting for my second surgery, my unrevised knee responded well to the antibiotics, reducing swelling and pain to almost normal, and this further pointed to infection as the likely cause of my trouble.
So that’s my update. Please be vocal and persistent at your follow-up appointments if you feel something isn’t right.
I have been home now for almost 2 weeks and am recovering well. My first revision was done on May 30th and the second was done on June 9th. Because I was considered an emergency, I was put on a ‘walking wounded’ emergency list and was strongly encouraged to take the first available surgeon. Unfortunately, all my research and subsequent appointments with my preferred surgeon went out the window.
However, the first surgeon seemed very knowledgeable and competent and my knee is recovering well, and for my second surgery, I did luck out and actually did have the surgeon I had hoped for. He happened to be able to fit me in. So 2 weeks in hospital, 2 knees revised, and I am home.
I am managing surprisingly well for the most part. Lots of support. Today, however, I awoke with tear-inducing pain in the lateral part of my 2nd surgery knee. Almost feels like a cramp/spasm. Can’t really put too much weight on it so have returned to bed to massage and apply some heat. Hoping this is normal?
My surgeries are considered a sort of 2 stages in one surgery, in that both knees have been replaced with a spacer that is totally functional. I am unsure what differentiates it from a normal prosthesis. However, both knee prostheses were implanted with antibiotic cement and I have been told they are to be considered permanent. I couldn’t get a time frame as to what permanent might mean in terms of longevity. However, they are to move and function as a normal revision.
I am on a course of IV antibiotics for 6 weeks with a follow-up with the infectious disease team to determine whether or not to stay on oral antibiotics for a time or for my lifetime. I have yet to read up on the pros and cons of these treatments. I am wondering if anyone else has dealt with this choice?
The surgeons didn’t find much damage, thankfully, to my bones due to the infection. They were also unable to grow any sort of bacterial culture from samples taken during surgery.
While waiting for my second surgery, my unrevised knee responded well to the antibiotics, reducing swelling and pain to almost normal, and this further pointed to infection as the likely cause of my trouble.
So that’s my update. Please be vocal and persistent at your follow-up appointments if you feel something isn’t right.