Revision TKR Revision surgery

[newlybionic]

Your knee will stay warmer than the other even if it’s just from swelling. I hope your blood work begins to drop again and your infection clears soon.

 

[Crowwood]

Good news! My CR-P has dropped to 7. I saw the Ortho Consultant today and all my bloods are looking very positive so he has suggested a halt to the daily Teicoplanin and a move on to oral Augmentin, an enhanced penicillin, three times a day with a review in two weeks time, then maybe stay on this regime for a longer period. My knee is still a bit swollen and tires very quickly so I am hopeful I can improve it gradually with physio and exercise. I am happy.

 

[newlybionic]

That’s great news!

 

[Crowwood]

CR-P has got down to a score of 7. The consultant has taken me off the intravenous Teicoplanin and onto oral antibiotics. Next review is Monday 25th November

 

[Crowwood]

My knee was replaced in 2016 and all was going well until I managed to get a Streptococcus infection on the implant in 2019. After a complete wash out, ten weeks of intravenous antibiotics and then over two years of Amoxycillin, the infection flares up again as soon as the antibiotics are stopped. The consultant and I met yesterday and he is proposing two-stage revision surgery now to replace the now damaged implant and clear out the infection. It seems that this the only option and I am very concerned about the two bouts of surgery to come and the length of recovery. What can I do do now to aid my recovery and return to an active life ?

 

[Jaycey]

@Crowwood You will notice I merged your latest thread with your original recovery thread. This way we have all your history if we need to advise you.

So sorry you are dealing with a stubborn infection. It is not uncommon to have a two stage revision when dealing with an on-going infection. The implant will be replaced by a spacer - usually infused with antibiotics. Then when infection is controlled the spacer is replaced by a new implant.

Are you working with an infection control specialist. It's important that you have an expert involved with your case so that the appropriate medications can be prescribed and the infection can be regularly monitored.

 

[Crowwood]

Thank you for your response. My bloods are being monitored regularly. I am due in very soon for the knee to be aspirated first so that they can check the variety of Strep. I have a condition called Thrombocythemeia so a haematologist is also looking after me.

 

[Jaycey]

Sounds like you are in good hands @Crowwood ! Be sure and ask all your questions when you meet with your specialists. They completely understand your anxiety and will work to make you more comfortable.

If you go to our Knee Recovery Forum and look for the red Knee Infection subtitle in front of a thread, you will find members who are going through or have been through this journey.

 

[Crowwood]

Thank you.