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Knee Infection staph infection on LTKA

Thanks KarriB, I did see her threads. I think that is a good idea to wait until the cultures come back to see how virulent the infection is. Past cultures said I had a trace amount of bacteria but we will see once the biofilm is broken. Maybe I'll learn how to give myself injections ;-)
 
I could be wrong, but I don't think a PICC goes directly to your heart. I believe it goes into a major artery. Is the heart your main concern?
I was still on an IV antibiotic directly after the infection surgery, but it changed when the cultures came back.
 
Yes, it goes in a major artery but it is threaded to the heart. A lot of concerns....infection, blood clots, heart arrhythmia...will talk to doctor after cultures come back but wanted to know if anyone used another less invasive method. Also, allergies to antibiotics are a huge concern if it is being injected directly into my blood stream...maybe I'll recommend we try the drugs from the penicillin family, the quinolone drugs are very strong!
 
Sky girl, nothing to offer medically, but glad they have these options, and we are all in your corner.
 
I did worry about it getting infected, but I was so focused on the TKR infection and wanting to heal that. When the nurse pulled the PICC line it was super long. I had a nurse who came to the house every week to clean/change the dressing and took the blood work as well.
 
Thanks great Lakes, I hope your tkr went well.

KarriB, the reason I am so cautious is because I have been in the less than 1% of everything that has happened with this tkr. Even the infection I have is extremely rare and wasn't even discovered until very recently in France. The infection seems to be very low grade so I don't want to have other residual problems from antibiotics going in to my superior vena cava. More of the reason for the revision is the instability, Mal rotation and loosening of the prosthetic. When he goes in we will get a better idea of the extent of the biofilm/infection...if it is really bad, I suppose I will have to reconsider the picc line or maybe the antibiotic infusion ball.
 
I understand. My revision specialist waited to see what it looked like once he was in as well. I remember waking up, asking if the TKR was still there or if he had put a spacer in.
 
Depending on the extent of the infection would depend on the antibiotics, which would determine revisiting the picc line or possible midline system...hopefully it is still a trace amount! Either way, it has to be replaced due to instability.
 
Thank you Celle, that reinforces some of the information I have found. Too many variables to chance it at this point not knowing the extent of the infection.
 
Hi. I just had the first surgery for my revision 9/13. My surgeon has me on the Vancomycin for 3 weeks with a PICC for precautions. I do not want the infection back. The second surgery should be in November/December. I hope things go well for you.
 
Good luck Peggy. What type of infection did you have and was it low, medium or high grade, if you don't mind me asking. How are you feeling on the picc line?
 
Thanks. I had staph epithelial I am not sure of the grade. They first found it in December and I went the conservative route with a clean out, exchange and antibiotics. I did 6 weeks with the PICC at that time and than 6 weeks oral. Two weeks after finishing the antibiotics the infection was back. They removed the knee replacement and I started the antibiotics again. The PICC line was the best for me because the best antibiotic for me was IV delivery and I also required at least 1 blood draw a week (multiple on occasion) to monitor the infection and antibiotic levels. I use infusion balls for the vancomycin, which I attach myself and can tuck the ball away in a pocket or under my shirt to remain mobile. I like not being attached to a IV pole or pump. I have not had any problems with the PICC or discomfort. It looks worse than it feels.
 
Peggy, I am so sorry this is happening to you. I completely understand about the picc line and if mine becomes difficult to eradicate, I will definitely go that route. I can not even imagine having 1 knee replacement and 2 revision replacements...positive thoughts going your way for a speedy recovery.
 
Peggy, was your first revision a 1 stage when they did the exchange and your second revision a 2 stage with the antibiotic cement block?
 
Because of the patella fracture and the patellar tendon rupture I have had to have so many surgeries on this knee. I didn't consider the poly exchange a revision, just a clean out:) In March the took out the knee replacement and put in the antibiotic cement spacer and beads. You might think of my case as a three part revision..because of my complications they had to create a flap (skin graft) over my knee. The plastic surgeon did that and the OS exchanged the antibiotic spacer with another one (different type), They needed to be sure that there was enough skin to cover everything they are doing in the final surgery. That surgery will have a new TKR and a total exstensor mechanism reconstruction (tendon & bone grafts). As you can see my case is a little different.
 
Wow Peggy, I am in awe of everything you are going through and quite impressed with your surgeons and how they can rebuild a knee. The picc line seems inconsequential compared to the total picture. Science is so amazing, please let me know your progress...you seem to be in capable, caring hands....here's to your continued healing!!
 
@PegGar16

I am so sorry to hear all that you are going through. You are amazingly optimistic and positive. I hope that you are able to get a new, painless, infection-free knee very soon!!

Jen
 
Hi,
I haven't been on for awhile. I had a 2 stage revision after the staph infection and all was going well, went back to work and slipped on a non skid mat after finishing water walking (was actually able to swim the free stroke and back stroke for alternating laps with walking). I went to Doc when I got home and he drained 22cc's of blood/ fluid from my knee. He put me in an immobilizer and have been in it for 2 1/2 weeks. Tried to bend the knee but it only bends so far, ROM was 135-140, tried to do 1 rotation on the stationary bike but now can't do it and not going to force it yet. Doc took x-ray and said everything looks good but patella is a bit tilted yet still inside the track. Need to strengthen the surrounding muscles. He said rest, ice, elevate, keep straight.

Anyway, has anyone had a bad fall and how long does it take to heal? Will my ROM come back? I am so frustrated with this knee, have had such a time with it and was doing so well, then this fall happened grrrr
Karin
 
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