hip replacement infection

[pencelli]

I had a THR in late June this year. 2 weeks ago, I developed a high temperature (39degrees) which did not respond to paracaetamol and lasted 2 days. On the second day the area around my hip operation scar went very inflamed and swolen as did my buttock. My groin area on that side became VERY tender and swolen. I saw my usual doctor and he gave me antibiotics which seemed to clear things up in about a week. He was convinced it was a hip infection.

I saw the surgeon this week, he was not sure if it was an infection of the hip, but by then most symptoms had cleared up.

I am VERY concerned because while expressing doubts as to what the symptoms were caused by, he did outline the worst case scenario for me (needing to have the replacement done again).

What else could it be if not an infection of the hip joint?

[dpkelly65]

dpkelly65 at aol dto com

[dpkelly65]

***@****

[dpkelly65]

sry my comment did not post.anyway this is my story i had a brimingham hip replacement on 6/24/07.well 10 days after i dislocated it and lucky for me cause they found out i had a satph infection in the joint.so they inserted a pick line (an i.v. that  went in through my arm and into my chest)i got iv antibiotics for six weeks then was given oral antibiotics  for 5 months.so i strongly suguest you see you doctor and have him send you to infectiuos doctor . be  cause it can be some nasty stuff.if you have any questions please email me at ***@**** good luck

[dpkelly65]

did you get my reply?

[pencelli]

That should have read "I completeD my does of antibiotics on Monday"

[pencelli]

I have read that most GPs are relcutant to use too many antibiotics as it can lead to bugs which develop even greater resistance.  When I did have the feverish symptoms, I felt as unwell as I have ever done, I would really not want to endure too many bouts of that recurring. I complete my does of antibiotics on Monday of this week, my groin area is already feeling more painful/uncomfortable and the hip is aching much more than it has done for months.

I am NOT optimistic!

[Blessedsoulforever]

Hi,
Dont worry too much,the surgery is ONLY the last step to correct the problem.But, normally a good antibiotic cover will help in arresting the infection.No issues.
Goodluck.

[pencelli]

So how likely is it that I will need revision surgery?

I am VERY worried by the prospect.

[Blessedsoulforever]

Hi,
All your symptoms seem to be due to infection and nothing else.With infection fever,swelling,happens.And if antibiotics have treated your ailment it is yet another confirmation that the symptoms were due to infection.Consult a GP and be on a new generation broad spectrum antibiotic.
The surgeon would have said that because he would have felt the necessity to revise the surgery if the infection is full blown .
Goodluck.