Hi Liz,

No experience of it personally but just wanted to say great news that the infection is gone now. May it only get better each day!

Joanna

Hi Liz,

It's so lovely to hear that things are improving for you at last! What a long journey it's been.
I can't help with the shoulder revision but I tend to agree with your rheumy, you would think it would be better to wait a bit longer before replacing the joint to make sure all infection has definitely been got rid of.
You should do what you feel is right and if you don't want to have it done it should be your decision, not the surgeon's.
Have you managed to get out into the garden at all or do you have to stay in the house? It's such a pity if you are missing this lovely weather.
Hope the ESR and CRP settle down soon for you.

Lots of love, Doreen xx

Hi Liz,

Reading through your post, I can relate to everything you've said. It's absolutely no fun having a prosthesis removed because of infection, as well you know. It's disconcerting to read how bugs can be lurking months later! Do you know what the infection was called? Mine was bacteroides capillosus something found in human faeces!! They never did know (or at least they never confessed to me) what might have caused it, save for one microbiologist suggesting I could have had a leaky gut, to which I replied, "but wouldn't I have had other symptoms?" Whether or not my bowel was nicked during the original THR surgery and leaking slowly, I don't know. My infection wasn't diagnosed until about 12 weeks after the op when I'd healed up and they drained off 3 pints of pus during the first washout/debridement (had 5 in all).

The antibiotics gave me chronic diarrhoea which full dose Imodium only just kept under control (Tazocin) and an itchy rash after about 4 weeks on them. I was attached to a vac pump until the last washout treatment.

Before I could have the second stage op, my surgeon performed an aspiration to draw out a sample of fluid on my hip which was tested to check for signs of any remaining infection. Is this something they'll do for you too? I also had regular blood tests to check my inflammatory markers for signs of infection. I had hydro and had to be hoisted into the pool on a seat then had to hang onto the physio for support until I could hold onto the bar! Luckily he was a young lad who didn't mind!

Both my shoulders and elbows are ready for replacements (too late for anything arthroscopic) but I'm put off by the 30% infection risk. Were you told this? Having witnessed THR infection I'd rather tolerate the pain and still be able to drive etc. The thought of no shoulder joint fills me with dread! I hope you have a good orthopaedic team looking after you? I cannot fault mine and actually miss them now that I've recovered. Its good that you are keeping upbeat. I am very grateful to Stewart for keeping my spirits up and confess being told my THR had to come out was the lowest point but I had every faith in my surgeon and felt in good hands as it were. One of the worst aspects was not being able to take any DMARD and shuffling around on one leg took its toll on my upper limbs.

Keeping everything crossed you're now infection free!

Best wishes,

Hi Liz,

That's nice that you are able to sit out and get some of the sea air!
My garden is keeping me busy as usual at this time of year. I struggle a bit with it now but still manage to keep it tidy and look after what is there, I don't add much these days. Ian does the tubs which add a bit more colour. We have someone to cut the grass and hedges for us.
It's definitely easier to look after when covered in snow!

Love, Doreen xx