topic Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication in Wellness

Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

Goodie2shoes — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 03:42:43 GMT

I posted about a abcess with drainage a few weeks ago, some of you may remember. I saw the doctor today because I am still having drainage from the small area at the bottom of my knee incision. I had been sending him updated pictures. He ordered another sed rate, aspirated fluid from my knee again (very very painful) but he said there wasn't much fluid on the knee. He will address the issue with the infectious disease specialist and they might have to do surgery. I certainly hope not !

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

Drythe — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 03:53:26 GMT

@Goodie2shoes

Wish you well with this.

I went into Sepsis with my left knee, had emergency surgery, 5 days in ICU, was finally able to have the 'parts' put in 12 months later, hobbled around on it for 10 years, then had a re-do only to learn that the original femur was 1 size to large, and the knee was 2 sizes too large.

Really understand, Be well!

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

Kachina624 — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 03:57:21 GMT

@Drythe How awful for you. Are you okay now? Can you walk normally?

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

Goodie2shoes — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 04:00:40 GMT

@Drythewrote:

Wish you well with this.

I went int Sepsis with my left knee, had emergency surgery, 5 days in ICU, was finally able to have the 'parts' put in 12 months later, hobbled around on it for 10 years, then had a re-do only to learn that the original femur was 1 size to large, and the knee was 2 sizes too large.

Really understand, Be well!

Oh My you went through it !! So sorry you had so much trouble ! Hope you are doing well. I had my left knee done in 2015, no problems, it's doing well but this right knee has been a problem. It was done on 9/30/19, I was in the ER on 11/3/19 for severe pain but it resolved. I first saw the doctor for this abcess on May 4th, he put me on antibiotics, cultured it and it went down but resurfaced again. He says it's a sinus tract. He will contact me after he gets the results from the culture. I do hope surgery is not the outcome. Thanks for your input

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

Drythe — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 13:04:23 GMT

@Goodie2shoes wrote:
@Drythewrote:
Wish you well with this.

I went int Sepsis with my left knee, had emergency surgery, 5 days in ICU, was finally able to have the 'parts' put in 12 months later, hobbled around on it for 10 years, then had a re-do only to learn that the original femur was 1 size to large, and the knee was 2 sizes too large.

Really understand, Be well!

Oh My you went through it !! So sorry you had so much trouble ! Hope you are doing well. I had my left knee done in 2015, no problems, it's doing well but this right knee has been a problem. It was done on 9/30/19, I was in the ER on 11/3/19 for severe pain but it resolved. I first saw the doctor for this abcess on May 4th, he put me on antibiotics, cultured it and it went down but resurfaced again. He says it's a sinus tract. He will contact me after he gets the results from the culture. I do hope surgery is not the outcome. Thanks for your input

@Goodie2shoes

Wow, my cultures came back sinus related too! Have had sinus issues all my life.

I truly hope the ID Doctor can help you.

Again, best wishes.

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

on the bay — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 08:13:51 GMT

@Drythe @Goodie2shoes -

Oh my gosh!

I am shuddering reading your experiences.

though 2 knee surgeries which I am grateful for, I always think I could never have a knee replacement.

These experiences are just awful.

I hope it will be okay for you in every way @Goodie2shoes !

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

Winkk — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 11:59:21 GMT

@Goodie2shoes @Drythe - are you referring to sinuses in your head? I don't understand, how does that affect your knee? Or, am I misunderstanding something.

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

Goodie2shoes — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 14:21:08 GMT

@Winkkwrote: are you referring to sinuses in your head? I don't understand, how does that affect your knee? Or, am I misunderstanding something.

No it's called a sinus tract infection. Ortho explained that there may be infection underneath the hardware that runs along a tract and drains through the bottom of the incision. Hope that helps to explain it

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

Goodie2shoes — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 14:38:00 GMT

Got a call this morning from the infectious disease specialist office, appt made for Monday morning. Ortho office also called me, MD is in surgery but will call me later, they are thinking that the hardware will have to be removed and the replacement redone. I'm not looking forward to this at all so please keep me in your prayers. Maybe once I see the infectious disease specialist he will have a new plan that does not involve surgery again. UGH !!

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

Winkk — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 15:37:46 GMT

@Goodie2shoes wrote:
@Winkkwrote: are you referring to sinuses in your head? I don't understand, how does that affect your knee? Or, am I misunderstanding something.

No it's called a sinus tract infection. Ortho explained that there may be infection underneath the hardware that runs along a tract and drains through the bottom of the incision. Hope that helps to explain it

Got it. Thanks. @Goodie2shoes

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

Terrywu — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 16:06:46 GMT

Added you to my prayer list. Hopefully they can clear the infection without more surgery

ood luck.

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

vsm — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 16:30:44 GMT

@Goodie2shoes wrote:
Got a call this morning from the infectious disease specialist office, appt made for Monday morning. Ortho office also called me, MD is in surgery but will call me later, they are thinking that the hardware will have to be removed and the replacement redone. I'm not looking forward to this at all so please keep me in your prayers. Maybe once I see the infectious disease specialist he will have a new plan that does not involve surgery again. UGH !!

Try to stay hopeful, @Goodie2shoes . (I know -- easier said than done.) Keeping you in my prayers.

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

hondagirl — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 19:29:23 GMT

Sending you a big hug.......

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

RedTop — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 23:02:25 GMT

The only way to effectively clear this type of infection that's been going on 6+ months, is to open the wound, clean it out, decide what needs to be done, and will most certainly involve strong IV meds.

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

hooked on books — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 01:11:19 GMT

@Goodie2shoes, you are in my prayers for sure. I had both knees replaced some years ago and it was incredibly painful. It's weird but I had a little "sore?" that popped and drained a few inches below the end of my incision and ever since then, I've had a big, soft lump right underneath the "sore"and the "sore" is still visible on my leg. My right knee wobbles occasionally because I need a bigger "spacer" in the knee but I cannot even think about a revision!!! UGH!!!!!!!! Wishing you all the luck in the world!!! Hugs!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

Goodie2shoes — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 03:57:56 GMT

@RedTop wrote: The only way to effectively clear this type of infection that's been going on 6+ months, is to open the wound, clean it out, decide what needs to be done, and will most certainly involve strong IV meds.

You must be a medical professional ! The Ortho called me back this afternoon and said pretty much what you are saying and added I would be on about 6-8 weeks of IV antibiotics. I will be back on a walker. I gave my walker away months ago to a friend who had a stroke. I will need to get another one. I will have to start all over again rehabbing my knee. Ortho says I have plastic and metal in my knee.

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

shaggygirl — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 12:51:14 GMT

@Goodie2shoes

Good grief, you've surely been having a devil of a time with this. I feel for you. Just keep telling yourself "this too shall pass". And it will, hopefully sooner & with less pain and aggaravation that you might be thinking it will be.

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

on the bay — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 13:09:32 GMT

@Goodie2shoes -

Goodness this sounds just awful but I'm glad you got some answers and they are on the right path now to helping you get better.

I'm so sorry you have to start over again but you sure sound like you are a champion of courage though I know you may not feel that way right now. I hope it all goes as well as it can possibly be and it will not be so painful soon too!

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

SeaMaiden — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 18:13:54 GMT

@hooked on books wrote:
@Goodie2shoes, you are in my prayers for sure. I had both knees replaced some years ago and it was incredibly painful. It's weird but I had a little "sore?" that popped and drained a few inches below the end of my incision and ever since then, I've had a big, soft lump right underneath the "sore"and the "sore" is still visible on my leg. My right knee wobbles occasionally because I need a bigger "spacer" in the knee but I cannot even think about a revision!!! UGH!!!!!!!! Wishing you all the luck in the world!!! Hugs!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

@hooked on books Why did the surgeon put in the wrong sized spacer to begin with? And you are just going to suffer with the issue and let the surgeon off the hook?

Re: Update on my Post Op Knee replacement complication

RedTop — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 20:18:59 GMT

@Goodie2shoes,
Sadly, this ordeal sits squarely on your Drs shoulders for not treating you more aggressively at the first sign of infection! Any infection in a surgical site needs immediate and aggressive treatment, not a "let's wait and see", string this out 6+ months before deciding you need to do something!

I do not think the Dr ordered near enough diagnostic testing when your knee first started draining; that drainage should have been swabbed and cultured as soon as you reported it! Responding well to antibiotic treatment proved you had an infection, and I think your Dr totally missed the mark when he let that drop and did not investigate your situation further.