I had hip replacement in 2005. I came down with MRSA from the surgery.?

Question

After months of IV treatment, the infection was still present. I had to have the hip replacement re-done. This surgeon was able to remove all the infection.

My question; will the MRSA creep up on me again? Also I still have alot of pain and stiffness from the surgery. How long will this last?

Answer 1

An MRSA (Multiple drug Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus infection) is extremely serious, as you found out the hard way, but it is an infection.

But with an artificial joint. you need to take a course of antibiotics before you have any dental work, in order to help to prevent a further infection around the artificial joint.

There are two reasons for this. First, the human mouth is very much a reservoir for all kinds of bacteria. IN fact, the human mouth is a much less healthy environment than is a dog or cat mouth. That's why a human bite that breaks the skin absolutely requires medical attention. The second reason is that an artificial joint or any other implanted device will pretty much "draw" infection towards it. It's already something that your body recognizes as "not-you", and an infection will multiply that.

You'd be best to ask that question of your surgeon, though. And make certain that every one of your doctors, as well as your dentist, knows about your replaced hip. It factors into the ways that they can help you.

As to the pain and stiffness, it will probably last longer than it would have without the infection and subsequent further surgery, but exactly how long is an individual thing. Again, though, talk with your surgeon about it.

The most important part of all of this, though, is that you survived. My father had been hpspitalized for four months following a major stroke when an MDRSA was introduced to his ward. Everyone was put into isolation. He didn't contract the bug, but he carried it. He survived the period, and survived the isolation. But he didn't survive the psychologial effects of that extent of isolation, and stopped fighting, even after the isolation was lifted. He died of complications of his stroke (which itself was a complication of his diabetes) 9 days later. It wasn't easy on any of us, and he is missed as much today as he was then, almost 10 years ago.

Answer 2

If the doctor really got the infection removed, it shouldn't come back. As for pain and stiffness - I don't know how long ago the surgery was, but ask your doctor about a regimen of physical therapy.....they know exactly what exercises are safe and will lessen the stiffness. Good luck!

Answer 3

It could trouble you again. It was unfortunate your hip replacement got infected. Keeping healthy is one way to prevent the bug from creeping in again. However, in my honest opinion, you will not be able to fully enjoy the benefits of the hip replacement since your hip was buggered up by the infection. The first hip done, if uncomplicated is always the best hip.