Infection after Hip Resurfacing

[Buddy]

I've been reading the thread sent by Spencer about his infection, and I wish him the best of luck. sounds like he did all the right things. i'm curious about something, though. I'm two weeks post op after 2nd BH and today, for the first time, the area around the incision site felt really itchy and a bit inflamed. The incision itself has healed really nicely, and there is no external evidence of infection, but for some reason today the hip felt really throbby and painful, even though I haven't put much strain on it. I'm still on two crutches much of the time, but one crutch around the house and office. Just wondered what signs I might look for that would point to infection. Vitals, I assume, like fever. Could infection be ruled out with a quick blood test?

I plan to call my surgeon tomorrow, but he's in Seattle and I'm six hours drive from there. I could also go in to our local clinic here in my town.

Any thoughts on this?

Best,

Buddy

[stevel]

Buddy,

I received instructions from HSS to check surgical site daily for signs of wound infection for the following symptoms:

a) increased swelling
b) oral temperature greater than 99 F
c) increase in pain
d) decreased sensation
e) drainage
f) odor

I did have increased swelling after exercise, so I applied ice overnight and the swelling subsided.  I checked my temperature and it was 97.5 F.  I didn't have any other symptoms to be concerned about infection.

[Buddy]

Dear Stevel:

Thanks very much for your post. I really appreciate i--very helpful. I think I'll see how things are in the morning, and take temperature and take it from there.

Best,

Buddy

[sroberts]

Hey Buddy,

The very first thing I noticed when I got my infection was extreme fatigue. I mean, "I don't want to lift my head off the pillow" type of fatigue. The next thing I noticed was a mild fever -99 degrees and the very last thing was swelling and slight inflammation.

A simple blood test -
C-reactive protein and sedimentation rate will give you an answer about infection

Don't panic though, irritation and cumulative achiness is very common so early in your recovery.

Definitely talk to the surgeons office and you'll get clear direction. If you want to talk more my email is: magoo451@msn.com

take care,

spencer

[sroberts]

Just an update 6 weeks post IV antibiotics: I met with the OS today: blood test-all normal, x-rays look good no evidence of any infection. I am 4 months post 1st operation and 12 weeks post 2nd operation and now teaching 4 spinning classes/wk, riding the mountains in Tucson and back to personal training. I'd like to thank all who gave me so much support through some pretty rough times.

I'd also like to add that anyone facing an infection post op- do not despair, it can be overcome and I'll be here to offer whatever support needed to get you through the difficult times.

Here's to keeping the faith
Cheers,

spencer

[obxpelican]

Hey Spencer dude!

Glad to hear everything is going well.  I think Pat should put you in charge of infections and other issues on this forum  ;-)

When you were going through all the tests I always made sure to follow your results.  Your information will be so very important to those who are seeking someone with the same problems as they have.

Chuck

[sroberts]

Thanks Chuck. I'm here to help in anyway I can :)


spencer