I did a search using knee replacement and surgery terms. I read those posts. it seems as if some people with Lyme that have had knee replacement surgery or any other surgery, do well and some do not. I'd like to hear from anyone about their recovery as of today from from joint surgery, what they may have done or not done that has assisted them in healing. I am scheduled for a bilateral knee replacement surgery in June. I have been in a wheel chair for almost 4 years now. I am 52 years old. I have done a lot of treatment and my CD 57 has steadily improved over the past two years. I have done most ABX and also stem cell transplant, PICC line, the works. Slowly the pain and inflammation has subsided in my knees but I still cannot walk or stand upright as my knees are contracted and way too painful when I try to put any weight on them. However, they don't hurt hardly when I sleep which is a God sent. There are far worse things that being in a wheel chair. I am very independent and happy.
Secondly, if anyone knows what LLMDs say about joint replacement in Lyme patients, I'd love to hear that, maybe some published or written info, like Dr. B, (big expert) what does he say on the subject?
I have decided that I will have my surgeon draw some fluid from my knees and culture it out to see if there is indeed infection in my knees. My diagnosis began with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 1999 and then Lyme about 3 years ago.
Thank you all for your assistance. With much Love and Appreciation, Francisca
Posted by Dawn in VA (Member # 9693) on :
Francisca, I don't have much info to offer, but do want to thank you for your post of courage and inspiration. You are one tough cookie!! (and so smart to set up those cultures, too.)
I will just mention this about bilateral knee replacements. My grandmother had them done and had a big issue w/clots b/c of not being able to move either of her legs. We looked into it further thereafter and found out that several other surgeons- not all, of course- would have done one knee replacement, then the other at a later time after rehab was completed for the first. I don't know anything at all about this subject, but perhaps something to consider at any rate.
Hugs and prayers for a speedy and completely successful operation!
Posted by snagirl (Member # 16196) on :
Thank you Dawn in VA. Since both knees are so bad, doing one is not an option as I don't have the other one to help me. But again thank you for your response.
Posted by lululymemom (Member # 26405) on :
I do believe that if you can control the biofilm that can form on prosthetic joints you have a better chance of success with the procedure:
Abstract Biomaterial-related infection of joint replacements is the second most common cause of implant failure, with serious consequences. Chronically infected replacements cannot be treated without removal of the implant, as the biofilm mode of growth protects the bacteria against antibiotics. This review discusses biofilm formation on joint replacements and the important clinical phenomenon of small-colony variants (SCVs).
These slow-growing phenotypic variants often remain undetected or are misdiagnosed using hospital microbiological analyses due to their unusual morphological appearance and biochemical reactions. In addition, SCVs make the infection difficult to eradicate. They often lead to recurrence since they respond poorly to standard antibiotic treatment and can sometimes survive intracellularly.
Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :
lulu-thank you for that link-i will send it to my surgeon...it may explain some things that are going on
mine were 3 yrs old in march
i am glad i did it
it was about the hardest thing i ever did
hard work in rehab is the key...i live alone and am overweight so went to rehab hosp for 3 weeks
then pt came to house for a month-the key is bending them...straight is easy
if i had done one i doubt if i would go back to have the other done...it is very hard at first.
the problems i am having began when i went on lipitor...no problems great recovery before that
walking and riding horse four months from surgery...had been in wwc 8 months and off horse 10 yrs
orthos can't figure out my pain, stifness and squeaks now
i wonder if that could be an answer
snagirl -call me for more info if you need it...specifics
Posted by snagirl (Member # 16196) on :
wow, interesting. so, this information is related to joint replacements with infection in general, not necessarily lyme and co-infections. i guess this is an area that we need to get all informed about as we progress in this illness. thank you for the link, lululymemom. my lyme doctor did tell me that i had bartonella infection in my knees but he did not say not to have the surgery but we need to talk more.
i have had my share of pain and i will not return to that state for the sake of walking. it just isn't worth the risk to me.
Posted by lululymemom (Member # 26405) on :
Yes, it relates to all joint replacements and prosthetics (I would assume). I think if it's a problem for the average person, then someone with lyme and co's would be at even a greater risk.