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
Dawn in VA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9693
posted
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!
-------------------- (The ole disclaimer: I'm not a doctor.) Posts: 1349 | From VA | Registered: Jul 2006
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posted
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.
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
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.
lululymemom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26405
posted
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.
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