Patrick P.

First- I’ll apologize for this long description of my sepsis encounter.
Back in mid November of 2023 I had a total right hip replacement. Surgery went well until about 3 weeks later I went into septic shock after playing a very relaxing/restrictive squash game with my wife. (Sepsis and Joint Replacements)

When I got home I ate a small meal and an hour later I felt really cold so, I put on my winter jacket and went to bed. For two hours I shook so hard my jaw hurt from the chattering. I took a couple of Tylenol and searched for some leftover antibiotics. Very early the next morning I noticed the wound where the surgery was had swollen massively so, I called the number supplied to me post surgery.

A nurse came to the house where she took multiple photos of the wound and sent it straight to the performing surgeon. His office got back to me immediately and told me to get to emergency at hospital near our home- a surgeon was waiting to get a sample of the bacteria. Immediately I was put on an antibiotic drip and transferred to a bed. The surgeon who performed the procedure asked me how this happened. I had no idea but he said he would put together a surgical team and perform a “wash out “ to eradicate the bacteria.

The procedure didn’t work so I was transferred to another hospital where they performed two more procedures – a spacer infused with antibiotics for 10 weeks and then another surgery to replace the prosthetics removed for the spacer plus; a muscle transplant to repair damage done to the joint area.

It’s been two years since my last procedure and I’ve still have not recovered fully. I realize that with 4 total hip surgeries plus a muscle transplant is traumatic. I was on a very powerful antibiotic (Cefazolin ) for 6.5 months, resulting in some very severe stomach issues. I’m taking probiotics plus eating yogurt every day. I also exercise regularly which isn’t easy. The other issue is how sepsis has affected my mental health. I tire easily and I can get emotional very easily.

My wife has been phenomenal ( she visited me every time I was hospitalized – about a total of 50 days. It scared so much she’s lost about 40 pounds. She’s eating much better and exercising regularly. I’m always searching for tips/advice to heal better. The follow-up from the surgeries had been pathetic. I’m glad I found this webpage. Any advice is helpful.