DW Needs Knee Replacement

[endoscott]

Scott,I am betting an extra large pizza and a growler of beer on the cefazolin....incidence is probably around 2% of the population, and of those a smaller fraction will develop anaphylaxis if they take it, so it's a very small number...unless you are the one and it can be fatal, then that small number is not so small. Penicillin allergy is close to 10% in the population, with 500-1000 anaphylaxis deaths per year (per JAMA 2001).

And now when your dentist tells you to take an antibiotic before you get your teeth cleaned "to prevent infection in your prosthetic joint" ask some questions.
#1-is there a case in the literature in which it is proven that a teeth cleaning actually led to a joint infection? Any cases at all? I mean PROVEN, not "suspected".
#2-is there any proof at all that taking a dose of Penicillion before a dental appointment could PREVENT an infection in a prosthetic joint?
#3-what is the chance I will have a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic.
#4-what is the chance I will develop C-diff infection in the gut after taking a course of antibiotics

Antibiotics get handed out like candy-seems like a good idea until you think it through. They have their place of course; for treating many kinds of infection they save lives. But use them with care.

 

[endoscott]

Scott,I am betting an extra large pizza and a growler of beer on the cefazolin....incidence is probably around 2% of the population, and of those a smaller fraction will develop anaphylaxis if they take it, so it's a very small number...unless you are the one and it can be fatal, then that small number is not so small. Penicillin allergy is close to 10% in the population, with 500-1000 anaphylaxis deaths per year (per JAMA 2001).

Keep us posted on what you find out.

And now when your dentist tells you to take an antibiotic before you get your teeth cleaned "to prevent infection in your prosthetic joint" ask some questions.
#1-is there a case in the literature in which it is proven that a teeth cleaning actually led to a joint infection? Any cases at all? I mean PROVEN, not "suspected".
#2-is there any proof at all that taking a dose of Penicillion before a dental appointment could PREVENT an infection in a prosthetic joint?
#3-what is the chance I will have a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic.
#4-what is the chance I will develop C-diff infection in the gut after taking a course of antibiotics

Antibiotics get handed out like candy-seems like a good idea until you think it through. They have their place of course; for treating many kinds of infection they save lives. But use them with care.

 

[Jim W]

I believe the requirement for taking an Antibiotic has been changed. For the last two years neither I nor my wife are required to take any antibiotics any more our Orthotopic Doctor stop proscribing them and even provided a letter to my dentist saying they are no longer required. OfCourse every doctor is different, and your doctor may still require them.


Jim

 

[Turbo Terry]

Hip both knees all replaced at different times. Stairs are the hardest part and therapy is your friend My funny story is I had just taken my wife and friend to the airport. Very recent right knee replacement. Came home about 8:30 sat down in electric assist recliner reclined and turned the news on Huge earthquake and power goes out the whole house is shaking violently above me. I wanted out of the house really bad. Chair would not close so I could get out. I rolled over and sprang out grabbed the car keys went out in the drive way and got in the car and drove to the
Middle of the culdy sac where I was safe. We can do amazing things sometimes when the need arises