Hi
Has anyone in the UK had to take antibiotics before attending the Dentist because the have knee replacements? I haven't been since my left TNR in January and my right TNR is only 9 weeks old.
Good news I got in my car and drove for about 10 mins yesterday, yippee!
I have been to hygienist and dentist to have a filling and I didn't need anything.
Yes, I have to. I think most surgeons insist that here in NS. Even for a cleaning. It's because germs from the mouth enters the blood stream and can/have caused serious trouble. The dentist gives me two and waits for a bit before doing the work.
Nobody has ever said to me about needing this (I live in UK). However I have an appointment with the dentist in a couple of weeks, but I see the doc before then, next Tuesday morning in fact. If I remember I will ask the doc and let you know what he says.
Great news re driving your car! I am 19 weeks post op today and I haven't even attempted it. My car is very small and quite low, so that is why. I would love to drive myself and not rely on people any more.
I've not heard of that and I've also been to the dentist and hygienist recently.
I was told not to have any thing like cleaning done for the first 6 months post a joint...we have to have clearance from the dentist before a joint also.
Mary are you in the UK? just interested, because I was wondering if this was a USA precaution?
No I am in Australia, my shoulder surgeon told me antibiotics pre cleaning for life as did my hip guy, who is a professor in Brisbane ...so I guess the knee is covered too..LOL
Hi Elaine
My car is only a little Clio. After my first TNR in January I was scared re clutch changing but I was ok. When I drove yesterday this time it was emergency stop. I'd only driven a few minutes when I had to do it and I was ok. Only driving locally but it felt great. Maybe you should give it a try, just start with your road. Good luck.
Patricia
I drove after 6 weeks with both of my TKRs. After sitting in the car to see how it felt, and pressing the pedals a while (the clutch doesn't actually need to go down as far as you think it does), I just started by going round the block, so up and down the gears, and increasing the route.
The accelerator leg is actually more uncomfortable during the drive, as the heel is always in contact with the floor and you therefore feel every bump through the knee.
my problems have been more with walking, so I'm very grateful to be able to drive. I don't have anyone else at home, so important for me to be able to get myself about.
Remeber to inform your car insurers that you've had your knees done though...it doesn't increase the price, unlike travel insurance!
I live in UK and I mentioned this to hygienist and dentist and they both said antibiotics were not necessary.
Thank you everyone for replies. I will check with my dentist and doctor.
Patricia
No I asked my dentist and he said it was fine. Didn't go until six months though.
I had a dental appointment 10 wks post TKR and was told that it was no longer considered necessary in England to have antibiotics before dental treatment. Hope this helps. X
I live in the US and was told by my surgeon I would need the antibiotics befor dental work, but apparently current guidelines say it is not necessary:
"The available evidence is insufficient to recommend routine antibiotics for dental procedures in persons with joint replacement, according to a new clinical practice guideline from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Dental Association (ADA)."
I live in the UK and had a tooth extracted about six weeks ago. I am now three months post TKR. I asked my GP and the dentist at the time about antibiotics and both said it wouldn't be necessary. The extraction went ahead without trouble and no infections!
Hi Dode
Thank you for the info, still not sure if to make appt as I don't want to get any infections in my knees. Its hard enough coping with the stiffness,etc.
I used to be private but it was getting so expensive and now I'm retired I've gone NHS.
It's up to you personally how you feel. Everyone has given their take on it. We have all been given to same advice though. It is fine. No antibiotics required.
I had my first joint in 1993 and now onto multiple revisions.
in that time, I think the powers that be have changed their minds re antibiotic cover at least 4 times. Yes no yes no. Etc.
my shoulder surgeon is adamant about taking them so I will, it's the only time I ever take a pill, so I figure it's right for me, each to their own, but I'm. Not willing to take that risk...personally speaking,