Dear All

I am in total shock but suppose I should not be. I was diagnosed with RA almost two years ago but think I have had it for the majority of my life. For the last twelve months my mobility has become so bad that I have had to reduce my working week to three days and I hardly venture out of the house at weekends. My knees have been so painful that I sit in bed most nights crying and wondering how I am going to get through the next day. I finally plucked up the courage to return to my original Rheumy Consultant who diagnosed me privately. He took some x-rays of my knees and immediately referred me to a Orthopaedic Consultant who I saw today. I need both knees replacing. The RA has visibly attacked both knees and this is only what they can see from x-rays. My Consultant was lovely and I was with him for over an hour going through the options. He said he could go in and just take out the lining between the joints but he knows that this is an interim measure and I will be back to see him in six months asking why it has not worked. So in January I am being booked in for my first total knee replacement. I am very lucky that I have private medical insurance through the company I work for and I can choose when I go in.

I am very shocked and have not done much work this afternoon but rather relieved in a way. I have been in so much pain and I really want my life back. My Consultant said, it is unusual to do knee replacements in someone who is only 47 but if I want a better quality of life then this is the only way forward.

Jenni - I see on your post that you are having trouble with your knees and in pain. When I spoke to my Consultant this morning he said that x-rays cannot always show the whole picture. If you looked at an x-ray for someone with Osteoarthritis it would look worse than someone with RA. However, the damage can be just as pronounced, as with RA, the antibodies attack the joints and grow something around the joint which disguises what is going on inside. He said he always listens to the patient describing how much pain they are in and how it is affecting their life and basis his decision on this rather than just looking at x-rays.

By the end of next year my Consultant hopes I will be a new woman and my Husband is obviously delighted to know he is getting a new model

Jackie
xx

Hi Jackie

Sorry to hear that you have been having so much pain and suffering with your poor knees. Thank goodness you have seen this consultant and are now heading in the right direction with the new knee joints, brilliant news.

At least you now know all this will come to an end, and you will get your life back again. Keep us posted on how things are going, and take care.

Julia x

Thanks for all your replies. I did not sleep very well last night. I did not realise that knees can manage to appear so many times in dreams.

Rose - work have been wonderful. I am so lucky. We are owned by a large international Dutch company and I have been working for them for 20 years. I have always put 110% into my job so since I have been ill, they have been very supportive. They have put in a computer and lines at home for me so that I can work two days a week from home. When I told my boss yesterday I wondered what the company's reaction would be but again they have been brilliant. They have looked at the long picture and realise that the time I have to take out next year will be beneficial to both me and the company in the long run. I am very grateful to them as they also supply my private medical insurance. I know not so many employers nowadays are so generous.

I will keep you posted on what happens.

Take care

Jackie
xx

hi Jackie,

i can imagine it was a shock to be told both knee's need replacing ... but how wonderful for you once it's over.

mine both need doing too, Osteo in mine ... but i can't face the thought of it at the moment as i'm not under control with the RA yet.

just think once Christmas is over this will be the start of the new you,

Suzanne x

Hi Jackie, know just how your feeling and what your going through. My first hip opp was 10 years ago, they told me I was too young at 50 and wanted me to wait till 60.
Anyway it was replaced and all went well. Now 10 years on and at 60 I've just gone on the list for my other hip to be replaced. Could be 4 or 5 months waiting but just getting on to that list is fantastic news.
Wish they'd replace my feet at the same time, they're so painful. Anyway I'll be happy to get my hip done then worry about my feet.
Good luck with your knee opps and your new found freedom.... in time to be a spring chic ! Kathleen x

Hello Jackie

Such good news that your Employers are supporting you fully it makes so much
difference.

You must be good at your job as they appreciate you.

Rose