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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/21/2012 Posts: 388 Location: Powys
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As Jane I have just been to see orthopedic surgeon on Saturday.
He was very good, said both knees have osteo arth. right worse than left which still has thin layer of soft cartillage.
He explained that it is not his job to say that I should have a knee replacement but rather it is up to me to say when I want to have it done.
I have decided to wait a awhile mainly because it is only fairly recently that I have found something that has brought my R.A. under control after three years of trial and error.
I am so enjoying feeling fairly normal again that I cannot face coming off the drugs and being back to square one again to have the op.
Don't know if thats a sensible decision or not.
I did ask if I will be doing more damage by leaving it but he said not, as I still have good alignment.
He is seeing me again in 6 months, but I can get in touch any time if need be.
Just wondering if anyone else has made this same decision at any time. He did say that I will know when the time is right.
I have just been reading your thread Jane and you sound very possitive in your decision, I wish you all the very best, will be interested to read how you get on.
Thanks Zena x.
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/2/2012 Posts: 670 Location: where the sun always shines :o
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 Hi Zena. There is no right or wrong with deciding when to have operation. The surgeon is keen to crack on, I am only because I want to be more mobile for my daughter! I know it won't be easy and extra post op pain......but my focus is my 5 year old.  Its up to you when you wish to have your knee done. Must say, am nervous......I shall post when I can after the op. Have a lovely day. Jane Xxx
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 242
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Hi Zena
It is a difficult decision to have to make when to go for a joint replacement. I think you will know when the time is right and you just can't stand the pain any more. I think in your situation you are right to wait especially if your R.A is under control, coming off the drugs for surgery always sends my disease into manic mayhem and takes ages to get back again. Having a knee replacement is a really big operation and very painful, they generally seem to be really successful but I wouldn't advise any one to rush into it unless they feel 100% sure.
It's good you have seen a surgeon so if the knees suddenly deteriorate, at last you are on his books for another appointment.
Best wishes
Rebecca
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/21/2012 Posts: 388 Location: Powys
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Thankyou both, I feel happier with my decision now, have been lucky enough never to need an op before, and its daunting to realise that I am wearing out!!
Will just put it on the back burner for a while.
I understand totally your decision Jane, I used to do so much more with my grandchildren pre R.A. days than I am able to do now, and in your shoes would do the same.
Hopefully afterwards you will be able to get on with your adoption plans.
Zena xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 838 Location: Nottinghamshire
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I think if I was you I would wait. If things RA wise are good now and you are coping with it, I would wait until it was absolutely necessary before I had surgery, it is from what I've read a big operation and like Rebecca said coming off drugs can put RA into free fall.
I now take more notice off post about joint replacement, I use to think to myself....well that's not going to happen to me.
But I use to think I'd never wear the grannie shoes that people put links up to......I do now
I was never going to take MTX after reading about the side effects...............I had that added in June 2010
I was never going to take oral steroids.........I am taking them at the moment, second course that I have had.
I was never going to take anti tnf's....................had first delivery today.
Just goes to show how wrong you can be.
Jane.....I understand your feeling about wanting to have your knees done, with having a young daughter and wanting to do mummy things with her. I get so upset at the fact that I can no longer kneel on the beach with my granddaughter making sand castles, can't get down on the floor and play with both my grandchildren. If there is a cure in the next few years and my health returns to normal, I can never have back what I've missed out doing with them.
Paula x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 714
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Hi Zena
I posted quite a long list of things for Jane to consider before she has her op. Really the practicalities of it. (Jane now close your eyes). I had my first knee replacement two years ago in January. Unfortunately my mobility has worsened since the operation. The RA is hindering my progress. My knee is still very swollen and I have to take stairs one at a time up and down. I cannot walk very far unaided. Once you have the replacement, you will never be able to kneel again. I had visions of me getting back to my pre RA days. For me that is never going to happen now.
The big plus is yes the pain has gone but at quite a price. I will not be rushing into getting the second knee done. I had no idea what was involved and the implications of what can go "wrong".
I do not want to be a scare mongerer, as for most people it is very successful and gives them back their life. For me personally when the pain gets unbearable, and the strongest pain medication no longer works, then I will consider the other replacement.
I thought long and hard before I posted this, but sometimes we shy away from what must be said.
Jackie
xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/28/2012 Posts: 665 Location: Newton Abbot
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Hi Zena - trust your own body - you're totally right when you say you'll know when the time is rght for you. But for now it's important to enjoy the respite from RA and long may it last. There's lots to do to help protect the knee with sticks etc. My surgeon also said that glucosamine has good results in helping to protect your cartilage (however much is left) Jane - same for you - you know your own body best. Good luck - sorry must dash - worktoday love and hugs Sylvia xxx Be kinder than is necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/21/2012 Posts: 388 Location: Powys
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Thankyou all so much for posting. I am glad you have told me your story Jackie, but so sorry that you have had such a dissappointing result It strengthens my decision to just wait and see how things go on, it is a huge thing to decide, much bigger than I had ever envisaged. I will wait until I really have to have it done. I think I will reconsider the pacer poles type sticks again Sylvia, they would be helpful in some situations. Hadn't considered taking the gluco...... thing either but definately worth trying. Paula you are so right!! We just have no choice really if we want to have any sort of normal life. Zena x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 561
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Hi Zena I go to see surgeon in January for my right knee, like you I'm in no rush, but because they have told me its osteo my main question is when does he think I need it doing , some days it aches and some days it's bearable if I don't do much walking ( my left knee was replaced in July 09 but I was told off for leaving it to long, I had to have a spacer put in one side as it was no longer straight so it made the operation more difficult , knee replacement is a major operation and just the thought of it terrifies me  , all so I need to know if they can Bone bank as my left wrist will need fusing in the near future . Don't know if this is possible but I am going to ask . Sophie x
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