Just come out of hospital after having a successfull discectomy and decompression of the spine, however they tore the dura which meant I had a spinal leak which was patched and just required me to lie flat or 4 days in hosptial. Eventually released after a week but I went in with a flare of the knees and shoulder and the knee is still hugely swollen and unable to bear weight. In the past I've had the fluid removed and a steroid jab and a couple of days off it and magic. I asked if someone could do this whilst I was in and told no by the spinal surgeon as the steroid jab would compromise and slow the healing process of the dura .
Whilst I hate to question a spinal surgeon, I did feel he knew nothing about RA even when I told him that my back complete with drains coming out of it after the op hurt less than the RA of the shoulders from being laid face down on the operating table for 4 hours and my knee he just said I'd have to put up with it. I have a spinal appointment in two weeks but am now worried that he's going to say again wait to have the knee done.
Has anyone else had a similar experience and is it true that steroid jabs prevent healing. I also take 5mg of oral steroids daily and the actual back and where they went in has healed beautifully.
I know that if I rang the rheumy team the'd get me in within a few days to have the knee drained and sorted, but would they understand about the spinal leak?
I suppose the saving grace is that physio gave me a pair of elbow crutches to keep my back straight, but can't walk far with them as they hurt my elbows and shoulders, sorry I'm just being a moaning minnie. Does anyone else have problems with crutches?

Best wishes
Sheila

Hello Sheila, So sorry to hear you've had this trouble and can't get the flare sorted.
I am just posting to say that I have heard that steroids can prevent healing.
A friend needs her hip replacing but is on quite a high dose of steroids for another condition and has been told that the steroids may do this. As she can not manage without the steroids she has had to put off the op.
I hope you will heal soon and get back on track.
Zena x

Hi Sheila - that's a complicated set of procedures - I'm not surprised the spinal surgeon is treating his bit very cautiously. It's definitely worth having a chat to the rheumy - as you're presumably not very mobile atm, it maybe useful if you email his/her secretary and explain your situation, then the 2 consts can confer and decide a way forward.

And by the way - moan all you like!!! it's the best bit about the forum - let off steam, you'll feel so much better after a good ole rant!

Hope your elbows are bearing up - cheers - Sylvia xxx

Hello Sheila

I go to Kingsmill. I'm lucky it is only a few minutes drive away. In fact when I had my dog Lucy (Pre RA Days), I use to walk around the reservoir in front of the hospital every day!!!

Would hate to think that I had to go to QMC, driving around that busy ring road and then having to find somewhere to park. If it's a nice sunny day I could walk to my appointment.

Paula