I feel really cross abut something or am I just being over the top/
Recently I had minor back surgery and went for a spinal appointment on Wednesday, backs fine but they were concerned that I couldnt walk because of my knees, the spinal surgeon asked me to stand so he could look at them said knees are out of line and hugely swollen and that I'd need knew knees sooner rather thanlater and that he'd write and tell my GP as the referral would go through them and he would also notify Rheumatology and that was that.
I should have asked lots more questions but was a little stunned so came home very worried as I had a major op at the endof 2011 then had my spine fixed 4 weeks ago which turned out to be a longer stay than I wanted and quite honestly I don't want another op.
Then yesterday rheumatology managed to fit me in for an emergency knee drain and steroid jab ( Ijust love this team they always try to help whenyou are in trouble) and spoke them and they seemed to think I may not need knees done just yet, and that you can't always go on how they look. I have another appointment with them in 8 weeks and he said they'll exray then and have another look. He didn't make light of it and said knees are a pretty major op. I think he was not best pleased that spinal surgeons where telling him how to do his job.
Why isn't there more joined up thinking.
Have a good weekend all
Best wishes
Sheils

hi Sheila,

both my knee's are shot to pieces through Osteo .. in fact they are what make me the most disabled. i can't walk distance, my Hubby pushes me in a wheelchair for that. my left knee is double the size it should be, but when i'm sitting down or in bed i don't feel any pain from it at all.

on my last X Ray a couple of years ago i was told they are bone on bone, but they haven't got any worse,

but i will hang on to my own as long as possible, and have never had any pressure put upon me to do any different.

i don't see anyone for the Osteo now as i am under the care of my Rheumy Consultant, but she totally understand's that while i can cope as i am them will leave well alone.

i agree with Paul, at the end of the day the final decision is yours, please try not to worry about it.

Suzanne x

Hello Sheila
Last summer when I went to rheumy nurses for steriod injection after my bunion op, I mentioned how much agony I was in having my foot done and could not put on the hospital trolley for surgery (I lie on my side at bedtime). Rheumy nurse sorted xxray there and then.
I was telephoned quickly referred to orth'pedics - saw surgeon and told worn away - 2 choices offered was keep taking the pills or tkr (total knee replacement op).
Being level headed and sensible took surgery because of being more mobile AND didn't want to pop painkillers to take the pain off.
Quiet nice being reminded I'm only 40 and have your life ahead

Week 8 post knee replacement I'm glad I had it done! I'm proactive walking and weekly physio.
I would say have xray and take it from there. See how badly or not the bone has become.

I'm glad that with procedures for arthritis can in the long run help us to become more mobile - see what the outcome of the xrays are x

Good luck Sheila
Jane
X