Taking Steroids?

[Guest guest]

I had taken steroids off and on for 20 years for asthma and ulcertive

colitis. I am 46yrs old and have had both my knees replaced. LTKR 2005

and RTKR Sept. 24. 2008. Being in my 40's I thought my knee pain was

from an old injury. After a MRI and CT scan I was diagnosed with AVN -

Avascular Necrosis, also called osteonecrosis. I was told it was due to

taking large amounts of steroids. After a flare up of pain that put me

in the hospital for 8 days last week, I found out I also have it in my

hip.

I am on Fentanyl 75 mcg/hr for maintenance pain control and either

Percocet (oxycod/apap) or Narco (hydroco/apap) for breakthrough pain.

As long as I stay on top of the pain things are great! (for now - and

I'm so thankful for that) Since I've been on these medications for a

while they no longer make me groggery.

I'm wanting to know if anyone else has this diagnosis and also wanted to

let others keep this in mind. Avascular Necrosis is rare but more

people are becoming aware of it. There is no cure, the cure is a total

joint replacement, I am praying more research gets done and more options

are available by the time I have to have my hip replaced.

I am new here, you all are such an inspiration! I hope I can get

involved with your wonderful group - now that I can sit at the computer!

Happy New Year, Lynette