New--with severe OA and carpal tunnel syndrome

[Guest guest]

I am new to this group. I have finally admitted to myself that I am dealing with

chronic pain. I had my first serious bout with knee arthritis six years ago. I

was told then that I was too young for a knee replacement (54) but that was what

I needed as I have no cartilage at all. I have managed the pain with

anti-inflammatory medications from time to time when I have a flare-up,

acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, and using APOS shoes (developed in

Israel where I live). Over the past six months, things have gotten pretty

unmanageable. I am in constant pain.

I went to a new orthopedist. He is doing a CT scan and says he may be able to do

arthroscopic surgery instead of a full knee replacement. A friend who is a

physical therapist says " don't do it! " She has seen too many bad results from

the arthroscopic surgery. This is the only doctor who has ever suggested

anything except a knee replacement. My friend says this is because my arthritis

is severe and most doctors realize that the knee replacement is the only real

solution.

I'd like some feedback from others who have had the surgery and those who

decided not to. Thanks!

Yael

[Guest guest]

Not personally, but I have had many friends and relatives have successful

arthroscopic knee surgeries. My nephew had both his knees done. I don't know

of any cases where it wasn't a success.

I had arthroscopic surgery on my shoulder. If I would have had a torn

rotator cuff, they would have opened it up all the way.

Can you ask to have the device for a knee replacement on standby, in case

the camera shows something more wrong than that think at this time?

Ellen-Hangin in

>Yael wrote:

I went to a new orthopedist. He is doing a CT scan and says he may be able

to do arthroscopic surgery instead of a full knee replacement. A friend who

is a physical therapist says " don't do it! " She has seen too many bad

results from the arthroscopic surgery. This is the only doctor who has ever

suggested anything except a knee replacement. My friend says this is because

my arthritis is severe and most doctors realize that the knee replacement is

the only real solution.