Guest guest Posted January 12, 2005 Report Share Posted January 12, 2005 I have no experience with knee replacements but one thing to consider is that if they are replaced now they will likely last long enough so that when they need to be replaced they will have technology to make them permanent. Also today they are better than the ones that have already needed replacements so they may last a lifetime. God bless. ----- Original Message ----- From: w00dse Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2005 8:50 AM Subject: Hello! New to group Hello everyone! I am new to the group. I am a 30 year old mother of two who has had RA for 13 years. I feel like I have been on everything and still take everything. Anyway, I have no cartilage left in either knee, and have had synovectomies and debridement surgeries. It has been at least 2 years since my knee pain has allowed me to sleep the entire night. I need knee replacments but am in a bit of a predicament due to my age. They wont last long enough for me (probably). I am looking for advice. I cant stand the pain, but worry that the replacements will be more trouble than they are worth. If anyone has had a similar situation, anyone that could give advice as to if I should hold out or not, I would appreciate it. My rheumatologist and surgeon both agree that I need them but are in the same dilemma because of my age and desired activity level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2005 Report Share Posted January 13, 2005 Hi, I'm not sure why you don't think they'll last " long enough " (the knee replacements). I'm 23 years old and I had both hips replaced several years ago. I'm getting a brand new left shoulder later on this month. No one ever expressed a concern that the replacements wouldn't last long enough... and how long is long enough? 10 years? Mine are supposed to hold up for at least 20 assuming I don't take up downhill skiing. It never even crossed my mind to hold off until they come up with the technology for a permanent replacement. I'd have been in a wheelchair years ago and still be in one while I was holding out. Hogwash, I say. Get the replacements. Your knees will thank you. And I'd be kind of suspicious of a doctor who's telling you not to have a serious life-improving procedure just because the relief may only last X number of years. How much are those years of your life worth to you? Jenni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2005 Report Share Posted January 13, 2005 IHi glad you came abord this group has helped me alot sence I have been here my ankle had on cartilage left in it and they wanted to fuse it I was not sure but I went thrrough it any way and it turned out great sometimes you just have to take a chance no matter what the out come may be it has to be better than what you have now it cann't be any worst than now Sherrie > > > Hello everyone! I am new to the group. I am a 30 year old mother of > two who has had RA for 13 years. I feel like I have been on > everything and still take everything. Anyway, I have no cartilage > left in either knee, and have had synovectomies and debridement > surgeries. It has been at least 2 years since my knee pain has > allowed me to sleep the entire night. I need knee replacments but am > in a bit of a predicament due to my age. They wont last long enough > for me (probably). I am looking for advice. I cant stand the pain, > but worry that the replacements will be more trouble than they are > worth. If anyone has had a similar situation, anyone that could give > advice as to if I should hold out or not, I would appreciate it. My > rheumatologist and surgeon both agree that I need them but are in > the same dilemma because of my age and desired activity level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2005 Report Share Posted January 14, 2005 Gloria I had a parchal fusion on my ankle it hurts when the weather is about to change it has little movement i can still move it up and down i am having a problem now it is planter fascitis and i had to go back into my boot but that can happen on a good ankle my fusion went really good i had a hard time i was in bed for 6 weekes but i made it i would do it again if i had to it helped that much i could hardly walk before the fusion i have a very little limp it is not really noticeable if you do it i wish you the best of luck it all depends on your surgion and doctor if you have any other questions you can e-mail me > Sherrie: > > Now that they fused your ankle, what sort of movement and flexibility do you have? Do you have pain? I have a lot of problem with my right ankle - in fact, it's my only spot that isn't cured by the mix of drugs I'm on. I'm tired of limping! Can you tell me your ankle story? > > gloria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2005 Report Share Posted January 15, 2005 gloria i am still on all my meds including predisone my ra is so bad that i wil be on them for the rest of my life so the doctor says i don't have a choice if my ra wasn't so bad it might be differant but it is i just can't move without my meds but my ankle feels better i can walk again with out pain in my foot it was bone to bone when i had it done there was no choice for me it had to be done i am not sorry i did it it feels great sherrie > thanks for your reply, sherrie. I don't think I'm quite there yet. Are you still doing DMARDs of some sort, too? What about the rest of your meds? Wondering whether or not the fusion has helped you come down off your meds. > > gloria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.