rheumatoid arthritis

[65_women]

Has anyone had an operation on elbow from rheumatoid arthritis?

Did it help?

[KittyJ]

what operation are you going to be having?

[65_women in reply to KittyJ]

I’m not sure my RA doctor came in and just jump on me and told me I need an operation on my elbow. It has been swollen for years and it a little warm due to inflammation.A X-ray was never given ,I have good movement in my elbow.but recently it has started to pain me. So I have an appointment with him this month.

But because I’m on Rituximab I’m a little reluctant.

[KittyJ in reply to 65_women]

You’ll get lots of different op on elbow answers here and none of them may be right unless you know what it is you are having done 😊

[vonniesims]

As no one seems to have any info, let us know how you get on. Good luck with it

[BoneyC]

I am on the waiting list for my first left elbow replacement and, also on the waiting list for my right elbow replacement which is listed about a month after. I haven't had any contact from the hospital since December so it's crystal ball as to when I might finally get the surgery. He said as ulna nerve involved he would list me as a P3 (3 month wait) but it's gone past that now.

I have known the surgeon for 20 years or so, I've put off shoulder and elbow replacements for that long, but probably not the best thing to do as my left elbow is excrutiatingly painful and is bleeding inside the joint so I have lots of swelling and a huge bruise. Can't do much whilst I'm waiting so it's all very frustrating.

How bad are your elbows, how long have they been symptomatic?

[Braecoon in reply to BoneyC]

I know we do not want to be a ‘bother’, but it sounds as if this needs chasing up. I had pre op assessment last November but hold up was cardio echocardiogram which was actually requested by Rheumatologist last August because I was diagnosed with Supraventricular tachycardia (posh name for fast heartbeat). I finally chased this up in January 2024 and was told that August referrals were now being processed and I should get appointment before end of February. Chased this up again at end of February and there seemed to be confusion (which I took to mean that I had been lost in the system) and I was offered a cancellation for following week. Had I not followed this up, my pre op assessment would have expired and I would have had to go through the whole process again. My surgery followed quickly after this.

Can you contact the surgeon/orthopaedic secretary and politely enquire where things are at. This gets your name up front and they will check your notes. Sometimes, we do get lost in the huge admin bureaucratic system. If things are on schedule they will tell you, if something is a miss they will correct this. Nothing ventured nothing gained. I hope you get some answers and do not have to wait too long for your surgery.

[dickfend]

Good morning yes I have had RA for 50+years and have had a number of operations because of it. I have also had a total right elbow replacement which because of the RA , I developed a Bursitis which turned septic. This eventually ruined the natural joint and had to have a replacement. This happened about 15 years ago. After a number of years I started to get pain in this area and it was found that the upper part of the metal joint where it goes up inside of the Humerus bone had broken through the bone. I had another complete replacement four year ago with repairs to the bone. Unfortunately and maybe because of my abuse of the situation, the joint has broken through the Humerus again. I am currently waiting for another operation to replace the joint again with a possibility that I will also require a bone graft to the Humerus. The problem with these joints is that whilst they are excellent, painless after installation, they do not have the same strength and durability as a natural joint and one has to take extra care of it. I wish you all the best and hope you have a pain free conclusion to your elbow high I am sure you will benefit from.

[65_women in reply to dickfend]

I hope so also.

[Cornishcamillia]

I had radial head excision about 20 years ago - helped a little with the pain but not movement, gradually both worsened. Then I fell on that arm and the break was in a place where repairing it would have meant I couldn’t have the elbow replaced - so after 18months or so of living with a still broken arm, I had the replacement nearly two years ago. Very pleased as there’s a strange and complete absence of pain! Movement is limited but that’s fine (possibly due to the break). Glad I had it done - don’t know why I waited so long!

Good luck!

[3LittleBirds2]

Hi, No i haven't sorry , but I just wanted to say that for the first time in my diagnosis I've had elbow pain, it has been excruciating and I've not been able to move my arms properly for about 3 months. Best Wishes to you and you have some good answers.

[65_women in reply to 3LittleBirds2]

I’m able to move my arm also really good. But now I have pain.

[davannh]

I had a radial head excision about 30 years ago. In 2015 and 2017 I had my right and left elbows replaced. Both surgeries were incredibly successful. The lack of pain is simply incredible. Find a good surgeon who specialises in elbow replacements.

[dippyd09]

Good morning, I had an elbow replacement in 2014. I’ve had RA for 30 odd years and it has done terrible damage to my joints. I had another elbow replacement last year and both of them have been very successful. I was in terrible pain constantly before each operations. Once the initial post op period was over I’ve never looked back. I’ve also had a L reverse shoulder replacement which was so successful. I’m waiting for my R shoulder to be done but post covid seem to take much longer. I’ve never had a problem with the joints I’ve had replaced (there have been a lot). It is scary but I would say the benefits outweigh everything.

I hope you get them done soon.

[Beviej]

I had right elbow replacement in 2015 after a fall and broke elbow. I’ve done well. You do have limits . No push pull or lift anything over 7 lbs.

[Briefencounter]

I had a right elbow replacement in 2012 . My arm was bent , I couldn't use it correctly and it was painful . The operation was a great success . I worked hard on the exercises and wore a night splint for some time , to keep it straight . My arm functions well now . I try not to carry heavy loads using that arm but sometimes forget .

I've also had a total left knee replacement and a plate and nine screws in my left ankle .

Thanks RA the gift that keeps on giving .

Fortunately, all the ops have been successful .

[65_women]

So glad to hear this thank you for getting back to me.

[Green230461]

I had a shoulder replacement no pain since - a miracle! Get as much info as you can. And get lots of physio done afterwards 🌈