Well put me through the mill, examinations, hip and knees X-rays.
So I need a hip replacement ..... But not yet
Need knee replacement.... But not yet!
Steroid injection to both knees , yep straight away today!
Change of biological drugs, yes ! But he needs to think about which one and he will call me xx
Awwww Allanah..why won't they give you the ops sooner? Don't get it...makes me mad when they say " your too young" push for it...hope ya ok and have a fab weekend x
They say these things with such a casual air don't they. I was told everything from the waist down was going which made me gulp a bit.
I do hope the steroid injection to the knees helps. Keeping moving is so important but a great deal easier said than done! xxx
All sounds changes are coming your way. Here's hoping it makes life easier for you . Take care xxxx
After a knee operation a couple of years ago, I was told that I would need a knee replacement, in fact probably both knees. I was 46 at the time and they told me I couldn't have a replacement operation until I'm in my 60s as the replacements are only designed to last around 20 years, so they won't perform the op before your 60s in case your replacements, need replacing! As usual hospital budgets 1, Patient's health Nil. 
Oops hit the enter button too soon!
Meant to continue to say I hope you're not in too much pain Allanah and I hope the biologics help x
Hello Allana
BOB here
Sadly I am going to be unpopular now
When they remove joints it is generally advisable not to do the actual operations until you are in your mid late sixties.
This is because once they start renewing them a second replacement will not take as well because with the hip it has too be pushed down into the centre of the bone, this weakens the actual bone and reduces the effectiveness of secondary operations. Some people need replacements within a ten year period
Dmards need a lot of discussion, they will also be looking into Biologics / -Tnf s treatments, sometimes they will discuss these medications at meetings they have as the latter medications are expensive and both types have not so nice contra indications
Good luck
All the best
BOB
I know you are disappointed right now, but there are still good possibilities. If your knees are bad enough to need replaced, like bone rubbing on bone, then I would ask them to reconsider, on basis of your lifestyle. If you can be semi-sedentary, and not want to go mountain climbing, or hiking on rough terrain, your chances would be better for earlier rather than later replacement.
And then again, if you get a new biologic, it may make things with your feet and knees better enough to be able to hold off for awhile. Best thing is to speak for yourself and what you need, to be able to live near normal lifestyle. Hang on in there!!
xxxL
Hi no actually I am not disappointed! I am glad they think I can wait, I was just sorta laughing at my doc the way he said well u need this , and in a Chris Tarrent style said but you're not getting that!
I hope they leave them well alone, all my uncles had hips and knees done only to have to have further ops along the line, as Bob agreed.
Also I have now had Enbrel, Remicade, Humira , methtexate, sulphasalsine and arava, anti tnfs and dmards, but they haven't tried any anti tnfa Biologics, think they r called, and he seemed keen to use an infusion on me, but I would like him to think carefully about my future plan, it is important and snap decisions at 4.30 pm when he is going on holiday at 5 pm wouldn't be the best practice.
But at least he is willing to give me another biological which I am grateful for. I hope that the new one will stop progression really.
And I am grateful for the steroid injections into the knee joints, he does feel it's the inflammation that's caused a lot of the pain, but was mightily interested in my rheumatoid nodules, thought he was gonna get a camera out lol.
And Bob please don't say you will be unpopular! You were giving me the experience you have had and I actually agree with you!
Thanks everyone for being supportive, I am sat with the log fire on after the doc telling me not o walk too much this weekend , great excuse, will be calling hubby for a Cup of tea !
Hi A, Me & Fran hope you get some sort of pain relief from the Steroids injections, But if you suffer severe pain because of your hip or knee you must tell it them has to be done sooner than later. My hip keeps locking if I sit to low when i turn my foot inwards then i have to walk like Qusimodo till it frees itself any hints, the last thing i need is something similar no ops off any kind already been told any infections at all and it's Goodnight Vienna.Matt
Yes Matt, I am very lucky indeed I don't have those awful worries that are real problems for you.
I am hoping the steroids are enough with the splints from podiatry next week to help me through and that I get a good drug like many on here that helps them!
I told doc I want to be a new woman for my festivals next summer , although so far I missed out on Glasto tickets !!
Glad to hear that your Service and MOT went well - sounds like a comprehensive check-up!
Take it easy and give those injections a chance to work - all this rain means it's a good time to stay inside in the warm and dry:-}
Cece x
Hi Allanah, yes really hope you get the benefit very soon from the steroid injections. At least you don't sound too down after getting the news about your hips and knees....I have a strong feeling that in a few years I may well be heading down that road of replacements!
Enjoy your log fire....and make sure hubby is contiually supplying you with endless cups of tea! xx
Thanks everyone, had severe tiredness and brain fog last night, but slept well and will continue to rest the knees as doc says this weekend , hubby about to get a dint in the ribs for my tea! Lol.
My First Consultation
New & waiting for consultant diagnosis. 
Saw my rheumy yesterday
Rheumy visit with the consultant..
How to change consultant 
