is it RA?: hi I got a total knee replacement 10 weeks... - NRAS

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is it RA?

Tennismad profile image
13 Replies

hi I got a total knee replacement 10 weeks ago surgeon extremely happy. I went private as in Scotland and would have taken over5 years.

The problem now is I’m stiff in both knees but I haven’t taken any medication for my RA for at least two years. I know not the operation.

Can anyone advise the quickest medicine to take to get rid of the stiffness in both knees and shoulders now. The rheumatologist just wants me to take methotrexate but having had four operations to my mouth for dysplesia I will not take it again!

I have never smoked in my life and I don’t drink.

Can any one help me.Please

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Tennismad profile image
Tennismad
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13 Replies
Bootoo profile image
Bootoo

So sorry you are in pain but we cannot recommend any medication. Speak to your GP I'm sure they can advise you

Tennismad profile image
Tennismad in reply to Bootoo

Thank you Bootoo

bpeal1 profile image
bpeal1

I think you need to speak to your rheumatologist again, and explain why you don't want to take methotrexate. There are plenty of other options but we can't recommend which would work for you. Before you speak to your rheumatologist have a look at nras.org.uk/information-sup... so you can go armed with some information about what the alternatives are.

Tennismad profile image
Tennismad in reply to bpeal1

Thank you so much

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone

You usually get more time when you speak with your rheumy nurse…why not make an appointment to discuss a choice of DMards with your nurse or somebody else on your rheumy team. They will have all your clinical details & will be able to discuss choices with your consultant People on this site cannot suggest drugs for other members…we can only tell you what we take & how we have reacted to them.

Tennismad profile image
Tennismad in reply to AgedCrone

Thank you so much for your reply

Some people on here have had issues with Mtx. There are different options available. Explain why Mtx does not appeal, side effects etc.

Tennismad profile image
Tennismad

Thank you Criplady for replying. The reason I won’t use MTX again is it causes cancer in some people and I have had four operations in my mouth to remove dysplesia which is last stage before cancer! I have never smoked and I don’t drink only cause MTX. My surgeon said. Thanks

M

oldtimer2 profile image
oldtimer2

When I took Methotrexate I had enormous ulcers in my mouth (and probably my gut as I also had the runs). The dentist was horrified and insisted I asked to change to something else. I had allergic reactions to both sulphasalazine and hydrochloroquine, so ended up on azathioprine - until recently when I started adalumimab (as Imraldi) which has been marvellous for me.

So there are lots of alternatives to methotrexate - as suggested have a look at the NRAS treatments pages and discuss it with the rheumy team.

strongmouse profile image
strongmouse

Maybe ask for a referral to a physiotherapist who understands knee operations and RA? After knee surgery certain exercises can make a huge difference up to a year post-op.

Tennismad profile image
Tennismad in reply to strongmouse

Many thanks I will.

Bella59 profile image
Bella59

Hi did you do exercises in the hospital with a physio!You need to keep doing the exercises to get a decent bend.I found ice helped with pain and swelling after knee replacement.I wrapped a bag of frozen peas in a tea towel and laid it on my knees for twenty mins,do this several times a day.I would see your gp regarding painkillers,and looking into what is causing other probems.Maybe you need to see rheumatologist to be assessed again.Methotrexate is one of many meds,have you been on any other meds for RA!Hope you get some answers soon.

Tennismad profile image
Tennismad

Thanking you for your reply. I have been doing exercises before and after my surgery so problem not my knee . I will have to get a descent rheumatologist somewhere to advise me.Thank you

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