Total knee replacement?

[Colaba]

I have RA, diagnosed at Christmas 2020.

I also have buggered knees - I believe that is the correct medical term - that pre-date the RA diagnosis. At my last (final?) RA consultation the consultant showed me a beautiful X-ray of my knees.

Nice bones, absent cartilage. He had previously mentioned knee surgery, to be considered after stabilising RA, which seems very successful so far, allowing for the loss of strength and stamina.

I had never been keen having watched others struggling with two long sticks. However, they are getting worse.

At that date, Autumn 2021, the waiting time would have been 4 years. I was then 82, now 85.

It scarcely seems cost-effective, given an apparent shortening of life expectancy with RA.

I wonder if there is any other way to alleviate the pain in buggered knees? They are inhibiting.

[Amnesiac3637]

Afraid buggered knees ain’t going to be any less buggered by having no cartilage left so the only remedy is to have total knee replacements or continue to struggle……….

There’s not any point in having steroid injections into your knees if there’s nothing to inject into and heat and ice help but very temporarily. Knee braces need to be properly fitted so you’re not making your gait worse and gritting your teeth makes your jaw ache so if you’re being offered surgery and it’s safe for you to have it, it makes sense to go ahead.

Lots of things to consider but being in pain and struggling can be relieved by surgery which is very effective, has a relatively quick recovery time and can transform your life. I was an orthopaedics sister for many years and hip and knee surgery are the two best tolerated operations we can offer and can transform your life.

[Stills in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Great reply

[Colaba in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Thanks, That sounds very encouraging. I mentioned both age (now 84) and predicted waiting time.

Bit of a toss-up between mortality and cost-effectiveness.

Will

[Fruitandnutcase]

Goodness, you must be in horrendous pain and if you’re offered a replacement then go for it.

Ask if you can have your knees done with an epidural and sedation rather than a general anaesthetic, do all your physio - don’t skimp on that and rent an ice machine to use afterwards.

[Madmusiclover in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Yes. Had both hips done with epidurals and sedation.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Madmusiclover]

I know, it sounds grim but it is absolutely fantastic.

[Madmusiclover in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Though oddly they did recent arthroscopic knee with a general. 🤦‍♀️

[Brychni]

*buggered knees* 😆🤣

[davannh]

I am not sure anything can alleviate that bone on bone pain. I have had one knee done, waiting list for second I can honestly say the relief from pain is amazing. If it makes you comfortable in your latter years it must be worth it.

[oldtimer2]

I've just had an email from a friend (only in her seventies) who had a total knee replacement mid December. She's doing really well, says the exercises are very hard work but she has to be careful not to over-do it as well. My sister (who also has Rheumatoid Disease) has also had both knees replaced (also in her seventies) and found it was really worth having. She thinks she would not be able to walk everywhere (as she has to after giving up her car) if she hadn't had them done, she's now in her later 80s.

In other words, pester them for knee replacements.

[Colaba in reply to oldtimer2]

Yes, That sounds great. I only acquired RA in 2020, but damaged my knees long ago, and they are now becoming very painful and inhibit walking. The surgeon who was treating the RA indicated that he was willing to deal with the knees but also suggested it might be as early as four years time. I am 84. I can still drive, and do, extensively in Europe.

So mustn't grumble. Keep taking the tablets!

[Stills]

I’ve looked it up in the medical dictionary and that is absolutely the correct medical. I spoke to my GP about it too and she said she’d never heard of that condition but she could offer me some antidepressants to take my mind off it🤣🙄