Elbow operation?: My consultant has recommended an... - NRAS

NRAS

37,104 members45,838 posts

Elbow operation?

Alderess profile image
4 Replies

My consultant has recommended an operation to clean out my elbow joint because I have restricted movement and a lot of pain. He first suggested a replacement but I don't want to go down that route too soon - hoping to live longer than a new elbow would last.

Has anyone had experience of an elbow debridement? Or a new joint?

I'm keen to make ny own decision on this one.

Thanks

Written by
Alderess profile image
Alderess
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
4 Replies
julieporter profile image
julieporter

Hi Susan

I'm in the same position but i'm going to try steroid injections on the 22nd to see if these help before discussing surgery.From what my rhuemy says a debridement would be offered if the jabs don't work.I think the way my elbows are at the moment i'd give it a shot-the pain is so restrictive and it really gets me down so i know how you feel .

Let me know how you get on(so i know what to expect!!!)

Take care

Julie xx

Alderess profile image
Alderess

Hi Julie

Thanks for the response. I have had injections in both elwbows 3 times in the past 10 years. The first 2 helped but the ones I had 18 months ago made no difference at all - the right one has been the worst throughout.. I had an MRI scan last week, which was a strange experience but okay if I kept my eyes closed (that's another story) so the consultant is waiting for the result of that to make his fiinal decision. I believe replacement elbows only last about 10 years and I'm hoping to live for at least 20 more - hence the hesitation.

I hope the injections make a positive difference for you.

Susan

Ella32 profile image
Ella32

Hi Susan

I have had numerous relacements (hips/knees) and several fusions (wrist/feet) and I am now only 32 - the surgeries have always worked really well for me... The way i see it is Yes the replacements do have a short (ish) life span but that in 10-20 years the Docs will have developed their options so much more (20 yrs ago knee replacements were a hinge and elbow/ankle replacements didn't exist), so if they would improve your quality of life now, do it, and worry about 10-20 years then. If you feel however that you can go on with your natural joint, keep going ;-)

Ella

Alderess profile image
Alderess in reply to Ella32

Hi Ella

Thank you for your response. Sorry to hear your RA has led to so many procedures already - you make me feel fortunate to just be starting surgery after 13 years of the disease.

Ironically my natural joint has caused less pain since I saw the surgeon than it has in the past 2 years, but it isn't any more mobile.

I am 52 so I shouldn't really feel I have to hold back and tolerate the pain, do I?

I hope you don't have to have too many more procedures yourself.

Thanks for the encouragement.

Susan

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Self help for elbow?

Hi. I'm wondering if anyone has been given a new elbow joint and is happy with the results. A few...

Rant - Elbow RA/OA

History: I've had RA since childhood affecting all joints, most of which are severely damaged and...

elbow pain

i started with pains on the inner arm in the elbow joint the elbow bone isnt hurting but the inner...

Elbow bursitis anyone?

Back on my feet again after w/drawal of mtx and w/chair - so the SSZ[sulfasalazide] is kicking in...

Elbow injection

Anyone had a elbow replacement? Over the years just had my fourth elbow injection, last two did...