Knee Surgery/PMR/GCA

[Mks9558]

So I am curious, a number of folks seem to have had knee issues, needed knee replacement and also have PMR and/or GCA. I am wondering just how prevalent the knee replacement need is with those who have PMR or GCA.

Personally, I have known for 10 years that I have needed both knees replaced, I am bone on bone, both right and left knew, have had 3 ACL reconstructions due to ski injury and a moped accident and had just scheduled the first replacement when diagnosed. That is on hold until the PMR/GCA is under control, but I know of several others now and all have mentioned knee replacements....

[Mary63]

I don’t think it’s anything other than the fact that many of us are getting on a bit, and have ‘worn and torn’ our getting older joints.

I am also waiting for a total knee replacement....down I’m sure to many years of tennis and squash! I would be surprised if it’s anything to do with PMR, but will be happy to be contradicted. 😊

[SheffieldJane]

I was told that the knee joint is a poorly designed joint for what it has to do. We are all of an age where things start crumbling. Pred is not great for the bones statistically. So it’s not surprising really. ☹️

[Hidden]

I hurt my knee 4 yers ago on a "walking holiday,' in Italy. I didn't do anything specific just walking long distances for 5 days seemed to have "upset," it. Was told by the GP after returning home it was probably a torn meniscus, but that NHS would not do anything because of my age (59) and the fact that I wasn't a "professional athlete. "Ice it." were his instructions. It was "okay" the last several years and as I have a weird high tolerance for pain, I just dealt with it... until this year, when it became somewhat unbearable and impacted my quality of life, greatly! I saw an Osteo privately in May who said it was "bone on bone " and needed a total replacement .. He also said it probably hurts much worse than I feel but because I am on such high doses of Pred, it's keeping inflammation down! I want the surgery, as I cant walk more than a mile without being in pain. Mine and my husband's quality of life has been greatly impacted... our weekend are spent at the cinema or watching movies on TV! : ( No more walking holidays for us! : ( Waiting for Rheumy to talk to Osteo gy and figure out the best plan Re: mg's of Pred, etc.... I am hoping to have it done in January! Good luck with YOUR"S!

[jannie21]

I had a total knee replacement in 2008 but did not develop PMR until 2013 so no connection there. Regards Jannie