my next hurdle

[Havanahula]

am down to 7and a half Prednisolone dose. My knee ( ( which I had surgery on in January 2022 for a torn meniscus) has now packed in so to speak.. I saw a Nurse Practitioner who was extremely helpful at my surgery yesterday. Not a good idea to have an x Ray yet as would have to repeat in 6 months , although we know I have osteoarthritis in the knee and will need a replacement. The reason being to wait is that it is not a good idea on high doses of Prednisolone to have surgery due to infections etc.. apparently the wait would be 6 to 8 weeks which was a very welcome estimation.

Think I am looking at February or March to even think about asking for X-ray hope I can last that long!am fed up that I can’t do my usual 3 miles a day so hope I can keep active enough

[PMRpro Ambassador]

7mg is hardly a high dose and I'm sure there there are people on the forum who have had TKRs while still at that sort of dose. Not sure what the NP was thiking off - if you need a TKR you need one and knowing the state of your knee now will be relevant in 6 months - knee x-rays weren't rationed last time I looked. And really - a 6 to 8 week wait? Sounds optimistic to me!! And anyway - who says you will be on a significantly lower dose in 6 months time?

Most surgeons would rather do it sooner while you are still fit and able to do the essential rehab post op. I'd be pushing to see an expert - not a practice nurse.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As PMRpro has said many have had replacements on higher doses. If you are referred to orthopaedics you’ll need a current X-ray anyway…

[SnazzyD]

What’s wrong with a repeat x-ray? The x-ray dose? One now would give a comparison for later and perhaps allow someone to triage you on the waiting list.

At 7.5mg Pred they would probably want to give you more to top you up during and after the op because it is about your normal daily requirement of cortisol. Others have had hip replacements on more than that.

Have you been referred? Did they mean 6-8 weeks was the referral process not the op waiting list.

[piglette]

I agree with the others. I would have the x-ray now if you can. A bird in the hand so to speak. At least you can then get the ball rolling if you need to.

[Sophiestree]

ummmm what on earth..... I'd push for what you need now, you'll delay it even further if not... I question that advice!!!