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I have Stage 4 OA in knee

Posted , 13 users are following.

tom86756
tom86756

I was diagnosef with OA of the knee  when i was in my 40's and more recently found through an x-ray report it's now considered to be Stage4 severe, It has locked whilst walking or  when standing after sitting and vice versa in the past, though i'm not in constant pain , but certain movements of the joint cause very sharp breif pain, the joint is worn and unstable, to add to this i also have OA in my oposite knee that isn't severe, and in my forefoot, and  it's starting in my hands ,though not sufficient to show on an x-ray, but the hands can be painful  sometimes resulting in me having to drop what i'm holding because of the pain

I don't wish to take NSAIDS due to the side effects , i have tried codine but it doesn't really help, Due to not being as active dur to my OA  i have gained several stone in weight and this is having an impact on my general health IE High BP which has reached Stage2 levels, (no medication) as by a small change in diet i lost a small amount of wieght and BP reduced to Stage 1 levels

I have been out of work for some time in part due to my heath issues even getting to and from the work place everyday would become an issue at sme point , Due to my age i'm not keen on having surgery yet,as it's not something that i would wish to repeat , i have seen the MCAS ES physio , who's opinion was i need a Full knee replacement , which i rejected due to the above reasons, I may ask about the lubricating Acid type injections  they unlike the steriod injections don't speed up the errosion of the caritlage , my solutuion would be this and a knee brace  until such a time having surgery would outlive me

1 like, 24 replies

24 Replies

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  • cheryl90571
    cheryl90571 tom86756

    Posted

    My insurance had me do a real dog and pony show of treatments starting in 2011 when I first had my worst pain to date in my knees. Physical therapy (result: ALL my therapists and me, too, said I was actually worse off for having done it!) Next was a cortisone shot in my worst knee (result: numbness at first and pain returned in just FOUR DAYS!) Next was bring told from my insurance that they would NOT PAY for those shots made from rooster combs which are supposed to rebuild cartilage. My next thing was a referral to a Rheumotologist. Although they really could just tell me what types of arthritis I DIDN'T HAVE, it was helpful to know what I need not worry about! My Rheumotologist wrote me a prescription for the pain medicine Meloxicam which I took for about three years. I developed a stomach ulcer from that medication AND still wasn't getting much relief from pain.

    I decided I would just DEAL WITH IT and was feeling VERY, VERY sorry for myself. I felt like about 90 instead of just in my 60s. I just wanted the pain to STOP!

    I wasn't able to stand very long or walk very far without HORRIBLE PAIN. I actually entertained the thought of thinking that AMPUTATION might be a possibility because I saw how amputees with those awesome Cheetah Legs were able to run marathons. I was having trouble grocery shopping!

    In May of 2015 I woke with EXCRUTIATING PAIN in my left knee. It ft EXACTLY as though someone was driving a sword through the back of my knee and out my kneecap!😲😵😰😱

    I was on crutches for a day and a half over Memorial Day Weekend. Not fun! That next Tuesday I made an appointment with my doctor.

    I had X-RAYS. He came in and I EXPECTED him to say that I was ready for arthroscopy. When I mentioned it, he said, "Cheryl, that ship has sailed; you need BOTH KNEES replaced!"

    Well, I was actually ESTATIC!🙌😊😁🙌 I thought that was GREAT NEWS! I think he was surprised when I asked him if we could schedule the surgery ASAP!

    Fast forward now 15 months later...

    I had both knees replaced in 2015-- one in June and the other in October. Recovery was about six months with PT twice a week, icing, exercising at home, stretching etc.

    NOW I can keep up with my very long-legged family as I walk, stood eight hours a few months ago at a rally with NO pain in my knees (arthritic back was KILLING ME, though!), can work all day on the lawn, our garden, trimming and weeding, and really have my life BACK!

    I tell you all this because knee replacements gave me my life back. The recovery time was WELL worth it because I now am my healthy self again.

    I danced for hours at our son's wedding instead of sitting in a chair. I can enjoy our new granddaughter and play without being in pain.

    I am grateful EVERY DAY that I took the chance and got knee replacements.🙌😁😊🙌

    Wishing you much success as YOU journey forward!💟

  • mary43550
    mary43550 tom86756

    Posted

    I would highly recommend surgery asap, everyday it will get worse. I have seen numerous knee replacements and they become new again! I just had surgery on my foot due to OA, after having severe pain for 5 yrs while wearing a brace and working12 hrs/d. I didn't take nsads or opiods like you. The day after surgery, NO pain and 3 months later, I feel great! I just started walking last week, so recovery in most surgeries are long it is worth the wait. Just make sure you like and trust your orthopedic surgeon. Just Do It!

    Mary

  • wknight
    wknight tom86756

    Posted

    Don't wait too long for the surgery as you may wear the joint out even more. I would go for the surgery now. Once it's bone on bone very little helps. Did your surgeon say how long before surgery is no longer an option. Technology is changing both of my joints are different due to recent changes

    Had 2 finger joint replacements so been through this several times

  • elizabeth20203
    elizabeth20203 tom86756

    Posted

    Hi Tom, arthritic pain will only get worse believe me. I have had arthritis since the age of 11. I had my first knee replacement aged 39 and again at 52. Without modern medicine i would of being in a wheelchair many years ago. After both operations i was pain free. I am due to have my other knee done soon. I have tried ultra sound treatment, steriods and nothing helped. I asked about stem cell treatment which is not relevant for me. In my experience knee replacements can give you your life back and usually pain free. I have only just turned 60 so i have had arthritis for 49 years. Ask your consultant to explain more about a knee replacement so you get the facts. 

    Elizabeth.

    • tom86756
      tom86756 elizabeth20203

      Posted

      If i decide to have surgery it will be a once only procedure, never repeated  if you get me, I'm only 50  and do not want another at 60

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure tom86756

    Posted

    Look into stem cell therapy. It really works. Info on Internet and you tube.

    good Luck.

     

    • jules130
      jules130 joseph09673

      Posted

      I am having Stem Cell treatment now. I was offered replacement, but knocked it back. I have had one knee replaced with not very good results.
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure jules130

      Posted

      I have read that stem cell therapy is excellent. How are you doing and what type of stem cells.,are theu from your own blood or umbilical cord.

      aldo read that knee therapy has been compared to knee replacement clinical studies.

      the result slowed therapy and stem cell therapy has a better outcome than TKR.

      I think your on the right track. I would hope to stay in touch with you thru this treatment. Plz keep me informed I am going to do this soon. 

      Any therapy involved? 

    • jules130
      jules130 hope4cure

      Posted

      I am still in the early days of this treatment. I had my own stem cell harvested from my belly. They had to be 'treated' and left for 6 weeks. I have had my first injection. I will be having another jab in January 2017. At the moment I have noticed  a little difference. Of a morning I used to be in pain after about 30 mins. Now it is about 45-60 mins, untill I feel a little pain. No where near as much as I was experiencing.I have been told that on average the stem cells take about 8 months to really kick in. I am hoping this is true with me. I must be more patient.lol I paid for this treatment myself, having aready had a TKJR on my other leg. I didn't qualify to go on the trial. I don't know what it is like in UK. I am in Australia.

    • hope4cure
      hope4cure jules130

      Posted

      I think you made a wise choice. It does take several injections. 

      I have both hips replaced and OA in knees, ankles with a torn minescus.

      in the US there are stem cell clinics that use the same method of collection of stem cells.

      keep in touch will you. PM  me with the results of next injection.

      sending you many heeling blessings.

       

    • jules130
      jules130 hope4cure

      Posted

      Hi Hope4cure, Well I have had the second jab,with wonderful results. It is now my replaced knee that is giving me the most trouble. When I spoke to my doctor re replacement of knee. He recons with the way my body has responded he is very doubtful that I will actually need a replacement. Only time will tell. I am living in hope that I won't need it done. I am not sorry that I had the stem cell treatment. 

    • hope4cure
      hope4cure jules130

      Posted

      Hi Jules,

      i am am very confident from what reading your results Stem cell was a 

      good treatment choice. 

      My my son stem cell done to help replace hair. He was loosing his hair. They  took his stem sells injected in his scalp and transplanted hair from other area with root. That was 8 months ago and new hair is staring to grow in and fill in the areas needed in his scalp.

      Just anothe use for stem cells.  Would like to try it soon too for a couple of my problem joints.

  • tom86756
    tom86756

    Posted

    I didn't even know that they offered stem cell  for OA patients, Anyhow i have been referred to Orthopaedics  finally , now all i have to do is choose the hospital , as my nearest has poor stats really poor,

    And from what i'm told ,once you choose a hospital your stuck with that choice??

    Also though if it is decided that delaying the surgery is the best option, then presumably you would be discharged back to your GP?  So would have to start the whole process over again, when you decided that you needed the surgery?

    • hope4cure
      hope4cure tom86756

      Posted

      Perhaps you could check if stem cell therapy is available before TKR in your area. See Internet for studies on stem cell therapy for joints vs joint replacement.

      stem cell and therapy seem to rate better on clinical studies depending on the knee damage.

    • elizabeth20203
      elizabeth20203 tom86756

      Posted

      Tom,

      I was told that stem cell therapy is not applicable for Osteo arthritis. I was also told that delaying surgery i would be discharged back to the GP and would have to start the process again. Tom, i know i said that i have had my left knee replaced twice but knees are lasting longer now and mine was a difficult one to start with as i had deformity and tibia and fibia straightened. I would assume yours would be more straight forward. My friend as just had a hip replacement last week and apart from the soreness from the operation is totally pain free. I know hips are different but if your joint is badly diseased nothing elde will be totally pain free. The pain will not get any better. By all means ask what your options are to be able to make a valid descion, you need to be sure about surgery as it cannot be undone. 

      Elizabeth.

    • tom86756
      tom86756 elizabeth20203

      Posted

      Well i chose a good hospital  who specialise in TKR's ect ,and chose the surgeon too, He examined my knee  studied the x-rays of my knees , and said surgery TKR was probably the only option, I explained that i wished to delay this for as long as possible, He agreed this was probably best, he referred me for a Knee brace, which i now have, and it's a ossur unloader one, when positioned correctly  it offers more or less pain free walking, I will be returning later this year for a new x-ray and a review to see if there have been any significant changes, if not  he will probably discharge me back to my GP, But if in the meantime it worsens suddenly  they will admit me for the surgery without waiting months

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