PMR and knee replacements

Dan, I've had PMR since 2011. I have had 3 surgeries during this time. One to open a blocked Sphenoid sinus, a TKR ,and a scope on the other "good" knee. And last December a lower back surgery. I was always below 10mg and also on Methotrexate for 3of them. I've been off the MTX a year now. And at 2 mg. But i have to email my rheumatologist because my inflammation is returning. Before my TKR I was told it's going to hurt, and she was spot on! But after two months I knew it was worth it. You'll get through it if you do what surgeon tells you and be faithfull to the physical therapy after your surgeries.

Hope the best, Geo. in Illinois

I had a hip replacement, my surgeon wanted me on zero pred. In the end we negotiated 5mg!!

I had one knee replacement at almost age 79, had PMR for almost 3 years, had been at 6 mgs pred for almost a year, with two steroid shots a year in both knees previous to the operation. A month or two before the op, the dr gave me a steroid shot in both knees and one in my left hip bothered by bursitis. The knee op was successful but the blood thinner they gave me after opened up an unknown ulcer created by Ibuprofen, taken for months before PMR diagnosis.

The hospital gets you up the same day for walks and sends you home after three days. I was there for six because of the ulcer. I had a lot of swelling in both legs. Icing took care of that eventually. A PT nurse visited me twice a week for over a month and then I went to physical therapy.

The replaced knee had been damaged by twists and falls. At the beginning of PMR, both knees became swollen and had to be drained. My "good" knee is still good in spite of xrays which show no cartilage. A few months after the op I recall having a flare and having to up my pred dose to 9, ending up with 7 mgs for quite a while. Probably because I no longer got steroid shots.

I am now 81, in my fifth year of PMR, am reducing to 4.5 mgs pred, and have no trouble with the knees. Having both knees replaced would be limiting. I would not be able to get in and out of the tub. A replaced knee does not have the flexibility of a real one. I can't imagine having both done and at the same time. It seems to be a"man" thing as I know two who have done that recently. Check out Chico Marx's comments on the PATIENT knee replacement forum. He lists alternatives.

Peggy in Oregon

I had a hip replacement when I had been on Pred. for five years and had reduced to 1mg. It was emphasised that on no account should I reduce any further until getting the all clear at my six week post op. check up. I think it was a case of don't upset the apple cart. All was well but I took my time reducing to zero just in case. Best of luck.

Hi Dan - was just thinking about you a day or two ago! Good to hear from you but not so good given the reason!

I don't know about here but I'm pretty sure there are a few who have had knees done on the other PMRGCA forum at HealthUnlocked. And I'm equally sure I know of someone who has had a double knee replacement but please don't ask me who!!!!

Thanks, Eileen

Really glad to see that you have kept the faith, and I hope that your symptoms have diminished. We had some similarities, but I seem to remember my remissions were more pronounced than yours. I've been lightly monitoring the forum, thank you for your service.

As a self diagnosed observation, I think the knee bone grinding has elevated my PMR / RS3PE symptoms to the point of precipitating my increase from 0 pred to 1 mg every 3 days. As we have discussed, trauma is a precipitating factor for my PMR responses.

Best to you, and all here.

Dan