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Rheumatoid for 17yrs and finally face knee replacement - scared!

Posted , 5 users are following.

deborah67573
deborah67573

Hi

I know I could post this discussion about total knee replacement on the knee forum, but my orthepedic surgeon has stressed so much that I am not an osteoarthritic patient and that my circumstances are so different, I thought I'd better stay amongst my rheumy friends.

Not had the best care, I feel- lack of xrays, monitoring,lack of biologics until it was too late, no investigations and just fortnightly draining and steroids and now I face two new knees at 47, still working full time and two children.  To say I was shocked was an understatement as I had trusted in the care provided.

This Saturday I'm having my first knee replacement.  Surgeon has made it clear that risk of infection is higher, recovery slower, chances of revision surgery higher, low immune system, op more tricky etc, etc ......as if it wasn't scary enough.

Have any other rheumy patients out there had experience of a TKR.  I'd love to hear how you got on and how you felt.

Despite the fear, I am looking forward to a rheumy free knee and maybe even walking instead of shuffling this summer.

Thanks in anticipation.....keep well everyone.

D

3 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • lodgerUK_NE
    lodgerUK_NE deborah67573

    Posted

    If you don't have osteo arthritis why are you having knee replacements?  Have you asked the question? .

     Is your consultant and orthopaedic surgeon.

    I cannot tell you about knee replacement, but I can tell you about two ladies, one in her 80's who both had hip replacements whilst on pred and had no bother at all.

    I don't understand all this about risk infection, low immune system etc, as long as they know how many steroids you are on and how long, they compensate for this.   They even do heart ops on people with pred.

    Each hospital. l tests  you beforehand at the pre-op stage for both MRSA and C-diff and you are given special stuff to shower with for 5 days beforehand. 

    In fact, if you are admitted to A&E these days, they automatically test for C-diff and MRSA.  How do I know, I have been hospitalized twice since March and scheduled for an op next week.

    • deborah67573
      deborah67573 lodgerUK_NE

      Posted

      Thanks for your note- that's comforting.

      The damage to my knees has been caused by synovial fluid and not wear and tear arthritis.  

      The orthopaedic surgeon has clearly said that rheumy bones are not as good to bond implants to and therefore revision is likely and likely sooner than osteo.

      In terms of the infections, I have been swabbed and am using the wash and nasal medications you refer to in prep for the op this weekend. The surgeon has liaised with the Rheumatologist and I have had to stop my biologics and methotrexate  either side of the op to boost my suppressed immune system.  I can feel a flare up rumbling already.

      I haven't taken prednisolin for about 8 years as it was affecting bone density.

      I am sure I am in good hands though.  I was just wondering what other RA TKR patient experiences  were.

      Thanks 

      D

  • chris65956
    chris65956 deborah67573

    Posted

    Hi Deborah

    I had a TNK almost 3 years ago, mine was due to wear and tear mainly but I also have RA in most joints too. I was lucky to have mine done under the NHS but in a private hospital because of the waiting lists so the place was spotlessly clean and I did not pick up any infection. I have to say that even having had 3 children and 2 of them being caesars the pain was considerable afterwards but I took as many pain killers as I could and afterwards did all the physio religiously and discovered that the hydrotherapy sessions were a great help so paid for 4 extra - £15 at my hospital and really felt the benefit.

    I am so pleased I had it done now as I can walk without pain and as long as I take care and don't run any marathons the new knee should last me as long as I need it, I'm 66 now. My Grandsons call it my Bionic knee! I have lots of RA problems but my knee is fine and I would not hasitate to go ahead. You may find that you do not need to have the second one done after all as I did but if it proves necessary I would certainly go ahead.

    Good luck, will be thinking of you on Saturday.

    • deborah67573
      deborah67573 chris65956

      Posted

      Hi Chris

      Thanks for your note.  That gives me a bit of comfort.  I am braced for a fair bit of pain afterwards, as you say.  I will make sure I keep up with the strong painkillers though.  

      It sounds like you have no regrets.  It's got to be better than the current situation.

      Thanks for taking the time to write.  It's always a boost to hear from someone that understands.

      Best wishes.

      D

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