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Total Elbow Replacement - I have had this done. Anyone else?

Posted , 57 users are following.

jaw1204
jaw1204

In June 2014 I had my left elbow replaced.  At the present time this is 9 weeks ago. I have had good progress but concerned about doing anything that will make it come loose.

Has anyone else had the same operation and how has it been and has there been any problem with the joint coming loose? 

1 like, 264 replies

264 Replies

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  • ihavenonickname
    ihavenonickname jaw1204

    Posted

    Hi Jayne

    Lots of big warm hugs....but move over in that damnable boat, I want to sit down beside you.

    Age 11, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Was 65 last month. Rheumatoids, disbetics, and HIV oeople are the worst for infection...have a full blown port, a Bard power port...vancomycin is the choice when I must fight infection.

    I sjower twice very thoroughly top to bottom morning of surgery. The hospital then scrubs me down top to bottom with chlorhexadiene, preparing the operation site twice...more in the actual theater...my surgeries are always the first of the day so that the theater is at it's optimum for germ free.

    My surgeries began in 1971...I sported the original wrist implant, had the original MCPs as well. I tested the first TENSunit before it went to market. I have had medication prescribed to me that leave today's physicians just shaking their heads.

    So Aug 30 I received the first of two shiny new elbows...love it. January will be a right DRUJ, February a right shoulder, August a choice between left elbow or a fourth revision of my right hand...with a left shoulder and left hand third revision thrown in somewhere.

    Then off to make a full body xray poster size as a gift to my docs... nope, I have a right hip, right femur. right knee, rught ankle too.

    I refuse to allow this damnable disease beat me. I live despite the disease.

    So very nice to make your acquaintance!

    kind regards

    judith

    • pknaturgrl
      pknaturgrl ihavenonickname

      Posted

      Judith,

      DO your joints just sort of erode? Have you ever had cysts in your joints? I am also having multi joint breakdown, and now my L wrist has announced itself as in trouble, since I was using that arm more the past few years to compensate for a weak R elbow. They just took Xrays and its a mess in there, worse than my elbow was. My feet are also hurting, so it may be happenning there too. I do not have RA, but some unknown autoimmune disease that is eroding my bones and teeth. Have you ever heard or this?

  • animiki
    animiki jaw1204

    Posted

    Elbow Replacement UK

    Hello, Hope you are getting along nicely now.  I am now researching UK for best doctor to do an elbow replacement and see you did some extensive research prior to your surgery. Can you tell me who you selected?  Since it is not so common, I want to find an expert in the field. 

    Anyone else out there had a recent experience?

    • pknaturgrl
      pknaturgrl animiki

      Posted

      I live in the US in New Mexico. I used Dr. Eric Benson at the University of New Mexico Hospital here in Albuquerque He is our regional expert and only two ortho surgeons here in NM (out of almost 200 ortho surgeons) do this surgery. I am sure this won't help you much in the UK, but this I know: get someone who has done it before multiple times successfully, not just a general ortho surgeon.In the US we have specialists in each area of orthopedics, so Dr. Bensons specializes in elbow and shoulder problems.

      Also, maybe there are others in the UK who can say who you used/researched/ or would reccommend?

    • jaw1204
      jaw1204 animiki

      Posted

      I had a surgeon at Thornbury Hospital in Sheffield. Mr David Stanley. It took me 6 weeks of investigation after I broke my arm, and 9 consultants before I decided that Mr Stanley would be my best option. He also trains others and corrects mistakes done elsewhere. My arm has not given me any problems and he checks it every 12 months to ensure it is not coming loose.

      best regards

      Jeanette 

      best regards

      Jeanette   

    • animiki
      animiki jaw1204

      Posted

      Hello

      Can you tell us what year, month your surgery was done? Privately or NHS? Do you still see him? We were told he is retired? :-( Thank you for sharing...

    • jaw1204
      jaw1204 animiki

      Posted

      Hi my operation was done privately 2 and half years ago. I saw him last June for a review. At the time he was working 2 days a week I think. He did say he may be retired by my next visit which is this June.

      He is very good if you can get him.

    • animiki
      animiki jaw1204

      Posted

      Thank you kindly for this information

      I am afraid he is retired so I will see if he will refer me.

      Kindest regards

      Animiki

  • ihavenonickname
    ihavenonickname jaw1204

    Posted

    David Weinstein

    Center for Orthopaedic Excellence

    Colorado Springs. Colorado USA

    He is head physician for Team USA and travels with them all over the world for competitions.

    Colorado Springs has the nickname: Olympic City USA

    because we are home to the USA Olympic Training Center, because we are headquarters for more sports federations than any other place in the world...

    I will ask him for you...see him in about three weeks for a check up on my right total elbow.

    In the USA, about 2,000 elbows are replaced per year...

    I have no doubt that University of Edinburgh or another esteemed university with an associated medical school is where I would look.

    kind regards

  • maureen68763
    maureen68763 jaw1204

    Posted

    Hello Everyone, jaw you mentioned that you could eat, brush your teeth and could use cutlery right away, you must not have had to wear a splint? I won't be seeing my doctor again until I have surgery so I don't know what he does or if it is on a case by case basis.

    Some of you are asking about surgeons, in Canada your GP refers you to a surgeon. Of course if you have a particular surgeon you would like to see then that is the surgeon you will be referred too.

    Thanks for your help again, Maureen

    • jaw1204
      jaw1204 maureen68763

      Posted

      Hi Maureen

      I have never had a splint. The moment the surgeon took the paster off after 2 weeks I had full use of my arm - with weight restruictions as discussed. It is essential you have a very good surgeon. That is the key.

      Best regards

      Jeanette (UK) 

    • maureen68763
      maureen68763 jaw1204

      Posted

      Thanks Jeanette,

      When the plaster was removed were your staples or stitches removed at that time? I feel very comfortable with the surgeon that will be doing my arm he specializes only in wrist and elbow surgery. The surgeon that did my knee and hip specialized in hips and knees. Being from the UK you will know Kings College, both of these doctor's fly to England every year to teach at the College. They are also Professor's at the university here. Our health care system is much like the NHS. My Mum was born in London so I have very close ties to England.

      Cheers, Maureen

    • jaw1204
      jaw1204 maureen68763

      Posted

      Hi Maureen 

      I think the stitches came out a week after my plaster. I cant remember exactly.  I left with no sling, no plaster, no pain  and able to use my arm, with weight restrictions.

      Best regards

       Jeanette

       

  • ihavenonickname
    ihavenonickname jaw1204

    Posted

    yes, 30 pounds.

    My next followup is Dec 19 so I will clarify at that time

    • pknaturgrl
      pknaturgrl ihavenonickname

      Posted

      I checked with my Dr on the 30 # limit and he siad there are varying opinions about what is safe to do, he prefers to be conservative since it is only a hinge joint and can wear out easily, I am to keep to 2-5 pounds the rest of my life, and only 2 pounds for now till I am stronger.
    • jaw1204
      jaw1204 pknaturgrl

      Posted

      That is the same advice that I had. I think it is better to stick within the ranew rather than risk it working lose and needing another replacement in less time than might otherwise be the case.

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