Can anyone help?

angel1
angel1 Bots Posts: 1,464
edited 15. May 2009, 11:52 in Living with Arthritis archive
Two years ago I had TKR, which was extremely successful. Out of hospital within three days, using just one stick. Pain free, and full mobility. I couldn`t believe it! Surgeon was delighted, and said that he would operate on my ankle as soon as I felt ready. However, when I went to see my GP - who I have great respect for - she advised me to leave it until it became unbearable. She said that the success rate for this procedure was not high, and that she knew of cases where things had been made worse by it. Naturally, I left it. Now, though, "unbearable " is here, and I don`t know what to do. I live alone, and can`t afford to take risks. Has anyone had this done? Could you share your experiences with me please? I`m feeling a bit lost. Thank you.....Angel.

Comments

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,880
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Angel
    Sorry i have no experience of this, but 'unbearabel is just that UNBEARABLE.
    If I were you I'd google it and see what you get.
    Also get a referral to the surgeon and at the very least discuss it with him.
    You had goo dresults with him before didn't you? So you must be able to trust him.
    Take care
    Toni xx
  • vonski
    vonski Member Posts: 1,292
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Angel

    Sorry I can't really offer much help here. I know people that have had the op and for some have had great results and not so good for others. Only thing I can say is that you had good results from your last op so talk it through with the consultant and take it from there.

    Love
    Vonski x
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Angel,

    I'm sorry it's now unbearable and I think Toni is right, get on to the surgeon and see what he has to offer and then make your decision.

    I often use the list of pros's one side and con's the other..... I know it's sad but it does help me to get where I am going.

    As to what they do I don't know but I did have a badly broken ankle and femur years ago and they put me back together with some plates and pins etc and for me it worked very well indeed. Its gone arthritic to a point now but that opp and a few others have left me very pro surgery I am afraid and if you can get rid of some pain I go for it.

    Like you I live 'alone' and my employers are totally dependent on me being able to 'do' for them but, for me, talking to the people who do the opps and finding out as much as I can is a good way of deciding where to go with it.

    I think there are some old posts on ankle fusions and maybe if you go on a trawl you can find some? Take care and don't rush the decision either way but talk to the surgeon and see what he has to say. Cris