Joints - what's your opinion?

mrsdalloway

Linda you hurt my head with this post! lol I was 35 when I had my tkr prior to that they made me walk on a knee that was bone on bone for 18 months! They also told me initially to come back when I was 50 because I was too young to have it done. I was virtually bent double and walked, well shuffled with a stick. the pain was excrutiating and we know a thing or two about pain! The thing that really annoyed me was when I went for an information session prior to my op I was the only one in a room of about 15 who worked. That depressed me because I had to really fight for that operation, whilst still working, looking after 2 young children and a house! So what I would like to know is how the hell these friends of yours have managed to convince consultants to do their ops? Is this a case of age discrimination in reverse?? lol x

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ouch! mis dalloway that sounds so painful i feel quite week now.

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thanks for this thread linda i have found it very interesting, god help me when i need something replaced, bravery is something i have never had much of. :oops:

lindalegs

Mrsdalloway - as an apology I'd like you to come into my parlour and have a seat, would you like a complimentary painkiller for your headache I have a whole cupboardful to choose from

I, too, was bone on bone before I got my TKRs so I know what you went through.

I suppose, if I'm totally honest, I'm jealous, resentful and incredulous they're able to have them done when they appear to be moving around like healthy 20 year olds :roll:

Luv Legs, who I think has just had a micro rant :oops:

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sorry mods

suzster

pixyandfaries wrote:

read the topic and thought you were asking if smokin joints helped arther !!!!!!!!!!!! :shock:

the same thought popped into my head!!!
i reckon it would help jan!
sue

mrsdalloway

lindalegs wrote:

Mrsdalloway - as an apology I'd like you to come into my parlour and have a seat, would you like a complimentary painkiller for your headache I have a whole cupboardful to choose from

I, too, was bone on bone before I got my TKRs so I know what you went through.

I suppose, if I'm totally honest, I'm jealous, resentful and incredulous they're able to have them done when they appear to be moving around like healthy 20 year olds :roll:

Luv Legs, who I think has just had a micro rant :oops:

Yes me too! I always have a little chuckle to myself when I see people with walking aids who move faster than I do! I can't use my stick now even on bad days as my hands are sometimes that painful, so it is a case of just shuffling along! However, may have to change supermarket as just lately the amount of times I have had to dive amongst the beans to dodge the mobile scooters is unbelievable and quite scary! I understand, like we all do on here about the need for them but maybe a little understanding both ways wouldn't go amiss. Maybe some should be given a 'driving' test before being let loose! Ok Linda pass the painkillers my head is hurting again! x

penfactor

Hi Linda & everyone!
People say I am young to have had a THR But I had to stop work & start using a stick permanently in January. I was in agony all the time including in bed at night & could only go at a snail's pace.
The consultant told me I needed the new hip & when you are told that by an expert, you listen!
The op hasn't been a total success as I have a problem with leg length now however this is one of the risks, & my right knee is now considerably worse but it has been trouble & mis-shapen for years. I am shocked that these people you know are having ops when they seem OK - I didn't know that was possible.
Feel a bit upset by this thread, actually as don't want people thinking I am a wuss or stupid.
Pennie x

lindalegs

penfactor wrote:

Hi Linda & everyone!
People say I am young to have had a THR But I had to stop work & start using a stick permanently in January. I was in agony all the time including in bed at night & could only go at a snail's pace........I am shocked that these people you know are having ops when they seem OK - I didn't know that was possible.

Feel a bit upset by this thread, actually as don't want people thinking I am a wuss or stupid.
Pennie x

Hi Pennie,

Please don't be upset - no one would ever consider you a wuss (is that some kind of cat, then :? ) and never stupid - as I'm sure you would never judge anyone else on here to be those things. We're all here to help each other.

I, too, have a leg slightly shorter than the other from when my knees were replaced - I think it's just one of those drawbacks - could be because I had a surgeon on each leg at the time - a man and a woman - something to do with men and how they size things

Luv from hop-along Legs

elnafinn

Dear Pennie,

I have sent you a little PM.

Love
Elna x()

maccajo

lindalegs wrote:

Hi All,

Do they do joint replacements earlier than they used to nowadays?

Friend 1 - having a knee replacement. The week before the op I watched her walk alone down a steep incline with no handrail and no walking aids :shock: Friend 2 - having knee replacement, stands for ages and walks without walking aids and not a limp in sight, gets on and off seats elegantly and easily. :shock: Friend 3 - having hip replacement, does a 30 minute walk home after class pulling a heavy shopping trolley, no limp, no walking stick :shock:

Before I had my knees replaced I was in a wheelchair, very knock-kneed, struggled getting on and off seating and basically could barely put one foot in front of another. :?

Has the thinking changed nowadays and they do them before it's essential? If they're put it in earlier than necessary wouldn't it still mean the artificial joint wears out earlier too and then a revision is needed before time?

I really am confused about this :?

Luv Legs

who's been
scratching her head and thinking

Hi Lindalegs,
After reading the above, recently being diagnosed with PR and likely to go on to develop RA, I wonder how long on average people have it before joints need replacing. My shoulder feels ready now/
Just a thought?

maccajo x

lindalegs

Hi Maccajo,

I don't think there is an average as all arthritis comes in different strains and some are more aggressive than others. My RA is very aggressive and has badly damaged all my joints (some have stopped moving altogether :roll: ) but I didn't get my new knees till I'd had RA for 14 years.

Your shoulder could well settle down yet, although you may be having great difficulties at the moment. Try to keep moving it by very gentle exercise, ice packs and/or heat packs can help reduce both inflammation and pain. (Ignore that if you're doing those things already.)

It all depends on the damage and erosion done to the bone which will show up on x-ray and if this is bad enough then your Rheumy will refer you to a surgeon - although there could be other things done to help before joint replacement - this is usually the last resort. Always tell your consultant when a joint in particular is bothering you because they can often give a steroid injection straight into the joint which can help it to settle down.

Hope this helps and by the way, welcome to posting from me.

Luv Legs