orthokine

sanje48
sanje48 Member Posts: 2
edited 16. Feb 2010, 15:34 in Living with Arthritis archive
hello to everyone on the forum. I'm new to this so hope I get it right!
I would really appreciate any comments from others who have experienced my problem. I have had RA for 8 years now, it started in my wrists but has been very well controlled with Sulfasalazine and recently Plaquenil added. Plus 200/400mg celebrex most days.
A couple of years ago I started to have problems with my ankles and this has now got so bad that I have difficulty walking any distance.
The ankle problem is apparently OA made worse by the presence of RA.
I've been told that an ankle replacement is a possibility but advised by the consultant to wait for a few years as
a) the replacement joint probably only has a life of 15 years and he thought I was too young at 61.
and
b) I still had some cartiledge left
I've recently been reading about a new (to UK) treatment called Orthokine which supposedly can arrest the progress of arthritis and give great relief. I dont think it s available on the NHS and seems expensive.
Does anyone have any experience of Orthokine treatment or ankle replacement? thanks

Comments

  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, I'm sorry, but I've not heard of the drug. Personally, I'd get advice from an NHS doctor, maybe your rheummy. Have you googled it? You may well find something on there. As for the surgery, I know that some surgeons don't like operating on people they class as 'too young' but if its ruining your quality of life, then I'd push for it, if possible. After all we only can be sure of the life we have at the moment! :wink:

    Someone may be along soon, who will have heard of the drug.
    Good luck, love Sue
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sanje,

    Welcome to the forum they are a good lot here. I have oa and pa and have had both a few years now. I don't know about the drug/treatment but if it was really good wouldn't it be available on the NHS? Is t very new then? A lot of people far younger than you have had joint replacements so I not really sure how any of it works to be honest and as Sue said I would ask your consultant as they are bound to have a better idea. Hope you can find something to help and suit you. Take care Cris
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,880
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sanje

    First of all a verty big welcome to the forums from me :)

    had a quick look on the ARC site and it looks really interesting doesn't it? Are you going to be able to get it?

    Sounds as though it's been effective in other parts of the body - spine and knees....

    Would be interested to hear if you satrt on it how you get on

    Love

    Toni x
  • dolittle
    dolittle Member Posts: 240
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sanje,
    Welcome to the forum - you'll get a lot of support from the folk here.

    Thanks for mentioning this. I've never heard of it. Let us know how you go on if you take it up.
    I have ankles like yours, but my cartilage has all but gone and it's very painful. They dismissed an ankle replacement - said they are not entirely successful. They want to fuse mine, but I'll have to wait to get the house sorted out before I can do it - wheelchair access etc.
    Good luck
    Dolittle

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