new member

marion1952

Hi I am a new member, although have been reading the messages for some time now. I developed RA very suddenly 2 years ago (from my jaw down to my toes!) and now also have OA. I am on methotrexate 15 mg injection and up to 3 months ago it was working well, but, disappointingly, since Christmas I have been having lots of flares, so am just about to add hydroxy and if that doesn't work will be considered for anti-tnfs. I am also having a THR at the end of April, which is a bit scary. Thanks to all of you who, without knowing it, have helped me over the last 18 months..

Marion x

cutieclaire

Hi I just wanted to say a big hello and welcome to the forum.

I do hope your flares calm down very soon and that your medication starts to work.

The forum is a fantastic place and the people are great.

Love and Best Wishes

Claire
xxxxxx

elnafinn

Hi Marion

We are all so pleased you have finally joined us and that we have helped you over the past months. You will get so much support and help on here. Many have had a THR and so just ask any questions and they will help you.

I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and how very severe it is too. Plus having OA as well, that is too much. You are one brave lady. Let's hope the hydroxy helps but if not then there are the anti-tnfs.

We look forward to seeing you posting more in the future. What date are you having your hip op this month?

Luv
Elna x

marion1952

Hi Elna and Claire

Thanks for your welcome.

Am just waiting for the exact date of my hip op, but I have been told it will be done by 3rd May at the latest, as I come under the '18 week promise' - ie - it has to be done by 18 weeks after my GP wrote to the hospital (and my GP referred me at the beginning of December). I will be in good hands (Wrightington Hospital) but am worried about managing my (very steep) stairs afterwards and also the risk of a blood clot!! The Council has delivered my equipment already (high seated chair, toilet surround, 'grabbers' etc) and I'm making lists of all I need to do before I go in!

Marion

suncatcher

Hi there welcome to the forum hope you enjoy it. everyone is friendly and supportive here. hope to see you posting often from joanne

wibberley

Hi Marion and welcome,

My cousin has nothing but praise for hydroxy, and I hope it helps you too.

Lois x

dorcas

Hello Marion and welcome to the forum from me too.
so glad you have decided to come out of the shadow to join us :!:

You've had such a lot to deal with in such a short period of time and I admire your ability to cope with all of the sudden changes that arther has brought.......x

You also sound really well prepared and organised for your THR.!

There are lots of peeps here who have gone through the same op and I'm sure they will let you know what to expect and how they dealt with practical issues post op.

It will be lovely getting to know you too so keep posting.

everyone is really friendly and supportive so please join us on any of the forums.
Iris x

hileena111

Hi Marion,
Welcome to the forum......I cant say anything about the RA....and the meds. except to say that I'm sorry you are suffering so much...I have OA in both hips and ankle ....I'm 7 weeks post op THR.
As far as the blood clot is concerned there is nothing to worry about....they will give you injections in the hospital {in your stomach} and then you continue them for a while when you go home. Of course ...you have the passion killers to wear for the 6 weeks after your op LOL LOL.....if you've never seen them you're in for a surprise....white stocking, very tight, and you wear them day and night or at least I had to.
The stairs.....mine arent particularly steep....just normal LOL but that wasnt much of a problem.......you use one stick/crutch and the bannisters and you put your good leg {un operated one} up first, then the op one onto the same step. I was told the good leg {not op on} goes to heaven and the bad leg {op one} goes down to hell....remember it that way LOL or stick a note at the bottom and the top of the stairs LOL...coming down......the op. one goes first {down to hell} and the good one stays in heaven LOL....Thats what the physio told us. Any questions just fire away....someone else will soon find them and everyones op is different. Love Hileena

elnafinn

Hi Marion,

Wow, you are prepared for the THR! That is great! The medics are very aware of "blood clots" and as Hileena says you will have the tight stocking thingys. :roll: Two years ago I had a TKR and had the injections in hosp and than had to continue for a few days at home. This year when I had another TKR I had pills instead of injections. Every hospital is different but you will be looked after over that. I am sure the steps upto where you live will not be an issue for you once you are home.

Do let us know when you get a firm date. We like to know these things

Luv
Elna x

speedalong

Hi Marion, welcome to the forum - good you have decided to start posting. I had my first THR 13 years ago and am waiting for resurface/replacement anytime soon. By my reckoning 18 week rule for early Dec referral runs out mid/end March ... so your op should be soon ... hope mine is too ...

Don't worry about the stairs, physios will teach you how- though you might want to organise your day for minimum trips up and down. Do you have a downstairs loo?

Speedalong

snowball

marion1952 wrote:

Hi I am a new member, although have been reading the messages for some time now. I developed RA very suddenly 2 years ago (from my jaw down to my toes!) and now also have OA. I am on methotrexate 15 mg injection and up to 3 months ago it was working well, but, disappointingly, since Christmas I have been having lots of flares, so am just about to add hydroxy and if that doesn't work will be considered for anti-tnfs. I am also having a THR at the end of April, which is a bit scary. Thanks to all of you who, without knowing it, have helped me over the last 18 months..

Marion x

Hi marion i have r/a too was diagnosed 5 years age i'm on mtx and was on leflunomide but it has been stopped because of high bp. I was wondering what hydroxy is not heard of that one. The hospital think i might be starting with oa as well. Good luck with your THR hope it goes well. Take care.

Julie

dolittle

Hi Marion,
Just to say hello, there.

Wrightington Hospital! Wow, it's got a very good reputation. Wish you all the best. Let us know how you get on.
Dolittle

marion1952

Thanks for all your welcomes and good wishes... it's great to be in touch with people who truly understand..

Thanks for the THR information Hileena - I will probably be asking you more questions over the forthcoming weeks!

Snowball - hydroxychloroquine (plaquenil) is the antimalarial drug. It's a fairly 'benign' drug, so doesn't have the dramatic effects of anti-tnfs.. but taken in combination with, eg, methotrexate, it can help some people. It can cause nausea though, and you also have to have an annual eye test as in very rare cases it can cause eye problems.

Well - best get ready for work now! I am finding this site addictive already!

Marion x

snowball

marion1952 wrote:

Thanks for all your welcomes and good wishes... it's great to be in touch with people who truly understand..

Thanks for the THR information Hileena - I will probably be asking you more questions over the forthcoming weeks!

Snowball - hydroxychloroquine (plaquenil) is the antimalarial drug. It's a fairly 'benign' drug, so doesn't have the dramatic effects of anti-tnfs.. but taken in combination with, eg, methotrexate, it can help some people. It can cause nausea though, and you also have to have an annual eye test as in very rare cases it can cause eye problems.

Well - best get ready for work now! I am finding this site addictive already!

Marion x

Thanks Marion hope you have a nice day.
Julie

mummyb

Hi There

I'm new to this site too and like you have had a really warm welcome, so I just wanted to add my best wishes to those you have already received. I have been overwhelmed by the support shown to me in such a short time and like you its such a relief to find people who truly understand. So sorry to hear that you're having such a hard time at the mo. My mum had a hip replacement a couple of years ago and made a good recovery, its made such a difference to her life and I hope it does the same for you.

Looking forward to hearing your progress, welcome and best wishes
Brenda

dippydoodah

Hi Marion
Welcome to the site, Im sure you'll get the much needed support from the lovely people here.
I suffer from OA rather than RA but just wanted to say hi.
Caroline x