RA and a below knee amputation

julie47
julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
edited 8. Aug 2010, 09:50 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi every one
I just wondered is there any one else with a below knee amputation as well as having severe RA. I am always having problems, and have long periods where I am unable to wear my leg.
Having RA is bad enough but having to try to transfer from wheelchair to stairlift and other places round the home is really difficult. How do you cope. I am going for a small opp on the stump to remove a bursa and hopefully I will be able to wear the leg again. I have been amputee for 5 years and had RA for 22.
I have a husband who is brilliant but he works so that leaves all day to struggle.
Julie :)
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Comments

  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Julie :D

    I don't have any experience of managing with RA and an amputation but just wanted to say welcome and hope you'll find the forum a good and supportive place to be. :wink:

    Iris x
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,087
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Julie

    good to meet you - I have no experience but I know how painful bursa can be and hope the op solves the issue for you.

    Good you have a lovely husband to help when he isnt working like mad :)

    You atke care and do stick around - we are a lovely bunch :wink:

    Toni xx
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Julie
    And a very warm welcome..
    Sorry I cant help with your question, hopefully someone will be around soon
    I do hope you will stay around, we are a friendly lot, and like to support one another.
    You take care
    Love
    Barbara xx
    Love
    Barbara
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you for your kind welcome babycham and dorcass
    I am sure I will find this forum Interesting and informative
    Plus make new friends
    Julie x
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,398
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Julie and a big welcome from me too.

    You need Trisher but from what I understand she's not too well at the moment .....hopefully she'll be in touch soon ...cos that means she's better :)

    Luv Legs :D
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi julie47. I have no answer. You brave girl. I wish I could say something but honestly hun, I ain't got a clue. I know of at least one other forum member who has had an amputation - I hope she spots this and can be more constructive. I am so sorry. Dreamdaisy
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Julie,

    welcome to the forum. You sound like you have a lot to deal with and need to be very resourceful. Do you receive any help or services during the day?

    Do you have a date through for the removal of the bursa? How long will you have to wait for healing to take place before you can try using your prosthesis again.

    Hopefully Trisher will be up to posting again soon.

    Speedy
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    In reply to speedys question, I will have the bursa removed on 11th august. I hope I will be able to wear leg as soon as the stitches come out. Thats if the leg still fits. If not It's a visit to the prosthetics and yet another waiting game.
    My mum helps on a weekly basis doing things I can't do. eg Scrub floor properly and change bedding. My husband also helps but doesnt have much time as he is working.
    I would also like to thank every one for your welcome.
    Julie x
  • marion1952
    marion1952 Member Posts: 963
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Julie

    Welcome to the Forum. I have RA too, so I can appreciate how difficult it is to move around with the pain/stiffnes/swelling associated with that, but, gosh, you have a 'double whammy' - with the amputation to contend with too!

    I do hope they can sort out the bursa for you on 11th August and that the leg still fits OK after that.

    Sorry, I can't help you with any tips about transferring from one place to another, but hopefully someone will be along soon with some suggestions for you..

    Please keep posting and let us know how things go for you.

    Marion
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    GRRR!!! Just lost my post somehow ... let's start again!!!

    HI Julie,

    so not long to your op then? That is good. According to peeps on here - those with inflammatory arthritis take a little longer than those without to heal due to the meds they take - but even so, you could be walking again by the end of the month.

    Have you had a recent OT assessment? They are great at finding ways to help with daily life challenges and are pretty hot on things like transfers. The might be able to suggest (and provide) some equipment or ideas to help you.

    Keep us updated.

    Speedy
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • trisher
    trisher Member Posts: 9,263
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Julie

    Nice to meet you. Welcome to the Forum.

    I'm not a below knee amputee. I have had both legs amputated above knee. I also have RA/OA/PsA plus a lot more medical problems which makes life harder.

    I used to be a below knee amputee at one time so I do know where you are coming from also how hard life can be, I also know what walking is like too.

    In the hot weather we have had it can make life very miserable trying to wear a leg.
    At times the stump can get very very sore and trying to wear the leg can be unbearable.

    I'm sure having a Bursa is not helping you. When you have had it done you will have to wait until the stitches are out and the wound healed properly.

    If you would like we can have a chat you can PM at any time. I will answer as soon as I can.

    If you have questions, fire away I do not mind whatever you ask. I will try and help you through this, also give you some tips on transferring.

    It can be a struggle on it's own without adding Arthur to it.

    I have a stairlift, a hoist for the bath, an indoor electric chair, have you got one those?

    Well Julie as I said PM me if you would rather do that, Whatever makes you feel more comfortable.

    Sending you some ((((()))

    Love Trish xxx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Morning julie, I hope all is as well as it can be with you today. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • carola
    carola Member Posts: 786
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Julie

    Welcome to this site.

    How you Gals cope with Arthritis as well I do not know - I doff my cap to you.

    I don't have any advice but hope you have a decent day today.

    Carol :lol:
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi to every one
    I have come to the conclusion as I was balancing my self against the work top. I must have been a flamingo in a past life. My face is always pink with huffin an puffin and I obviously try to stand on one leg. Trouble is that leg is as bent as john waynes lol. So i am more like tower of pizza.
    Love hearing all your comments
    You are a great bunch
    Love you all
    Julie xx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    No wonder you chose a pink fish as your avatar! At least you approach things with humour - it does make a difference if you can laugh at a) yourself and b) the circumstances in which one finds oneself. That doesn't mean to say that you don't feel it keenly - of course you do, but laughing does take the edge off. You can spot those who lack humour a mile off. Thinking of you today - I think I've followed you thro various threads already! DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Julie,

    Welcome form me as well, they are a good lot here.

    I think this life I am morphing into a gorilla actually, I walk and stand like one half the time.... :wink:

    Good luck for the 11th, I hope that will help you so much and you will be able to wear your leg again. Let it heal first though! I just wondered if you need your leg checking to see if it still fits properly? I guess they will d that it though as a matter of course after the op?

    I wish I had some answers for you but nice to meet you and hope you stick around. Cris x
  • ironic
    ironic Member Posts: 2,361
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Julie, Just wanted to say Hi and welcome to the forum.
    Hope all goes well for you on the 11th.

    Let us know how you go on.

    Lv, Ix
  • annie_mial
    annie_mial Member Posts: 5,614
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Wanted to say hello, too..........and Cris is right. When I am bad, hubby calls it the 'robotic gorilla syndrome'

    So don't you worry about being a flamingo!

    Annie
  • trisher
    trisher Member Posts: 9,263
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yes Julie you will need another mould taken after the swelling and everything has healed and settled.

    Good luck for your surgery, Julie I hope you can keep as much as possible below knee.

    Remember as I have said in my pm I'm here for you if you need to talk or you want to know anything so don't be afraid to ask me.

    love Trish xxx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    YOu've done it now, PF. That's colly and me both stuck with the flamingo image. Anywaaaay, I hope you are feeling OK-ish today, and that the sun is shining wherever you are. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Don't know the song PF but I will look out for it.
    It's so nice to hear from you all. I sit here laughing to myself. Normally I am talking to myself so it makes a change.
    Trish you have given me some great advice thankyou.
    I have sent you a email I hope you get it.
    To all my other friends on this site hope you have a groovy day
    lov Juliexx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    We're a pretty good group of people PF. You stick with us girl, we'll see you through. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Lynn

    Thanks for the web link Just watched and laughed my sock off (remember only got one leg)

    I remember the tune now but never took notice of words

    Hope you re having a good day and some one can make you laugh
    julie xxx :lol:
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    You make me laugh! Self-deprecating humour is an art and you have it off to a T. You are a brave woman. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Reply to DD

    I will keep coming on site as I find it helpful and I will need your support leading up to op. (and after)
    At least I can think of you people while he is prodding with my leg.

    Getting pretty nervous, only a week to go.

    I will admit to you all I am a scardy cat I even grip the chair arms at the dentist.

    Told me hubby to do a flask for us as i will need a coffee after :lol:
    He will prob take himself a picnic :lol:
    Excuse for him eating , he is worried. Love Julie xx

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