Hello all ! new here and cofused ....

freeview

Hello everyone and am glad to have found you x
Am 55 with OA in shoulder, spine,knees,elbows and feet ...thank goodness the hips are not too bad !
I have had arthritis since I was in my 30s but the last few years it has been deteriorating quite badly.Had my left knee washed out last Nov and was able to walk for the first time in years but now over the last 2 months my knee is again aching badly and I was wondering when anyone here had their knee replaced? I have been told that I have to wait 10 yrs for knee replacements :x and in all honesty I dont know if I want to live that long like this...whats the point when you cant leave home ?
The only prob is I have a condition called Atrial Fibrillation and am on blood thinners so cannot take anti inflam tabs and nothing is taking the pain away this time ...I am also scared to have the knee replacement as well even if they happened to agree !!!!!!
Am confused hope i didnt ramble on too much in my first post
I see the ortho on the 21st for my check up by the way

Lou x

frogmorton

Hi lou

and welocme from me

You sound to be rather sore If you can't take anti-inflams what do they give you?? Have they tried jabs in yor knees?? and can you have the washout again??

People do get new knees in tehir 50's I have heard. You will hear more from the TKR guys on here soon.

Hope to see yo around and that you find this site as helpful as I do.

Love

Toni xx

speedalong

Hi Lou and welcome,

I have OA hips - had the ops, knees - currently liveable with. (I'm 43.)

From what I have read on here, the age that you can receive a TKR seems to vary from hospital to hospital and orth to ortho ...

If you coped with your health problems and had surgery to "wash out" your knee then why wouldn't you cope with it again for a TKR ... the anaethetist would of course have your medical history.

Ask to be referred to the ortho ... he needs to do x rays and see what the level of deterioration is.

Not able to take anti-inflams ... that is a nightmare.

Speedy

annie_mial

Hi, Freeview, haven't got OA so can't help, but wanted to say welcome to the forum........all those TKR peeps will be along soon, I'm sure.

I have part of your problem, though, I can't take anti-inflams either, that in itself can be a real problem.

Annie

freeview

Thank you Speedy and Toni,
My arthritis is grade 4,so basically there is nothing else that they can do, they were very reluctant to even do the washout...and the washout is minor compared to actual TKR, I take co-codamols 30/500 and tramadol, what's weird is that when I put my weight on the leg its bearable, but when I go to walk ( when the weight is taken off the knee) thats when the pain is at its worse...I dont understand that ,has anyone else had this ? My spine also need surgery but I am not even going down that road am just fed up I guess .. :?

Not able to take anti-inflams ... that is a nightmare.

Speedy[/quote]

frogmorton

Hi freeveiw

I had my back done 7 years ago and it's pretty well ok now

I reckon you could get the knees done with some pressure. You think its the angle taht the knee is at when you take your weight that helps??

Then when you step off - is it maybe in a different position??

Will shut up till the TKR guys happen along

LOve

Toni xx

barbara12

Hi Freeveiw and welcome
I really feel for you, I was taken of my anti inflammatories just today, I am missing them already.
Our Elna has had both knees replaced, she should be along shortly, I am so glad you have joined us, everyone are so supportive, it does help alot to talk about it.
Have you been referred to a pain clinic, it can be so hit and miss with pain meds, they should be able to help.
Here are some hugs to keep you going ((((((())))))
Love
Barbara xx

freeview

Hi Barbara and everyone
Thanks for taking the time to read and reply x
I have read many times that "you know when you will need surgery" but you put up with so much and restrict your life according to this condition, that in the end you begin to believe that the little world that you live in is all there is ..if that makes any sense... ?
Its just dawned on me how little I venture outside, the last time I had a holiday with my children was 4yrs ago and ended up having to stay indoors for the first 3 days because I couldnt move, and then had a wheelchair from the hotel for the rest of the stay ,what kind of life is this and another 10 yrs of it ? maybe I should just break down when I see the ortho next ,as far as pain clinic nobody has even mentioned that to me, I guess I am the type to just grin and bear it .. Lou x

barbara12

freeview wrote:

Hi Barbara and everyone
Thanks for taking the time to read and reply x
I have read many times that "you know when you will need surgery" but you put up with so much and restrict your life according to this condition, that in the end you begin to believe that the little world that you live in is all there is ..if that makes any sense... ?
Its just dawned on me how little I venture outside, the last time I had a holiday with my children was 4yrs ago and ended up having to stay indoors for the first 3 days because I couldnt move, and then had a wheelchair from the hotel for the rest of the stay ,what kind of life is this and another 10 yrs of it ? maybe I should just break down when I see the ortho next ,as far as pain clinic nobody has even mentioned that to me, I guess I am the type to just grin and bear it .. Lou x

Hi I was the same till I came on here, I ended up changing my GP, he referred me to the pain clinic,you go back and tell them how it is, tears and all, make joining this forum a new start.
Lots of us have had to fight our GP, sadly that is the way it is, you go for it, and let us know how you get on.
We are always here.
Love
Barbara xx

dreamdaisy

I empathise. Life does become more and more restricted - sometimes one doesn't even notice. I don't bother looking back now - what's the point in recalling what I used to do? That belonged to my old life. I now have a life which is old before its time - I totter about like an old woman, I look like an old woman, what the hell, I AM an old woman! (51 going on 91)

It is remarkable how much one can tolerate on a day-to-day basis, and how one adjusts and adapts to ever-reducing circumstances. Quite when one says 'Enough' I do not know. Everyone has a different cut-off point, I suppose, and it depends on the empathy you receive from GP/consultant etc etc. It also depends on your particular form of arthritis. Some progress slower than others, therefore one has more time to adjust and cope. Anyhoo, you've found us, knee people will be along soon, tempting you with tales of lessened pain and greater movement - arthritis porn! DD

angel1

Lou, hello, glad that you have found the Forum. I`m sure you will feel less isolated now, with all your fears and worries.

I had a TKR over two years ago, and it, quite simply, gave me back my life. I am in my sixties, though, so I met with no opposition regarding age. However, it does seem to depend on where you live, as to when - or if - you are offered surgery. I feel that this is something that you will need to discuss, in depth, at your appointment. Until then, it`s probably best if you don`t get too wrapped up in thoughts of the actual procedure. Time enough to gather all the information, and do the necessary research to enable you to make an informed choice, once surgery is suggested. Nothing will happen overnight, so you will be able to take time to decide what is best for you. When that time comes, I will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Good luck..........Ange.

freeview

[Hi Ange,
Thanks for the reply, how was your recovery? and at what point did you say "Its time?"were you totally unable to walk ? or was it pain ,I would be interested to hear your experience, was only the one knee affected?
My problems apart from the pain is the fact that my knee "goes", at these times I am unable to move from the position I am in, so I get scared to go out incase it happens when I am in the street,and people would probably think I was a nutter or something !
Funnily enough I have good flexibility in both the knees not as much in the one which is playing up though .
Loux

skezier

Hi Lou,

Its not fair you can't take anti-flams. I have only ever had a wash out and back then they advocated taking out the cartilages in both knees so don't know about the tkr but poor Efure (I think I spelt that wrong) had a thr without being able to take the tablets so maybe she could help if she see's this?

She did post about it so you might find it back a page. I can't look for it cus my eyes are not so good this evening but it might help you?

Good luck on the 21st, we are available for pocket duties should you need us... there are a lot of us and I do tend to bring a sheep so have big pockets that day Nice to meet you. Cris x

angel1

Hello again Lou,

It was just my left knee that was affected, and whilst I was never totally unable to walk, I was limping very badly, and relying heavily on a stick, by the time of the op. I actually refused to consider surgery for quite some time, as I had recently been widowed, and knew that I was absolutely not in the right place psychologically.

It was only when I realised how much worry I was causing my two sons, that I decided to go ahead. Even then I took my time, and researched everything, It was one of the best decisions of my life.

For me, the whole procedure went amazingly well. I had an epidural, refusing sedation, and this, undoubtedly aided the recovery process. I was out of hospital within three days, walking with just the stick I went in with. I had absolutely no post op pain. I have never looked back.

I must stress that this was just my personal experience, and not everyone is as lucky.

I hope this all helps...........Ange.x.

dippydoodah

Sorry Im a little late. I can't really offer any advice as Im quite a newby myself but just wanted to say welcome to the forum from me too.

Caroline x

hileena111

Hi....Sorry I cant offer much help either...I'm one of the THR's lOL Just to say welcome to the forum

Love
Hileena

woodbon

Hi I feel sorry for you and share some of your problems, but luckily not so badly. I have OA in my neck, spine, hips wrists and shoulders although a lot of the pain is from nerve problems which they don't want operate on. I am the same age as you too.

I know that they don't like replacement surgery until you are a bit older, but if you explain to them just how you told us maybe they could do something, or even go ahead with the new knees. I can't take anti inflams either as I had a burst ulcer and spent a month in hospital I have tramadol slow release and amatriptyline at night (forgive the spelling, my hands are in splints and it effects my brain!! :shock: My excuse and I'm sticking to it )

I hope you find some better pain relief. Why not right the Helpline, they are very good and have lots of information and will really listen to your problem. Take care Love Sue

freeview

Thank you all for the welcome ! Its nice to be able to offload your concerns and worries and even have a moan ,when you know that everyone else is sick of hearing about your situation.
Wishing everyone a pain free day x
Love Lou

dreamdaisy

We rarely tire of hearing about the problems people are facing - the situations that we face from time to time are far from pleasant and we can all recognise something in what people post. We are a useful fund of knowledge and experience! I can't help on the TKR point - much as I would like one (left knee currently 23 inches round thanks to housework) my bones are beautiful so I don't qualify! DD

dachshund

Hi Lou.
welcome to the best forum and the people on here are so kind and helpfull.
i'm sorry you are in pain it wears you down.
i'm in my 60's and i have oa in my spine hips feet and its now in my hands.
it's the aching that drive's me mad if i do to much standing and walking my hips go into a solid ache and i have a job to move.
i have thr 14 years and tkr 7 years.having my knee done by epidural was the best thing i did.
Lou try and change your doc or when you see her write down how you feel even if you have to cry because you are the only one who knows how you feel. take care and good luck.(sorry if i'm bossy and going on i care. joan xx

freeview

Hello Joan
Thanks for replying, the Dr ( gp ) I am with is a new one believe it or not,the old one was a nightmare ! this guy just rushes everything,can I ask how your knee op went ? recovery etc ? at what stage did you decide ? Lou x

happyhopper

Hi
My father - in -law has just had half a new knee! Not sure which half! but sounds better than a whole knee. He had it done in the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham with a Mr Hahn. I have also heard about hip arthroscopy and read in the newspaper about a flexible plastic knee. Has anyone heard about these options.
My knees are reasonable at the moment but my right has just started playing up due to the problems with my hips.
Has anyone here had hip arthroscopy? Prof Griffin at the Warwick Hospital specialises in this. I know someone has said it needs repeating, and I wonder if the surgeon you choose makes a difference?
Best wishes
Happyhopper

dachshund

Hi Lou.
how are you to day. have you had any more help with your pain.
i had my tkr because i could not put any weight
on my foot the pain went from the top of my leg and down the back of my knee.
i had had pain in my knee for 3 years before op.
when i had the op i had no problem i have a manual recliner chair and i just used that as my exersize so i kept pushing it down.
i walked from the day after the op i have no pain
there now. joan xx

freeview

Hi Joan
Well have been feeling very tired the past few days and not up to much, I have been very naughty though and have taken my sis's diclofenac :? I had to take something to relieve the pain and they have helped a lot ! I will have to stop again in a few days tho, because of the blood thinners I take , but they DO help.
I think if it was "just" pain I might be able to cope, but it just seems that there is something "not right" with the knee as well ,so many aches and pains... thats been a lot of my knee probs though, it feels like something is loose or out or something, its so hard to explain isnt it ?
Lou x

ironic

Hi Freeview,

Not much help on your problem but wanted to say Hi and welcome to the forum.
Sorry that the anti-inflams are a no no for you.

Take care,

Lv, Ix

hileena111

Hi Freeview.....sorry you're in so much pain. Sorry that you cant take any anti-inflammatories.

Love
Hileena (((((((())))))))))