Decisions to be made

JuliaHod12

Hi All
It seems the time has come for me to make some hard decisions.
Like many of you I have struggled on with persistent pain, and have survived on a cocktail of meds in an effort to keep a lid on it.

Well, I dont think i can cope like this any longer, its affecting too much of my life, having had 3 arthroscopies in the last 2yrs, with no lasting effect beyond a couole of months I am now considering asking my consultant to explore more invasive surgery as the last resort.
The worst knee has begun persistently locking up, I've fallen a few times now and its never free from pain.......the not so bad knee has begin to have more and more pain as i compensate for the worst one. The opposite hip to my bad knee is also "grinding" as I walk (potter) around :-(

My GP has signed me off work for another month, and given me Amitryptiline........(have to get it confirmed tomorrow by Glaucoma specialist, but dont think i can take it!) I cant have anything stronger for pain day to day due to High B.P.......

At what point did any of you guys decide TKR/ Resurfacing surgery was the step for you, how did you come to the final decision and how did it affect you?

Grateful for any input

Thanks
Julia

dreamdaisy

I know the time is right for me as both knees are shot to bits with OA as a result of the damage caused by the PsA which I began in '97 (psoriatic arthritis). The Xrays taken in April last year showed bone growths on both the inside and outside of both joints, and I have bone-on-bone through for 3/4 of each joint. I saw an ortho consultant last August and he said you're too young (rubbish, I was 52) and get thinner (all too true). I have lost about 1.5 stones so far, I have another 2 to go (just to prove I'm serious about it) and it will be another two years before I am the 'right' age. Personally I can't wait, as I am sure even having just one done will really help the ankles (also OA-affected) and possibly the sacroiliacs (PsA damaged).

Any surgery is invasive and I am under no illusions about the need to get as fit as possible beforehand in order to help the recovery, and also the fact that life will be radically altered for at least three months (possibly nearer six) before I will be feeling or finding any benefit. So be it. I have now graduated to a rollator for every-day walking and I would like to get back to the crutches! It's a personal decision Juliahod, but be prepared for the ortho chappie to turn you down (they often do) and if he doesn't be prepared to wait (unless you can go privately?) As for the high BP, I have that due to one of the PsA meds, are you on any tablets for yours? I wish you well. DD

JuliaHod12

Thanks DD :-)

My problems with my knees have been going on for years and the worst knee in particular, I had a lateral ligament release in '95 as the joint was deemed "too tight" causing it to "snap and click" as I walked along, and sporadically "lock up".........there was no mention of OA at that point, but I believe this is the point of origin, if that makes any sense?

I'm 52 now and need to keep working for my sanity. My employers have been quite good about the ossues over the last 2/3 years, but as I am now on my second prolonged period of time off within 7 months, it wouls only be reasonable for them to be less understanding.
I am covered by BUPA via my employment so I will see my consultant privately for his view. When I last saw him in August last year he told me to return when I had severe difficulty walking 500yds..........which I have for a couple of months now........

I'm currently on Ramipril and Vascalpha for my High B.P, along with Thyroxine and Eye Drops, Co-Dudramol and Paracetamol

I am endeavouring to lose weight and do excercise, slow progress, but every little helps!
I am sorry to hear that you are having to wait........:-( seems very unfair that you are in obvious need and have been for some time, yet are left to "get on with it". I know you have the attitude that you will deal with whatever cpmes your way, but its unfair none the less xx

Julia x

julie47

Hi Julia

Sorry I can't help,
I just wanted to wish you well with the decision you make.

juliepf x

stickywicket

For what it's worth - probably not a lot as it was over 30 years ago -I'd to attend a 'joint' (No pun intended) Rheumatology/Orthopaedic clinic where the two docs decided to give me my first two TKRs. I was only 35 but I'd had RA for over 20 years, about 1/2 of them before DMARDS.

When I had one of these replaced 2-3 years ago, it was the surgeon's decision, however the TKR had slid right off sideways so not much point in hanging on to it.

mouseymousey

Another view, I had arthoscopy too. It really was (in my case at least) a waste of time. Knowing what I know now I'd press for a TKR. My circumstances have changed a little now; but think I'd have been better off with that, than all the subsequent 'faffing about. I hope you find the solution for you, and don't be affraid to ask lots of questions when you back to see your consultant.

tkachev

The time for me was when the pain was unbearable.
Best of luck,

Elizabeth

elnafinn

Hi Julia

I think you have already made your mind up after reading our second paragraph. That is what happens in the end, you know the time is right. You now have difficulty walking 500 yards too. My advice is have the op before things get even worse. We are all different but I have had both knees done, 2 years apart, one in 2008 and the other in 2010 and all went well and I am so pleased that I had the ops. I shall be 62 at the end of this year.

Elna x

frogmorton

Dear Julia

l think l can see that you have decided just by reading your post.

I have no experience myself, but will be here with you as will everyone on here if you decide to go ahead.

Good luck and love

Toni xx

dreamdaisy

Ah, the BP meds. I am on Ramopril 10mg and Bendros 2.5mg daily, but for pain relief I take 30/500 cocodamols and for the tougher times I use tramadol 50mg. For the really tough times then it's trammy 100mg slow-release topped up with the cocos. I think you might be able to take stronger pain relief but your GP is the one to adivse you on that.

As for the surgery what is the point of struggling and struggling when things could be better? If you are finding life difficult then NOW is the time to start organising matters as it won't be a case of 'OK, come in next Monday and we'll do it then.' As for my having to wait it's no big deal, I'm used to pain. DD

JuliaHod12

Thanks everyone.
I've been to see the Eye Consultant, and she has confirmed that Amitrityline for pain relief is a definite No-No with angle closure Glaucoma.............so it's back to my G.P this afternoon to see what else he comes up with. :-)

I will ask for a private referral to my Orthopaedic Consultant to discuss the options, who knows,he might have some bright ideas! ;-)

Thank you all so much for your comments, I think I have reached the no going back stage and think the TKR is right for me, but will be guided by an expert opinion.

Julia x