Planned hip replacement surgery / newly diagnosed RA

Hallie2011

Apologies for long post. I had hip replacement surgery cancelled on 9th Jan due to high inflammatory markers found in my pre-op bloods. This took me completely by surprise as only problem I was having was some aching in my wrists which I had out down to using crutches. This though lead to me being referred to see Rheumatoid specialist who thought I might have reactive arithritis. I was given a intra-muscular steroid injection which helped and returned my crp level to normal so my op date was rescheduled and I’m now due to have it in 28th Feb.

in the meantime after 4 weeks from injection I have a lot of swelling in my hands, wrist and feet. Consultant has now told me I have rheumatoid arthritis and need to start long term medication. I’ve told them I desperately want hip surgery to go ahead as I have zero mobility at present. I can’t stand without crutches and with them can only walk around the house and that is with difficulty. They are looking to put me on steroids to reduce my crp in short term so op can go ahead.

I’ve been reading up alot about RA and i realise how little I knew about it. For me now being diagnosed it as left me worried if my life will ever get back to some sort of normality. In 3 months I’ve gone from being quite active apart from some hip discomfort to being totally debilitated and housebound. I thought all my problems were due to the OA in my hip and surgery which surgery would solve.

I’m so worried that in 2 wks I will have my surgery (assuming my crp can be controlled) but will struggle with post-op recovery if I continue to have this hand/foot pain and weakness. It was suggested by rheum consultant I should postpone op until RA symptoms are under control but I just don’t know how I can continue going on with the pain and zero mobility from hip.

I feel so emotional and stressed at present which I know isn’t going to help me but are finding it all so overwhelming to get my head round. Surely I can’t be the only person to have been in this dilemma. Any tips/advice on what to do I’d really appreciate.

SoniaR

Hi Hallie, I have OA and have had a hip replacement. Waiting for knees to be done so I’m pretty disabled. My brother has RA and has been on medication for years. He has had a hip replacement last year and has recovered really well. His other hip will be done soon. Don’t be disheartened, you’ve just had a shock diagnosis and need to absorb this news. If possible, I would push for that hip replacement, it will make a lot of difference with your pain levels, it has with my brother and me. Although it is major surgery, it’s amazing how quickly you can recover. Week one I was crying on crutches, week seven I was back driving! Incredible. Don’t be hard on yourself, it’s not easy at first but you will adjust. Take care 💖

stickywicket

This is definitely a tricky one. I've had RA for over 60 years and OA for a bit less. Hips and knees replaced. By doing my exercises pre and post op I've never had a problem with recovery though bear in mind my standard of 'normal' is considerably lower than many😉

I've always had to come off my Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDS) pre-op and, briefly, post-op. I don't know if this would apply to steroids. That does allow the RA to bite a bit but how much is a personal thing. I do know how painful hips and knees can be (One of my hips broke) but I also know how painful RA can be. I've never been able to use crutches. Post-op I start on a gutter frame, progress to a zimmer, then walking round furniture then I'm off!

I'd suggest you talk to both consultants and the proposed anaesthetist. Better still if you can get them to talk to each other.