knees and ankles

sputnik

I have just been told that I need both ankles fused and am really worried about what I shoud do next as have already been told one knee needs repalcing as well. I have been given until April to make up my mind what I want done first, (only one joint at a time though) truth be known I do not want any operations having had so many due to cancer several years ago. Also very frightened about things going wrong. Another thing is how would I decide anyway as pain level varies across my feet and knee, the only good thing is the back pain has been taken over by the pain else where! My surgeon will not give me any injections as too many bones in my ankle are effected and the last knee injection did nothing. I am 52. :roll: Any ideas?

lindalegs

Hi Sputnik and welcome to the forum,

What a pickle you're in. I'm sorry to hear you've had cancer as well as joint problems that must have been really hard to deal with.

It's always a hard decision when it comes down to operations and it would be so much easier if the surgeons would turn round and say it's best for you to go ahead in my opinion - but they won't :roll: and untimately the decision has to lie with us.

I think we all worry that things will go wrong and with all the horror stories people relish in telling us we end up thinking the worst is bound to happen to me :shock: The chances are it won't.

You have to decide how much the pain in your ankles and knee are affecting your lifestyle and how you would feel if someone could wave that magic wand and the pain would go or if you can put up with the pain.

What a dilemma

Luv Legs

elnafinn

Hi sputnik

Welcome to the forum. I am sorry to hear all that you have had to contend with and your current problems.

I have in the past returned the same question of my surgeon when put in a predicament about an op ; if it was his wife having to make the decision, what would he suggest to her. He has answered and it has made it easier for me to decide.

I wish you well,

Elna

woodbon

Hello and welcome from me.
Your problem is not an easy one, and in the end only you can decide. The answers the others have given are really good and I can't improve on them, so I'll just wish you luck in your decision and hope you're happy with whatever you decide.

Just one thing, I've had surgery, not for arthritis, but I,ve not regretted going ahead, although I've been frightened. We always hear the scare stories, never the majority of people who are perfectly straight forward. Love Sue

colinone

hello Sputnik
Some days you feel so sick and see a post like yours my heart goes out to you. Its at times like this when i wish i had the magic cure. First of all welcome to the site and i'm sure i'll catch you around. I cant really give any advice its a personal choice thing and the others have offerd more advise than i can give. The only thing i can add is that you need to think about your future and how you will cope with the continued pain. Take care Sputnic and keep your chin up.
Colin

joanlawson

Hi Sputnik
I sympathise with you enormously because I am also trying to make up my mind whether to have a knee replacement op. I am also worried about things going wrong etc. They don't seem to have given you long to decide until April. I have been told that I can take my time and think it over. They will review it in 6 months time, but if I decide before that, I can just ring.
You shouldn't feel pressurised into anything you don't want to do, but it does sound as though you are in a great deal of pain so you will have to decide if you can put up with it much longer. The ops could improve your quality of life, and you are young yet.
All the best
Joan

sputnik

firstly thank you for your replies, it does help a lot to know other people take time out to offer support and advice.
Still not sure what to do having asked my GP for another opinion she pointed out I had already had two, one of them with a leader in the field of 'foot surgery' and how many more did i want? I guess I am waiting for someone to wave a magic wand. I want it all really, to keep working, keep walking and be pain free wtihout having to make decisions! Once again thanks to all that have taken time to reply.

jeannie2

Hello Sputnik,
Welcome to the site and to the same boat as I'm in! I understand your predicament only too well! I'd share my magic wand, if I could find it!
It's an awful decision and you are obviously a lot younger than me. I'm terrified of saying 'do it' but at the same time scared on not doing it. That the way you feel? You got yourself a pal!
I've already slid off their screens and will have to be re-referred if I decide to go ahead.
I've asked for time to 'get my ducks in a row' - sort my responsabilities and make arrangements, ie have got to have my fitted furniture in the bedrooom ripped out ... can't get a wheelchair in the bedroom. Have just got rid of my lounge furniture for the same reason (waiting for new/smaller to arrive) My husband has cancer, so I've got to make sure I can get to the shops for food etc. if he is too ill to help. My very old mum needs my support .... and so it goes on.
Think about it, lass, and make your own decision. Good idea about 'what would be your reaction to your wife having it done'.
Best of luck and I'll be thinking about you.
Jeannie S

skezier

Hi Sputnik

I am sorry you are in this dilemma, I hope you can resolve it and do what is best for you. This site is very good and full of kind people who have so many good ideas and I hope you have found it as supportive and helpful as I have. Take care.

Jeannie I just wanted to send you a cyber hug. Take care

joanlawson

Jeannie, I just read your message and it really put my worries in perspective. With your elderly mother and husband with cancer, you have got enough to cope with on top of the arthritis. No wonder you are hesitating about surgery.Life throws some difficult things at us, doesn't it? I hope you can find a way through everything. Many people on this site will support you.
Joan