elbow replacement

sheilar
sheilar Member Posts: 10
I am due to have complete elbow replacement early October, has anyone any experience of what to expect. I already have 2 r.knees and 2 r. hips. Shoulders are equally painfull with extremely limited movement so they will be next :D if I survive this one :!:.
As a retired person living alone and typing with the side of my middle finger nail at this moment I can safely say I have the survival instinct and don't want sympathy just some suggested coping mechanisms :lol: and how long before I can use fully? Strangely hospital not at all helpful pre-op. :roll: thanks for reading this far :)
Actually it is pretty scary, i'm an independent person - HELP ! any suggestions?

Comments

  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 23. Aug 2010, 03:55
    Hi sheilar and welcome to the forum :D

    sorry you've had such a history with arther and the prospect of more surgery. :?
    our helpline peeps aren't back until Monday but I'm sure they'll have some advice for you when they're in the office. :wink:

    I haven't had an elbow replacement but did have an Elbow Arthroscopy (to remove bone spurs) and later a Radial Head excision ...and have had a wrist replacement op recently. So I know what it's like a) to live on your own b) to manage post op with one hand.

    I had both the Arthroscopy and Radial Head ops under block anaesthesia (under arm) which was very effective and has the advantage of providing excellent pain relief (absence) for 12-16hrs or so. I had the TWR by GA ..plus block.....again great results. Do you know what anaesthesia you'll be having yet?

    I agree there is very little information given to patients pre op and I could find absolutely no advice/ support leaflets when I needed them. There are definitely things you can do at home to make things a bit easier post op. I got so fed up I made a leaflet on managing one handed which I'm happy to share if you think that would be helpful?

    You could post on our LWA (Living With Arthritis) Forum to see if any peeps there have had your elbow op?

    good luck with your op....and remember you are not alone! folks on this forum are great and will support you.

    Iris x
    Ps.... have posted you a link to ARUK where there is info about elbow & shoulder surgery which might be helpful for you to read.x

    http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis_information/arthritis_surgeries/shoulder_and_elbow_surgery.aspx?gclid=CJ-B8ceOz6MCFer92Aod_BMVuA
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh you poor thing. I'm sorry, I have no experience of anything you have gone thro, but I do know that a hip replacement person has created a list of useful things to think of/do before an op, some of it might be relevant to you. It's a sticky at the top of the LWA forum. Dorcas' ideas will be good too - she's a clever one, our dorcas. I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,464
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    sheilar wrote:
    I am due to have complete elbow replacement early October, has anyone any experience of what to expect. I already have 2 r.knees and 2 r. hips. Shoulders are equally painfull with extremely limited movement so they will be next :D if I survive this one :!:.
    As a retired person living alone and typing with the side of my middle finger nail at this moment I can safely say I have the survival instinct and don't want sympathy just some suggested coping mechanisms :lol: and how long before I can use fully? Strangely hospital not at all helpful pre-op. :roll: thanks for reading this far :)
    Actually it is pretty scary, i'm an independent person - HELP ! any suggestions?

    Dear Sheilar

    Thank you for your posting on the forum. It can be very worrying if you don’t know what to expect and have little information. The responses to your posting from other forum members have suggested the Arthritis Research UK’s information and given the link for this. This information should be helpful in that it provides general information about the operation itself and what happens after this. I am aware that you haven’t found the hospital particularly helpful but it is best to talk to your consultant about your particular operation as everyone is very different. I would also encourage you to phone us here on the helpline if you would like to talk things through and would like some more support. I hope this is helpful.

    Best Wishes
    Dawn
  • sheilar
    sheilar Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    dorcas wrote:
    Hi sheilar and welcome to the forum :D
    Not sure how to reply but here's trying, I will make a note of the anaesthetics you mentioned and thank you for response, I've had 5 major operations including a tumour so shouldn't be so worried. I still have the mind of an active, energetic person :| haven't we all :roll:
    and how many of us are so frustrated with the limitations imposed upon us now. I've had to give up driving because of upper body problems, I would like a car that almost steers itself (automatic) of course, thank you again
    .
    sorry you've had such a history with arther and the prospect of more surgery. :?
    our helpline peeps aren't back until Monday but I'm sure they'll have some advice for you when they're in the office. :wink:

    I haven't had an elbow replacement but did have an Elbow Arthroscopy (to remove bone spurs) and later a Radial Head excision ...and have had a wrist replacement op recently. So I know what it's like a) to live on your own b) to manage post op with one hand.

    I had both the Arthroscopy and Radial Head ops under block anaesthesia (under arm) which was very effective and has the advantage of providing excellent pain relief (absence) for 12-16hrs or so. I had the TWR by GA ..plus block.....again great results. Do you know what anaesthesia you'll be having yet?

    I agree there is very little information given to patients pre op and I could find absolutely no advice/ support leaflets when I needed them. There are definitely things you can do at home to make things a bit easier post op. I got so fed up I made a leaflet on managing one handed which I'm happy to share if you think that would be helpful?

    You could post on our LWA (Living With Arthritis) Forum to see if any peeps there have had your elbow op?

    good luck with your op....and remember you are not alone! folks on this forum are great and will support you.

    Iris x
    Ps.... have posted you a link to ARUK where there is info about elbow & shoulder surgery which might be helpful for you to read.x

    http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis_information/arthritis_surgeries/shoulder_and_elbow_surgery.aspx?gclid=CJ-B8ceOz6MCFer92Aod_BMVuA
  • sheilar
    sheilar Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    dreamdaisy wrote:
    Oh you poor thing. I'm sorry, I have no experience of anything you have gone thro, but I do know that a hip replacement person has created a list of useful things to think of/do before an op, some of it might be relevant to you. It's a sticky at the top of the LWA forum. Dorcas' ideas will be good too - she's a clever one, our dorcas. I wish you well. DD

    thanks for responding, I am very well organised and am practising eating with my left hand (not a pretty sight) but will manage sloppy foods and maybe a bag of crisps if someone opens the packet for me :) plus I can always drink water which is healthy anyhow and on the bright side I might lose half a stone. I have already lost a stone as, if coping on your own- you need to be able to bend down and although I can't touch my toes exactly I definitely benefit from having less spare tyre. I wondered how your arthritis affects you? :) best wishes
  • cythna
    cythna Member Posts: 42
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, just wondering if you had the surgery, and if so how things are going? I had my elbow joints replaced nearly twenty years ago, and, touch wood, they are still good. Before the surgery I couldn't touch my face, now I can easily, although my arms are still not straight. I hope yours does as well.

    Best wishes

    Susan
  • sheilar
    sheilar Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    cythna wrote:
    Hi, just wondering if you had the surgery, and if so how things are going? I had my elbow joints replaced nearly twenty years ago, and, touch wood, they are still good. Before the surgery I couldn't touch my face, now I can easily, although my arms are still not straight. I hope yours does as well.

    Best wishes

    Susan

    Hi, I had my elbow replaced 13 days ago, sadly it has been a nightmare ever since, my arm is very curved and painful, i'm trying to do exercises i.e lie on the bed with my arm stretched out off the bed with a tin of spaghetti in a short handled handbag! :? count to 10 :roll: back to base and start again :mrgreen: It kills!!I think its to try and straighten my arm but elbow is so swollen! I don't have confidence this will work.

    Worse even is the constant tingling severe discomfort on my hand. I have yet to find out for sure but am scarily afraid it is going to be permanent nerve damage. It drives me mad 24/7in bed/ wake up in the night with it, I feel like screaming/crying/ don't know where to go for advice (I have specialist appt. in 4 weeks)

    thanks for the opportunity to let off steam, I don't know where to turn but I know there are many others worse off than me but I feel so tetchywith everyone, i suppose I am going to have to pay doctor a visit but what can they do ?

    sorry sorry sorry

    sheila
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Don't apologise: every recovery after surgery is tough and often things get worse before they get better. The fact that they can do these things does not mean that they are straightforward, either in their execution or their aftermath. This was done what - two weeks or so ago? That is not long, the body does take time to heal and adjust - just think of the poking and prodding that must have been done to replace your joint! I think that docs often forget to warn people about the after-effects: they are so preoccupied with the technical side of their skills they can forget the human side and the fact that you are more than just an elbow joint. Give yourself time and be kind to yourself.

    Now, I owe you an apology. You asked me a question in August which I didn't know was there until today! I am so sorry. You asked how my arthritis affects me? It's summed up in one word. Badly. 'Nuff said.

    Keep in touch, let us know how you are getting on. I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,464
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sheila,
    I am sorry to hear of the pain you are experiencing after your operation, the exercises you have been given by the physiotherapist are designed to build the muscle strength around the joint, they can be painful, particularly so soon after surgery. If you are finding them particularly difficult it would be worth mentioning this to your GP and physiotherapist to discuss pain relief medication.
    I understand this must be very difficult for you in knowing who you can turn to, so i would like to encourage you to call us on our free phone confidential helpline for a detailed chat.
    Best Wishes
    Adele
  • sheilar
    sheilar Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    dreamdaisy wrote:
    Don't apologise: every recovery after surgery is tough and often things get worse before they get better. The fact that they can do these things does not mean that they are straightforward, either in their execution or their aftermath. This was done what - two weeks or so ago? That is not long, the body does take time to heal and adjust - just think of the poking and prodding that must have been done to replace your joint! I think that docs often forget to warn people about the after-effects: they are so preoccupied with the technical side of their skills they can forget the human side and the fact that you are more than just an elbow joint. Give yourself time and be kind to yourself.

    Now, I owe you an apology. You asked me a question in August which I didn't know was there until today! I am so sorry. You asked how my arthritis affects me? It's summed up in one word. Badly. 'Nuff said.

    Keep in touch, let us know how you are getting on. I wish you well. DD

    thanks for your reply this has been a lifeline for me to be able to have a winge :) like this. the good news is that arm is more comfortable although 'pins and needles' still not good. i've learned to keep cool is helpful(saves on gas bill) can't always stick to excercises due to naff health but my daughter gave me some 'weights' which i can strap to my wrists so the 'handbag' has gone out of the window and i think the weight helps

    sheila
  • sheilar
    sheilar Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sheila,
    I am sorry to hear of the pain you are experiencing after your operation, the exercises you have been given by the physiotherapist are designed to build the muscle strength around the joint, they can be painful, particularly so soon after surgery. If you are finding them particularly difficult it would be worth mentioning this to your GP and physiotherapist to discuss pain relief medication.
    I understand this must be very difficult for you in knowing who you can turn to, so i would like to encourage you to call us on our free phone confidential helpline for a detailed chat.
    Best Wishes
    Adele

    thank you, the exercises are probably more difficult because of the osteo damaged shoulders and weakened arms but i have physio 3 times this week and next so hopefully there will be some improvement. the opportunity to be able to phone for a chat is brilliant :) thanks again, sheila :)