Where to start

multimac
multimac Member Posts: 11
edited 22. Oct 2010, 11:37 in Say Hello Archive
Hi

My name is Chris Im 47, I've been married for 28 years we have 2 boys grown up and left home, we have 5 grandchildren and one on the way.
I have had problems with my knees for years the first few years i spent ignoring the problem taking painkillers when needed, then i had my first op on my left knee (wash out /trim and shave) every thing seemed better for a few months and then the pain started again and this is how it has been ever since.
My specialist did tell me I had arthritis but I was never really told what the long term outcome would be.
I have since had 2 more ops on my left knee and 1 on my right and my mobility has gradually gone down the PAN.
I am due to see my Specialist soon after my last op and plan to ask a lot more questions about what happens in the future.
I have grade 4 arthritis so I am told by the nurse at my surgery but i guessed something wasn't right :wink:
Although I still manage to ride an electric bike and go for a walk every now and again I feel i hold back for fear of not being able to complete the walk or end up in to much pain. I have started to worry about the future and if the arthritis gets worse what the outcome will be.
I forgot to mention I had a heart attack last year just to complicate things I had a stent fitted and take regular medication and I know this may sound strange but I worry more about my Knees than I do about my heart.
I await the outcome of my meeting with my specialist.

Comments

  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    multimac wrote:
    Hi

    My name is Chris Im 47, I've been married for 28 years we have 2 boys grown up and left home, we have 5 grandchildren and one on the way.
    I have had problems with my knees for years the first few years i spent ignoring the problem taking painkillers when needed, then i had my first op on my left knee (wash out /trim and shave) every thing seemed better for a few months and then the pain started again and this is how it has been ever since.
    My specialist did tell me I had arthritis but I was never really told what the long term outcome would be.
    I have since had 2 more ops on my left knee and 1 on my right and my mobility has gradually gone down the PAN.
    I am due to see my Specialist soon after my last op and plan to ask a lot more questions about what happens in the future.
    I have grade 4 arthritis so I am told by the nurse at my surgery but i guessed something wasn't right :wink:
    Although I still manage to ride an electric bike and go for a walk every now and again I feel i hold back for fear of not being able to complete the walk or end up in to much pain. I have started to worry about the future and if the arthritis gets worse what the outcome will be.
    I forgot to mention I had a heart attack last year just to complicate things I had a stent fitted and take regular medication and I know this may sound strange but I worry more about my Knees than I do about my heart.
    I await the outcome of my meeting with my specialist.

    Hi Chris

    Welcome to the forum. I would write a few questions down to take with you when you see the specialist. We always forget otherwise some questions we wished to ask, when the appointment is over. I take it, you have osteo arthritis, wear and tear. I too have problems knees, well only one now as I had a total knee replacement nearly 2 years ago. I have an appointment at the end of this month to talk about the other knee being operated on. I too have had 3 arthroscopies. I am 58 now.

    I can understand you worrying more about your knees than your heart. The knee problems are ongoing but something has been done about your heart problems.

    I wish you well and hope to hear more from you on the forums.

    Luv
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • vonski
    vonski Member Posts: 1,292
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Chris

    Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have a lot going on right now. I can understand you holding back on the exrcise front, might not be a bad idea because if you push yourself you will have to pay the price I'm afraid and hurt more for a while.

    Like Elna has said already write down any questions or worries for when you see the specialist.

    You could post this on Living with arthritis, I'm sure you will get a lot more replies.

    Love
    Vonski x
  • suzster
    suzster Member Posts: 1,328
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi and welome chris!
    it does sound like you are really suffering, the suggestion about writing questions down is great, i to forget everything when i see my dr!
    i blame my forgetfulness on all the meds though!
    take care
    sue
  • jordan7j
    jordan7j Bots Posts: 346
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Chris, and welcome, it must be hard to accept the limitations, I know its difficult to accept, my hubby has had 2 heart attacks, one in 1992 and one in 2005. He also has RA, and like you, is more concerned with the RA pain.
    All you can do is listen to people on here, they are fantastic, and always very kowledgeable. I rely on them alot, I joined recently and am always on here looking for help. Take care Jay
  • multimac
    multimac Member Posts: 11
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for the replies,
    My appiontment came through to see my specialist 17th november.
    So lets see what he has to say.
  • multimac
    multimac Member Posts: 11
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    I have been refered to another specialist, they are considering cartilage transplant to grade 4 changes in lateral patella.
    This is if the other specialist thinks it will work.
    I understand a little of what will be done but wonder what the success rate of the prodedure was the answer was not given today.
    I will know more when I see the other specialist but wonder if anyone has had this prodedure and if it was successfull?

    Chris
  • multimac
    multimac Member Posts: 11
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Back again.

    Haven't been on the forum for a while, think i have been feeling rather sorry for myself over the last year, had some minor problems with my heart again but thats all sorted fingers crossed, made some big lifestyle changes main one selling our Motorhome. I seem to have come to terms with the fact that i can't do what i used to the electric bike mothballed/ the walks have stopped and i am more aware of how i move and what i do as i know the effects and the after effects of being adventurous can be painful.
    The procedure I was due to have was put on hold while the problems with my heart was sorted but now its full steam a head.
    The procedure is called the Maci Procedure and will be carried out by a Mr spalding ( www.cartilage-repair.co.uk ) .
    If anyone has heard of or had the operation but i would be grateful of any thoughts on the procedure.
    I have just gone through the first stage of having the cartilage cells removed and i am due for the second op on the 14th december.
    If "no" when the op is successful on my left knee I will have the op on my right Knee that will be in another years time, so in total it looks like a 18 month wait for the day when i can get out of bed without having to crack my knees in to life.
    I will keep people imformed on my progress.


    Thanks Chris
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,336
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Chris

    You have to post this on the LWA forum it sounds so interesting. I haven't heard of it before and it might help other people too. The members would I am sure be interested and like to support you while you go through it all.

    You have had a hell of a time haven't you having to give up a lot - I had to get rid of our caravan too, partly because keeping it up was too hard :(

    Love

    Toni xx