Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Joint replacement

twyliah
twyliah
What do you guys and gals recommend about joint replacement (hip is my primary concern, but info on knees is also welcome). Do you wait as long as possible or get the replacement right away? Pros and cons.
Christine26
Christine26
Hi twyliah, you must have been reading my mind. I was thinking of starting a similar thread.. was not certain how to word it. Thanks for beating me to the punch. I was seen by accident by the orthopods which I have mentioned in one of my back threads and he the orthopedic doctor read an x-ray done by the Rheumatologist which showed osteo in both knees, but I did not know that I had very little cartilage i the right knee. When I saw the doctor he suggested knee replacement and I told him we need to discuss something else. I really don't want to try knee replacement and am doing the three injections of Synvisc. (Am doing last shot this Thursday). I have to say I have not had much improvement and might not see any as per MD until 6 weeks after first injection. I have been hobbling back and fourth to work.
My step father 82 years old fell in Feb. of this year and smashed his artificial hip and crushed his femur. Nine hour operation, PT ad good care and believe it or not the man(diabetic) is walking around without as much as a cane and no pain since May. I guess you have to weigh the fact of what you want to do. At this point I am not ready to have major surgery if these injections will help me.

I also checked into my benefits plan. Where I work will cover myself and my son for three months with being out on disability. If I am out for more than three months I will have to pay for benefit coverage until I am back to work which is almost $1200.00 a month.

For any operation I would see what the alternatives are, how long I would be out of work, how much pain I am in and how often and how will this impact my family and myself by being out of work.
Christine26
Christine26
Wow jen, you must be tough. Both knees replaced.. Gee Whiz. Were both kness doe at the same time? I can imagine that the pai is bad. If the Synvisc does not work, which I am think I may have to go that route. Thus far don't really see the Syvisc weekly X 3 weeks helping. But I will give it a chance.
Christine26
Christine26
Sorry for not double checking that post. Having some issues with the "n"
button.