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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Knee replacement Surgury

lovebaby8
lovebaby8
Went to an orthopedic yesterday and found out my RA has destroyed the cartliage in my knees to where they are bone on bone and is going to fight Medicare for knee replacement starting with the left I'm only 27 so this is kinda scary anyone else gone through this? If so I have a major trip in September should I wait til afterwards? Not sure about recovery time never though at 27 I would need replacements already ah oh well advice would be great
Sunshinehope
Sunshinehope
Sorry to hear that you have to have your knees replaced at such a young age.

I had both knees replaced 2 years ago when I was 52. I won't say it was easy. I had to work hard at the therapy to have them done 3 months apart. The hardest part was having to be off my RA treatment. I get Actemra IV and had to go without it for a month after surgery. But I am so glad I had them done. One of my knees was easier than the other.

As far as your trip goes, it will depend on how you do and how well you recover. Like I said, mine were 3 months apart per Dr. recommendation. So I would ask your doctor about recovery time.

I hope you do well when you get them done.
Christine26
Christine26
Wow, I guess knee replacement can occur at any age. So sorry to hear this. I have osteo in both knees and my oldest son is a little older than you so I am no youngster. I am in the mist of trying Synvisc because I could not listen to the doctor when he mentioned knee replacement to me so I asked for another option. I get the second Synvisc injection tomorrow. I have very little cartilage left. So far I have been in more pain since the injection than before. The doctor said it could take 6 weeks from the first injection to see a difference. Today my cardiologist said as one of my providers, I should revisit the idea of knee replacement because I am generally an active person and I need to look at the quality of life. Something to think about....
I would ask about recovery time and it will depend on how bad off you are now, and when could the operation be done before September . I wish you so much luck and speedy recovery.