Kickas.org Forums Rheumatoid Arthritis General Discussion #1 RA Web Support Group Need bilateral hip replacements

Well I have disappointing news. After believing that my RA was reasonably well controlled I've now learned that both hip joints have been destroyed and I need two new hips. Grrr.... I think the damage was accelerated last year during a drug shortage of methotrexate that left me having a reduced dose for about six months.

I was putting my increased pain levels down to a fall I had 18 months ago but when I finally saw the orthopedic specialist a couple of days ago he showed me the results of my x-rays and CT scans and I'm down to bone on bone - no joint space left at all or any cartilage.

It explains my pain levels but I'm seriously disappointed and annoyed at the three rheumatologists who had brushed me off because my RA is zero negative and didn't follow the classic pattern..

Oh Wendy - what a turn up. Far too many of them just 'won't' listen. Seems prevelant the whole world over. Maddening and saddening. The continual is wearysome, depletes one of all energy and all too often the willingness to just 'go on'.

First off I'd put together a report and get it to them, each and every one. Might just help a future patient from being at the brunt end of their ignorance, sheer arrogance and bombast. Too many of us here have been severely bruised and abused by the incompetence.

I'd also put in a complaint/report to your national health service. Again, to help other patients - medical schools need the wake call to get their instructional teaching act together. Ggggrrrrr.

TG you have a good orthopod. The best of everything for this Wendy. And hope you can get the pain levels under control.

Take care -

I'm hoping for those same things, Molly. Thank you. That pain is miserable right now.

Hi Wendy,

I am so sorry this is happening to you. Are you able to continue your education right now?

I am having a lot of pain in my hips too. The surgeon said that after my spine heals, we need to make a decision May change my mind further out from surgery.

I think of you often.

Hugs and Blessings.

Thank you, Joyce. I also think of you and hold you up as a model for how to deal with this illness with grace.

I am continuing with my PhD. I have finished all my course work and I'm waiting to sit my candidacy exam. I have put it on hold for a couple of months because we have just moved into the new house we've spent the last five years building and I only have the energy and pain management ability to do one at a time!

Oh my, you do have a lot on your plate. I have thought of you often continuing your education with all this pain.

Congratulations on the new home!!

I will be thinking of you and praying for you through your surgery.

Hugs.