Don't really know what to do?

[wingspirit]

Hi Everyone

I just got home from the orthopedic surgeons office. I had some bad news. I am going to have to have the other knee replaced (Left). I already have the right one done. But that was before i had a diagnosis of lupus.

I am scared, to say the least. It has not really soaked in yet, but i am sure it will.

The cartledge is completely gone, and i have a bone spur about the size of a quarter on the platella.

He gave me a shot of cortizone today. Hope it helps some.

My question is, is there anything i need to be doing concerning the lupus. Need your help and advice.

Thanks for listening.

Lou:( :sad:

[LolaLola]

Hello Lou, Not something I know about at all,just wanted to sympathise.
x Lola

[Zoi]

Lou,

I'm sorry to hear about this new development... Joint surgery doesn't sound like fun... :eek:

Don't know much about surgery and lupus; the only thing that does come to mind is that if you've been on steroids for a long time you may need some extra before your surgery. Maybe your rheumy could discuss this with your ortho before you're admitted for surgery?

I do hope that cortisone shot helps you feel a bit better,

Zoi

[AmandaB]

Hi Lou,

I've not had knee replacements however I did have surgery on both knees last year to repair the patella tendons after they both ruptured and everything went fine :)

Hope this helps to relieve any worry you may have?

Amanda

[helloos]

I would defnititely let your rhemo know about the surgery and ask him if you should take any precaustions, meds, etc. prior to the surgery.

I would think the orhto doc and the rhemo should talk about this together.

I hope your surgery goes well and what a disappointment it is to have the other knee done.

Sending hugs your way and let us know when you are scheduled.

[Mariposa]

Hi WingSpirit,

I'm sorry about the not so good news.:sad:

But I agree with the rest of the ladies and your two physicians need to come together and discuss your situation.
Keep us posted.

With a butterfly hug,
Mariposa8)

[aliciakeke]

Hello Lou, good thing I saw your post as that I am sort of an expert on joint surgeries. I am 4 weeks post-op from a bilateral knee replacement and am doing great.

Some advice I have is don't be scared, after surgery the bone on bone pain and grinding you now experience will be gone. Depending on what meds you are now on, a week prior to surgery your Doctor will most likely have you stop anything that thins the blood. If you take prednisone your rheumy will probably increase the dose to keep the inflammation under control. This depends on the person, but surgery might send you into a flare, it did not for me, but every one is different.

Don't think of this as a dissapointment but as a chance to get your mobility back and maybe your life back. You have already had one knee done so you know what to expect as far as recovery and therapy and stuff like that. I do not regret mine at all and would do it again in a heartbeat if I had to. I wouldnt worry too much about the Lupus having an effect, just make sure they monitor your inflammation and tell your rheumy you are having surgery and he will tell you what to do.

I think you will do fine and if your knee feels anything like mine did you will be relieved and happy you did. If you have any questions about the surgery or anything do not hesitate to ask me, I am here to help. There is also a great forum I found on here called delphiforums.com/onourfeet. It is a great place to go to read others experiences and ask questions and just get help and encourougement. It has helped me alot.

Take care and good luck,
Alicia

[wingspirit]

Alicia

Thanks for your advise. I really do know what to expect out of the surgery itself. I am just hoping that this one goes a little better than the last one. I guess i was in a state of shock, but i really did expect the news. I hae been in a great deal of pain with this knee.

I have to go see my rheumy before i have the surgery anyway, so i think things will work out just fine. This thing with the lupus is new and i really didn't really know what to expect with it.

Thanks again. I welcome all of your advise and comments.

Lou