Orthopedic Surgeons: What For? | Arthritis Information

 

Many of us use the services of orthopedic surgeons. Mine are all in the same practice and each handles a specific body part [leg, arm/shoulder, back, hip]. I think they're godsends, especially in terms of orthopedic surgery for synovitis, tenosynovitis, menisectomy.....and of course those Kenalog injections into the joints when they're screaming like banshees.

I've had to wait two and a half years just to see one, appointment on the 9th for bakers cyst's I've had shoulder injections, a wrist fusion, metatarsal surgery, and a huge nodule removed from thumb joint.  Currently considering a wrist replacement for the other hand if I can afford it/am still employed and have insurance when the time comes.He gives me those delightful shots that kills the pain in joints almost immediately. Someday, he'll transplant two knees for me. My orthopedist is not only my hero, but a real nice guy!

Haven't had need "this time around"  though I've had surgeries in the past..  remarkable stuff!!

My RD does all those wonderful pain relieving shots for me....  He's quite wonderful!!

[QUOTE=Bodak]I've had to wait two and a half years just to see one, appointment on the 9th for bakers cyst's [/QUOTE] my various orthos provide replacement parts :)  7 joint replacements (2 knees, 2 elbows, 2 shoulders and a wrist), a thumb fusion, removal of the ulna head on the other wrist.  Plus monitoring the condition of my feet, hip, neck and fingers.  I started visiting orthos when it became obvious at one point I would become a surgical patient.  I firmly believe at minimum every patient with RA should have a hand surgeon.[QUOTE=buckeye]my various orthos provide replacement parts :)  7 joint replacements (2 knees, 2 elbows, 2 shoulders and a wrist), a thumb fusion, removal of the ulna head on the other wrist.  Plus monitoring the condition of my feet, hip, neck and fingers.  I started visiting orthos when it became obvious at one point I would become a surgical patient.  I firmly believe at minimum every patient with RA should have a hand surgeon.[/QUOTE] I see an ortho on a regular basis.  My current one is a shoulder and hip specialist, so that works very well for me [QUOTE=babs10

 

buckeye..

 

even if there aren't any major issues?  I have minimal twisting and curving of things.. but nothing that isnt' fully functional.

 

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yep because in my opinion rheumatologists wait until there is a big problem  before recommending an ortho.  Deformities and dislocations don't happen over night.  They happen slowly and insidiously until suddenly you look at your hands and realize there is a problem.  A good hand surgeon and therapist can help PREVENT these problems or at least help control them.  Too often we accept minor deformities not realizing that a slight loss of ROM or minor damage leads towards bigger problems [QUOTE=babs10][QUOTE=Bodak]I've had to wait two and a half years just to see one, appointment on the 9th for bakers cyst's [/QUOTE] thank you, buckeye!

 

I had a PT for my hands.. and I've kept up much of what she taught me.... but I do see some minor changes.. now.. in April when I see my RD he is going to do an ultrasound of my hands in his office.. he wants it in his office so he can do it more often... AND so he can monitor me better... I think that's great.!!

 

I've thought of seeing an ortho to get a baseline for some of my issues.. (knees, shoulders, hips!!, and wrists and hands.. I have baselines of my spine from when I was searching for a DX... I'm going to do some research and ask my RD to recommend someone.

 

 

I'm so glad to read that so many of you have had the great success with orth surgeons that I have.

 

One thing I've found curious:  my orth surgeon will not infringe on what the rheumatologist does [e.g., prescribe Methotrexate], but my rheumatologist often seems "put out" when I mention that I went to the orth surgeon for a Kenalog shot.

 

Anyone have the same experience?

I decide who gets to do what....but I've never noticed any issue with my rheumatologist worrying about what other drs do

I've seen an orthopedist since 1998 and they've helped me many times.  I've got several bulging disks in lower back and spinal rheumatoid nodules/spurs, very painful toes and feet, have had one knee replaced and need to have the other done but so far 6 month Synvisc inj. by the ortho have put that off, my wrists and shoulders were just evaluated and I expect my ankle needs some attention.  I've been fortunate to have had two excellent orthos.  I've had both my RD and the ortho inject and I've had no problem.  Lindy

I adore my Ortho.

He has helped me so much. My Rheumy and neurologist have no problems with me routinely being followed by him. I have knee replacement surgery in my future, as well as my wrist.  I have a gangloid (sp) (i know it is not spelled correctly) that is very large and on the top as well as the bottom of my wrist...it is intertwined pretty good through the joint. One time I got an injection in my thumb joint area and the cyst filled up and pooched out huge...

My doctor said and I qoute .."COOL". I didn't think it was cool...I asked him to drain it..he said no all the medicine would come out Milly,

How did the surgery go for you for the Ganglion cyst? The MRI I had showed it is through the joint...It bothers me, but surgery bothers me more. IDK

I thought they could simply drain it, but it doesn't seem to be something the Ortho wants to do.

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