Finally got information | Arthritis Information

I made my list and took it in. The inside of my right knee has all kinds of damage: bursitis, RA in the synovial fluid (though not bad), definite OA with detoriation of the cartilage. I've torn part of a tendon and have cystial lesions. Doesn't that sound messy? I have to see the orthopaedic surgeon now. But, it might not require a total knee replacement. It will require surgery. But if it's not a total knee replacement, that's great because the recovery time is a lot less and I get to keep my own knee. I am rather attached to it. I will have to have the other knee evaluated as well.

In the neck, such a pain, the news is good in the fact that it is OA in the lower C6 of the cervical spine. Not RA, and no spinal compression at this point. However, there is very little they can do about the pain except for physical therapy and pain killers. Swimming seems to help me and I'm already doing exercises. The pain is awful though. But I don't want to go up on pain killers. But it is good news just because it isn't RA in the spine as that can result in sudden death or spinal compression with surgery the only option and not a good one.

I also have a problem with that left eye hurting. The opthamologist said everything checked out okay, saying maybe it was a neck problem. But that's not what Physcian's Assistant thought. I explained to her about all my history and that they had done a biopsy in the past. She said it is possible that I have vasculitis in the vein next to my eye. So, she's going to check my sed rate and some new blood tests to measure RA and inflammation. Now, this isn't such good news because if that is problematic and it goes untreated it can cause permanent blindness. I'm relieved that she is doing the blood work. If this happens again, I'm going to the ER. It still hurts some, but is easing off.

I asked about everything and she was great and she answered every one of my questions. She had a student with her who got her first lesson from me in not shaking someone with RA hands too hard. Ouch!

We got down to what about disability. She said their policy is that the patient decides when is enough and they will fill out or submit whatever papers are necessary. I told Social Security wants a letter from a doctor. She was surprised by this so I'm thinking I need to go back to the Social Security office with this. But, as she stated, it puts me in a spot with not having insurance even if I apply for state aid. and I need surgery right away. So, I need to keep the insurance and thus my job for the time being. But when I decide I've had enough and feel like I'm in a position to do it, they'll support in it.

I can live with that. I still have 3 weeks off work and I'm going to try to see the surgeon before then. So, I play the game like I've been doing and just space things out. If they fixed my knees, maybe all the other skeletal problems would ease up.

Ironically, they feel that my RA is under good control. Regardless, I am maxed at the medications that they can give me.

Hi Deanna. SO glad you have an idea of what is going on with your knees.Thank heaven there is no replacement in your near future. I will say you sound lots better. You certainly had a good visit at your RD'S.

I go tomorrow to see my Orthopedic DR. for MRI results on both knees. I hope that d*#* RD

Have a good evening.

Trisha
Good luck Trisha. I sure hope the doc didn't mess things up either. Some of them are a little too quick on the draw. Mine wanted to give me a cortisone shot for this problem and I said no, that's not the problem. Your doctor has been going overboard.

I still might have to have one or two knee replacements, but I am sure hoping that's not the case. It would be so great if they actually could fix something without putting in artificial parts.

Do let me know how you do. They had my MRI results in a couple of days, it just got fouled up in the delivery. But I knew something showed up by the way they acted.

They wouldn't do both of my knees at the same time for some reason. They said it was too long an exam. Maybe they were right because I was hurting by the end of it.

Good luck!
Deanna, this all sounds like good news - especially your spine. Well, the RA being under control when you feel that it's not - not so good. But everything else. It would be nice if you could get that knee fixed instead of just replacing it - at least it's a possibility. I still think it's barbaric that you have to work until you drop to get the insurance to pay for the surgery - but that's a whole other rant. At least the end is in sight!
I think it sucks too. It's either that or wait possibly months for surgery and maybe not being able to choose a good surgeon. I think I would rather have a good surgeon.

I'm really glad they are doing the blood work though. Everyone here has mentioned their RH factor etc. And, I asked why they don't ever tell me any of that. And, she looked at my huge chart and said that once they have a diagnosis, there's no point doing those tests again. (She wasn't talking about the maintenance blood tests -- they're positively anal about those). But she said this new blood test that measures RA activity. And I've been thinking my SED rate was up. It has been dangerously high the past.

It's not that they aren't willing to do the paperwork for disability. It's just I need the surgery right away. I can't hardly walk. They could be right.

I know I will suddenly become independently wealthy. Where is the magic wand? Did it get lost when the site went down.
   Deanna, you can borrow my magic wand. It's a little bent from wacking it against the lottery slips. It has lost some of it's power and it may turn that frog into a goat. Darn wand. But if you really want to give it a try, I'll mail it to you.

All kidding aside, glad to hear that you don't have RA in your spine. The knee, sounds like it has major problems. If the replacement will work better for you, then go for it.
   OH, I just hate it when you can't get the kind of care you need because of insurance or the lack of. This country needs a national health plan where everybody is cover and you can't be turn down. Now where's that magic wand.

   Marisa
hey Deanna! I think it all sounds like pretty good news. You got some answers, some of it is fixable. The neck not so much, I know how that goes....Mine is acting up right now and not responding to painkillers and muscle relaxers. But the news about the RA sounds good to me. If you can get the knees fixed and maybe do some PT for your neck and keep swimming and use a tens unit on the neck...you might just be back in business.

The fact that you have support and options with the whole job/SS deal is nice...choices are a good thing.

so I say congrats...I think things are looking up for you!
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