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Date: 07.06.2011
From: Jo

Subject: Hello - advice required

Hi all, I'm new to the forum and would really appreciate some feedback if possible. I'm 32 years old and was diagnosed with RA when I was 30. I'm on medication to control it but unfortunately my right wrist is too far gone and my only option is to have a wrist fusion or a wrist replacement. Has anybody had either operation or know of anybody who has? I think I have made my mind up but I haven't actually spoken to anybody who has had either operation, and I would also like to hear from people who suffer from RA.

Thank you!
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Date: 07.06.2011
From: mads

Subject: Re: Hello - advice required

hi jo
i'm a bit older 43 and diagnosed with ra at beginning of 2011, probably had it about a year before diagnosis. On lots of drugs but nothing really helps the pain. Don't know anything about the operation. I have two young children, a husband and a dog. They are all very supportive but i feel like the weak link in the chain. I work full-time but since mid may i have hardly been in for 2 wks i have been on sick leave (mobility big problem) 1 wk have been working from home and this week a mixture of both, yesterday in work, dreadful pain today, worried won't be able to keep this up. good to hear from you and hope you get some replies re wrist op.
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Date: 08.06.2011
From: Lee

Subject: Re: Hello - advice required

Hi

I was 31/32 when diagnosed and I originally went in as my last two fingers on both hands go numb when sleeping and a dodgy knee from Athletics in school.

They have now confirmed I have 2 nerve compressions in my elbow plus the damage to the arms and wrists themselves with PA.

They havent offered me any surgery to fix the elbows but was told simple op that javelin throwers get but I am more concern how much nerve and muscle damage there is in my arms and what needs replacing etc.

I think in the last 2 months ive taken every pain med going and im in a bad state for it so be careful what they offer as its not always the best option.

Im off work as cant use computer much but if i could have the op and get me back to work i would so that is no longer a worry.

Just sit down with GP or Specialist and pen and notepad and make sure everything is explained and you understand it as ive fallen into the trap recently where im taking things to counter act other meds instead of saying no, thinking Drs etc know best.

If you have any worries or questions dont be afraid to ask and write them down and present them to dr or specialist.

This board is great and you will get support from people and info from those who have had the op
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Date: 08.06.2011
From: dolly

Subject: Re: Hello - advice required

hello jo. my name is dolly and i've had RA 4 41 yrs. i've had 30 surgeries which include 2 hip replacements, i knee replacement, both wrist joints removed, all toe joints removed [used 2 wear size 8 shoe now i wear size 5-6] both radial head removed from my elbows, and numerous surgeries for removal of noduals [its like hard calcium build up]. when i had my wrist joints removed the way they ended up is i can "point" my hands downward and not upward. i've also hand knuckles replaced in one hand. i ended up with all these surgeries because i didnt have any good meds back over 40 years ago. an RA patient needs good anti-inflamatories to keep inflamation away cause its the inflamation that deteriorates the joints. i sure hope something is done real soon for you. feel free to ask any questions, and take care.
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Date: 08.06.2011
From: kirst

Subject: Re: Hello - advice required

im sorry you are having to have surgery. I also have RA. Ive no experience with replacements other than knowing a few people with hip replacements. But i just wanted to say i know that if i ever get to the stage where i was facing the choice of fusion or replacement, id choose replacement. Simply because i belive it would give a greater range of movement.
But you need to weigh up the pros and cons before you make any decisions. And do what you know you will be happy with.
Hope you are ok? x
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