7 Months in SLC Waiting for My New Knee

I knew from Dr. G in SLC that I indeed did need a knee replacement. I knew that I may have a tough task ahead of me - convincing a surgeon to operate, do a TKR, on a 32 year old female that has RA and Fibro.

• The other thing about doing a replacement on me, is that my Fibro and other secondary would potentially make rehab more difficult and longer. And a replacement on an RA patient, although we often need joint replacement, we have to go off of our main RA treatments for a time period before, during, and after the surgery - so that our bodies can heal and to bring our risk of infection down.

(For those uninformed as to how RA works. As with all autoimmune diseases, our immune system attacks our own bodies, in each diseases own way. With RA the white blood cells attack our joints and soft tissues in a nutshell. We take meds that suppress our immune system when the disease is advanced enough, to slow the progression of disease activity  and damage.)

• I take Methotrexate Injections weekly (low dose of chemo), and I get Remicade infusion every 4 weeks. These are the medications I for example did have to stop taking for my replacement to be done.

Dr. G had me a little discouraged. I was feeling down because I was in this position of needing a knee but being pretty much being told 'good luck'. It does not feel good to be 32, disabled, limited mobility with two nasty diseases and two awesome kids! It is and will continue to be difficult. When there is something that can help, then I see it as something to try.

I was given a gift at this point in my life, in Salt Lake City. I was given the gift of a beautiful group women that gave me strength, courage and the support that I needed to move forward. To wake up every day, to show up, to say in whatever form it is today, I can do this.  Where I am is ok, what I can do is ok. I have truly never in my entire 32 years had such inspiration in my life. They supported us with meals, with friendships and help with every day tasks....items as simple as cooking and grocery shopping that had become  too difficult for me to do.

 I met these women at the Open Classroom Charter School in SLC, and they were all in their own individual way very inspirational and helpful to me - a spirit I needed to see in others at this time in my life -

 

Thank you to Ilse, Teren, Jeannie, Fusae, Alicia, Sarah, Tricia, & Lisa.
Much Love to You All

 

From Sept-May, you all gave me support in ways you may never know made a difference. When I had surgery, and when Aaron had to leave town, you supported me even more. You treated me like family, and I greatly appreciate it.

You are each beautiful people, gems in this world!

 

 

 My Rheumy & My Knee Ortho Surgeon

 I continued to deal with the pain, discomfort and disability my knee was dealing me. I had moments of considering trying to wait a little longer, be a little tougher.

At an appointment with my Rheumatologist in CO in early May we talked about my knee. He said that I already live with the quality of life dealt to you by having RA & Fibro, why should you continue to live with the damage in this knee if we can fix it. He also was/is concerned that I get my right knee done before my left needs to be replaced.

I was convinced. I called the Orthopedic Knee Dr. I most trust, in S.D.

I went through the questions required to set up an appointment to do a TKR...passed.

 

I was in South Dakota within a few days. The surgeon walked in....he said 'Wow, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia, you've got it tough kid.'

 

I don't need sympathy, but it was nice for a medical professional to get it, it is tough.

 

My age was not a factor. My quality of life. My level of pain. Previous attempted treatment failure to work.  And most importantly my pictures - no meniscus, bone on bone.

 

I was ready to plead my case - I didn't need to because Dr. Z got it. Of course I don't want to walk with cane. Of course I want to play with my kids. Is was obvious why I was there. The question wasn't if, but rather when.

 

I needed a rheumy plan & a bone density test.

The date would then be set.

 

Moving Back to Sioux Falls from Salt Lake City in 2 weeks.....Ahhh!

 

I have had less notice for moves, and made them happen quite gracefully. I also wasn't as sick as I now am, as comfortable with the place or had my husband out of town. I also had Art Stroll which I was entirely, alone, in charge of for Gavin's 5th grade class which I taught art throughout the school year. AND Gavin had  a broken jaw - could only eat the soft diet, was medically excused

 

In the two week time frame we had to move, we also needed to have a birthday party for Faith and I was throwing a Baby Shower for a good friend, Fusae!

 

Life felt a little crazy.

It was, but it all had to be done - and hopefully with no flares.