Last post Fri, Aug 22 2008 11:29 PM by nerakls. 3 replies.
First off, this is my first time doing this, so if it sucks, or doesn't male sense, that's why. So...Sorry...in advance.
I'm 27 yo, and have been living with RA since I was 11 years old. I have had 7 surgeries because of the RA, and just found out that I have to get my elbow replaced. I've already had a total hip replacement when I was 15, so it's not the surgery that's really getting to me. Rather, it's the fact of not knowing how life is going to be afterwards with a replaced elbow. My doctor told me that I won't be able to lift more than 8 pounds, that it could cause me to have to get my shoulder replaced later on, and that I will eventually lose the use of my arm, depending on how long the joint holds out.
Now, after that long intro, what I'm wanting to know is if anyone has ever had this done before, the elbow replacement? How old were you when you had it done? How long has it been since the replacement, and is it hard living with all those limitations on your arm? Like I said, it's not the surgery that is scaring me, but the afterwards part, and how it's going to be living with all the restrictions.I mean, I haven't even had kids yet, so when I do I'm not even going to be able to hold my own children. And that sucks the most out of all of it, knowing that if my child falls down, cries for soothness, or just for some love, I won't be able to pick them up at all. How can tou be a mom and not be able to hold your child??
I would love any kind of advice, tips, stories....anything that might help me get a little bit more comfortable with this whole idea. And get through it a little bit mentally okay. Thanks for listening...and sorry about my bad spelling.
hey, I haven't actually had an elbow replacement but when I was in my accident, just before my eighteenth, I broke off the end of my elbow and have pin and wire holding it in place - told will need a replacement eventually. But as it was a fairly serious break I thought I'd let you know how mine kind of effects me - initially I couldn't even pick up a glass of water but have managed to work up to about four pounds - its been about six months. I occassionally get achiness in the joint especially if I over do it. But from the rest of my injuries I have learnt that it will be possible to do any of those things - I mean you might not hold your children in the conventional way but you will work out a way of doing it. And all kind's of surgery are double edged - the pain relief weighed up with the weakness you will have. I would say think positively and ask your surgeon whether they have any patients who've had it done who could talk to you about their experiences.
hope this is a little bit helpful.
bex x
i havent had a replacement of the elbow but ive had 3 surgerys on it for several reasons i got the hardwear put in then part of it taken out and then they had to remove a bone that wasnt supposed to grow there.all i can say is see what the doctor says about having your elbow not put in a splint and have it able to move somewhat not totaly because mine has been in a splint so many times that everytime it stiffens if i dont move it and its hell getting it to bend about so just ask him and if its kool with him dont go for a splint let your arm move a little so you can keep the movment in it without having to work from one point to the next
Hi; I just ran across your posting. I see you posted this on May 8th 2008, and today is August 22nd. You may have had your elbow replacement by now, and if so, I would be interested in knowing how you are doing. I had an elbow replacement in January 7th 2004. I was 63 at the time. I had a perfectly good elbow until I fell down while walking to church on a cold Sunday morning. I fell on the concrete sidewalk and landed on my right elbow. I had just stumbled, there was no snow or ice. I shattered my elbow beyond repair. I will give you more details, tips and advice when I have time. It is late now and will write more later. Meanwhile I would like to know how you are doing.
