12-10-2011, 07:39 AM
1
A big Connundrum
Right folks, as you all know, I suffer from arthritis and have had both hips and both knees replaced. The Right hip was replaced nearly eight years ago. Have been experiencing pain and weakness in this joint over the past few months and have had blood tests, x-rays and an MRI scan. Saw surgeon yesterday. X-rays and MRI scan show no problem with the joint, BUT the blood test shows a heightened level of chromium in my blood which may mean that the joint is leaching chromium into my blood stream. Will be going to see my G.P later this morning (wife of my surgeon) and chat about the side-effects of the chromium on me - Google doesn't tell me much about that.My connundrum is this: If the heightened level of Chromium is not good for me, do I undergo further surgery to have the joint replaced a second time now or do I persevere with the pain and discomfort for a while longer when it will be replaced anyway??? (Hip joints last about 10 years and if I have it replaced now, will I need yet a third replacement before I 'pop my clogs')????
12-10-2011, 09:27 AM
3
Re: A big Connundrum
Originally Posted by Uncle Joe
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Right folks, as you all know, I suffer from arthritis and have had both hips and both knees replaced. The Right hip was replaced nearly eight years ago. Have been experiencing pain and weakness in this joint over the past few months and have had blood tests, x-rays and an MRI scan. Saw surgeon yesterday. X-rays and MRI scan show no problem with the joint, BUT the blood test shows a heightened level of chromium in my blood which may mean that the joint is leaching chromium into my blood stream. Will be going to see my G.P later this morning (wife of my surgeon) and chat about the side-effects of the chromium on me - Google doesn't tell me much about that.My connundrum is this: If the heightened level of Chromium is not good for me, do I undergo further surgery to have the joint replaced a second time now or do I persevere with the pain and discomfort for a while longer when it will be replaced anyway??? (Hip joints last about 10 years and if I have it replaced now, will I need yet a third replacement before I 'pop my clogs')????
I am very sorry to hear you are experiencing a lot of pain 
. It must be dreadful to have constant pain and you are always so cheerful.Taking into consideration your chest problems there are a couple of points to which I would want answers before making a decision. If the scans etc show there is no problem with the joint, what is causing the pain and will another replacement make any difference to the pain level.
And of course as you have already stated what effect does the chromium have, is one of those things which cause problems only after many years.
I am aware hip joins can last a lot longer than 10 years, I knew someone at work who had one for 14 years .
UJ, there are many things to take into consideration. I would write down all the pros and cons then try to assess the situation logically when you have as many details as possible and before making a final decision..
12-10-2011, 01:45 PM
4
Re: A big Connundrum
Uncle Joe, I am sorry to hear about your problem, it cannot be easy for you to decide what to do at this point, I fully agree with the reply from Meg, you have a lot to take into consideration, as I see you have other health issues.I am a nurse however I do not have extensive knowledge on specialist subjects, it may surprise you that I would always avoid the knife as long as I am comfortable, I would go into as much detail with your GP and research before deciding what to do
12-10-2011, 02:47 PM
6
Re: A big Connundrum
Uncle Joe, I'm so sorry to hear you are suffering so much pain. I cannot add anything to the very good advice you have received from others above.Be armed with questions when you visit your doctor, and be guided by what she says.
I wish you well whatever path you decide to take.
12-10-2011, 03:33 PM
10
Re: A big Connundrum
Originally Posted by Mags
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Fingers crossed there will be a straightforward answer to the problem, UJ....
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