Hi Everyone!

[pberggren1]

Neat, another Weggie from MD.

[Debbie C]

Welcome to the group Alex..sorry we had to meet this way but as you probably know by now there are alot of good people here with alot of knowledge and understanding. Sorry you have been thru so much in your life with this disease already but hopefully there will be no problem with your kidneys and you can concentrate on getting your other pain healed.Feel free to ask questions or just vent anytime...someone is usally here. Good Luck and keep us posted.

[windchime]

[QUOTE=Alex;77173]Thanks, do you know what the average lifespan is for a knee replacement these days? I just don't want to have had 4 of them by time I'm 60. It's looking more and more like that's what I will need.[/QUOTE

I'm not sure of the lifespan, but think they quote the minimum. I would guess 20 years minimum. They have new knee replacements that are especially for active people that hike and climb. The range of motion is increased over the standard replacement. I've seen them advertised but do not remember the name. You will most likely have to have more than one since you are so young, but compared to the pain of arthritis, at least in my case, it was worth it. Since I was only 56 when I had my first one done I may have to have another one some day. It is what it is, but I'm pain free now. Good luck.

[woz]

Hi Alex, glad you found this site, much more info here, than you will find anywhere else. All the best for the future.

Regards Woz

[mishb]

Hi Alex and welcome - I'm glad you finally decided to join

A friend of mine had a knee replacement 8 weeks ago. At her specialists suggestion, she had been putting the replacement off for many years, until it got to the point where she couldn't any longer.
- the reason for this, is because the specialist has told her, that the new replacements only last 10 to 15 years, so the longer she could wait, the less replacements she would need.

I also know a lady who has already had 2 hip replacements. As she is only 50 now, she will probably need it done a few more times, before her passing.

Good luck to you

[Alex]

Hi Alex and welcome - I'm glad you finally decided to join

A friend of mine had a knee replacement 8 weeks ago. At her specialists suggestion, she had been putting the replacement off for many years, until it got to the point where she couldn't any longer.
- the reason for this, is because the specialist has told her, that the new replacements only last 10 to 15 years, so the longer she could wait, the less replacements she would need.

I also know a lady who has already had 2 hip replacements. As she is only 50 now, she will probably need it done a few more times, before her passing.

Good luck to you

That's what I'm trying to do, is wait until I could maybe get by with 2 or 3 replacements tops as I've heard the loose effectiveness each additional replacement. At least I can walk (sort of). I usually use a cane and take breaks every 10min or so. It sucks, but it works for now with the help of some serious painkillers.

[NikkiNicole]

The cane is evil. When my hip is bothering me I use it to help me walk ... which I must do incorrectly because then my shoulder hates me for a week.

Hello again Alex!

[rebekah]

I just wanted to say welcome, Alex. I'm 22 and just graduated from college, so I understand how difficult balancing school and life and wegs can be, but it is doable. I wish you the best of luck in your studies! I hope the appointment with the nephrologist goes well and things improve for you.