update

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

It has been way too long since I have posted. I find less and less time to

read or post unfortunately.

In May of 2007 I had my right hip revised. Up to this point I was in so

much pain that it was either not walk again or have surgery. I opted for

the surgery. The surgeon said the socket portion of my 16 year old hip

replacement fell out in his hands so evidently it was completely loose and

this was causing me the pain. The surgery went well and I am pain free with

the hip again. The only glitch I has was with the spinal anesthesia. I

will not do that again. I had a leak which caused a massive headache for

days.

In March of 2008 I had my shoulder replaced. This was due to me injuring it

which trying to take up our wood floor in our kitchen. It slowly got worse

until it froze completely. I have to say the hip and knee replacements I

have had in years past were nothing compared to this shoulder. I am still

in pain. They had to go back and do a manual manipulation last month

because I was not progressing fast enough. I am not sure what more I could

have done. I have been going to therapy every day (my wife is an

administrator of a rehabilitation center, otherwise that would have been

cost prohibitive). It is improving, but slowly. At the current rate it

will take about a year to recover from this one.

Last year I became an Arthritis ambassador for the 8th district in Indiana.

We make monthly calls and have tasks every month. They center on getting

the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act passed. I have made a few

trips to see my local Senators and Congressman. I also make phone calls to

their health liaisons. I joined the southern Indiana Arthritis Foundation

board and am active by assisting in the Walk, Ambassador duties, and

attempting to conduct informational meetings/support groups.

I welcome updates from any and all. Today was the best day of my life.

ville, IN

JRA at age 12. Now 37.