Multiple joint replacement

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I am new to the group. I've had hip and knee pain for years. Years ago an

orthopedic doctor told me that both my kneecaps are not where they should be,

and that the cartilage was wearing out. He told me surgery was my only option.

Last year, two doctors told me that I had some degenerative changes in my hip

joints, but that my hip pain was probably coming from my back where I had a

ruptured disk and scoliosis. So I had extensive back surgery in January. I'm

still recovering.

Well, of course my hips and knees still hurt. At my last visit, the

neurosurgeon who operated on my back took new X-rays and said " What's with your

hips? " All the cartilage is now gone in both hips. They're both bone on bone

now. He asked me if my hips hurt. How quickly they forget.

I have an appointment with an orthopedic doctor in two weeks. I'm afraid he'll

tell me that both hips need replacing, as well as both knees. Has anyone had

all four joints replaced? Does that much surgery actually improve things? I'm

really afraid, because I just went through a horrible experience with back

surgery and I really don't feel any better.

I'm hoping some of you can give me guidance.

Thanks.