Hey. I had total knee replacement the end of October and it has been good. I can already walk very good and my knee is straight. Both knees were turning in and my feet turning outward. I am ready to have the other knee done. To me personally I am so glad to have had it done. I can tell how much it is impacting my life and I am ready to go walking. I have had pins put in toes on right foot, 2 toes removed, both hands had knuckls replaced. Never thought I would have to go this route but to be able to function and have some type of life you do what is best for you. Talk to your dr about the knees. I think surgery will be the answer. If so the sooner the better so you can press on. God bless.

I have had Synvisc injections and they offer 3 to 4 months of general relief. They can be given about every 6 months.

While this is a great site to find out about other's experiences, the one sure thing about RA is that it's different for everyone. Just because you haven't found anyone on here that hasn't had relief doesn't mean YOU won't. I've had new joints start hurting, ones that I've never had involvement in and it lasts for months but then suddenly stops. I don't want to jinx myself but some have never flared up again. I've also had joints that are painful and deteriorate quicker than you would ever think possible. There is no "typical case" of RA. The hardest joints for me to deal with being super painful have been the weight bearing ones - I've never had long term knee issues but I'm guessing being mobile with both of them like that is horrendous!!
I'm so glad you're aware of the dangers of Prednisone. You will get sick of hearing this from me but I will repeat it until I think no one else needs to know: Prednisone is such a good drug. Prednisone is such a BAD drug! I am adrenal insufficient from being on a VERY low dose of it for too long. Sometimes the issues from this can actually be worse than the RA.
I hope you get relief soon! Don't hold out for too long if the doctor green lights knee replacements. Once you get them done you'll be a new woman - you'll be able to do so much more, pain free. You only live once - enjoy your time here as much as you can.

@A myRAteam Member, I'm so sorry you are Still having so much pain with your knees. I would certainly ask your doctor to xray your knees if not already done. IF they have bone on bone then you really do need to have knee replacements. In my case, it turns out I did & still do, have lots of osteoarthritis in addition to RA. & that's what destroyed my knees. I just had to wait until I wasn't 'too young' to have that done. I also have loads of osteoarthritis in my back, & that is what is destroying my back (spine). I think that both types of arthritis go hand on hand much of the time. Good luck & Best wishes on finding your answer!!

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A myRAtea...

Years ago I hated the thought of replacement surgeries..that was until I witnessed how life changing the various surgeries can be. My Dad recently had both knees done and teaches Spin. He swears by it. I recently met someone who had joint replacement in the hand...is pleased with result. I believe relief is possible. Personally I would ask alot of questions to my practitioner and anyone who has been thru it :-) hope this helps :-)