I have had lots of joint replacements. I have had one knee (the other is bad, but I do not want to go through that again!), both hips, an elbow, both wrists are fused (best thing I ever did!), I have had four finger joints replaced and the thumb fused (it was a long, difficult rehab but worth the end result). I have also had a spinal fusion due to scoliosis, two rotator cuff repairs and multiple foot surgeries trying to stop the degeneration of my feet. I would not be able to function if I had not had these surgeries. I have been battling RD for 34 years and I have only recently had go into a wheelchair. The diagnosing doctor told me I would be in a chair by age 30, but I made it to 59! This was because I got good medical care, PT/OT, found the very best Orthopedic surgeons and worked hard in my rehabilitation. My body looks like a road map from all the scars. Would I do all these surgeries again? Why yes, I would. It has given me the feeling of fighting this disease process and it has helped me feel less like a victim of something. Your decision is yours to make and you need to ask lots of questions. With every surgery that helps, there is something you give up. The wrist fusions helped me so much with the pain in my wrists, but they are forever positioned the way they are. Any time you have a fusion, the joints above and below bear the brunt of the lost joint and can have problems. However, I was in so much pain and the injections no longer offered any relief. As my shoulders had problems, I had to find creative ways to handle my personal hygiene, but there are lots of devices out there to help with that.

Do what you feel is necessary to have a full life with good moments in it! God bless!

Are you doing the diet and taking minocycline for mycoplasma? Did you read "the road back" and join the group?

Kudos to all of you that had joint replacement surgeries, I know I will end up with my left knee replaced, but, I will wait until I cannot stand the pain anymore. It's bad enough I have sciatica and, neuropathy.

I know that my Dad really regeted his original section to wait on his surgeries.
He did alternative therapy which did work initially, but once your grinding bone on bone, that pain is just excruciating!!

My husband had an injury and needed 3 back surgeries. His recovery and function convinced my dad not to be so scared. He requested my husbands surgeon because he was so amazing.
My dad's results were life changing so he decided to do his hips as well.

There is a point..
And everyone's point is different due to many other factors...
Where alternative therapies, diets etc. Just reach the limit of their effectiveness and surgeries and/or meds are the best option.

I'm all for using holistic and alternative treatments like saunas, physio, acupuncture, diets, supplements etc.

But for some of us there comes a time where you need the drastic interventions like DMARDs, Biologics and surgeries.

I have had 6 joint replacements. Both knees (1 twice) , both hips and I elbow. Whether you should continue is a personal decision. My disease caused such deterioration. The replacements really improved my quality of life. Hope this helps.