Joints affected long term?

[knik]

Does Sjogren's deteriorate our joints? I have Sjogren's and Fibro.  I need a new knee I have been told to loose 75-100 pounds before they will do it!!!  How does one loose weight when they cannot move!?  I have a friend who also has SS and Fibro and she had total knee replacement.  She is sorry she did.  She said the pain is incredibly bad and she thinks worse because of the autoimmunes.  Now I am a bit scared to even think about replacement.  Will I start a loosing battle?

[Tharrell]

Hi knik. I don't think sjogren's specifically destroys bone/ cartilage like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but it can cause arthritic pain in your joints.
With joint replacement you have to realize everyone reacts differently. Having said that, I too am having severe difficulties with my total hip replacement on the right. I had surgery on August 31 and initially did very well. However at the two week mark post surgery I started developing pain. Doctor thinks I have micromovement of the stem of the implant. On top of that I'm beeing worked up for post surgical infection since I found a small amount of yellow pus draining from the scar that had already closed up.
So I don't know if the healing problems are from my meds or from mixed connective tissue disease or sjogren's.

[irish]

I was going to say the same thing---as we have the arthritis pain and inflammation but not the destruction of the joint that is seen in RA.

I imagine the only way to lose the weight is to try and find some diets that will work. Have you thought of seeing a dietician who could give you some ideas on the calories, foods, etc. I know it is hard cause I have extra pounds that I don't need.

The knee supports so much weight and really takes the brunt of the stress when we sit down and rise up from sitting position plus up and down stairs and just general walking. The extra weight does make a difference. I know that I would sure need some help with weight loss if I needed the knee surgery. Wishing you luck. It is heck when we can't be as active as we would like. Irish

[cccourt1942]

weight has always been the culprit in unsuccessful knee replacement.  It's just a sad fact of the human body.

[SunshineDaydream]

I don't know much about the knee replacement aspect, but maybe a physical therapist or personal trainer could help you come up with a manageable exercise plan. Depending on what you are doing now, you might still have to address the other issues of healthy eating and possibly reducing calories.

[Jenny]

I lost 30 pounds without exercising  in the past 5 months by going to a weight loss clinic. They gave me lots of vitamins and an extended release appetite suppressant. It curbs your appetite but you still have to be vigilant about every bite that goes in your mouth. I was getting ready to schedule a knee replacement in my right knee which is bone on bone. My left knee was hurting almost as bad but isn't bone on bone. Since I lost the weight my right knee hurts about 50% less and my left rarely hurts at all. It isn't easy but it can be done.