Question
Hi Sharon,

I'm a 62 year old woman who has been in a wheelchair for three years, in part because without insurance, I've not been able to get proper medical care and a dx. Long story short, I finally gave up my business a few months ago so I could qualify for Medicaid and seek help.

Today, I saw my new rheumatologist re: my recent X-rays.  The dx is severe degenerative joint disease of both hips and knees (not a big surprise to me).  The next step will be seeing an orthopedist regarding joint replacement.
In your experience, have you dealt with anyone who has had all 4 joints replaced, perhaps in staged surgeries?  What would I be facing in terms of recovery?  There is no one to help me post operatively (I'm a widow) and I'm not sure what Medicaid (actually, Medi-Cal) would cover in terms of in home or in facility rehab.

I realize this would be a very ambitious undertaking, but considering the pain, loss of function, and lack of quality of life I have now, I'm more than willing to consider it.

Any guidance you can give me would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks so much for your help!

Answer
Kathy

I am so sorry for what you are going through.  Personally, I have never met anyone who had so many joints replaced, but I would highly suggest that you go to the Anderson clinic in Arlington VA as they are very highly specialized.

Other options would be the Hospital of Bone and Joint Diseases or the Hospital of Special Surgery in New York.

Unfortunatley I am not familiar with any speicailized surgical hospitals in California.

I truly wish I could be of more help, but this is far beyond what my expertise is in, I just wanted to give you the names of those hospitals.

My best and heartfelt wishes for your recovery.

Sharon