Re: Neljanski

I.P. wrote:

> I'm glad I'm not in your shoes yet, but then I may be if
> and when I reach your present age in seven years.

Remember, I was 39 when first diagnosed with A.S.


> His wife had to have new hips in her 30s.
> I HOPE that makes you feel less unlucky.

At an Arthritis Foundation "Total Joint Replacement" seminar
12 years ago, I met a lovely 28-year-old lady (who made me
wish I was younger) who had had THREE replacement surgeries -
1 shoulder and 2 hips. She is a perfect example of over-
throwing the mindset of doctors who say, "You're too young
(for replacement surgery). That's for old folks."

Whenever newcomers join the support group A.S.A. quoting a
doctor like that, we tell them to find a new rheumy 'cause
the current one is living in the stone age. Quality of life
- not age - is the one criteria that should be used.


> We're all pulling for you.

Thanks for the encouragement. My wife is happy/satisfied
letting me make the decisions. She's accompanied me to
every appointment, witnessed both biopsies, multiple DRE's,
came to the botched RT (non) appointment which made me
decide against another appointment.

___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12