I have RA which at present is uncontrolled. I have been on SSZ which put the RA into semi remission for a couple of years and then failed. I have been taking MTX/SSZ/HCQ for 18 months now with no result. My RD has suggested gold with a 6 week course of 7 mg daily prednisone, but I also have what appears to be idiopathic AVN of the left hip. I am worried about taking the prednisone because of the possibility of more avn. Is my worry justified ? I would also like to get my hip fixed asap (a THR)but the orthopedic sugeon has agreed that it would best to get the RA under control first.

I am writing to try to help my friend’s wife and don’t have all the exact clinical details but have the basic info. She was healthy 26 yrs old after birth 2nd child was diagnosed with severe RA. She has been on meds past two years that includes Methotrxate possibly steroids. Now we just got a frantic call from her husband. seems either the meds or disease has destroyed her hip joints. they are being told there is a decreased blood supply to her hips and now MD is recommended surgery for total hip replacement(S). I am trying to get more detailed info. Unfortunately our friend is overseas in Iran so I don’ think they have the most reason medical technology like here. Is this normal to need new hips so soon has only been on meds two years. They are trying to get second opinions in their country as well. Please any advice appreciated.

I am having difficulty finding extensive information concerning AVN. I have had the arthritis in both ankles for which I now have a right ankle fusion and a left total ankle replacement done by Sigvard Hansen at Seattle’s Harborview Med. Center. I now find that the AVN has spread to both of my hips. Can I expect to require hip replacements and maybe even knees or wrists later? Also, my oldest daughter has been diagnosed with AVN of both of her ankles. Is AVN hereditary? Is there a cure? Maybe gene therapy?

My son was just diagnosed with this he is 13 years old. The doctor said he just wants to wait and see if his ankle heals on its own Do you think I should insist that something be done now? How serious is this?

Hi, I’m 25years old, male and I’ve had Crohn’s disease since 1999. I have taken a lot of prednisone all these years and I have developed osteonecrosis of the knees. I’m suffering from it 4 years now and I can’t find a solution at least for the pain. Doctors that I have visited so far,are not helping at all. How can I relieve my knee pain, I need something drastic and not simple pain killers that do nothing. I have stopped taking prednisone 2 months now and my Crohn’s is in remission at the moment.

I have fell at work two different times at work. One time it hurt my left hip and another time it hurt my right hip. The first time, it was several years ago and the last time was this year. Recently, I have been diagnosed with osteonecrosis in both my hips. Could the result of my accidents of falling at work cause this in my hips? I do not have any other reason to have this other then the work that I do. I do alot of of heavy lifting, bending and stooping on my job. Could this be a factor that I may consider this for workmans comp so that I dont lose my job while I am out having surgery because that is where this is leading to. Could heavy lifting, bending and stooping cause osteonecrosis after a period on ten years doing it or maybe could it be the falling that caused it? I went to the company doctor both times and they did not even xray it or nothing. They just claimed that I strained some muscles but now I am not so sure. Please help. If this can be under workmans comp, then I will not lose my job due to having surgery.