Double knee replacement for Donna Karen Skelly

In May 2021 both my knees finally collapsed leaving me unable to walk any more. I've only just turned 47 and I'm in a wheelchair. My life has been extremely limited these last 6 years but now I'm even more isolated.

I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis in 2006 when I was only 31 and for almost a decade it was mostly under control. But in August 2015 I went into a massive flare that was totally life changing for me and my family.

My mobility (and all around capability) has been declining steadily these last 6 years and I'm on the NHS waiting list for a Bilateral Total Knee Replacement. Despite being in the 'Urgent' category my surgeon said it will be "3 - 4 years" before I will get to the top.

The arthritis is so agressive that every joint in my body has been attacked, not just my knees. My hands and wrists are also extremely damaged which limits me further and, as if all of this wasn't enough, several of my lower vertebrae are 'squashing' and have already produced bone spurs which randomly catch on my spinal column. The only way I can prevent my lower vertebrae from fully collapsing is by not being seated all day. But I can only stand to transfer and, on good days, wobble a few steps draped over my zimmer frame or on double crutches.  I'm not going to be able to stand properly until I get new knees. My surgeon said that my vertebrae won't cope beyond a year in a wheelchair after which I will then need both knees AND spinal surgery. Long story short - if I don't get new knees this year I'm looking at never being able to walk again or even care for myself independently.

So I've been forced to look at Private Surgery options. What choice do I have? 2 hospitals have given quotes and the lowest is just under £20,000 (the other was £25k!!!) Who has that kind of money though??! I have been urged by several friends to set up this fundraiser and I would be beyond grateful to each and every one of you who do help me.

I only have a few months more of being able to thrust myself around the downstairs of my house in a wheeled desk chair ... (try to picture it - it's quite funny actually!) But this is the only way I'm able to maintain the small amount of independence I have in that I can 'push' myself to the bathroom and don't have to rely on someone else to wheel me there and aid my transfer. My boys are teenagers but, as they are the ones most commonly with me, they're the ones who respond to me when I need help. This isn't fair on the boys but hurting my body to move the desk chair so I can try to be independent is only speeding up the damage in my hips and spine ... If I don't have this operation within a few months I will lose my last chance of being able to walk again.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me this chance to walk again. It will not only completely change my life but will also hugely reduce the pressure on my boys too.