Flare ups and a bit of a moan.

mellman01

Hi all been away on me hol’s but now I’m back to haunt you!, here’s my question, I’ve got bad OA of my patella and it’s been a year and a half since my op, it seems to me that the pain flare ups I’ve been getting seem to have a cycle of around 3-4 weeks, it builds over a few days get really debilitating then slowly fades out, I have also noticed that if I start to get mobile again to soon post flare it can set another attack off.
Also as I sit here writing this I am around two weeks post flare and both my knees feel almost normal, I haven’t even got a limp but 3 weeks ago I needed to use a stick when I went to see my GP, is this normal if it is how in hell can it just disappear like that?.
Problem is a lot of people here at work including my line manager seem to think it’s comical and give me the strong impression that they think I’m exaggerating things as I am quite mobile and have no limp just now.
Bottom line is I hate coming here these day’s and there attitudes just rub salt into my wounds, I got so low recently I am now on anti depressants, I haven’t told my better half as I’m embarrassed and don’t want her to worry anymore than she already is, you see this place is closing in just under 3 years and as far as I can see I’m pretty unemployable, I wish they would pension me off but I’m sure they wont, I’m stuck in limbo and am about to lose £8k shift allowance soon. I’m to sick to do my shift job but not sick enough to be put out to grass.
:oops:

woodbon

Hi, You've got so much going on in your life, it doesn't seem fair.
People can be so hurtful, often without meaning to be, but it always ammazes me the number that are deliboratly hurtful because they get some sort of sick enjoyment from others suffering.
Try and ignore these people.

As for having medication for depression, I can understand that it must be hard for you to discuss this with anyone. I've been on them and only told my husband and very close family. We should'nt feel like this, but we do and we can't help it. If you could just tell your wife though you may be worried and your trying to protect her, but have you considered it could help her. I'm sure she is worried about you and can feel theirs something wrong. She may feel that she doesn't want to upset you, as you have so many problems, and so she doesn't talk to you about her worries for your health. Telling her could put her mind at rest over at least one thing, and make you both feel closer. It may even start you on the road back from depression. If I'm wrong and you feel she really can't cope with this then OK at least the doc knows and has started treating you, so soon you may start feeling better. Once that happens, maybe you'll feel stronger and able to cope with the other things better.
I wish you all the best, take care, Sue

ritwren

So sorry you're having such a rotten time. What you're describing is absolutely normal and often part of the problem with OA. It's all about trying to pace yourself and taking adequate rest and analgesia. The trouble often is that when you're feeling better you tend to overdo things and then feel exhausted.
There is little you can do about other people's opinions except maybe leave a few leaflets laying around about Arthritis, they're free of charge from Arthritis care or can be printed out. Most of us have similar experiences now and then.
Thankfully there is a lot less stigma attached to depression and meds for same these days but folk still find it difficult to discuss. Speaking broadly it seems to be a good idea to let your partner/husband/wife know how you are feeling instead of hiding it. We all need the support from our nearest and dearest and she may find out by accident and feel hurt that you did'nt confide in her.
Thankfully this board is open 24/7 and there are so many people willing to help and support. Best of luck, do let us know how you get on.