Arthritis and Rock Concerts!

teran10
teran10 Member Posts: 20
edited 22. Sep 2009, 04:26 in Living with Arthritis archive
Ok...I have a problem that hopefully somebody can give me some guidance with.

I have developed ReA (we think) over the summer which has affected both ankles and knees and one hand. At it's worst I have been unable to walk, at it's best it's uncomfortable. At the moment my legs are not too bad but my hand is excruciatingly painful (though I am becoming an excellent one handed typist :) ). I have yet to see a specialist (next week) so all I'm on are pain killers- Paracetomal and Aspirin as anti inflam. I've been on Naproxen and Ibuprofen neither of which did an awful lot.

Anyway, the problem I have is I am supposedly going to see Coldplay next week at Old Trafford. The gig is an outdoor event and unseated and I really don't want to miss it. There is no way I could endure the long queue then the long wait. I wonder if there's anybody out there who has been in a similar position and how they got around it. Do venue's make allowances for problems such as this? Could I get disabled access even though I'm not exactly disabled?

I really don't want to miss this as I feel my summer has already been ruined, and I don't want this illness to take over my life and stop the things I love to do.

Thanks for your help

teran
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Comments

  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    get in touch and ask u never know do not forget to take a seat and hot water bottle and enjoy your sefl good luck
    val
  • livinglegend
    livinglegend Member Posts: 1,425
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Try phoning Lancashire County Cricket Club's General Enquiries 0161 282 4000 and ask if there is a separate entrance you can use as a disabled person.

    Please bear in mind that they already designate separate tickets for 'wheelchair users', but no comments on walking disabled people such as yourself.

    Even if you have a long wait I hope that you have a good evening.
    h025.gif

    Joseph 8)
    Josephm0310.gif
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,395
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    What about getting yourself a shooting stick - a walking stick that has a fold-down seat on top which will take the weight off your legs when you need to. I know it's hard to go down the 'stick' route but then at least you'll be able to enjoy the concert.

    .... alternatively, you could send me the tickets and I'll report back :wink:

    Have a good time.

    Luv Legs :D
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • teran10
    teran10 Member Posts: 20
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yeah...already got my hand pouches and camping chair at the ready! Thanks for the advice - I did give them a ring - see next post along!
  • teran10
    teran10 Member Posts: 20
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    livinglegend wrote:
    Try phoning Lancashire County Cricket Club's General Enquiries 0161 282 4000 and ask if there is a separate entrance you can use as a disabled person.

    Please bear in mind that they already designate separate tickets for 'wheelchair users', but no comments on walking disabled people such as yourself.

    Even if you have a long wait I hope that you have a good evening.
    h025.gif

    Joseph 8)

    Thanks very much for that. Well I did, and the person I spoke to was extremely helpful. What really helped was that last year her hubby was diagnosed with reactive arthritis so she knew exactly what I was talking about. Now that's a break! I haven't come across anybody that I know that has ever heard of it (even some nurse friends) so we ha a really good chat. Anyway the offshoot is I have another number to ring and there's a good chance I'll get in the disabled access area - I'll keep you informed.

    Thanks again

    teran
  • teran10
    teran10 Member Posts: 20
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    lindalegs wrote:
    What about getting yourself a shooting stick - a walking stick that has a fold-down seat on top which will take the weight off your legs when you need to. I know it's hard to go down the 'stick' route but then at least you'll be able to enjoy the concert.

    .... alternatively, you could send me the tickets and I'll report back :wink:

    Have a good time.

    Luv Legs :D

    ta for the advice...I will be doing something similar if my plan A doesn't work. Plan C is to get rid of the tickets but you may have to fight the queue of the people who are hovering around me at the moment! :D

    Thanks

    teran
  • debatat
    debatat Member Posts: 659
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That is brilliant, a real result. It is hard you have to prepare extra well, when you go anywhere with arthur!!

    Nice to know there are helpful people though!!

    Deb
  • butterfly1
    butterfly1 Member Posts: 35
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Teran, I've got PA and can't stand for long either. I'm also going to see Coldplay at Wembley the week after! I'm going to dose up and try to get near the barriers at the side so I can sit down.

    Hope all goes well for you and it's going to be a great concert!
  • jennywren
    jennywren Bots Posts: 79
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello lindalegs I would like to go to a concert and a shooting stick sounds just the thing when encountering all those awkward entrances and those beastly male security guards who will not help me get to my seat but do these sticks come ready loaded please can I be considered for the tickets first as I believe my arthur is worse therefore I should go or I would love the chance to see Coldplay or anyone even Vera Lynn and I meet a new man and get married and I would have a winking good time.
  • teran10
    teran10 Member Posts: 20
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    butterfly1 wrote:
    Hi Teran, I've got PA and can't stand for long either. I'm also going to see Coldplay at Wembley the week after! I'm going to dose up and try to get near the barriers at the side so I can sit down.

    Hope all goes well for you and it's going to be a great concert!

    Sounds like a plan! Are you planning to take your own seating with you or decanting yourself on the floor and how do you manage during the actual concert?

    This is all quite new to me and I know I'm going to have to be careful because I have a propensity to 'rock out' :D - or at least i did pre this PITA illness. However I don't fancy having to sit down while people shove and push around me.

    Still awaiting news from venue at the moment anyway to see what my options are, but am defo looking forward to it!

    have a great time

    teran
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    lindalegs wrote:
    What about getting yourself a shooting stick - a walking stick that has a fold-down seat on top which will take the weight off your legs when you need to. I know it's hard to go down the 'stick' route but then at least you'll be able to enjoy the concert.

    .... alternatively, you could send me the tickets and I'll report back :wink:

    Have a good time.

    Luv Legs :D
    good idea, I'll come too.

    The best thing wouldhave been to mention the disabled thing when booking, then you would have been allocated a space. Borrow a wheelchair for the day or a scooter. Do you agree?
  • teran10
    teran10 Member Posts: 20
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    joyful164 wrote:
    lindalegs wrote:
    What about getting yourself a shooting stick - a walking stick that has a fold-down seat on top which will take the weight off your legs when you need to. I know it's hard to go down the 'stick' route but then at least you'll be able to enjoy the concert.

    .... alternatively, you could send me the tickets and I'll report back :wink:

    Have a good time.

    Luv Legs :D
    good idea, I'll come too.

    The best thing wouldhave been to mention the disabled thing when booking, then you would have been allocated a space. Borrow a wheelchair for the day or a scooter. Do you agree?

    Yes I would have, but I had no signs at all when I booked that I had this condition. I was running around a football pitch and climbing up mountains 2 months ago, now it's a struggle climbing up stairs! lol!

    Have considered the old wheelchair option but feel a bit of a fraudster doing that as I can get about a bit....on the list though...thanks!

    teran
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    Have you got yourself to a rheumatologist yet? Sounds like you need a bit more help.
    Try and get referred to a podiatrist who will help with footwear. Usually takes a time though.
    I recently bought myself some Tens machines. If you put the pads in the right spots on either side of your spine, e.g when the painin my arms and hands is bad, I put the pads either side at the top of my spine and if my hip hurts or knees I put the pads down lower.
    Someone on the forum spoke about these TENS machines and they really do help. If you fix one or two up when you go to the concert it could help a lot. Just a thought.

    Hope you enjoy your concert and let us know all about it.

    Joyful
  • teran10
    teran10 Member Posts: 20
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    joyful164 wrote:
    Hi

    Have you got yourself to a rheumatologist yet? Sounds like you need a bit more help.
    Try and get referred to a podiatrist who will help with footwear. Usually takes a time though.
    I recently bought myself some Tens machines. If you put the pads in the right spots on either side of your spine, e.g when the painin my arms and hands is bad, I put the pads either side at the top of my spine and if my hip hurts or knees I put the pads down lower.
    Someone on the forum spoke about these TENS machines and they really do help. If you fix one or two up when you go to the concert it could help a lot. Just a thought.

    Hope you enjoy your concert and let us know all about it.

    Joyful

    Hi There

    Have an appointment tomorrow so hopefully first steps to getting to the bottom of it. Doc thinks it's ReA caused by tonsilitis which I guess is the best prognosis I could hope for (out of a bad lot), but we'll see. I'm a born worrier so be glad when I have a bit more knowledge.

    Have got some shop bought insoles which do help a lot, but more worried about my jelly knees! I have these great knee supports I bought a few years ago after I had a knee injury playing footy. They're all braced and offer great support so they'll probably go on - though they do get a bit uncomfy after awhile, hopefully I'll be enjoying myself too much to notice.

    Hadn't thought of tens, a friend of mine has PA and swears by them so I may see if I can snaffle his for the day - could make for electric evening :roll:

    Thanks for the help

    Teran
  • melbland
    melbland Member Posts: 36
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have sero-negative arthritis and am very much into my rock.

    What I do is find a wall somewhere and lean against it..although that might not help you if it is an outside concert.

    The way I see it is, it is for a few hours and SO worth it. I endure the pain. But most importantly, I get someone else to drive us there and back so I don't have the problem of driving afterwards. If you are anything like me, you will stand/cope with the pain to enjoy a few hours with your favourite band.

    Also - not a good idea to join in on the moshing (chance would be a fine thing lol).
  • butterfly1
    butterfly1 Member Posts: 35
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    teran10 wrote:
    butterfly1 wrote:
    Hi Teran, I've got PA and can't stand for long either. I'm also going to see Coldplay at Wembley the week after! I'm going to dose up and try to get near the barriers at the side so I can sit down.

    Hope all goes well for you and it's going to be a great concert!

    Sounds like a plan! Are you planning to take your own seating with you or decanting yourself on the floor and how do you manage during the actual concert?

    This is all quite new to me and I know I'm going to have to be careful because I have a propensity to 'rock out' :D - or at least i did pre this PITA illness. However I don't fancy having to sit down while people shove and push around me.

    Still awaiting news from venue at the moment anyway to see what my options are, but am defo looking forward to it!

    have a great time

    teran


    Hi Teran,

    The tickets we have are standing with some seating. This means the first few rows are available for those with standing tickets to sit on. My friends have agreed we can get there early and find a spot by the bariers so I can then take a seat if i want to.
  • teran10
    teran10 Member Posts: 20
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    melbland wrote:
    I have sero-negative arthritis and am very much into my rock.

    What I do is find a wall somewhere and lean against it..although that might not help you if it is an outside concert.

    The way I see it is, it is for a few hours and SO worth it. I endure the pain. But most importantly, I get someone else to drive us there and back so I don't have the problem of driving afterwards. If you are anything like me, you will stand/cope with the pain to enjoy a few hours with your favourite band.

    Also - not a good idea to join in on the moshing (chance would be a fine thing lol).

    Hi there...thanks for the reply and to all thanks very much! I have been in touch with the ground and there is some seating available fairly close (albeit to one side), and then it's up to me whether i stay there or move into the main area which is a pretty good compromise. I do agree, no pain no gain and I intend to 100% enjoy myself.

    On a different note I saw a specialist this week who has given me a shot of steroids and I have to say two days in I'm starting to feel tons better already - guess I gotta be careful not to overdo it ;)

    Thanks again - reports next week

    Teran
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, You lucky thing! :D You make me feel jealous, I'd really love to be seeing Cold Play live. Take care and have a great time and when you've recovered let us all know what we've missed :? :lol:
  • teran10
    teran10 Member Posts: 20
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    woodbon wrote:
    Hi, You lucky thing! :D You make me feel jealous, I'd really love to be seeing Cold Play live. Take care and have a great time and when you've recovered let us all know what we've missed :? :lol:

    Hi All

    Well, as promised just a little update to the show, how it went, how I was etc!

    I packed ready for the show - cushions, heat pads (didn't need them, beautiful day and evening), a bag load of painkillers and support bandages. In fact if I'd have had had a cap and a dayglow suit I'm sure I would have been pressed into service for the St Johns Ambulance Brigade ;)

    We parked a fair distance away from the ground, the idea being it would make for an easier get away after the show and I could rest on the walk both to and from. Oops, not the cleverest start! It ended up being about 2 miles away, I can't even say I wasn't sure where it was because I come from Manchester! Now to put this in context the furthest I've walked in the last couple of months is quarter mile top, so as the distance was clocking up I was becoming a little concerned.

    However I remembered one of the posts here saying it was worth it for a little pain, and after a couple of stops for liquid refreshment of the pain numbing variety we arrived.

    In the ground quite near the stage were plenty of seats so we made our way over and bagged some to give my knees a much needed rest. I'm so glad I did this and didn't try and get in the disabled area as it was right at the back of the ground about a kazillion miles from the stage. Then it was just settle down to enjoy the show.

    First up was a group called The White Lies who are a bit like early Spandau Ballet meets Joy Division and actually pretty good! Usually on these big bills the first on are a bit pants but I was impressed.

    As the sun was beginning to set behind the main stage, then on came Jay Z. Yep the greatest rapper alive! And I have to say he was awesome, he has fantastic stage presence and his band were as tight as a nut. He really go the crowd going which is pretty good considering most had come to see Coldplay. The downside to him being good was that everyone had to stand up out of their seats :) So of course I had to join. I threw caution to the wind and even indulged in some slightly unsteady bouncing :) which I am sure would have turned my doctor grey (certainly made me feel a bit pale afterwards!)

    Then a break - very welcome for me as I really needed to rest up. Painkillers snaffled, knee supports adjusted, I was ready to go when Coldplay came on. I have to say they were awesome. Now I saw them some years ago when they first hit the scene and they were a bit boring on stage but this was something else. There were giant balloons, the air filled with millions of confetti butterfly's at one point covering the ground (it's a very big ground!!!!), even a mock X-Factor audition with the crowd and Simon Cowell on the main screen. They even walked through the crowd at one stage to a tiny stage at the back of the ground so those that were a long way away got a good view. Chris Martin was so full of energy I felt quite exhausted just watching.

    Normally you would say that Coldplay are a bit angst ridden, but this was a truly joyous concert and I loved it. Loads of highlights and I know I'm already wittering on too much!

    Anyway just to bring us back on subject a little! The trip back to the car was long and pretty tough, and I have to say I was dreading the Sunday morning consequences. But, I woke up feeling great!! Apart from a few aches that you expect anyway, my knees actually felt better than they have for some time! What a bonus ball!

    So thanks for the advice, it helped to get the support I did and made me stop worrying about the consequences and enjoy the moment!

    teran
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Teran

    So it was worth it wasnt it?I bet you are aching today...it can take a few days to set in.Will you be doing it again?

    All the best
    Tkachev X
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein
  • teran10
    teran10 Member Posts: 20
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    tkachev wrote:
    Hi Teran

    So it was worth it wasnt it?I bet you are aching today...it can take a few days to set in.Will you be doing it again?

    All the best
    Tkachev X

    Hi There...yep, it was SO worth it. All over summer I'd wondered whether to go or not to go - I made the right decision and would do it again now in a heartbeat.

    Strangely, I'm not too bad today either! I tend to get an intense throbbing in my joints when things are starting to change for the worst and they are fine, closest to normality for some weeks in fact. Keep them fingers crossed ;)

    Teran
  • katekelly
    katekelly Member Posts: 975
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I am so glad you got to see the concert. Sometimes its worth "pushing it" a bit.
    I went to a friends wedding a few weeks ago and danced (well hobbled but to me it was dancing!LOL) a bit. It was helped by the bucket load of pain killers beforehand and hurt like hell for days afterwards but for those few minutes I really "let go" and enjoyed myself.
    We went to see Oasis at The Ricoh in Coventry in June and luckily were seated but it was a nightmare getting to and from our seats and I had the bruises to prove it! But like you so glad I made the effort-specially now with them splitting up!
    I wonder how much my ticket stub would sell for on Ebay??!! :shock:
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    You did extremely well, all that walking.
    And standing.

    I did quite a bit of standing last weekend at my art exhibition and it was excrutiating.
    I can't even walk 50 years. And still they won't pay me DLA.
    I'm glad you enjoyed it though. It surprising what you can do when you really want to do something. I certainly couldn't do it now.

    I bet you can't wait for the next one now.

    Joyful
  • butterfly1
    butterfly1 Member Posts: 35
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Teran

    Thanks so much for the update, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I'm going on Friday and have been so worried these last few days on how I'll cope. I've now been diagnozed with Firbromyalgia which explains why I'm so bad but I just want it to go away so I can enjoy Friday.

    I'm now really really excited and can't wait until Friday. We've also got Girls Aloud supporting them at Wembley. My friends have agreed we can meet early and grab some seats asap so at least I can sit down (not all the time hopefully).

    I've also booked Thursday off work so I can rest in advance and conserve my energy.

    So excited - can't wait now :D

    Tracyx
  • teran10
    teran10 Member Posts: 20
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    butterfly1 wrote:
    Hi Teran

    Thanks so much for the update, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I'm going on Friday and have been so worried these last few days on how I'll cope. I've now been diagnozed with Firbromyalgia which explains why I'm so bad but I just want it to go away so I can enjoy Friday.

    I'm now really really excited and can't wait until Friday. We've also got Girls Aloud supporting them at Wembley. My friends have agreed we can meet early and grab some seats asap so at least I can sit down (not all the time hopefully).

    I've also booked Thursday off work so I can rest in advance and conserve my energy.

    So excited - can't wait now :D

    Tracyx

    Hi Tracy

    I think you'll find once you get into it the pain does kind of subside, it's amazing what a bit of feel good energy can do for the body and I'm convinced you will be feeling good!

    Have a great time - what an eclectic line up you have!!!! Girls Aloud too???!

    have a fantastic time

    teran
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