Arise

elainebadknee

Hi there

I have recently found that if I sit doing anything for more than about 20 mins then when I go to get up out of chair/settee then its a real struggle. I kind of ease myself up, then when I stand I feel like Im gonna fall right back down again/wait a min or two before I sort of move - wobble about....Feel like Im about 90!!!!

Is this my knee giving way further or is it just me being paranoid?? I used to be okay getting out of seated positions.......Anyone give sny thoughts be cool to know.....

Ta

Elaine

lindalegs

Hi Elaine,

No you're not paranoid it's just part of arthritis. I always call it getting my sea legs.

It sounds as though your muscles are a bit weak if you feel you're going to fall down again.... or it could 'just' be the pain which makes you feel unsteady If there's any chance of doing some gentle exercises on your knee that might help or you could talk to your GP as you might need some physio.

Luv Legs

elainebadknee

Hi Legs....

Well I suppose it will stand to reason that my muscles are weakening if im not as active as I used to be. I do make a point of doing my exercises after my arthroscopy - straight leg rises, bending knee while lying down, trying to keep my quads going but obviously its not enough eh?

Thanks for info.....

Elaine

lindalegs wrote:

Hi Elaine,

No you're not paranoid it's just part of arthritis. I always call it getting my sea legs.

It sounds as though your muscles are a bit weak if you feel you're going to fall down again.... or it could 'just' be the pain which makes you feel unsteady If there's any chance of doing some gentle exercises on your knee that might help or you could talk to your GP as you might need some physio.

Luv Legs

skezier

Hi Elaine,

Its not you...... its kinda of a lot of us really.......

What tests have they done on your knees? I know you ill have said but I got a head like a sive I am afraid.....

As Legs said the muscles are so important, I can't tell you how much mine have helped my back..... They do what my bones should do basically.

For a chair now... well I always have to find a high one and one with high arms and use the arms to get me upright..... then I do this weird thing that looks odd (apparently ) of stretching the neck and back before moving off. I don't know if any of this helps but at east you know its not just you. Cris x

elainebadknee

Hi Cris

Oh heck what next eh with my knobbly knees???

When you say tests, um I been diagnosed with oeteochondritis dissecans at age of 18, had 4 ops to take out bits of bones ranging from size of 50p to a 20p and then over the years about 3 arthroscopy's (most recent one in March 2010).......I have had two steriod injections but they dont help me at all despite people saying they jumped like spring lambs after theirs......Ive only had physio after first ops n bit by pretty useless ex army guy in Bowness pre crimbo.......So i dont know what other tests can be done....Got told at ATOS medical had muscle wastage in knee........And i do my exercises plus hydro once a week.....

Hmm you know that saying life starts at 40.....RUBBISH!!!! wish i were 39 again!!!!......

I know our settee is quite well not low but deep to get out of it but I live at home and I cant really dictate what furniture we get......At least its something more to tell my consultant when see him June 21...

thanks for your message

Elaine 8)

skezier wrote:

Hi Elaine,

Its not you...... its kinda of a lot of us really.......

What tests have they done on your knees? I know you ill have said but I got a head like a sive I am afraid.....

As Legs said the muscles are so important, I can't tell you how much mine have helped my back..... They do what my bones should do basically.

For a chair now... well I always have to find a high one and one with high arms and use the arms to get me upright..... then I do this weird thing that looks odd (apparently ) of stretching the neck and back before moving off. I don't know if any of this helps but at east you know its not just you. Cris x

skezier

Hi Elane,I

wonder if you do need a bit more help with this from the consultant..... Can they do TKR or because of the bone growth etc its not possible?

Like you I got it young knees first an then it went into overdrive in the feet and again like you bone growth meant a few ops to remove some and sort out some other things.

Do a list Flower and make sure you run through all the problems you are having and hopefully he will be able to help. The muscle waisting bit I wonder if you maybe could do the exercisers more often? I have some weakness in one leg and tend to make it work every day with exercises. Trouble is we are different people and I don't want you doing something that could hurt.......

Its not long till the consultation and I really do hope you get some real help. Cris x

elainebadknee

Hi Cris

Well im the one on here pretty new, but my consultant wont consider me for TKR for another 20years, he has offered me kneecap removal but as ive said before dont think its a worthwhile procedure for me...Or anyone else for that matter!!!

Up until last year had always regarded my knee as just one of those things but it didnt affect my life as much as it has over the last year - i joke that just after my dad had his op (8June for TKR) then that triggered my knee's deterioration........I wish i was the person I was 18 months ago but its all gone *** up!!!

I do need to draw up a list for the consultant, got a feeling he wont budge an inch n be quite obstructive so taking dad for moral support....But lets just say its not a date I relish too much as feel my backs up against the wall....Someone somewhere must be able to help me more than im getting just now.....

I am really grateful for all the people who reply to my posts, it keeps me going n makes me feel less useless........

Elaine
quote="skezier"]Hi Elane,I

wonder if you do need a bit more help with this from the consultant..... Can they do TKR or because of the bone growth etc its not possible?

Like you I got it young knees first an then it went into overdrive in the feet and again like you bone growth meant a few ops to remove some and sort out some other things.

Do a list Flower and make sure you run through all the problems you are having and hopefully he will be able to help. The muscle waisting bit I wonder if you maybe could do the exercisers more often? I have some weakness in one leg and tend to make it work every day with exercises. Trouble is we are different people and I don't want you doing something that could hurt.......

Its not long till the consultation and I really do hope you get some real help. Cris x[/quote]

skezier

Hi Elane,

My immediate gut reaction there is you need to see a different consultant cus you can't wait 20 years! Legs bless her had new knees much younger than you and so have have others so this consultant is still behind the times over TKR.

I think I read somewhere the knee cap thing isn't terribly successful sometimes but it might be wort ago? I really think you need a second opinion with a view to having a TKR but I might be wrong... we need Elna actually with this one.

You take care, don't push it too far and like yo well I would love to go back and heave my bones be what they were 15 to 30 years ago My problems in the back and neck now and they op on either..... though I might ask out right to have my neck done on a sign relinquishing them if it goes wrong..... They say its too unstable so I am thinking an RSJ

Its never easy Elane but this lot (and me) really do understand the frustration etc that all this brings.

I still think you could get better help and well think about a second opinion..... with a pro TKR consultant..... that's one for the gp to sort for you. A ((( ))) and don't forget to wave when you go Eden Cris x

speedalong

Hi Elaine, I think you should keep pushing for a TKR - what is the point of the consultant doing it when you are 90 if by then your muscles have wasted and distintentgrated and you have been hobbling for so many years that the rest of your body has had it?!

In the meantime -try and fidget more in the chair, straighten your knee whilst sitting a few times etc and especially just before standing up. And NO it's not you, it's arther!!

Speedalong

dorcas

Hi Elaine

I agree with Cris and speedy...ask for a second opinion.

Not all consultants are stuck in the past....the ortho I see is very forward thinking. His view is that joint / replacement surgery should not be seen as a 'last resort' but part of the ongoing treatment plan.

He is a strong believer in not letting his patients go on too long with murderous pain and loss of mobility....especially if the high end pain killers and steroids aren't working.

A TKR is on the list of ops I'm 'scheduled' for down the line by my ortho..... I have difficulty getting up from a chair too and use a very contorted method of digging my elbow in to the arm of the chair and using it to lever myself up sideways (can't use hands)...not very ladylike I can tell you.!

I hope your next appointment goes well and that you get the result you're hoping for. let us know please how you get on.

Irisx

ps. have you thought about getting chair leg risers...I'm sure Sharmaine did a post about them some months ago. If you want I'll try and find it and bring it up to the top for you.?

frogmorton

Oh dear

Those knees sound proper poorly.

I have to back the others up - you vant out up with this :shock:

You can but chair leg raisers etc google it and you will find them , but the OT would maybe be safer bet to assess? safety wise.

Take care

Love

Toni xx

lindalegs

Hi Elaine,

Cris is right I had both my knees replaced when I was 42 in the millenium ...it's their birthday this month.

One point I'd like to make is that they left me with my own kneecaps because they said that kneecaps are very important. They used to remove them in the past and then found it wasn't such a good idea ...can't remember why

If your knee is dominating your life and getting in the way of everything you do you probably ought to ask for a 2nd opinion if you feel ready to go down the route of a TKR.

Luv Legs

elainebadknee

Hi Cris

Well yes I think my consultant is holding back on me....I personally think he's using the age card instead of weight card ( I do carry more weight than I should)......But at moment I cant exercise so much cos it hurts so its a vicious circle....What he doesnt see is that up until 2 years ago I was running up and down six flights of stairs 5 times a day and kneeling for periods of time too...ie I was active not lazy!!!

What seems to stick in my mind is one comment he made to me which was "you can seek a 2nd opinion if you like but I can guarantee you they will say the same as me"....in other words, dont bother, take what im giving you cos nobody else will touch you????

It does frustrate me a lot, more so just now....specially when I read here that people like Legs got hers done at my age......

I wil wave at Eden....PS whats a RSJ???

Elaine

skezier wrote:

Hi Elane,

My immediate gut reaction there is you need to see a different consultant cus you can't wait 20 years! Legs bless her had new knees much younger than you and so have have others so this consultant is still behind the times over TKR.

I think I read somewhere the knee cap thing isn't terribly successful sometimes but it might be wort ago? I really think you need a second opinion with a view to having a TKR but I might be wrong... we need Elna actually with this one.

You take care, don't push it too far and like yo well I would love to go back and heave my bones be what they were 15 to 30 years ago My problems in the back and neck now and they op on either..... though I might ask out right to have my neck done on a sign relinquishing them if it goes wrong..... They say its too unstable so I am thinking an RSJ

Its never easy Elane but this lot (and me) really do understand the frustration etc that all this brings.

I still think you could get better help and well think about a second opinion..... with a pro TKR consultant..... that's one for the gp to sort for you. A ((( ))) and don't forget to wave when you go Eden Cris x

elainebadknee

Hi Speedalong

yeah i know i need to its just im fighting an ESA appeal at mo and you know when you wish someone would just give you a break, thats how I feel.....Why do I have to fight like hell for this too???
I know rest of body will suffer too, can feel my hip hurting sometimes too cos it takes the brunt of my limp......
I do fidget but will do moreso ta!!

Bloody Arfur eh???

elaine

speedalong wrote:

Hi Elaine, I think you should keep pushing for a TKR - what is the point of the consultant doing it when you are 90 if by then your muscles have wasted and distintentgrated and you have been hobbling for so many years that the rest of your body has had it?!

In the meantime -try and fidget more in the chair, straighten your knee whilst sitting a few times etc and especially just before standing up. And NO it's not you, it's arther!!

Speedalong

elainebadknee

Hi Iris

I just wish I knew what were going on in this guys head......He must know I cant last 20years, maybe hes hoping I'll snuff it before he has to replace my knee!!! I know TKR should be last resort but nobody is giving me any other resorts to turn to...

I tell you when I get out of my chair/settee Im like a toddler I flap my hands when i get halfway up to balance then I set off in tin man mode - creak, crunch snap!!!

I got a tad upset about it last night, glad got others to give advice n help but got dewy eyed.......

Elaine

dorcas wrote:

Hi Elaine

I agree with Cris and speedy...ask for a second opinion.

Not all consultants are stuck in the past....the ortho I see is very forward thinking. His view is that joint / replacement surgery should not be seen as a 'last resort' but part of the ongoing treatment plan.

He is a strong believer in not letting his patients go on too long with murderous pain and loss of mobility....especially if the high end pain killers and steroids aren't working.

A TKR is on the list of ops I'm 'scheduled' for down the line by my ortho..... I have difficulty getting up from a chair too and use a very contorted method of digging my elbow in to the arm of the chair and using it to lever myself up sideways (can't use hands)...not very ladylike I can tell you.!

I hope your next appointment goes well and that you get the result you're hoping for. let us know please how you get on.

Irisx

ps. have you thought about getting chair leg risers...I'm sure Sharmaine did a post about them some months ago. If you want I'll try and find it and bring it up to the top for you.?

elainebadknee

Hi Legs

Oh wow you had them done then eh??? Well as ive told peeps on here before my sis got hers done too at 41 n half but she was working in Dr Grays, Elgin on Ortho ward as a nurse, she knew surgeon so need I say any more!!!! Its my dad's ones anniversary on tuesday and believe you and me when i saw how ill he was last year i said that Id wait till I was nearly in a wheelchair till I had that op, he was very pporly!!!! Maybe my knee heard me n thought "I'll teach you madam"!

Kneecap removal is just like perhistoric, im not doing it, now way....This consultant has to see how much its affecting me but I fear he's got a heart of steel..........

Thanks for all support, youre all fab!!!

Elaine

lindalegs wrote:

Hi Elaine,

Cris is right I had both my knees replaced when I was 42 in the millenium ...it's their birthday this month.

One point I'd like to make is that they left me with my own kneecaps because they said that kneecaps are very important. They used to remove them in the past and then found it wasn't such a good idea ...can't remember why

If your knee is dominating your life and getting in the way of everything you do you probably ought to ask for a 2nd opinion if you feel ready to go down the route of a TKR.

Luv Legs

elainebadknee

Hi Toni

Yes well dont sound great do they, but im not as bad as others must think........Sorry what did you put I want to something this shock??? Being dumb DOH!!!!

Ive never had an OT maybe should ask but seems to me you only get physio here after ops........

Im right hacked off......But appreciate all the lovely peeps on here messaging me....

Ta.....Elaine

frogmorton wrote:

Oh dear

Those knees sound proper poorly.

I have to back the others up - you vant out up with this :shock:

You can but chair leg raisers etc google it and you will find them , but the OT would maybe be safer bet to assess? safety wise.

Take care

Love

Toni xx

elnafinn

elainebadknee wrote:

I have recently found that if I sit doing anything for more than about 20 mins then when I go to get up out of chair/settee then its a real struggle. Feel like Im about 90!! Elaine

Hi again Elaine,

Yep, that is what happens and it does not improve, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I think you knew that anyway when you started this thread.

I did not sit for long as a rule, unless I was at the pc!! I hated that "getting out of the chair" procedure! :roll:

The good news is that after you have actually got up, steadied yourself and all that palaver along with the grimaces and blasphemy and started to take the first few steps, it does get easier but you know that too.

Second opinion as the others suggest but you know that as well.

Luv
Elna x

elainebadknee

Hi Elna

Well you know its all the little things happening to me that even since I stopped working in Jan have occured. Things such as what Ive said and also ironing (cant do more than 20mins or hurts too much), and also making a meal has to be done in bite sized phases.....

Im wondering at moment if im gonna have enought time to ask this consultant all the questions I need to ask him and wonder also if I'll get any true answers or just rubbish back to try and browbeat me.....I just think it shouldnt be this hard, but im trying to keep my chin up.....

Thanks for input, sorry if im getting a bit of a nuisance on here asking all time......

Elaine

elnafinn wrote:

elainebadknee wrote:

I have recently found that if I sit doing anything for more than about 20 mins then when I go to get up out of chair/settee then its a real struggle. Feel like Im about 90!! Elaine

Hi again Elaine,

Yep, that is what happens and it does not improve, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I think you knew that anyway when you started this thread.

I did not sit for long as a rule, unless I was at the pc!! I hated that "getting out of the chair" procedure! :roll:

The good news is that after you have actually got up, steadied yourself and all that palaver along with the grimaces and blasphemy and started to take the first few steps, it does get easier but you know that too.

Second opinion as the others suggest but you know that as well.

Luv
Elna x

elnafinn

elainebadknee wrote:

sorry if im getting a bit of a nuisance on here asking all time......

Hi Elaine,

You most definitely are not a nuisance. Perhaps when you see your consultant and are ready to leave, when getting up from the chair, not quite making the transition to get on your feet on the first and second attempt and ask if he would mind helping you. Show him how difficult it is for you even once you are on your feet again. Perhaps this may start the old cogs working in his brain when he sees what a trial it is for you.

Luv
Elna x

carola

20 years??????

Are they have a giraffe?????

Promise us all that you will demand a different consultant NOW!

20years to wait???? If it weren't so tragic it would be laughable.

I cannot believe how angry that has made me.

If I could lift my leg I would firmly kick your consultant comedian up the backside.
Good luck and positive thoughts (mixed up with angry thoughts!)
Carol x

elainebadknee

Yeah I know I mean thats an age away aint it and well of course Im gonna accept what he says cos he's Mr Big Consultant and dont argeu Elaine???!!!

You wouldnt expect anyone to suffer that long in pain would you, I mean people dont expect their pets to suffer but because Im young its fine.......What concerns me is that he's not the first one to say this, have had my thigh slapped rather patronisingly by his predecessor (a hint towards weight).......

Anyway am going armed with father dear who had his TKR last year, but can predict outcome........Get fed up fighting cause mind you...

Wish I were a flipping giraffe!!!

Elaine

quote="carola"]20 years??????

Are they have a giraffe?????

Promise us all that you will demand a different consultant NOW!

20years to wait???? If it weren't so tragic it would be laughable.

I cannot believe how angry that has made me.

If I could lift my leg I would firmly kick your consultant comedian up the backside.
Good luck and positive thoughts (mixed up with angry thoughts!)
Carol x[/quote]

elnafinn

Other people have mentioned on here about consultants mentioning losing weight and then they will perform the operation for hips or knees. Has he mentioned that to you? Perhaps you could come to an agreement with him that if you lost x amount of weight then you get your op. That would be an incentive and quite honestly, makes sense, less weight for the knees or hips to carry the better, old or new.

Luv
Elna x

elainebadknee

Elna

Well no he hasnt mentioned that and even if he did well its easier said than done especially when you cant move as much as you can....I could go on Alli and end up ****ing through the eye of a needle but think not!! Anyway I get what people say about weight but the fact of the matter is that when I lost loads of weight in my 20's I needed more ops to remove loose bodies/debris from knee.....That and the fact that every living thing is a weight bearing being......I tell you I challenge anyone to do the weight argument we are not all unhealthy and lazy as labelled.......

Elaine

elnafinn wrote:

Other people have mentioned on here about consultants mentioning losing weight and then they will perform the operation for hips or knees. Has he mentioned that to you? Perhaps you could come to an agreement with him that if you lost x amount of weight then you get your op. That would be an incentive and quite honestly, makes sense, less weight for the knees or hips to carry the better, old or new.

Luv
Elna x