Arthur OCD Taking Control
elainebadknee
Bots Posts: 3,703
Hi All
Ive been pretty upbeat for the last couple of weeks as have had my second opinion appointment and also my ESA claim has been resolved in a way as im now in the Work Related Group. So i thought to myself, okay youve got things going your way and was pretty happy.
I have found now when i get up to walk, sometimes its just when im going to my bedroom and back, i cannot bear to put any weight on the blasted joint...I spent 20 mins last night hobbling back from our dining room in agony and then tonight same again, this time only way i could move forward was to use my tiptoes only to bear weight or else id have been stuck there.....Ive now got dad's old stick to use in house but i guess i think my knee isnt going to get any worse/it cant possiblly and it surprises me so much....I tried to walk today as it was a nice day and ended up against a wall putting my bad leg on stone doubled over in agony...Two women asked me if i was okay and i said i was, but it took 5 stops sto cover about 75 yards....Also yesterday in Morrisons walked in with trolley past flowers and they had put down black mats, guess who nearly fell over them cos she cant lift her leg properly - MUGGINS YEP!
I know im luckier than most but i can accept my knee is not going to get any better but how much more control does it feel it needs to take?
Elainex
Ive been pretty upbeat for the last couple of weeks as have had my second opinion appointment and also my ESA claim has been resolved in a way as im now in the Work Related Group. So i thought to myself, okay youve got things going your way and was pretty happy.
I have found now when i get up to walk, sometimes its just when im going to my bedroom and back, i cannot bear to put any weight on the blasted joint...I spent 20 mins last night hobbling back from our dining room in agony and then tonight same again, this time only way i could move forward was to use my tiptoes only to bear weight or else id have been stuck there.....Ive now got dad's old stick to use in house but i guess i think my knee isnt going to get any worse/it cant possiblly and it surprises me so much....I tried to walk today as it was a nice day and ended up against a wall putting my bad leg on stone doubled over in agony...Two women asked me if i was okay and i said i was, but it took 5 stops sto cover about 75 yards....Also yesterday in Morrisons walked in with trolley past flowers and they had put down black mats, guess who nearly fell over them cos she cant lift her leg properly - MUGGINS YEP!
I know im luckier than most but i can accept my knee is not going to get any better but how much more control does it feel it needs to take?
Elainex
0
Comments
-
Elaine is your Dad's stick the right height for you? It will only help you if it is the correct height. Remember to use it on the opposite side to your bad knee. Elbow crutches give better support - even if you are only using one (on the good side.) Using a stick/crutch can help take the weight off the joint - so I would consider using one when needed.
SpeedyI have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.0 -
Hi Elaine,
There comes a point where it doesn't get worse..... or at least that's what happened to my lumber.....the end stage bit isn't as bad as it used to be.
I don't always see so well and just wondered does this mean you have had or going to have your second opinion? Sorry flower I know I should know which.
The tripping thing.... oh I do too cus I forget to lift my feet up as well, the trick (if there is one) is to not mind too much..... took me a long time to get there though and deep down I rage against the bone thing all the time. Its human I think?
Hold the upbeat thing though as it helps drag the downbeat bit back up. If your Dads stick hes use it but just make sure its, as speedy says, the right length and well I hope you get a better night and tomorrow. Cris x0 -
Hi Elaine, I can only empathise with you as my knee is pretty bad at the moment. I don't know what stage you are at with your treatment but isn't there anything they can do for you? Sorry if you've been through all this before. I guess your name says it all.
take carexx0 -
Hi Speedy
The stick has been adjusted for me thanks, dad hardly used it at all...I dont rven know where id get elbow crutches, would i have to go to hospital for them?
Elainex0 -
Hi Cris
Yeah well i kind of hope that anytime my knee goes a bit worse that will be it but its got progressively worse even since joining this forum...
I have had my first second opinion but the local hospital didnt send all the notes of my op in March through to them so i still need to go back in November for a final decision....
The stick that was dads has been adjusted thanks, he never used it a lot....And i do try to keep upbeat like i say....Also suffering from auto immune disease at moment and am not getting a decent sleep..
Elainex0 -
Hi Salamander
The stage im at with my knee is after seeing an unhelpful consultant at my local hospital earlier this year, i went to Wrightington and got a better 2nd opinion, they are consideringa half knee right now....
Im quite scared as well as wanting surgery as it will be my first major op...I have only had loose bodies and arthoscopies taken out of my knee until now...
Whats the story with your knee may i ask?
Elainex0 -
Hi Elaine,
I so hope you get a decent night tonight flower.
I don't know what stage your oa is at but some of mine is end stage (still growing bone though so is it end stage?!) Its lost most movement but hurts less. I really hope the half knee thing will go ahead if that's the way they are looking at it there has to be a lot of chance it will really help you.
The op's, well when you get to there this lot will all be about to help and support you. Leaving you a ((( ))) and a hope you get a bit of a rest from the bones and the autoimmune thing. Cris x0 -
Hi Elaine
Hugs to you, I know some of what you are going through. A few years back, when arthur was not a patch on its current attack, I was up, down, stairs, nice little walks etc.
Now, it seems to be spreading at a rate of knots. Cervical, lumbar, knees, and now left ankle. The other day, I actually thought my ankle was broken, but, I just know it is arthur, on the move. I do not pick up my feet, hobble, walk heavily on one side, stumble each and every day. I always use a buggy or a wheelchair now, in a supermarket, there is no way I could go round without one. I love having a nosey, so it was the only option, although at first I felt so embarrassed.
I have recently started using an elbow crutch, which I find helps give a bit more support, you have something to dissipate the weight and take some of the pressure off your foot. A trip to the physio might help. I am sure your GP will refer you, if they haven't done already. An OT visit is also a very useful thing, they can offer a range of things to aid walking etc for use in the home.
I hope things ease for you. Take lots of care, XX BubblesXX Aidan (still known as Bubbles).0 -
Hi Cris
Im afraid i dont know what you mean when you say what stage is my oa at? I have osteochondritis dissecans which is different to yours i think......Its just buggered, got mobility of a pensioner at mo!!
Im awful when i go into hospital, start to cry at once then they can never get blood out of me, often take it out while under anaesthesia....Its a big op for me..
Autoimmune thing, got better sleep but had to use decongestant sspary for nose which is naughty but i were dog tired, didnt get up till 9.50
Elainex0 -
bubbles wrote:Hi Elaine
Hugs to you, I know some of what you are going through. A few years back, when arthur was not a patch on its current attack, I was up, down, stairs, nice little walks etc.
Now, it seems to be spreading at a rate of knots. Cervical, lumbar, knees, and now left ankle. The other day, I actually thought my ankle was broken, but, I just know it is arthur, on the move. I do not pick up my feet, hobble, walk heavily on one side, stumble each and every day. I always use a buggy or a wheelchair now, in a supermarket, there is no way I could go round without one. I love having a nosey, so it was the only option, although at first I felt so embarrassed.
I dont like to start using buggies n scooters yet as can see people worse than me, like woman today in supermarket who got me 2 pints of milk and she had awful psoriasis.....
You know i dont think i can just go to physio department at hospital and ask for an elbow crutch think doc has to refer you? I dont even know who to ask re OT, is that social services? Bit daft here?
Elainex0 -
You'll have an OT in your local hospital and I think you can self refer.
I'm sure they can sort a crutch out for you. Ifg not you can actually buy them....some not very expensive.....google them and see what comes up
Love
Hileena0 -
Hi Elaine
Roll on November, hopefully you will get the news you are waiting for, and soon after the new knee, well part knee.
Has always I have everything crossed for you,well fingers (the only things that will cross these days ).
Love
Barbara xxLove
Barbara0 -
elainebadknee wrote:Hi Salamander
The stage im at with my knee is after seeing an unhelpful consultant at my local hospital earlier this year, i went to Wrightington and got a better 2nd opinion, they are consideringa half knee right now....
Im quite scared as well as wanting surgery as it will be my first major op...I have only had loose bodies and arthoscopies taken out of my knee until now...
Whats the story with your knee may i ask?
Elainex
Sorry to hear that, my mother had both knees done and she was out of pain on the whole so she didn't regret it. I've got inflammatory arthritis and my knee has flared up. It's been dodgy all along but gets really bad sometimes. Seeing my rheumy on wed so hope some new drugs for me!0 -
HI Hileena
I think it doesnt work like that in my neck of woods, am pretty certian youve got to go through social services and cant get to an OT on your own....
May google....
Elainex0 -
HI Hileena
I think it doesnt work like that in my neck of woods, am pretty certian youve got to go through social services and cant get to an OT on your own....
May google....
Elainex0 -
Hi Barbara :P
Yes roll on November, got to go to Pathways to Work next monday then im off up to Inverness for my niece's 19th birthday!! Will be fun as havent travelled that far in ages and bet leg in stiff as hell....Also being in another house will be fun.....
elainex0 -
Ah right
So im not as bad as you so shouldnt moan really!! I guess whatever type of arthur mind you whenever it takes hold is pretty god damn sore!!
Your mum's story sounded a success....
Elainex0 -
Hi Elaine
I dont know if it works like that here really or i was just being cheeky.
When I was first diagnosed with OA 8/9 yrs ago.....I automatically saw an OT...didnt get anything because stubbornly I refused but a few years later I suddenly thought I could do with talking to an OT and had her name written down and rang her and she saw me. So think it was cheek on my part
Love
Hileena0 -
Hi Elaine, physios and OTs usually give out elbow crutches. Why dont you ask at hydro about some? Alternatively - they are usually stacked up outside the plaster room at the hospital ...
SpeedyI have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.0 -
Hi
Well the hydrotherapy pool isnt like that really, there is only one woman who tell you what exercises benefit you, but more often than not she is never on when im there....I asked at docs this morning and they asked was i under a consultant at hospital, well im not cos im with Wrightington now, so getting a phone call tomorrow from doc....It appears in my area you have to have had a recommendation from someone to get an elbow crutch....
Went to M & S this morning though and it went away from me again, were clinging onto wall for grim death!
Elainex0 -
Hi
Well thats where i differ from lots of people on here cos mine isnt oa, it is a form of oa but not as severe i suppose...I mean i dont go for rheummy or infusion apps.....The only physio i had recnetly was last year had leg taped and saw a pretty ineffectual ex army bloke in windermere who i think had a say in recommending i had an arthroscopy which did me no good in March.
I guess if i lived onmy own and needed my home fitted out with mobility aids i would be on terms with OT....
Elainex0 -
Hi Elaine... just catching up with your post flower ... your knee is really causing you a lot of difficulty now were you given a time scale for having the knee surgery? or has it been left for you to consider first?
sounds as though you need more help now Elaine :roll: so I hope when the doc phones he will be able to fast track a referral to OT or Physio so that you can get an elbow crutch if that's gonna be best for you.
take care and don't overdo it meantime.
Iris xxxxx0 -
Hi Iris
Yeah the stupid joint now is causing me a lot of pain and it seems to be whenever it wants, one minute can be limping along in my own style then the pain through my kneecap stops me dead in my tracks...Its been happening a lot and only way could get back from bedroom other night was by walking on the ball of my foot, otherwise id have been stuck...
Im due to see the man at Wrightington the middle of november, havent got another date yet but surgery hasnt been agreed or anything yet its just to see what he can find out from my operation notes that kendal didnt send to him initially.
I will have to see what doc says in meantime, she is phoning tommorrow....
Finally got to see letter that horrid consultant replied to solicitor with....Urgh!!! He was so derrogitory, said he could answer any questions about my incontince, dexterity??? He clearly gave the letter as much of his attention ashe did in my consultation - A BIG FAT NOWT!!!He even finished the letter as "dictated but not signed".....(If i could strangle one man on earth, guess who??).....
How are you doing? We had our first frost here this morning?
Elainex0 -
Hi Elaine
I'm glad you haven't too long to wait before seeing the Wrightington Ortho..... he'll be in a better position then to discuss Op options when he's seen previous reports etc...
how're you feeling about an Op now?
That other consultant :shock: :shock: If you needed any confirmation that your move to another consultant was necessary and wise.. then that feeble attempt at completing that report was all you needed!
You've got your pathways interview coming up haven't you. were you given any advice about what to expect?.... I hope Elaine that you gave yourself some little treat with the back payment... or at least bought Sol some new clothes
we've had one night's light frost ... looked lovely... but a sign of what's to come :roll:
Iris xxxx0 -
Hi Iris
I got Pathways to Work interview next week, monday, dad will need to take and collect me as his car is in garage so that will be fun! The bloke i saw previously was pretty laid back and i think he will be same as, well hope so as i cant see me working still....Applied for job as admin assistant in local prison but it was type where you first of all answered 4 questions and if you didnt meet the criteria you didnt get any further....That was about 2 and a half weeks ago and i havent heard soi know i wont....Am off to Inverness for niece's birthday next wed...
The Wrightington man is professional, that other bloke, and if i get into trouble for saying it, so be it was a total **** to put it bluntly...If i hadnt been given a second opinon i would complain about him but frankly he isnt worth my efforts...Wish would get letter soon from Wrightington again mind you...And no matter how many questions i ask about an epidural it doesnt seem to be enough for me to do it...Tonesp on here particularly put me off saying he had heard power tools n such!! I want the op but i dont if you get what i mean...Im scared!
The money, i got myself two new tops, my dad a bottle of Glayva, mum a bottle of sherry but havent splashed out lots really...Sol is too tiny for clothes, lol...Did see a pair of newborn pull on denims for his big brother, Woody but held back!!!
The frost is nice, my room is an extention mind you and cold, my window's seal has gone in double glazing so we need it fixed....
Elainex0
Categories
- All Categories
- 21 Welcome
- 18 How to use your online community
- 3 Help, Guidelines and Get in Touch
- 11.9K Our Community
- 9.5K Living with arthritis
- 156 Hints and Tips
- 221 Work and financial support
- 762 Chat to our Helpline Team
- 6 Want to Get Involved?
- 396 Young people's community
- 11 Parents of Children with Arthritis
- 38 My Triumphs
- 125 Let's Move
- 33 Sports and Hobbies
- 20 Food and Diet
- 373 Chit chat
- 244 Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- 32 Community Feedback and ideas