RECENTLY DIAGONES AND KNEE OPERATION REQUIRED - VERY SCARED

GUINDI · 16. May 2011, 07:46

Hello everyone.
I have just been diagnosed with Arthritis after having a MRI scan on my left knee for severe shooting pain. The scan showed i have got damage to the cartilage and they found potholes which until they do not do the Arthroscopy they will not know how big they are. I am off on holidays middle of June so they wanted me to go on hols and have the op after. I am booked in for the 27th June at the Nuffield Hospital in Brentwood, Essex.

There is a lot of uncertainty and fears inside me. I suffer from diabetes so I know that there are more changes of complications (not insulin dependant - tablets only) but also the fact that if they cannot fix the holes there and then i will need another intervention to have a cartilage transplant which I believe they take from the marrow and it is a longer recovery period. My other knee has started aching now so I know the other one is not far behind.

I just want to find out if anyone has gone through the same and I need some reasurance that everthing will be okay. - Not having family around me is very had and you feel quite lonely at times like this - My other half, he cannot handle illness so sometimes when i just need a good cry and a cuddle it is hard.

Guindi xx

elnafinn · 16. May 2011, 08:05

Hui Guindi

First of all welcome to the forum. You have found a great site and we all try to help each other as much as we are able. I think you would be best to copy and paste your message on the Living with Arthritis forum instead of the Chitchat one.

You are not alone in feeling how you do and that your OH is finding it difficult to accept and may not wish to talk about it but rather brush it under the carpet as if nothing is the matter. Your OH more than likely is as bewildered and upset by it all as you are but some people like to fix things and this is not that easy to "fix". They are not quite sure how to react.

I can assure you that you will get lots of sympathy and cyber hugs on here from other members who do know what it is like because we all have at least one form of arthritis.

I cannot help you with your forthcoming op unfortunately. I have had two Total Knee Replacements in the past three years but that is not the same op as you are having. I have had three arthroscopies though so know about them. They are not so invasive and the recovery from that is not long. Some surgeons like to take a look first to see what is happening and also at the same time to give the knee and wash and clean out at the same time. Sometimes this can help with the knee pain too for a long or short while.

You look after yourself and please talk to us on the Living with Arthritis forum and we will do all we can to help.

Hugs
Elna x

Dottydoodah · 16. May 2011, 08:27

Hi Guindi

Good to see another person from Essex here. I'm not too far from you.

So sorry to read your problems. Like you, I am also diabetic so i understand how hard it is trying to deal with several health issues all at once. Some days you feel like you just want to stay in bed!!

I understand how lonely it is not having family or friends close by. Is there no one close to you that you can talk things over with? If not we are always here for you to offload to.

I cant help with your particular op as my problems are spine and hips, but i hope somoene will come along and put your mind at rest

Hugs Nicki

skezier · 16. May 2011, 08:31

Hi Guindi,

Welcome from me as well they are a good lot here.

We do have a lady who has had the cartilage transplants on the site and with luck she will looking. I will try and find her post ad bring it to the top or let you know where it is.

Its always a shock and a fear comes in behind about how it could go wrong... flower it wont go wrong and they will take good care of you, they really will.

You nee the Arthroscopy to find out what is going wrong there and its going to be a bit scary but its not too bad to have. I had 2 years ago and back then they took the cartridges out.

Its a shock for your oh as well unfortunately and men are often not so good at accepting illness. Maybe getting some of the leaflets from AC could help you both? If you go to about arthritis at the top of the page you will find a load of downloads about all aspects of arthritis and the more you know the easier it becomes.

You hang in there and try not to worry too much . Silly to say and very hard to do but its going to be ok for you once they know what they need to do. hang in there and nice to meet you. Cris x

woodbon · 16. May 2011, 08:38

Hello and welcome to the forum.

I'm sure you'll find lots of people here who have been in your position. Luckily I've not needed joint replacements yet, but I can understand that it must be frightening for you, but I'm sure that you'll be fine. Now, waiting for the op is the hardest time, try not to let your imagination play tricks on you (easy for me to say, I know).
Love and best wishes Suexxx

skezier · 16. May 2011, 09:10

Hi Paloma,

Tis easy to be positive if its not happening to you but when it is its akin to being hit by a seam roller! Your doing what we all have and do do.... its not an easy condition and it hurts so don't be too hard on your self.

This is the lady you need

http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/forums/post293129.html#p293129

Jo-Ann and she is getting on really well now. You could pm her and ask her to tell you about it all? She might see this and tell you.

She did a post only a few months ago and it was all about it and its such a good thing to try as it avoids the replacements for a while and thats a good thing. I really hope you will soon get your head round it all and leaving you a cyber ((( ))) and a hope flower. Cris x

I just sen you got 2 posts so will stick this on the other one as well. x

elnafinn · 16. May 2011, 10:10

Hi Paloma

You can always give the helplines a call if you feel talking to someone may help you - their number is at the top of this page 0808 800 4050. They are a great team of dedicated people there ready to listen and advise. Many of us on the forum have used them at one time or another and we have nothing but praise for them. Sometimes it is difficult to get through because they are often very busy but once you do, they will give you all the time you need and there is no need feel embarrassed if you cry, they are used to that too.

Gentle hugs
Elna x

julie47 · 16. May 2011, 10:27

Hi Paloma

Welcome to the forum. I am sorry I can not help you with your knee problem, but I do understand the nervousness of opperations.

I hope you can for the meantime put it to the back of your mind and focus on your holiday. I hope you have a lovely time.

Sending you the hugs ((((()))) you need.

Take care
Juliepf x

frogmorton · 16. May 2011, 10:36

Hi paloma

I posted you a message ab it back and it went missing :roll:

Typical me :oops:

I am so very very glad you found this forum and hope it helps you as much as it has helped me.

I can see that you have had some great advice from the folk on here, but would also like to add my support.

Husbands and wives partners seem to find it hard to understand accept or cope with this arthritis thing. Not suprising when we struggle and it is hapopening to US!!

Men often want to fix things and when they can't they can feel powerless.

This is the best place for you to come while you get your own head around it all and so you dont feel you need to 'burden' him with it all the time.

HUGE hugs for you

Love

toni xx

GUINDI · 16. May 2011, 11:29

:P THANKS A LOT PEEPS!!!

You have all put a smile on my face - I will be postive and will enjoy my holiday in 5 week time - one week in Devon ...never been and cant wait....

I have also decided to start going swimming two or 3 times a week as my favourite past time (walking) is currently out of the question (fear of making knee worse before op) - although I am being fitted on friday wit a knee brace to use whilst I walk.
I heard swimming really good cause gentle in joints / no damage plus strengthen muscles which is good for the recovery period.

I do not feel alone anymore...knowing all you lovely people are out there and can count on you !!! kisses and hugs...paloma xxxx

elnafinn · 16. May 2011, 11:36

Hi Paloma

I am so relieved to read that you feel better in yourself now. You know you can always log on here and share your feelings with us, good or bad and there will always be someone who will reply.

Have a great holiday and let us know how it went. we like to know these things.

Swimming is an excellent past time for you, with "poorly knees". GP's do recommend that to us lot diagnosed with arthritis. Ok if you can swim

You take care, call in as often as you wish and I am so pleased we have managed to put a little smile on your face.

Chin up,

Elna x

bertyboy · 16. May 2011, 11:37

Hi Guindi hello and welcome from me too its understandable to be scared , but you will find you are not now alone ,the forum is a great place for support , enjoy your hols x

chris7 · 16. May 2011, 17:18

Hi Paloma

Just wanted to add to the welcomes here and hope you do find it helpful to post here when you feel you can or have questions. We all have those times when we need a good cry or are very scared and there is always someone about to give us a little lift even if they can't always advise they do a good line in cyber hugs.
Keep in touch and enjoy your holiday.
take care
Chris

RECENTLY DIAGONES AND KNEE OPERATION REQUIRED - VERY SCARED

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