Saying hello

Smudge1102

Hello, I've just joined
I've been putting up with OA for a while now, I had a fall about 10 years ago and badly broke my left ankle, after a while I started getting pain in the ankle and was told I had OA. About a year ago the pain started getting a lot worse and I was self referred to the Physio's. After a few visits I was referred to the hospital Physio who referred me to an ankle specialist at a local hospital. I was told that the ankle joint was badly worn and the options were an ankle fusion or put up with it, so just before Christmas I had the ankle fusion. It's still early days I know but I think things are slowly improving. I also now have OA in my hands and am living on paracetamol, codeine and ibuprofen for pain relief and antidepressants to try and help my bad sleeping. For reasons I won't go into I left my job as an accounts manager in October 2011 and got ESA for a while until I failed the medical, not unusual from what I've read! I haven't appealed because I only got £15 odd a week and didn't know how to appeal to win, seems the system works on a very black and white basis, it doesn't matter if you can only do something for a short while, you can do it so no points.
I am finding it hard to cope, I live on my own and am probably too stubborn and independent for my own good. I love working on my classic cars but am finding it hard going, I've given up working on computers because I find it too fiddly now.
Well that's me, saying hello to you all.

7worlds

Hello, Nice to meet you Smudge. Im a bit of a newie myself but the help and advice i have recieved here has been fab. Im sure you will find the same, so welcome aboard!!

7worlds

dreamdaisy

Hello Smudge, it's lovely to meet you and I am glad you have found us I have had a rubbish day today so won't reply in depth but rest assured, you are amongst those who truly understand about living - and coping - with arthritis. I wish you well. DD

ironic

Hi Smudge,
Welcome to the forum. Glad that the ankle fusion is improving all be it slowly. I have RA but can sympathise with the hand problems. I am lucky as I have hubby to open jars etc when he is home. I have retired so I can take my time with things now. I am sorry about the ESA but as you say it does seem to be stacked against us.
There is a thread at the top of the screen called ‘Simple ideas to make life easier’ which might be of some help to you.
Hope to see you posting again,
Take care,
I x

frogmorton

Hi Smudge

Lovely to meet you.

My husband has a 1973 MG Midget so l have (like it or not ) some experience of classic cars

You are in the right place for support and advice and a bit of a laugh too. As for the ESA the only thing l woudl advise if you haven't already is to check you ahve enough NET ins contributions for your pension when the time comes

Hope to see you again

Love

Toni xx

mig

Hi Smudge and welcome,you will soon settle in here and get to know us all.Mig

bubbadog

Hi Smudge, Welcome to the AC forum! You've joined the right place to get reassurance and advice also everyone is friendly and you never feel alone. Glad the ankle infusion is working. Sorry you had to leave your job and that the ESA refused your application. I hope you will find the forum enjoyable as well as informative and you get stuck in and be a part of it and post topics.

woodbon

Hello, glad you've decided to come and see us!

The ESA decision seems really hard and its a shame that you didn't appeal, I don't know what the time limit is, but I'd check it out as you may still be able to appeal or apply for another benifit. I was given eSA on appeal two years running! I know its a horrible thing to have to do and I hated it, but my GP gave me lots of support, both practical (reports ect) and giving me a bit of extra courage, when I felt like pulling out! I hope you have a good relationship with your GP or part of the medical team looking after you.
Please don't give up, try and think of it as a sort of chess game!!! YOU can WIN.
Love Suexxxx

fowls48

Hello Smudge nice to meet you, which classic cars are you interested in .


karen fowls

Numptydumpty

Hello and welcome from me too.
My OH has an MGB. Great little car, though difficult to get in and out of, once in, the most comfortable car ever! We will be going to France in it again, later this year, can't wait.
Wishing you well,
Numpty

stickywicket

Hello Smudge1102. It’s good to meet you and I’m pleased the ankle fusion seems to be going well. Mine fused themselves years ago and have been a lot less painful ever since.

Yes, I’m afraid the ESA thing is a recurring theme on here. Sorry I can’t help there.

I think stubbornness and independence are useful traits for someone with arthritis – much better than just caving in. However, it’s important to know when and where to take a break from them for a while, tell it like it is and gather one’s strength for the next battle. Here’s where the forum comes in so handy as we do understand where you’re coming from and we will help as much as possible.

Heather65

Hi smudge and welcom hope you find it helpful on here im quite new and found it very helpful

Turbogran

Welcome to the forum Smudge I too have OA in my spine and right knee so sympathise with the pain. but theadvise you recieve from folks on here will be invaluable.