update from flare up at the weekend

succotash

Thought I would update after my knee flare up at the weekend, resulting in going to a&e, them giving me 60mg codeine (whoo that sent me loopy).

Today I visited my GP again who gave me less strong codeine 2x8mg plus 4oomg ipuprofen both 4 times a day. They are working on the pain and are not sending me loopy.

He refered me to the physio who phoned me after an hour!
He did an over the phone assessment.
His conclusion was that I have OA of the knee (hands and ankles have been confirmed by a specialist)
I had over done the walking on Saturday and he recommend that I dont do so much walking from now on but to cycle as it is low impact and can keep muscles supple that surround my knees.
He also said to use cold compress on my knees 20mins 4 times a day. The swelling I had was fluid that had built up as a result of over use and over heating.

He gave me general exercise advice and said not to force any additional pressure on my knees than I can manage. It was kind of working out what I can physically manage and not to exceed it.

He also said it is not going to go away, there is no cure. I just have to learn to manage it and to take meds to manage the pains.

I am now sat here feeling quite depressed, I am only 43 and feel like I am ready for the scrap heap.

dreamdaisy

Oh dear, poor you, I am sorry. There is no point in my saying that your life is far from over because I know all too well how low this malarkey can bring one. The physio is spot on, cycling is a good exercise for your joints as it is a low-impact activity and will keep your muscles in good condition - that is important. Exercise bikes are OK but nothing beats the real thing! The same applies to swimming as that is easy on all one's joints, so that is another exercise that might be possible. You can still walk, just not so much or not so far, but you can still do it. You will learn to recognise your limits - yes, your life is changing but it's not the end of the world, not quite. DD

valval

we do talk about knowing your limits but they can change from day to day so not easy wishing you well ((())) val

succotash

I know I will be walking around, I have to but I do need to recognise when my knees have had enough I suppose. It is something I will have to get used to.
I have gone from walking my dogs between 3-5 miles a day and even more when we are on holiday to not being able to walk a mile round trip to the shops.
I do have a bike and I do use it regularly, especially to the shops cos it can carry more food home in the basket than I can :roll:

I suppose I am going to have to be careful on holiday this summer. We usually walk around for miles, this is one way in which its going to effect my whole family.

Lots of adjustments to make. I do hope I have more better days than not.

barbara12

Hi herestinker
Im so sorry I missed you first time round, there are so many new people joining sometimes things get a bit bogged down.
Its just awful when you are in pain and cant get on top of it, at the min I am still trying so I do understand some of what you are going through, I really do hope you get some relief very soon, has for the adjustment you are right this is one thing we have to do, and bit by bit you get there.
You take care and enjoy your holiday xx

stickywicket

You are in that difficult adjustment period when you feel perfectly able to do things - until you've done them :roll: . It is hard but you'll learn as you go along. As DD says, low impact exercise is not only possible but very good for your joints. As for the walking - I suggest you start with short distances and learn where your limits are. Soft surfaces - non-tufty grass, mud, bark etc are much easier on the joints than concrete or hardened mud. It's mostly a boring matter of trial and error. When with others you may reach a point where you have to wait for them to come back. Or just do some days and let them do the others. Adapt and survive

succotash

Thank you everyone for the good advice and support. Its good to chat to people who understand. x

hileena111

Hi
Sorry I'm late with this.....Its true what others say about having to adapt.....we all do and are still in the process of it
As far as your holidays are concerned ...you mentioned it affecting your family when you were away.
Dont know what kind of walking {surface} you do when you are away but if it is a normal surface what about hiring a sooter every second day or so to give yourself a rest and still be with the family....not feel you were holding them back....you dont have to use it all the time Lots of places hire them for the day. I have one but only use it now when I think I've done too much the previous day {on holiday}
Hope you get sorted ....you will....bit by bit
Love
Hileena

succotash

Yes I have considered hiring a scooter for day trips out, not sure I am happy about it but my kids love theme parks and for that type of day out I would have to use a scooter.
We are having a beach holiday this year so nothing too strenuous.
we are on a top floor appartment so that might be tricky but I am also hoping the heat will help my joints it did last year.
We are planning on Disney next year and I really would have to hire a scooter for that!

bubbadog

Hi Herestinker, Sorry your suffering with a flare up, they really can be a pain in the back side and makes you feel very down. I'm 39yrs old my doc told me a few years ago that I would pretty much not be able to do a thing, I have Osteo-porosis and that will not stop me enjoying my life! You have to learn what your bodies limits are when you feel pretty ok, only you know how far you can push your body without hurting yourself, and when you know that you can enjoy living your life. Hope you feel ok soon and hope I made sense to you! xx

stickywicket

If you are thinking of hiring a scooter many places have their own which they will let you use but it's advisable to check in advance as they often only have one or two so you would be best to book one. Also I believe I read somewhere on here that many such places will let you jump the queue if you're a BB holder.

I did Disney at Anaheim last year and, believe me, I'd advise any group to take a reasonably active disabled member. For all rides there is a separate - much, much shorter - disabled queue and they were incredibly patient in waiting for me to get out of my wheelchair (Though, on the Paddle Steamer and It's a Small World I rode in state in the chair) and into the rides. This included one on which I'd to descend/ascend a narrow, spiral staircase with my son hauling from one end and my husband shoving from the other.

I tend to take the view that, if a chair/scooter or any other disability aid helps me to do something that would otherwise be impossible, or make life harder for those around me, I'll go for it. Once you get over the initial embarrassment and denial (I'm not disabled :roll: ) it can be good fun.