Hello! Recently diagnosed with OA. Feeling confused.

Nasic

Hi everyone
I've just joined the forums as well as being recently diagnosed with OA in both of my knees (I'm only 27). I've always had problems with my legs as when I was a child one side of my body grew a lot faster than the other which caused a load of alignment issues (which were eventually sorted out but obviously it had already caused the damage) however a few months ago the pain was far more intense and almost all the time. I saw two GPs who both briefly examined me and said it was nothing to worry about, I've just pulled a muscle and it'll get better. Well it didn't and I went back and this time I saw a locum and she was very helpful. She sent me for blood tests and an x-ray told me it could be OA, RA or Chondromalacia patellae. When I went back for my results (sadly I couldn't see the locum again) and the doctor told me that the x-ray showed early OA in both knee joints. She referred me to a physiotherapist and my first appointment was at the start of the week. I've seen him before because I had a problem with my foot and he's a really nice guy however I don't feel my session went that well. It felt like he was completely downplaying what the doctor had told me. He said that the pain and difficulty I'm having isn't to do with the OA, it isn't a disease, everyone has arthritis and if you x-rayed every 27 year old they would all be showing signs of it and that isn't my problem. According to him my problem is that my joints aren't lubricated enough and he's given me exercises to do. I'm completely confused because yet again I've been told different things by different healthcare professionals (I was given the run around before about my foot, stuck in the middle while they all said something different) and because all my symptoms match those listed by every source of information I've read online and from other sufferers.

I really have no idea who to listen to and what to do. I emailed the helpline and they were helpful in that they suggested that I can ask to be referred to a specialist and other services (which I will do) and pointed me to their self management booklets and to these forums. I'm not sure if anyone can help me but it would just be nice to get this off my chest and see if anyone can help clear up what the physio was saying (maybe I just misunderstood him?).

Also should I carry on with my claim for DLA? I struggle on a daily basis with simple things like getting in and out of the shower/showering and walking even short distances.

Thank you for reading this, sorry it's long and if I haven't explained anything properly, it's all still rather emotional at the moment.

dreamdaisy

Hello Nasic, it's nice to meet you and I am pleased you have found us. I reckon you could show the same set of Xrays etc to three different doctors and gain three different opinions about what is going on.

Firstly, I think the physio is incorrect in his supposition. Not everyone shows signs of OA (it is very common but not ubiquitous) but it is unusual in someone of your age. OA is a disease and joint lubrication is part of the problem, this is why some with OA take glucosamine, fish oils and the like. I think the locum was spot on but I am not a doc (I do, however, have OA and an auto-immune arthritis so I know a little about it ).

Phsyio is an important part of dealing with OA, it helps to keep the muscles around the joints good and strong so they better support the joint. I still regularly do the exercises I was given by physios after my knee ops (synovectomies) and I hope they help but sometimes it is hard to tell. I am now in my sixteenth year of arthritis, my OA was diagnosed in April 2011
and came as a complete shock. It's in both knees and both ankles and I am now reliant on crutches and a rollator for getting about on foot. If you have begun a claim for DLA then yes, persevere, but don't be surprised if you are turned down, that now seems to be par for the course. Do you use any walking aids? They can really help - I know, that's easy for me to say as I'm an old hand at this (and nearly 54 to boot so care not what anyone thinks) but they can make a positive difference to walking.

Pain 'killers' are not the complete answer but they do help to remove the sharper edges of the pain; have you been prescribed any or, if not, what do you take? I can't think of anything else to say at the moment (having a rough day and I have to go cook) but I'll be back later if I have any more thoughts. Stick with us, we know our stuff and are a supportive bunch. I wish you well. DD

barbara12

Hi Nasic
And a warm welcome from me
I am sorry you are having the run around, most GPs dont take arthritis seriously anyway and in a 27 year old...well you know the rest
I do think you need a referral to a an orthopedic consultant,they should be able to check your Xrays or even ask for more, and has for the DLA if you there is no harm in going for it.
I do wish you well with everything, just don't let them wear you down.
Good luck and please let us know how you get on x

stickywicket

Hello Nasic and welcome from me too. You say that you are going to take the advice of our Helplines and ask to see a specialist and you are also going to read some of the booklets. That's good and should help clarify the picture.

The physio has given you exercises to do and, as someone who has had RA for over 50 years and OA for about 40, I'd be very surprised if the exercises would be different whichever he thinks you have. Mine certainly haven't changed much over the years.

In your situation I would definitely do the exercises but also go back to the GP to see what he makes of the physio's assessment.

Nasic

Hi everyone Thank you for the warm welcome!

It's been great reading through these replies and just talking to people who have experience with any type of arthritis, there is only so much you can learn from reading leaflets and information sites.

I've booked an appointment with my GP for this afternoon and I will be open with her about what the physio has said and that I don't agree with him. If it means changing physio I'm fine with waiting a little longer and in the mean time I will do the exercises I have been given. Sometimes it just feels hard to speak out and it's easier to just go along with what has been said and not question it (that is how I felt last night) however today I feel like I've got some fight in me! I will update you all with what happens this evening, hopefully it will go well

I have thought about walking aids but I'm not really sure what to get and where from. I also have to get over my pride and learn to start admitting I need help. My mother suggested to me that I get a bath board or just one of those seats and I instantly said no. I know it will help and I should just suck it up and get one but that isn't so easy.

As for pain killers I was given 50mg of Tramadol by the locum and my own GP gave me a tube of Piroxicam to use too. It has been taking the edge off the pain and my mum bought me a heat pad to use too I ran out of Tramadol yesterday so I've tried some 30/500 Co-codamol this morning and that seems to also help (Don't worry I will never take them both together, my mum is a pharmacist!)

I will carry on with my DLA claim but don't worry I'm prepared for them to turn me down! My step-dad has severe bi-polar so his social worker helped him and my mum fill out his form and said they will turn him down because they pretty much turn everyone down. Obviously they did turn him down but they appealed and it went in his favor. As a result my mum got lots of tips on filling in the form and how to word things so she will be helping me with it I'm on ESA so I'm used to the horrible benefit system

Anyway I shall go get ready for my appointment and post an update later. Thank you all again

kentishlady

Hello Nasic and welcome to the Forum from me too. Sorry to hear you are having a tough time. Yes, it is very hard admitting that you should have and/or need some help. Most of us find that difficult. I know I do. I hate admitting that I can't manage. Do hope your GP appointment goes well. Take care. Beryl

stickywicket

I hope the appointment goes well and I'll look forward to your update.

I think we all balk at any kind of aid or adaption at first but then realise that it's not 'giving in', it's dealing with a problem.

Pain relief of any kind only 'takes the edge off' it but we're all different in what works best for us.

woodbon

Hello, I'm glad you've found the site and I hope you its helpful to you, it certainly has been and is for me. I'm a LOT older than you, but still only 57 and I've had oa for the past 3 or more years.

Its not 'normal' to have arthritis to such a degree as you have at your age, I have seen something on the Arthritis Research site, which was about specialist docs researching into why some people have arthritis when they are so young. It seems that it could be a genetic problem (my Mum had it). I'm not a medic, but I do follow some of the information about new things, as sometimes busy doctors don't have the time to keep up to date and also I'm interested!!!

Find out what you can, if it helps you and ask docs questions. Try to stay positive about things, I know its hard, but good luck with your claim. As someone said, you may well not get it, but do at least try.
Love Sue

Nasic

I'm back from the doctors and feeling a bit more positive. I explained to her everything the physio had said and why I don't agree with him (she gave me her full attention and actually listened to me which seems to be rare these days). Essentially she thinks what the physio said was correct HOWEVER the way he worded it and the lack of explanation was incorrect and misleading. She then went through and explained everything to me properly and how he should have said it all. We decided for me to stick at the physio with this therapist for another 5 sessions or so and if I'm still not happy than I can go back to her and we will go from there but in the meantime if I have any worries I can always go to her to discuss them I was also given some information booklets (which I shall read over a cuppa tonight) and general tips on pain management.

On the way home I fought my pride a little and looked up bath boards on the internet! I haven't got as far as ordering one yet but it's a step in the right direction. I think I find it hard admitting I need aids to help me because of my age and the stubbornness I got from my mum! But as has been mentioned, it depends on how you look at it, I'm trying to think of it as dealing with a problem like stickywicket has said and also as something that just makes life a bit easier but that is easier said than done

I'm sat with a cup of tea and a heat pad on my legs and trying to relax after a stressful couple of days

Thank you all for the kind words and support! It's been a big help

stickywicket

That sounds like a very good appointment, nasic, and I'm pleased for you. It's important to be able to work well with the health professionals as it makes everything so much easier. I do hope the physio will help.

As for the bath board - well, you're getting there I do understand where you're coming from. I was 15 when diagnosed and resisted any aids for years. In the end it becomes a matter of either being able to do something or not. Even before then, it can be a matter of conserving energy and stamina for other, important stuff.

I hope you have a relaxing evening now. Mine's just started. I'm out of the bath and the wine is awaiting

Nasic

I did feel a lot better after it Another round of physio tomorrow so hopefully that will go smoothly too

Wow diagnosed at 15, that's crazy! It's hard enough at any age but it must have been even worse for you But you're completely right when it comes to the aids and I'm starting to see it that way (still haven't bought a bath board but that's twice I looked now )

My evening was rather relaxing although we ran out of milk so it was black tea or nothing! Hope the wine treated you well!

stickywicket

Thanks, nasic, the wine was good. As for 15 being early to start with RA - not at all. Just look at the 'My Child..' forum. Both kids and parents sound amazing.

I hope the physio goes well today.

As for the bath board - I think you're getting there It'll be bought and installed before long

Nasic

Wow I really didn't know much about JIA, I can't even begin to understand how hard that must be on both the parents and the child. Some of the stories are completely inspiring! However I find it so frustrating that anyone has to go through things like this, especially at such a young age.

The physio went fine, well as fine as a visit to the physioterrorist can be! We seem to be on a good level of understanding and I was even treated to pictures of his 3 month old son

stickywicket

Good that the physio went well. If we can work together with out health professionals life is so much easier for us. I hope it helps you, nasic.