hello are you on your feet all day

cocoadancer
cocoadancer Member Posts: 5
edited 15. Jun 2015, 16:46 in Say Hello Archive
Hello I am new to this page and as I am now struggling with osteoarthritis I thought it would be good to talk to people in the same situation.I am 62 and a chef, at the end of my shifts I have to lie down because of the pain but am not financially able to give up work.My specialist tells me I am looking at 2 knee and 2 hip replacements.My painkillers affect my stomach quite badly and I am not allowed to take Ibuprofen what do people in a similar situation take .Are there any other chefs out there with advice on how to cope in there job.

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 3,635
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Welcome to Arthritis Care Forums cocoadancer from the moderation team

    As mods we are here to help with any problems you may have on the message boards.

    There are lots of lovely people here with a wide range of experiences with arthritis and the problems of living with the condition. As it's Sunday evening, it's just a bit quiet but I'm sure you will get responses shortly :D

    I look forward to seeing you posting on the boards.

    Best wishes

    Mod B
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, it's lovely to meet you but I am sorry you have had to find us. I have similar joint troubles to you but am in the fortunate position that I have been able to retire; I can't help on the practical front of balancing work and life demands but I can empathise with the pain and strain of having to do such a physical job in addition to coping with OA.

    I have seen professional kitchens on the TV and suspect they are very stressful, hot and shouty places, plus space to manoeuvre seems to be at a premium. Food prep is my nightmare but I now do most of it sitting down - the luxury of home cooking, yes? I cannot see how this would be a solution for you - what is your main role? I manage by doing a bit then resting a bit but of course this isn't an option for you. The on-going demands of our diseases (in all its forms) can force us to make some very hard decisions regarding our current lives and our futures; given your age retirement must be on the horizon, yes? I was self-employed for many years but am fortunate in that my husband is still in good health (aged 57, I am a year younger) and in full-time employment - clover indeed. :oops:

    To relieve the worst of my OA pain I take 30/500 co-codamol plus the occasional diclofenac (an anti-inflammatory tablet). If I need to use this for longer then I also take a stomach protector, omeprazole. I also use walking aids, I have elbow crutches for shorter distances and a rollator for longer. I cannot stand for longer than two minutes - everything increases its protesting and twanging to stupid levels so it's not worth doing. I understand that none of this helps you - I apologise for my lack of practicality but I can assure you that the forum is good at offering support and encouragement. I hope that someone who is in a more similar position to you spots your post and responds. I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • theresak
    theresak Member Posts: 1,998
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello and welcome. I'm afraid I have no useful advice to give - like DD I'm already retired. (I'm 64 )

    I hope someone may come along with some practical suggestions - it can't be easy for you.
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello cocoadancer. I'm not a chef and couldn't begin to get my head round the concept of being on my feet all day.

    I think you should talk to your GP about pain relief. Ibuprofen isn't the only anti-inflammatory. If you have stomach pronlems with pain relief you should probably be taking a regular stomach protecting med and always take pills with food - a small amount will do.

    Whether early retirement is an option or not is for you and your arthritis to work out netween you but it doesn't comprehend nonos and will not be coerced into going along with our own concepts of necessary and unnecessary. Try to think outside the box. It helps.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Sarahd1609
    Sarahd1609 Member Posts: 64
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi cocoa dancer. I work in a bank fill time and understand where you are coming from. Most nights (not at present as I'm mid flare up and signed off) I have to lay down as soon as I get in as my left are so swollen. You have my every sympathy xx
  • cocoadancer
    cocoadancer Member Posts: 5
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you for all your comments.
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,280
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello cocoadancer
    And a warm welcome form me, I am retired thank goodness, I am 65 and have had one hip replaced and need the other doing and an op on my back,like you I cant take some meds because of tummy and kidney probs
    I have pain patches and they do help, there are support for your knees but they do say don't wear them all the time, because they can make the muscles weak, have you been referred to a physio they could maybe help.
    I do feel for you being on your feet all day,and sorry I'm not much help..
    Love
    Barbara
  • Jaclyncollin
    Jaclyncollin Bots Posts: 36
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi cocoa dancer,
    Arthritis (both RA and OA) can affect our ability to perform a work. You will find many folks here who have chosen to work part time from full time or choose an option of self employment that is possible in their capacities. Some people have decided not to work, or had changed career because of their arthritis. Others have given up work, retired early or have changed jobs. I am not a chef but a qualified nurse. However, I have stopped working from last 3 and half years, due to my inability to devote the required working hours to my workplace. It’s all about your choice depending on your physical limitations. I believe, as a chef, your role must be physically demanding. Living with a chronic disease like RA, means working hard at managing it on a daily basis. I don’t have any practical tips but, lowering our expectations from ourselves, does help.

    As far as pain management is concerned, I take ibuprofen with DGL/omeprazole/Lansoprazole as a stomach protector and it does work for me during flares. Please ask your consultant for alternative medicines if you are unable to take Ibu. You don’t need to suffer in pain, when other options are available.
  • Sarahd1609
    Sarahd1609 Member Posts: 64
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Barbara,
    What pain relief patches do you use. I have ankylosing spondylitis and thought u was getting iver my psoriatic arthritis flare up with my knees, but it has come back with avengence and my back is killing me. Was thinking of asking gp for further pain relief to gabapentin, ibuprofen, paracetamol, and tramadol xx