getting a proper diagnosis

Ellenthe1st
Ellenthe1st Member Posts: 2
in Chat to our Helpline Team

My other half really struggles with his knees, he had operations on them years ago to repair torn ligaments. At the time the surgeon informed him that he had "early onset arthritis". He was late 20s. Since then, he hasn't had a formal diagnosis of any kind and therefore doesn't have reviews or access to support. I have tried to help him through diet and exercise support, but should our next step be to seek a formal diagnosis via the GP?

Comments

  • Chris_R
    Chris_R Moderator Posts: 864
    edited 27. Nov 2020, 19:24

    Hi @Ellenthe1st

    Welcome to the online community,good to see you.

    you say that your other half had an operation in his late 20s for ligaments that were torn.You really ought to go to your GP to be referred to the orthopaedic surgeon.You will then get the support you need.

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/

    Just wondered if this link may be useful

    Please let us know how you get on.Do go to our foums to chat with others it sometimes helps.

    Christine

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Shaphron
    Shaphron Member Posts: 74

    Even if you don't get a diagnosis, your GP could refer your husband to a pain clinic (if he needs it) and a physio, both of which can help a lot. Definitely go to your GP and talk about it.

    If in danger or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout

  • Mike1
    Mike1 Member Posts: 1,992

    You should also be able to self-refer to the physio, check out your Health Authority's website.

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,325

    If your OH is still struggling @Ellenthe1st (welcome to the forum by the way!) I think the time may well have come when he would benefit from getting some more help.

    You don't say how old he is, but think it's a fair while ago since he last saw someone so a trip to the GP might not be a bad idea. As others have said some physio/and a pain clinic referral could really help him.

    Best of luck

  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,944

    Dear Ellen the1st


    Thank you for your posting on the forum. I am sorry to hear that your other half is struggling with his knees. I see that others have already posted in response to you and their suggestions of getting a formal diagnosis with his GP is the way forward in order that he can manage his condition appropriately. Arthritis can be managed by a combination of treatments including exercise and appropriate pain relief. As others have suggested he can ask to be referred to a pain clinic and a physiotherapist.

    I have attached our information on knee pain that may be of help to you and this includes information on when to see a doctor.

    Knee pain | Causes, treatments and self-management (versusarthritis.org)

    If you would like to talk things through with one of our helpline team you are very welcome to do so.  You can call us on 0800 5200 520 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 8pm).

    Best Wishes

    Dawn

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