Osteoarthritis

Hi I'm new to this few months ago I had a mini stroke which left right leg in pain, had xray done one knee they say it fine although I'm in pain with it also had xray on my back it showed some osteoarthritis. Had a discussion with pain specialist which was fine until I mentioned I suffer from depression then their tone and everything seemed to change tell me what depression can do to your body. Anyway when I was given my diagnosis over the phone by receptionist I was told that the Dr had put on my notes just take painkillers there's nothing we can do.

I'm just wondering if there's anything else apart from obvious things that can help. Sorry for essay x

Comments

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,332

    That's no essay @Mousey some of us write pages!

    I think if i were you I would actually want to speak to your GP not a receptionist and ideally with someone with you to support you - easier at the moment maybe with a phone consultation. If your back is causing you pain you could ask to see a physio for instance.

    Arthritis (long term conditions) can result in depression that's well-known.

    I swear by my warm wheatbags (that you microwave?) for comforting relief it works well for me alongside my prescribed pain meds.

    Take care

  • Jona
    Jona Member Posts: 406

    Hi Mousey,

    Welcome and yup once depression is mentioned it’s like oh this is easy Peesy I’m not saying it can’t do lots to your pain threshold but if OA is diagnosed from your X-ray then you have it regardless of minor it’s still bone pain,

    the doctors keep telling me I’m depressed I’m not but I’m getting there is my answer it’s very very frustrating, you have had a stroke and your body has had a shock I know the medical profession has been swamped lately and I’ve always had a very high regard for them but lately I’m getting annoyed that arthritis is so disregarded it’s pain and I would imagine a lot of people are feeling depressed with what’s been happening lately

    Since coming on here I have found so many lovely people and great advice and am growing stronger all the time, I have DDD in my spine I used to be 5ft10 I’m now 5ft 6 every time I put one foot in front of the other it’s like electric shock up my back, my sons now pat me on the top of my head and call me little old lady and yes I still love them and have my hot water bottle on my back every day have taken tramadol for years it is now no longer effective so like you it’s what to do, there are lots of people here giving great and useful advice and I’m sure they will help in any way they can just stay strong and, rest when you can, gentle exercise and find something you like to do be easy on yourself mostly we will find a solution between us

    love Jona 😊

  • Shell_H
    Shell_H Member Posts: 548

    Hi Mousey,

    Honestly I'd ask to see a different doctor. Yes, Depression can have an effect on you, but it in no way makes anything else OK. A good doctor will help you with pain - OA is a chronic condition, so pain is a fact of it and you should be given support in the form of drugs and exercises and advice. They can also refer you to a physio who can give you exercises to support your joints - which makes a huge difference to your long-term pain management and mobility - and they can help with physical treatments where it's appropriate for you.

    With OA exercise is probably your best bet long term - there's some advice on the pages linked below. IT's also not always visible on X-rays, so you may stil lhave OA in your knee but it not show up on the X-ray. Do have a read of the information linked below.

    Being a long-term depression suvivor myself I do understand how annoying and frustrating it can be to be effectively ignored when you mention this. Suddenly everything becomes the fault of depression, which is definitely not true. Yes, it can affect things, but it wont cause OA. Keep in there and don't let the doctors brush you off. Some doctors have specilist interests, so it may be worth asking if any GP in your surgery or a nearby surgery has an insterest in arthrtis - they'd be able to help more.

    Hope this isn't information overload! Let me know how you get on, we're here for you if you need to vent.

    Shell

  • N1gel
    N1gel Member Posts: 160

    Hi Mousey

    Where I live we have a 'community neuro/stroke service' who are very good. They've factored OA and my neuro status into what we do. Worth looking to see if you've got one where you are?

    I 'fired' one of the specialist physios for her 'backward' attitude. It's ok, they don't tell them they've been 'fired'! they just assign you to someone else.

  • Mousey
    Mousey Member Posts: 7

    Thanks everyone for your comments and advice, I think some of my issue is coming to terms that I have some illnesses in my head I can do what I've always done. I worked with children with additional needs and abilities for fifteen years, so after first TIA was only off work few months, second is where it started to go wrong with TIA, oa, and depression I had to stop working in July last year. So life has changed a lot since then. But I always say it is what it is have a roof over our heads food in cupboard and fantastic hubby and kids say kids they are grown up. A lot of people may not be so lucky.