Living with arthritis

Sarah_ann_1975

Hi all

Don't know where to start really I'm new to forum spaces but here goes. I'm 47 and have been diagnosed with severe arthritis in my right hip and told I need a replacement. Pain relief is not helpful (naproxen and Co dydromol) I've lost my job as a learning disabilities nurse on the grounds of medical incapability and have lost all of my confidence and am unable to go for a walk or swim as the pain is now spread to all of my limbs and I am extremely anxious mobilising I have crutches provided by physio but feel completely lost and alone. Sorry for moaning just could really use some advice.

Thank you

Shell_H

Hi @Sarah_ann_1975 - welcome to the online community!

I see you've been diagnosed with arthritis in your hip and you need a replacement joint. The pain seems to be in most of your joints and your pain relief isn't helping. You've become anxious about moving due to the difficulty you have and you feel alone.

Please, don't feel bad for "moaning" - we all need to share and find someone who has some understanding on what we're going through. A lot of us here in the online community have empathy with what you're going through and understand the pain you're feeling. We are here for you to share, talk to, and hopefully help in some way.

Long term pain acts on us differently than shorter pain, and it's important to look after yourself. My first advice would be to ask your GP for a referral to a pain clinic - the people there are often specialists in chronic pain and should be able to offer you better help. Maybe talk to a pharmacist and see if there is any over-the-counter pain relief you can safely take as well. We also have a lot of advice to help with pain relief. I personally like using heat (I have Osteoarthritis in my knees), so a hot shower or bath if you can manage them can make a difference. I also have an electric heated collar which helps my neck and shoulders, and I use microwavable wheat germs bags to be able to apply targetted heat. If you're swelling up, cold may help better.

I also highly suggest you focus on looking after yourself emotionally and with sleep - bad sleep whether due to stress or pain can make your pain worse. So have a look into what you could do with sleep to help yourself as well - I gave some advice on this last week here.

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

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/emotional-wellbeing/

We also have a long thread on hip replacement tips, and reports that they can make a huge difference for you. Do have a look at this information too when you feel up to it.

Do join in elsewhere in the community and please know that we are here for you.

It's lovely to meet you!

Shell

Sarah_ann_1975

Thank you so much shell it's so good to know we are not alone. I'll take a look at that information.

Thanks again its lovely to meet you too!!!

Sarah