Just saying "hi"

Sallyanne2022
Sallyanne2022 Member Posts: 15
edited 28. Nov 2023, 14:08 in Living with arthritis

Hello everyone, I've just joined the group. Arthritis has changed my lifestyle so much but I try to make the most of what I have, and what I can still do. Last year, I bought a cavapoo. At the time, I could barely walk for 5 minutes but because I have to walk Toby, I can now do 30 minutes! He puts a smile on my face every day and loves cuddles which is great for me because I live alone. I've had one total knee replacement and a laminectomy. My other knee is quite bad now and my lumbar area is very arthritic and will need more surgery in time. My left ankle and foot is now also giving me gip so can get a little fed up at times, and I can get very tired. I'm a young (!) 61 female and feel quite alone at times so thought chatting to people who are in the same boat would be nice. I've been on sick leave since October but returning on Monday but working from home mainly which will make it easier for me, I hope. I can but try!

Comments

  • anneb82
    anneb82 Member Posts: 317

    Hello @Sallyanne2022

    Welcome to the online community and thank you for joining us. I hope you will find that this a safe and friendly space to continue sharing with us all.

    So you have arthritis and have had a total knee replacement and a laminectomy. Your other knee is now quite bad and you also have problems with your left foot and ankle. You have arthritis in your lumbar area. All of this can make you feel fed up and very tired at times. After getting Toby the cockapoo you have improved the amount of time that can walk for from 5 mins to 30 mins. You live a lone and find that Toby gives you love and comfort. You've been off work since last October but are due to go back on Monday and will be working from home.

    It sounds like Toby has not only helped your walking but also your heart. He sounds like a great addition to your household!

    Totally understandable to feel fed up when experiencing the ups and downs of suffering with arthritis. It doesn't matter how long you've been diagnosed for, we all get days where we hate what it does to us and how it changes what we are able to do. It must be hard living alone and not feeling like you have anyone to talk to. I'm very glad that you have joined the community and hope you find that it does help. Please feel free to get involved in other peoples discussions and to create your own. We are a friendly bunch and there tends to be someone around most of the time if you're wanting to chat.

    I'm going to attach a couple of links below that I think may of be of interest to you. I hope they help.

    The helpline is a great way of getting quick help and guidance Mon-Friday.

    I've attached the above as you mentioned you get very tired and what with going back to work on Monday, you may find it helpful.

    Please do let us know how you are getting on and good luck with work.

    Take care

    Anne (Moderator)