" Coming back toLife "

The_G
The_G Member Posts: 3
edited 28. Nov 2023, 14:08 in Living with arthritis

I've had Osteoarthritis for 5 years. It's almost been diagnosed,as I'm awaiting an MRI scan.My gp has been worse than useless.It has been a battle to see a specialist, nevermind the ongoing physical & mental one I fight daily.

I've resigned myself to not working again,which i'm still coming to terms with.This is all new to me,as is joining this site looking for more information and support.I've had to stop playing Golf and Running and not been as active as I used to be or want to be.It has taken so much me.

I've also been struggling with my mental health ( Covid didn't help ) again no help from my gp so I'm funding counseling myself which begins next week ( again it's something new ).I treated myself to a bike and I'm determined to fight this.So much to say and ask but for now looking forward it's all about accepting change and " Coming back to Life ".l+l.

Comments

  • Anna
    Anna Moderator Posts: 947

    Hello @The_G and welcome to the online community,

    You’re in the process of being diagnosed with osteoarthritis and you’re coming to terms with the changes in your life, including giving up work and not being as active as you used to be. Your mental health has been affected but you’re determined to accept change and to ‘come back to life’. You seem a very determined and positive person and it’s great to welcome you to our community, where I’m sure you’ll find many people who share your spirit, as well the information and support you’re hoping to find.

    Although we may not be able to take part all the sports and activities, it’s still important to exercise and keep mobile - it’s good for our physical and mental health.

    There have been some recent discussions on the forum which talk about cycling and other types of exercise - here’s one of the threads below. Do join in if you feel comfortable:

    You also might like to have a look at the ‘we are undefeatable’ website that Versus Arthritis supports. It has a great deal of information about the benefits of exercise as well as types of activities that suit different conditions. It’s also got some great personal stories that are quite inspiring:

    Do keep posting and let us know how you’re getting on,

    Anna ( Mod)

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


  • DebbieL
    DebbieL Member Posts: 63

    Hiya. I’m 55 and was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis of my lower spine couple of years ago. My GP was useless too. I had had back pain for over a year and they had just given me painkillers- no examination, no X-ray no referral. After I asked what they were going to do my GP asked if I thought I had cancer or a tumour!!!!!. Then asked if I wanted MRI scan …… yes of course was my answer. Then afterwards I phoned and they advised I had osteoarthritis and perhaps some physio may help. I was devastated, felt my active life was over and pain was all I could expect for years ahead. I wrote a letter of complaint. The result was amazing. I got an immediate appointment, a frank discussion on pain relief options and a referral to a specialist. The specialist back physio was amazing and basically gave me my life back. I reduced my work days from 5 to 3. Started to exercise again- ballet, tap, stretch class , cycling and a lot of walking. At the start I took painkillers before my dance classes but now I don’t need them for dance or during the day. I still really need them at night or if I am having a bad pain day.

    Yes , make adjustments but try and find some form of exercise you enjoy. I think exercise is key but listen to your body. I tried aerobics and running but it was painful during and worse afterwards. I found walking on uneven rocks on the beach painful for my hips but took painkillers and did it anyway! Cycling is great but I can’t take a break or I stiffen up and setting off again is painful. I can cycle for about 45 mins then it becomes uncomfortable.But so what - I can enjoy 45 mins of mostly pain free cycling.

    Stay positive. You can probably do more than you think you can. Push your GP for a referral. A good physio made a real difference for me, the first couple I saw were no help. I have a 4” memory foam topper for my mattress which really helps. Heat pads are good too. Pain relief is also a bit of trial and error, but finding the right combination can be hard.

    I hope you find a way forward that works for you

    Debbie

  • The_G
    The_G Member Posts: 3

    Hi Debbie i'm also in my prime at 55.Thanks for the lovely words of encouragement.My 1st post was a bit of a rant.I've an appointment with gp on Tuesday.I will be requesting a referral for physio and Capsaicin.I've tried lots of painkillers,for me Voltarol has worked the best,but have been put onto Capsaicin.So I will give it a go.

    This is all new to me,so it's just about finding my feet and putting the best one forward.I'm sure like me you don't act your age and long may it continue.So acceptance is key then adjustment." It's only Rock ' n ' Roll "

    Take care.