Help needed

I’m hoping somebody can advise, had one knee replacement done twice within six months but I’m up and running or would be if I could as it has just been confirmed I have arthritis in both hands and wrist also in both hips. In other words if I’ve got a joint it’s got arthritis It has been suggested by doctor to start the process for hip replacement due to waiting time I’m hoping somebody else has had a similar problem and can advise how do you get about on crutches if you can barely use your hands. Travelling to Cornwall. Funeral, and 6 hours plus in a car is a no no have to stop and walk about after a couple of hours to walk about. Can anybody recommend a cushion for car that would help. Really struggling at moment but after 2 years in lockdown life was just getting back to normal. On a plus I did get seen by a doctor in fact three doctors 2 were student doctors bet they wished they hadn’t asked if they could ask me what my problem was. Poor boys. They were fantastic

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764

    Don't worry. They'll sort you out after any op. All you need to provide is patience. (No. Me neither but arthritis I'd an excellent teacher.)

    I'd had RA and OA for years when I got my first replacement joints. Knees first, hips later. It started in my hands so they were rubbish by then. Post op, I've always been started on a gutter frame. It's like a tall zipper on wheels and you lean your forearms on its rests. They've always sent me home on a zimmer which is OK for practising walking but useless when you want a brew. So I just walk round the furniture at first. Outside I hang on to someone until I'm kind of stabilised again. It does take patience and lots of exercises but I've done it a few times so not impossible.

    Car cushion? I never did that but, seriously, if you have the sort of car seats that turn up at the sides you might want to change either them or the car as they're really tough on hips.

    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright