Coping with Constant and Increased Pain

Sheelee

Just wanted to say what's going on, with people who understand.

I'm on the list fir a hip replacement, but the arthritis has twisted my leg, causing tendinitis. It's been excruciating for a while, but now my hip has deteriorated and it's also getting very painful.

I feel I've really only existed until recent time, and now this is happening, I feel as though my life has reverted to existence again. I know loads of us are in similar positions, but I just wanted to tell someone. I feel so down. Financially, though not flush, I Don't have the worries I used to have, it shows how without your health you really have nothing, or very little because you can't enjoy your new found security.

Sorry to sound such a winger but I just wanted to say.

Sheelee

frogmorton

Good morning @Sheelee

You do not sound a winger! Gosh no you are still counting your blessings in spite of being in such pain. You know you're lucky to be reasonably ok financially, but your life has obviously become very restricted.

I'm so glad you are 'on the list' even if it is a long one.

You know coming here is such a good idea talking other people who understand is really lovely, but you could ring the helpline too I have in the past and just bawled down the phone at them and they just waited so lovely. I felt so much better afterwards.

I'll just find the number...

0800 5200 520

Take care now ((()))

Toni xx

stickywicket

You're not a winger, @Sheelee but I do disagree with your statement " without your health you really have nothing, or very little because you can't enjoy your new found security." I've basically never had 'health. Asthma as a child (before inhalers), RA at 15 (before DMARDS) (I got it all wrong😁) yet I've had a good life.

Pain is a pain is a pain and it can really get us down at times. Try to look forward, do what you can enjoy doing in the situation you're at.

How did you get on with the holiday insurance?

Lilymary

You're not wingeing, you're telling people how you feel. And it sounds like you're having a really tough time.

Before my new hip I found many of the tips in this link really helpful. Sorry if you've already seen it, but do read it again.

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

Some of the "old hands" on this site really stressed the value of distraction, ie immerse yourself in something you enjoy. it will take your focus away from the pain and it will recede into the background, while at the same time lifting your mood. It's tough when the arthritis stops you doing things you like, but for everything you have to give up, find something new to take its place. You'll be surprised where that may take you. It's hard not to dwell on the things you can't do any more, but try to focus on what you CAN still do, and adapt around the things you need or want to do, just do them differently. I hope this helps.

Sheelee

Hi Stickywicket,

Sorry its been so long in me replying. I've had my lovely 3 weeks in Madeira and it's back down to Earth with a date for my pre op assessment. Panic!! Never had surgery before so on new territory. Hoping my anxiety abates with time a bit.

You asked about travel insurance. I ended up with a company called Staysures. They specialise in health related travel insurance. It wasn't cheap (I went for a multi trip annual policy to include Europe). It cost £330.

I know it's a lot of money, but did include a declaration of awaiting surgery, so if anything happened whilst I was away, either I would be repatriated home, or surgery and post op care would be offered local to the holiday destination, until I was fit to travel home.

I did feel secure going (and I went alone) knowing that I would be cared for if anything really went wrong.

Let me know if you want more details, Sticky wicket,

Sheelee

Lilymary

Re anxiety, don't fret about what you can't control. What you CAN do is get your home (and larder) prepared for when you get back from the op, the OTs should provide the basic equipment, but get lots of fluffy pillows to sit/sleep on and some comfy slip on shoes, as you won't be able to reach your feet for a while. A soft shoulder bag for carrying stuff round the house is useful too, along with what the OTs provide.

But as for the surgery, I can highly recommend going into a state of deep denial about the details and handing your body over to the medics, who know what they're doing, and the nurses who will help you through the worst bits after. After that, it's a matter of letting your body heal and gradually getting it moving again. The only "eek" moment I had was when I went in for anaesthesia, when it suddenly got "very real". But the anaesthetists were so kind and professional, I just took a deep breath and let them get on with it (sedation and spinal block - I went for full knock-out level sedation to maintain the "denial" theme). Next thing I knew I was being wheeled out of theatre into recovery, with my feet feeling like they were floating above the bed. I won't lie, it's pretty uncomfortable and at times painful over the next few weeks, feel free to feel sorry for yourself from time to time, but it really does get better with every day that passes.

Skinny Keef

You put into words exactly how I feel about existing and not living.

Your travel insurance is cheap compared to a policy for a touring motorcycle holiday throughout Europe.

My mum always used to say when you have your health you have everything and I really get that now and I feel exactly what you mean about not being able to enjoy your new found financial security. I think you absolutely nailed the point in your post.

Sheelee

Dear Frogmorton/Toni,

Sorry I have been so long replying to your message.

Thank you for telling me that you can bawl your eyes out to the Helpline. That's one thing I fear not having, and having to cry alone. We all have a need for reassurance and a 🫂, don't we?

Hope you are going on OK. I've now got a date for my pre op assessment, so the anxiety level has shot through the roof!! Hoping it will abate in a while.

Best wishes,

Sheelee

PS Can I ask if you live alone? I do, which is why having people you can ring to have a cry with is important, as I don't have that available at home.

frogmorton

Hi @Sheelee

Lovely to see you posting again I'm so glad you have your pre-op booked now. the sooner it's done the better. You've had some fabulous replies I do hope you feel less alone with it all now?

I don't live alone no I have a busy husband work-wise and don't like to moan too much at home hence I dump it all here! YOU are not alone anymore either remember you ahve all of us.

Have you phoned the helpine yet I do hope so they are honestly just lovely.

Mind you i was just saying to someone else here. Every single kind reply I got at first - the understanding, the empathy - set me off.

Ooops! better be careful I'm welling up again already.😳

Let us know how the pre-op goes

Toni x

Sheelee

Dear Frogmorton/Toni,

Sorry I have been so long replying to your message.

Thank you for telling me that you can bawl your eyes out to the Helpline. That's one thing I fear not having, and having to cry alone. We all have a need for reassurance and a 🫂, don't we?

Hope you are going on OK. I've now got a date for my pre op assessment, so the anxiety level has shot through the roof!! Hoping it will abate in a while.

Best wishes,

Sheelee

PS Can I ask if you live alone? I do, which is why having people you can ring to have a cry with is important, as I don't have that available at home.