Hello ... here's my story

Xela

Hi, I've been living with arthritis for many of my 72 years, manifesting itself initially in lower back pain. I had treatment for a slipped disc about a year after my daughter was born and for carpel tunnel in my 50s, probably the result of increased use of a keyboard towards the end of my teaching career. In my 60s the chronic back pain continued to steadily increase and became more generalised with my knees chiming in too. I was prescribed Naproxen to manage the pain but was reluctant to take it, I feel the level of pain is Nature's way of alerting us to the degree of need to address the source of the pain. An extremely painful flare up followed a dose of Covid 19 in March 2020 and the impact on my mobility ramped up. Flexibility in the rest of my spine declined so I sought help from my GP in August 2021. Several blood tests, MRIs and consultations later I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, referred for a hip replacement op and given advice and exercises to manage the arthritis in my hips and hands. I have been told the pain in my knees is deferred from my hips but I am not convinced that is the whole explanation. I was shocked to be diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency last month and to find that was responsible for much of the escalating level of pain I have experienced in the last 2-3 years. Despite the ageing process and crisis the NHS is in, I hope to regain some of the strength lost thanks to the 'Covid lifestyle' and slow the progress of my arthritis.

Poppyjane

Hello @Xela welcome to the online community,

You have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis after years of pain in your back , your stoic attitude is very commendable but after a difficult flare up and numbers of tests you have been recommended for a hip replacement. Pain in your knees is often related to back and hip problems so hopefully in the fullness of time you will be regain some of your previous strength.

I attach some links with information which I hope you will find helpful

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery/hip-replacement-surgery/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-of-the-hand-and-wrist

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/may/are-you-getting-enough-vitamin-d

We are glad you found us, we are a friendly group who offer peer support to anyone living with arthritis and hope that when you have a chance to browse round the community you will join in with the discussions and activities. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Take care

Poppyjane