Newly Diagnosed Severe Osteoarthritis

Jessicamac17

Hello everyone! I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis today…at 37. I never knew this was something that happened this young. Mine is very far progressed, I have no tissues left in my feet or ankles, and 50% left of my knees. My rheumatologist told me my option was pain management for the “massive” (his words) bone spurs on my heels. He recommended pain medication, and bariatric surgery to rapidly reduce my weight so that it relieves pressure on my spurs.

He told me if I don’t do this, my spurs with triple in size in a year…with triple the pain. I am NOT a fan of stomach bypass, and I’m very scared of doing it.

Has anyone done this? Do you recommend it? I wasn’t given and option, and he warned me in 12 months I won’t have any cartilage left in my knees. Any advice or experience would be appreciated!

Thank you in advance!

jess

noddingtonpete

Hello @Jessicamac17 and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

I understand that you have osteoarthritis and have developed bone spurs and your rheumatologist is recommending pain management and bariatric surgery. I am sure that you have looked into the surgery but I found the following which might provide a bit of info.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/weight-loss-surgery/

also have a look through the following from our website which might be of help regarding pain management

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

and

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/september/top-tips-to-manage-your-weight/

Please keep posting and let us know how you are getting on and I am sure that others will connect with you to share their support and experiences as well.

With very best wishes,

Peter (moderator)