Hello! I'm new here.

Megsalvio

How are you today?

This might be a long post, but I want to write about it, and feel better, and understood. Did it take you a while to get diagnosed? to deal with it? to be believed?

I got diagnosed yesterday when i have been asking for years. Its one of them things where yet again my GP and surgeons didn't believe the pain I was in, and only helped on things they could figure out from not looking.

in 2018 I damaged my knee, and tore my cartilage a couple of times, ended up having an operation in 2020. to clear them up, the surgeon said it was really messy when he got in there and did a few, but i'd need it again.

3 months later I was still in agony, i was given the steroid injection which helped for a few weeks. I explained family history with my mum getting RA at 35, my aunty at 30 with osteoarthritis, my grandad osteoarthritis , my great grandma, and so on back down the family line. he said it wasn't connected..

went back after a few months still in agony and my knee had popped out of place, and i also sprained my ankle from my knee giving way walking down stairs, given physio... unfortunately the exercise in pyhscio made the pain worse and they were treating my knee that wasn't fully in line.

4th mri in 2 years, 6 new tears.

yesterday i had another particle tear clean, with a different surgeon as I stated i didn't feel confident in my last DR who only cleaned the ones on the original MRI not the ones he could have got to help.

came back around yesterday from surgery, and this new surgeon cleaned every tear, and told me about the bone on bone, and that there is arthritis in my knee, and it will get worse. and he is sorry that this has taken years and that i have been ignored with the pain and my knowledge of myself. He said he is shocked at the deteriaton at my age (26) and is sending me to a specialist once i've recovered from this op.

I feel a lot better writing this all down to a group.

I called my mum obviously, and she was really nice and understanding, but also she gets a lot more pain and is now 49 and got some amazing treatment so she only recalls her pain, when she has bad flare ups.

But i feel like this is going to hold me back in my climbing which is my passion/hobby.

I am starting my teaching degree in September and i feel that the long days are going to effect me a lot.

I am also just in my feelings and know it will be okay, its just a lot to be told and deal with by myself at home (living alone, and no-one to be with me full time while recovering)

So again i am sorry this was so long, and I don't expect replies. but it was nice to write and put it out with others.

Guess the main thing from this is believe in your own body and stress about it to DR get it seen to and don't be passed over

<3 oxoox

Poppyjane

Hello @Megsalvio and welcome to the online community

There is no need to apologise for a long story, your journey so far warrants the telling of the details. Not being heard by medics is mentioned by some of our members as a source of distress and frustration and we are glad that finally your surgeon listened and has done his best for you.

You sound a very active 26 year old , enjoying climbing , wild swimming and about to start a teaching degree. Your positive attitude has obviously helped you maintain your lifestyle and long may that continue.

I attach some links which I hope you will find useful, you may also want to check out the Young People's community forum who I am sure would welcome your input.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-of-the-knee/

I appreciate Natalie's story is about hip arthritis but her attitude to life reminded me of your mindset.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/your-experiences/your-stories/natalies-story/

I expect the hospital have provided you with a set of exercises, you may also like to look at a link to the VA new stretching videos which many members find both enjoyable and helpful.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/october/new-stretching-videos-to-help-keep-moving-and-manage-your-arthritis/

My reply has become as long as your post! We hope your recovery continues well. Do keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on.

Best wishes

Poppyjane

Loggiemod

Hi @Megsalvio and welcome - wow a lot has happened to you and you are still young. Don't apologise for your long story - we all have them and the beauty of this Community is that we can share, rant, sympathise and just enjoy being part of this new family. Please stay around and keep posting about your story - we can all help each other.

Megsalvio

Just want to say thank you so much to both of you! it means alot<3 <3

TheSquire

Hi Megsalvio,

So sorry to hear your news. 26 is so young, I was diagnosed around 36 but like you had a similiar issues with tears for many years dating back to my early twenties.

I am now 40 and have recently started MXT. I was on Sulfa for 3 yrs but whilst my CRP (infection levels in blood) did drop a little it couldn't stop the bone degeneration. I had no choice but go on MXT.

What I have found is a gradual improvement, I can now do moderate work outs, play golf etc... I'm not quite where I was as far as athletic capabilities (I used to gym 6 days a week) but I am 10 times better than 6 months ago.

I guess what I am saying is there is light at the end of the tunnel. You may not be able to do all the things at the level you once were but you will be able to do most of them and pursue your career ambitions.

It may not be a straight road but it is a road nonetheless. Keep strong and reach out if you need support. Forums like this and NRAS are great for info on things and sharing experiences.

Good luck, stay strong.