Life on hold - long and self-pitying first post

antoneady

I’ve had OA for a number of years in several joints. It’s worst in my knees, both stage 4.

I’ve gone from being an outdoor instructor to working in NHS call centre (111), due to restricted mobility.

I last worked in May of this year. I now can’t walk without crutches and even then it is painfully slow and unstable.

I was scheduled a Full Knee Replacement last December. Was diagnosed with Diabetes and so surgery was postponed. 3 months later my Diabetes levels were fine for surgery, however, in the mean time I had developed anemia, surgery again postponed. 6 months down the line Hemaglobin ,Hb, still low, with no treatments raising it. I am now on weekly injections to boost Hb production but it has dropped further.

I’m on Morphine patches and Dihydrocodeine for pain, but still experience it on a daily basis. On positive I’ve lost over 3 stone since May (although this is a worry in it’s self)

looking forward to seeing how others beat the drudgery of “get up, feel pain, stoke the dog ( I can’t walk her anymore), watch TV, go to bed”

noddingtonpete

Hello @antoneady 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 OA in several joints and it is worst in your knees and that surgery has been delayed due to various medical issues. You have been through it but I do hope that they stabilise you and you get the surgery soon. You ask how others cope - we all have different ways and I am sure that others will connect and share their support and experiences as well. In the meantime have a look through the following from our website which I hope may be of some help.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/april/everyday-tips-for-living-with-arthritis/

and

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/emotional-wellbeing/

Please keep posting and let us know how you are getting on.

With best wishes

Peter (moderator)

Yogirich1974

Try to stay positive even when it’s hard I’m waiting to both knees I try to remember what’s good in my life I also use heated blanket raising knees regularly and try to do things in short bursts then rest for 5 good luck with your struggle and hope things get a little better