Osteoarthritis

catwoman

Hi

i was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my left knee 8 years ago and that is bad enough but now my right knee is starting to hurt recently so walking is not easy at all and I now use a walking stick. I hate this condition and feel that just walking around each day is a struggle. I do work. It makes me depressed as I want to get out and about more but the discomfort stops me.This condition is ruining my life and I have lost a lot of confidence. I am a recovering alcoholic and stopped drinking 28 years ago but the alcohol damaged the nerves in my legs, so with my legs being damaged by alcohol and the osteoarthritis on top of this, I feel my mobility is getting worse. I am 58 years old but my body feels older and it gets me very down

Ellen

Hi @catwoman

I see your right knee is joining in now possibly due to perhaps compensating for your left one. Have you seen your Dr about this or a physio? Well done using a stick and keeping going. It is so important to keep as mobile as possible.

Having a long term condition such as Osteoarthritis can absolutely affect someone's mental health.

I don't know whether you have seen this information:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2023/january/how-to-look-after-your-mental-health-when-you-have-arthritis/

Hopefully someone will come along soon to chat to you.

My best wishes

Ellen.

catwoman

Thank you Ellen