Feeling low

kerry1982

Hello all, this is my first post, I’m 41 years old and have recently been diagnosed with stage 1 knee OA, I’m in pain a lot of the time and I’m feeling low, I have been given Naproxen for pain relief and some video physio excerises and sent on my way, I love walking and going to the gym but not feeling motivated to do anything at the moment, is there anyone on here that can give me advice on dealing with pain and getting back into regular walking and gym training, I also have an active job and can be on my feet working shifts up to 15 hours. Thanks for reading K x

Ellen

Hello @kerry1982 welcome to the online community.

15 hour shifts with osteoarthritis in your knee. You get an 'ouch' from me K.

Naproxen is a really good anti-inflammatory medication. Walking is excellent exercise I hope you'll feel less unmotivated soon and get your mojo back.

I will leave you in a minute to meet our members and hear their advice, but I just popped this link in for someone else newly diagnosed and think you might find some of it helpful too:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/newly-diagnosed/

It can be a scary time and your emotions can be all over the place many of our members can feel low as a result.

If you felt it might help please do ring our helpline Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm tel:0800 5200 520

My best wishes

Ellen.

frogmorton

Hi @kerry1982

I'm sorry you're feeling low although I'm not surprised. When I was first diagnosed I was in a right state. I refused to plan anything incase I let people down, went on and on about it, visualised myself a wheelchair user within the year, worried I was letting my husband down and would embarrass my kids.

Th only thing that came true was the last and that was nothing to do with the arthritis - just me!

I suggest you be kind to yourself and allow yourself to wallow a wee bit then do what you're doing. Seek information and support. Talk to us lot - we understand as an old friend on here used to say 'We all get it because we've all got it" Get back to your activity or a new one which is less painful - swimming maybe? Whatever suits your life.

If you feel you are going too low a fair number of us do take low dose antidepressants. It's understandable.

keep talking too!

Sending some ((()))

Toni x

kerry1982

Thank you and your right I need to focus on the good things, as soon as I feel the strength returning in my knee I will start swimming, jogging on a treadmill was a chore anyway to be fair, I never really enjoyed it and I think overall it has made my knee worse. It’s a good day today, I’ve walked my kids to school and I feel good! Thanks for the advice x

Stayinghopeful

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis and feeling low. And wow having to manage whilst being on your feet for 15 hours, that sounds really hard.

I'm at a similar age although different location of Osteoarthritis. It's for sure hard to be coping with pain and the restrictions on your life that it brings at a relatively young age.

In my experience it does get better though. I developed my pain 5 years ago although only recently diagnosed as Osteoarthritis. When I first developed pain I struggled mentally a lot, counselling helped with that. Then through lots of trial and error I have found things that help. In my case exercise, ice and diclofenac. (Another nsaid).

Sending kind wishes.

Moira

I agree about focusing on the good things. Get a nice wee notebook and each day write down something good that has happened. At the end of the week read it back and have a nice treat to celebrate.

I found Water Workout at the local swimming pool good too. Swimming good but not breaststroke with a new knee joint - crawl and b/stroke fine.

Use the Versus Arthritis videos for the correct exersise and keep you physio going. It will make a difference.

Good luck.