New member with so many questions!

amanda1927

Good morning everyone!

I'm new to this and am really suffering at the moment! I have severe osteo-arthritis in one knee and mild to moderate in the other. This has all flared up since March and I am at my wits end! I am on naproxen and co-codamol but nothing seems to touch the pain. My knees in themselves are not too bad most of the time but I am really suffering with swelling and inflammation in my joints. Not only are my knees swollen and sore (I think this is to be expected) but my ankles and feet are too as well as both hands and wrists. I am under a rheumatologist but haven't got any answers yet. My GP is no use and has not offered any ideas as to how to get this swelling down.

I'm really struggling as everything hurts and getting up and moving around is agony. I know that there are no quick answers but was hoping that someone out there had experienced something similar and maybe had some hints or tips as to what I need to do to start getting y life back again. I'm 52 but feel about 90 most of the time!

Sorry for the rant, I just need someone to help and no one seems to want to!

Naomi33

Morning @amanda1927 and welcome to the online community.

So sorry to hear your concerns about your knee osteoarthritis and inflammation of joints.

I struggled at the beginning of my RA & OA journey so do understand.

You feel no one understands or listens to you let alone believe there is anything wrong with you 🤷‍♂️

I took photos and started a diary of pain which I showed doctor and persisted until I was referred to consultant. She started the blood test and x ray and CT scans. So I do believe evidence is vitals to prove your condition until you are diagnosed then put on the medication pain management route…

The following links maybe of help to….

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

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/january/moving-more-with-the-escape-pain-programme/

I am sure others will connect with you soon trust me you are not alone and do not hesitate to rant and rave at anytime 😊

Best wishes @Naomi33

Hope767

Hello @Amanda1927

I’m so sorry you’re in so much pain.

I too had my first flare up in March and was admitted to hospital. It saddens me that I’d been telling my doctor for over 5 years about my pain . GP put everything down to fibromyalgia. I am 9 weeks into taking Methotrexate, apparently I have to give it 12 weeks to see if it’s working. The pain is horrendous despite me doing my an exercises each morning & following a healthy diet. Waiting for a double hip replacement is wearing me down. We have to stay hopeful but life is so hard when every move we make hurts .

This group really helps so keep reading other peoples journeys, you will get more understanding of the condition .