osteoarthritis in multiple joints

kramermjo

Over the last year, I've had the onset and rapid worsening of osteoarthritis in multiple joints - mostly my knees. It's made so I can only leave the house for short periods of time. Getting answers out of doctors has been very difficult.

Right now I am trying supplements and acupuncture. I would appreciate any support anyone can give.

Trish9556

hi @kramermjo

GP's don't like Arthritis and fail to look after patients with it. I know. Some will tell you to get used to it and live with it.

Have you had x-rays? This should be first on the doctor's list and from x-rays a diagnosis is made. After this you should be referred to an MSK team where you will have an asseessment, jabs, mri's etc before they refer you to a hospital for onward treatment. I know know where you're based but if you're in England you can ask to be referred to any hospital, private or nhs for treatment. I've just had a hip replacement in a private hospital paid for by the NHS. Cut out the waiting list.

Your doctor should also provide you with pain relief if paracetamol isn't working.

You might need to be assertive and insist on being referred for treatment. If it helps, take someone with you. Keep a pain diary too and take it along with you. Note every bit of pain, how bad it is, how you dealt with it, if you had any relief and how you felt about it.

The best thing you can do is keep moving - I know it's hard but it will help. Once you sit down and think I can't do that because it hurts you stop doing it.

I hope you get some help.

Trish xx

claudsl

Hi @kramermjo and a very big welcome to our community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

I am sorry to hear that arthritis is affecting your quality of life, and that you are not getting much support from your GP. In my personal experience, I have also found GP's are not very helpful when it comes to dealing with arthritis. Have you been referred to a Rheumatologist? If not, it may be a good idea to see if your GP can do this for you.

In the mean time, here is some useful information which focuses on Osteoarthritis of the knees. I hope this helps a little bit.

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

All the best, Claudia x

Jools71

Hi there

It's just awful. I'm only 53. Have it in knees spine hips and hands. Only thing that helps me are cortisone injections but they don't always work. I also have to beg the GP.

Excerse definitely helps. Working through the pain is awful but it helps! I do cold water therapy, swimming and yoga.

Having a bad flare just now and it's getting me down. I still need to work and keep a house on my own my 2 older boys are good but it's me that cooks ect.

I'm soooo tired all the time. I stay positive and cheerful all day whilst suffering in scilence 🤦‍♀️

I will not be beaten and can't sit down to this! Like is too short! Xx