Arthritis or laziness?

megsie

I have recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis which came as a bit of a shock. I joined this group to help me get to grips with it and more importantly understand it. I am an 84 yo woman, looking after my 89 yo partially blind husband. Ten years ago I had bilateral hip replacements which were very successful after years of pain. I. have started struggling to clean the house, cook, do the laundry etc. My problem is I feel very fatigued all the time, I start a job then feel tired and have a nap - not much gets done. Is this a side effect of arthritis or am I becoming just plain lazy. I am taking pain killers but keep them to a minimum. I have been offered steroid injections but I’m undecided. The pain in legs and knees is quite severe so I can’t forgo pain killers altogether. I’m sure many of you are in a worse situation than me but I just want an opinion from people who understand.
thank you for reading. xx

stickywicket

@megsie , my opinion would be definitely not laziness. I'm aure the arthritis will be a factor but there could be other, simple things. Do you take a daily Vit D supplement? The NHS recommends all of us over 60(?) (65?) to do so. Maybe your iron levels are low. Maybe the pain relief is partly responsible even though you sensibly keep it to a minimum. Maybe - dare I say it? - age? You sound as if you are used to coping with whatever life throws at you but, sometimes, it throwa rather à lot all at onc and we do have to make some concessions to it. .

I'd suggest you have a word with your GP. As you know, arthritis can't be cureď but maybe other things can be sorted. Good luck.

frogmorton

Lazy @megsie hardly! You are doing plenty, but have plenty on your plate too.

I am with @stickywicket maybe a quick check in with your Dr as to your bloods it is quite possible that your iron is a bit low (mine was a bit back) and yes there is also vitamin D to think of.

I'd have a think about the steroid jabs maybe they would be a help and they might give you a reprieve from your painkillers too 🤔

Take care

Toni x

KC1

Being a full time carer, even for the person you love the most and would do anything for, is exhausting in and of itself. You are thinking and taking actions for 2 every moment of every day, which will be tiring and draining. Being a carer is demanding, do you get any respite? Do you get any time for yourself just to relax and/or to do something that you really enjoy?

I agree with the others as well. Maybe a check in with your GP re your general health plus options around injections might help answer some of your questions. As a full time carer making sure you are as fit and healthy as possible is really important for your own sake as well as your loved one.

Be very kind to yourself. Take time to see the GP and don’t fret when you need to take a bit of time out to rest.

18amandah

Hello I was a full time carer for my late Husband, who sadly passed away in 2022, & i had a Hip replacement in 2015, but it did not work, as i had no one to help me ar all, with after care. i had a private physio & after my hubbs carers had gone, i was the one who had to get up. & cope with what ever needed doing as he was not well, with osteoarthritis & terminal cancer. I have got Skeletol Muscular tension throughout my body. & anxiety not helped by grieving from time to time. I have regular reflexology, & rieki , crystal healing & a sound therapist & massage with cbd oil & other good joint supplements. I am scared of the NHS big time.I am not lying around in bed, i get up & walk around the house as much as i can, all be it on my walking stick. I use my own crutches when i go out. Anyway sorry to moan

Lyndieloo

Messie you are amazing and are doing so much, the only thing l can say is ,l have rheumatoid arthritis and a symptom,is tiredness, regarding the steroids, l am on them now ,they really help and l would say don't hesitate take them 😊