Introduction and help

katiestuart

I have been suffering from osteoarthritis for a number of years with it getting progressively worse. Last year I capitulated and bought a mobility scooter which enabled me to join my husband on walks. However, in April this year I suffered a pulmonary embolism and was put on warfarin. I was also taken off NSAIDS. My arthritis has gotten so much worse since then. I went to see an orthopaedic surgeon last week for help but because of my weight (unable to exercise) and the fact I'm on blood thinners I am not allowed a knee replacement. The X-rays they took have done some damage to my right knee and I am currently bed bound as I just cannot put any weight on the knee. Does anyone know of any painkillers I can use with warfarin? I currently take tramadol and paracetamol for the pain. Also is there any alternative therapy I can use concurrently.

Apologies for such a long first post but I am without hope at the moment and cannot see a way through the situation I find myself in.

Anna

Hello @katiestuart and welcome to the online community,

It can seem like a circle when you’re in pain but you can’t seem to do anything about it so the pain gets worse. I think many of our members have been there but as they will tell you, there is always hope.

Others may have ideas and suggestions for how to help yourself out of this spiral, and here are a few ideas. Although you can’t weight bear at the moment, it’s still really important to keep moving as much and as gently as possible. Here are some very gentle stretch exercises that you can do seated and that will help you to keep flexible and will also help ease the pain. You can start at your own pace and they will help you to feel better physically and emotionally.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-knees/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADBwqpksgAafToO1jqaVFQwnS_4KS&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvou-n6CViAMVDmVBAh3FtAZ9EAAYASAAEgLk1fD_BwE

It can be really hard to lose weight when you’re in pain and you can’t move very much, but maybe changing your diet will add important vitamins and minerals to help you get stronger plus they can help you begin to lose weight so you will put less pressure on your knees and other joints. Here’s a great booklet about eating well for people with arthritis that might give you some ideas:

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/diet/

Do let us know how you’re getting on,

Anna ( Moderator)

stickywicket

Hello and welcome from me too. When the pain suddenly gets worse it can knock the wind out of our sails and being told a TKR is not possible must have been very disheartening.

I would endorse all that Mod @Anna has written. Exercise, however minimal, is essential. I'm i n a similar, though different situation. My ancient THR is now misaligned and the even more ancient TKR below it has skidded off sideways. But, for various reasons an operation is not possible. I can transfer from bed to wheelchair to recliner but my walking is reduced to a daily exercise session on a zimmer or rollator indoors. I d other exercises though as, without them, things only get worse. I keep painkillers to an absolute minimum as I'm nosey and like to stay awake!

Do keep plugging away and be proud of yourself for doing it. If you want to check out other pain relief do get advice from your pharmacist to see what might be compatible with any medications you already take. This applies to herbal remedies/supplements too.

As for weight loss - if ever I've needed to lose some I've just not bought any biscuits, crisps, any junk food at all. If it's not there I can't eat it!

Try googling 'forearm rollator'. Your weight goes on your forearms and it makes some walking with a dodgy knee much easier.

Good luck!