Arthritis and BMI'S

Mazza28

Hello

I have arthritis in my feet/ankles, left hip and lower back

I need an orthopaedic consultation but because my BMI is 32 I'm told it's not possible in my area .

It seems that our health authority have a cut off range >30 or less

Now I'm told I have to attend a HOP health optimising programme for 6mths to loose a little weight and get my BMI down 2 points so just waiting to be contacted about this and also had a physio referral with I'm told has a waiting list 9 weeks approx .If I lived 20miles away these rules don't exist, I am finding this hard to accept as I could be waiting a long time on a waiting list for hip surgery once I get to see a consultant plus the 6mths on the course

I am 77 yrs old I try to walk each day within my pain limits and I am doing some strengthening exercises at home. I take nsaids and have a bu trans patch for pain , my lower back pain is sometimes very bad

I also have Osteoporosis and wonder if the 2 conditions are related where pain is concerned

I feel so frustrated, has anyone else come across this ruling about BMI levels

Chris_R

Hi Mazza28

Welcome to the online community,great to see you posting. Yes i have come across this BMI cut off it is very frustrating for you,my sisterinlaw lives in Aylsbury and they have a BMI cut off point aswell she had to loose weight and get her BMI down to an exceptable level she is now on the waiting list for a new hip.

It is Annoying but as your medical unit has put this in place,but it sounds as if you must comply,they should help you to achieve this Diet and a dietition to advice ut you have to ask.

It seems also that the more weight you have put stress on joints and therefore causes more pain.

You say you are already on medication for pain and it is not working for you to ease your pain levels,a chat to your GP should help they may put the medication amount up or recommend a pain management class your surgery can help you there to recommend a course.

Hope this helps in some way ,please let us know how you get on and do go onto our forums where you can chat with others who will try and help you and encourage you

Christine Moderator