Introduction

JTT · 25. Sep 2024, 10:26

Good Morning. I am a 54 year old with osteoarthritis in both knees, ankles and hips. I also have some in my left elbow. This was finally diagnosed in 2019, after suffering gout on or off from 2006, I feel the condition was mismanaged. I have recently gone on top of it after injections in hospital stays, outpatient visits and with the local GP. Additionally, I've managed to join the gym, which is helping losing body fat, keeping me active and getting me out of the house. Whilst the exercise is helping, now the weather is getting colder, I am starting to feel the pain more again. I was self employed full time until 2020, the pain was too much at times. Coupled with lockdown, I've found it difficult to get any full time employed or self employed work since. Thanks for letting me join.

annabanana · 25. Sep 2024, 10:58

Hi @JTT Welcome and thank you for joining the online community, we're glad you're here 😊! I'm sorry to hear that your condition was mismanaged but happy to hear that you're enjoying going to your gym - getting out of the house and keeping active are so helpful in managing arthritis, I've attached a link on it but you already seem knowledgeable.

I hope you continue to use our online community and enjoy your experience on here.

ItsjustLisa · 26. Sep 2024, 13:21

Hi @JTT

Welcome aboard. I'm 55 with severe OA and was laughed at 10 years ago and told I was too young to have arthritis!

I had to give up my business this year as a professional gardener so I know how hard and demoralising that is. Do you have access to all of the benefits you're entitled to?

We're all in a similar boat here, the community is very supportive and varied so good to meet you 😊

JTT · 27. Sep 2024, 11:06

Hello @ItsjustLisa

Thanks for your message. I am not aware of any benefits I'm entitled to and this is the first I'm aware of! Good to see you set up a business, I'm looking at this myself, but appears limited opportunities at the moment!

EssentiallyJane · 27. Sep 2024, 18:27

Hello

I’m so glad to have found this community.
I am 69 with Osteoarthritis from my neck to my tail with every vertebra affected. Most of my other joints are affected too but the main problem is my back which is in a double S shape and kyphosis. I am slowly picking my way through the system and and finding it difficult to get help.
I am looking forward to meeting people who understand.
😊 Jane

WBA_9 · 27. Sep 2024, 21:51

Hello

Do glad I came across this community it’s so worth hearing from people with which we can express ourselves and condition too and seek ways to help us all understand and support one another. I’m 59 and first diagnosed with OA when in secondary school I played in hockey team , netball team , rounders loved them and PE but had terrible pain in my right knee that’s when GP confirmed too me over the years it’s been gradually increasing in my joints . Never do I not feel no pain is there always either mild or intense had to cut hours down has a senior care assistant 6 years ago has my diagnosis of spine stenosis is effecting me with pain on top of my OA . Then 5 years ago I fell at work and had xray which confirmed I need a left hip replacement and here I are still waiting for my operation 5 years on. Last year had fall in garden didnt broke anything but knocked me about and I’m still unable to lift my right arm up anymore and the pain between shoulder to just passed elbow is excruciating on mornings don’t lie on it either . Do some mild walking at slow speed has I have to use walking sticks to beable to keep myself upright since fall 5 years ago and due to these falls I’m so restricted to able to do exercising other than walking in slow bouts every so often .
Would love to hear of any advise which others could recommend I do the hot and cold techniques when I need too , can’t lie down in a bed since the fall 5 years ago and sleep upright in chair at bed times which is the only way to get some comfort and sleep, fall had done something to my spine stenosis 5 yrs ago told specialist has was unable to stand upright hoping X-ray sell what had gone on due to left hip and my spine condition was on lower part of spine on left side too and all he said was xray it before we do operation on hip . Would be grateful for any advice from yourselves or how to deal better with this if anyone who has the same problem has myself .
Looking forward to hearing of anyone who understands. 💛🙌