Can't see a future

angcaz

Hi,

My name is Angela and I am 51 years old, I've had OA since my late 20's after having the cartilage removed from my knee when I was 12. I had a cartilage transplant an distal femoral osteotomy of my right knee aged 38 years as I was too young for a knee replacement.

I now have severe arthritis of both shoulders and my left knee and i have just had an MRI of the left knee to see what kind of surgery I need. I've been told that the only option for my shoulders is a shoulder replacement as I've already had corticosteroid injections. I take Dihydrocodeine for pain when it's bad and Naproxen but nothing helps that much.

Up until about a year ago I was walking good distances and doing yoga twice a week but can do neither of these things now. I can just about stagger to walk my dog on the field next door and I need a crutch to mobilise and I am managing a bit of gentle Pilates. I have an appointment with rheumatology in April 2025.

I am having trouble dealing with the psychological aspects of this and feel that essentially everything I planned for the future has gone. The thought of another 20 or 30 years of this pain is quite frankly unbearable and I am struggling to see any kind of future. Sorry for such a negative post but some days feel like I can't go on.

Ellen

Good morning Angela @angcaz

You are having a tough time from what I can read having osteoarthritis in several joints in spite of having lived an active lifestyle. I am glad to see that you have an appointment with rheumatology in April. Your condition deserves to be thoroughly investigated.

Whilst I know your condition is not recent the sudden deterioration looks like it's had a profound affect on you.

Pain and lack of mobility - two such huge parts of arthritis. Thinking about it logically, having it myself and having moderated on this forum for many years, I know the impact it can have on our mental health.

Please do take a look at this information understand you are not alone:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/emotional-wellbeing/

and perhaps consider ringing our helpline? Monday to Friday 9am till 6pm tel:0800 5200 520.

Sending all my very best wishes

Ellen.

frogmorton

Good morning @angcaz

I am so so sorry to read how you are struggling. I am also glad you are going to see rheumatology soon (probably doesn't feel like soon though to you) so you 100% know what is going on with your body.

Shoulder replacements can be really effective my own daughter had hers done when she was 18 and the pain has gone completely. Full range of movement back too. I hope that there are surgical options possible for your knee too.

Ellen is right there really is a link between long term conditions and low mood. Many of us here even take low dose antidepressants. Do think about ringing the helpline I have done twice and one time couldn't speak for ages i was bawling so much. It did help though. They were so kind supportive and understanding.

I remember that feeling so well, the one where your life has just been whipped from under your feet. All your plans are not going to happen. Life is over. For me this was a while back when my children were much younger. I felt guilty too I was ruining their lives, my husband's etc etc….

But 17 years on from then my life is ok. I am on treatment and things have turned out way better than I expected. There really is hope for you. First of all a definitive diagnosis and then treatment - surgical or medications. Please don't give up Angela.

Sending you some useless hugs ((()))

Toni xx

damagedPEteacher

hi Angela @angcaz

Sorry to hear that your OA isn't resolved from operations

Would you mind sharing some of your experience of distal femoral osteotomy - i too am 39 and was told no knee replacement but have agreed a DFO in july. I'd love to hear how successful this was while appreciating it was a few years ago now

Thanks

Aaron

creAte

@angcaz

Hey hello hello

21 days since you posted your message… 'hope you are holding on. It would be nice if you posted so to know that you are indeed holding on ;)

How are you?

Here is a little present x this drawing is the story of the mind's garden, keeping the mind full of nature, full of beautiful growth - enchanting flowers & scents & positiveness…

May this image inject energy into your being x

Gentle smile