New Member, recently diagnosed 38 year old

Natalie861012

Hello everyone!

Nice to joing this forum. I'm Natalie, I have recently been diagnosed (confirmed what I knew) with Osteoarthritis. I am a carer, and have been for 20 years. I'm finding it increasingly difficult at work (the main issue being my left knee, and hip, for now). My work cannot or do not want to put me on light duties, and quite frankly, in this job, it won't make much difference. I've not had any time off work due to my knee, as yet. I've never really suffered with my mental health, but I'm finding myself getting increasingly down (not depressed) because of struggling to do certain things, on certain days. I'm currently under a physio but this doesn't seem to be helping either (3 months). I lost a lot of weight years ago, but now find myself with some to lose again. I'm struggling because everything I've tried over the past 2 years isn't working. I've even been prescribed orlistat, but that didn't work after 6 months and gave me heart palpitations. I'm also going through the menopause (5 years), as I had a hysterectomy at 30. I feel like I've struggled to get a diagnosis, then struggled with everything that followed (i even struggled to get a hysterectomy despite all of my medical diagnosis and issues) because of my 'age'. It seems to be a big thing that younger people can't have arthritis because you're too young or can't be in that much pain, you're too young. Or you're not having a hot flushes, because you're too young for the menopause. Although I've got used to all this, I feel there needs to be more support in place for a younger person with arthritis. I find myself pushing through, even in pain, because it feels like colleagues still don't quite believe me. Anyway, enough rambling. I hope everyone is well and I just really wanted to share a bit of my story.

Pamrou

I had to give up careing for my sister in law because I just couldn't do it anymore I was in way too much pain all the time

Linnie1961

Hi I am 63 and have recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hips, knees and back. I had 8 toes amputated and countless operations on my feet in past years which has made my gait quite awkward. I don’t know if this has contributed to my arthritis but I am finding it increasingly difficult to mobilise myself. At night my thigh and knee throb continually which keeps me awake. My doctors have tried various medication but I am now trialling amitryptoline 50mg per day but this isn’t touching the pain. I have been waiting 2 years to see the pain clinic but I have just found out that my referral has been lost!! I cry every day and am finding life harder and harder as no one seems to be able to help me. If anyone can offer any advice I would be more than grateful, thank you for reading 🙏

PJoanne

Hello @Natalie861012 and @Linnie1961

Welcome to the forum. It is good to share your experience's and hopefully posting and reading other posts will help.

There's some information about workplace rights here:

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/work-and-arthritis/helping-you-work-well-with-arthritis/in-the-workplace/workplace-rights/

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/work-and-arthritis/helping-you-work-well-with-arthritis/making-decisions-about-work/

And some information about Amitriptyline here:

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/amitriptyline/

Best Joanne

Vanessajayne

Hi

My name is Vanessa i am 57 and have OA i recently had a mri scan which showed my OA has got worse in my left hip i also have a cyst on there. I only know the results as i looked in my NHS app , it has been nearly 3 weeks since the scan and no dr has even called me. I have had to make a telephone call appointment myself to discuss the results , it is for next Monday .

I struggle to walk , sleep and even drive at the minute and i have no support from anyone.

PJoanne

Hello @Vanessajayne

Sorry to hear how things are for you right now, I wish the health services were better. I can highly recommend giving the helpline staff a call. I've met them all and they are lovely, the phone number is under my signiture.

Best Joanne

emma86oneill

@Natalie861012 I am also 38 and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both hips back in July last year. I know what you mean with the age thing. I found early on that Hydrotherapy really helped me, it meant Iwas actually able to do some of the stretches and exercises needed. Have you tried a Hydrotherapy pool at all, might be worth a try. Try and keep positive, i know it is very hard ❤️