A list of questions for you all.

mellman01

Hi all could do with some advice, I was diagnosed with advanced OA of both knee caps just over a year ago after double knee surgery (7 on a scale of 1-10) I have just about managed to get the pain under control by the use of Nortripyline and Tramadol, the thing is I haven’t had much assistance from my GP.

I have never been referred for physio once and I even had to insist I see a pain management clinic even though I have private medical insurance, recently I have been wondering if I should be seeing a rheumatologist would it help me in any way?.

Is it normal for OA of the knee cap to be so painful as mine has?, my Doctor treats me as if I shouldn’t be in so much pain as I have been post op.

I sometimes find I can’t walk very far and was wondering if I should put in for my blue badge but wonder if my GP will scupper it. Would I be taking liberties if I did apply for one?.

Also my company GP say’s he considers me disabled yet my company wont pension me off, I am to be made redundant in 2013 anyway and I could claim a pension from then, but due to my problem have lost a chunk of my pensionable pay as I am now off shift, this will reduce my pension so now it’s only going to be about half I will need to live on, basically I am screwed for being ill, it sucks and it’s really gets me down. The surgeon said I am ill enough and should be medically retired but no one else seems to think I am that ill, I don’t know if I am over reacting to this illness and I should just put up or what?. :oops:

woodbon

Hi I have OA but not in the knees (so far, don't want to temp fate)!

It is a very painful problem were ever you have it, some people on this site know a lot more about this problem than me and I expect someone will come on soon.

I hope you get the pain relief sorted out, as it is one of those things which is trial and error. We all react differently to drugs and finding the right one for you may take a little while.

You can ask to see a reummy, and you have a right to a second opinion. Good luck, Sue

colinone

Hi Mellman, thought i was doing one of Noeltones quizes for a moment then. My thoughts with a little of my experiance retiring from work through ill health,
First of all any form of arthritis can be very very painfull
You have the right to ask to see the Rheumy or indeed, have you not been back to see the surgeon you could ask him to refer you to the rheumy or the GP. Regarding pain and treatment from the GP unless you have experianced bad arthrits pain you can only guess how bad it gets, The first diagnoses the GP makes is based on how you look and people with arthritis can and offten do look well.
Regarding your Pension and work can you not buy into your pension thus boosting the years by paying extra each month. IT is getting difficult to retire through ill health and as long as you are doing you job they will hang onto you no-one wants to make a payout these days. I know a guy works for the NHS had a quad bypass and his job is very stressful he applied for ill health retirement but the NHS would not retire him through ill health because his heart had been fixed. My advise to you is to talk to the CAB and get as much info as you can they are very helpful and independant of employers they will give all the help they can. Take Care and Keep your chin up
Colin

jaspercat

Hi Mellman, although I have RA I suggest that you apply for a blue badge, and go to your doctors and tell him you are applying and ask for his support, sometimes you have to keep on at doctors etc, my gp says that I don't complain as much as I should do, although I am not sure what a Rheumy could do for you, you cold always ask the advice of the Arthritis Care Helpline, hope this helps love Jaspercatxx

elnafinn

Hi Mellman

I think you should perhaps change your gp. He has no idea what arthritis is like so best find a gp that is sympathetic and more knowledgeable on the subject.

You had a double arthroscopy and it would seem that this is not really working. They don't always. I had three and they did not work for me either. We are all different. What works for one, will have no affect on someone else. I have since had a total knee replacement.

You should apply for a blue badge but your doctor may dismiss it as he does not appear to be at all sympathetic to your ailments.
Another reason to change your gp.

You should have been offered physio. As you have private insurance I am surprised that your gp does not refer you. GP's like patients to have private insurance - it gets them off their back! All they need to do is refer!!

It is normal for you to be in terrible pain from your knees. They probably need replacing. Has no surgeon suggested that to you?

I wish you well in your fight with all your problems.

Elna x

eckstardeluxe

I'd ask for another GP if your own is not supporting you. I asked for another Consultant to great effect. I'd make an appointment with another GP and explain your worries, you will find a good GP will back you up with any decisions you want to take re a blue badge or DLA. Good luck x