OA of knee caps anyone else out there with it?.

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mellman01
mellman01 Member Posts: 5,306
edited 13. Jun 2009, 03:13 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi all I have advanced OA of both Patella's (rest of both knee joints are fine) and was wondering if anyone else has it and what symptoms they get, I was diagnosed after having double key hole surgery last April I had been having problems for about two years prior, since then I get a lot of pain if I over do things which isn't a lot now, I've gone from being able to run 3/5 miles every day with the dog to being lucky to take him for a short walk once or twice a week, if I do normally knees get really hot and red and pain increases, pain generally is like someone has driven over my legs, it comes on as a dull ache with a feeling of pressure and just increases, I also get a very odd feeling that my legs and feet feel really cold like cold wind is blowing over them and my feet sort of feel numb sometimes and tingle and can feel as if they are buzzing sometimes, normally this is a precursor to having an attack or flare, I also find can't stand for to long if my knees are bad after a walk. I also find it's accumulative, as the week draws on I find I can do less and less but pain increases accordingly takes me the weekend to get over it then it's back to work and it all starts over again. :?:

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  • woodbon
    woodbon Non-active member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    HELLO, I'm glad you have decided to use this site. It has lots of people, with all sorts of problems and people who share their tips and the ways they get around doing things.

    I've got oa too, in my spine, neck, and quite a few other places, but so far, not in my knees. :wink: As you've had this problem before, have you been back to see your GP? He might be able to help, or refer you on so that you get the right help.

    I hope you soon start to feel better and can enjoy walking again. :wink: Love Sue
  • mellman01
    mellman01 Member Posts: 5,306
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Sue been to the Doc's lots of times got pain meds sorted as best I can am on Nortriptyline and Tramadol as well, the big problem is I find it's accumulative and if I overdo things it comes to get me, basically I can just about manage going to work during the week so long as when I am home I stay in the house and do very little, but sometimes it takes me the weekend to get sorted ready for Monday and so it goes on, I have had gout but this is just so much different and I have had trouble getting the measure of it and still now don't always see it coming. Some medical professionals have been very understanding but others and some work mates have been anything but, it's like I should be back to normal and stop complaining about it get on with it, I am basically quite insecure and feel I am alone with this illness and wonder if I shouldn't be in the pain I am, I feel I'm asking questions that have no real answers and anyway not many people really understand what it's like and think just because I only walk with a bit of a limp that nothing is really wrong with me and I'm making a lot of it up. Gets me down somewhat. :?
  • calcass
    calcass Non-active member Posts: 29
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    mellman01 wrote:
    Hi Sue been to the Doc's lots of times got pain meds sorted as best I can am on Nortriptyline and Tramadol as well, the big problem is I find it's accumulative and if I overdo things it comes to get me, basically I can just about manage going to work during the week so long as when I am home I stay in the house and do very little, but sometimes it takes me the weekend to get sorted ready for Monday and so it goes on, I have had gout but this is just so much different and I have had trouble getting the measure of it and still now don't always see it coming. Some medical professionals have been very understanding but others and some work mates have been anything but, it's like I should be back to normal and stop complaining about it get on with it, I am basically quite insecure and feel I am alone with this illness and wonder if I shouldn't be in the pain I am, I feel I'm asking questions that have no real answers and anyway not many people really understand what it's like and think just because I only walk with a bit of a limp that nothing is really wrong with me and I'm making a lot of it up. Gets me down somewhat. :?

    Hi there your posting caught my eye as I've had trouble with my knee caps for some time now, although I have had both knees replaced.
    I have had to have both my kneecaps resurfaced, as although I have the newer type of knee (ceramic-coated) which is supposed to be kinder to the kneecap, mine have just been crumbling.
    I still get sharp pain and the dull ache you experience.
    With regards to your other concerns about people's attitudes - I can completely sympathise. I know exactly were you are coming from. People seem to think that if you don't look physically disabled or use walking aids or a wheelchair then there is absolutely nothing wrong with you despite the fact that you may be in pain which in itself tires you out.
    Up until I started using a crutch permanently 12 months ago nobody ever knew there was anything wrong with me, except that I could be a bit mardy lol but I have kind of accepted my limitations now and know that if I a want to be active one day then I must allow for 4-5 days afterwards to recover.
    It's hard but we have to learn to listen to our bodies and not fight them all the time!

    Try not to let it get you too down! (says me who has been a low all week meaning everybodies had it in the neck from me and had to put up with my moaning lol)
    But this is the best place to visit for a rant - loads of support from others

    calcass x
    Be more Panda
    Ccass
  • woodbon
    woodbon Non-active member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello, I've just been ill health retired from work, which as a care assistant whos just had six months off this year and most of last year is understandable.

    I have just started using a stick and when I go out, I hate seeing people I know, because I think they'll think I'm showing off and making a meal of it. :? Its silly, I know, but you can't help it. It is lonely being in pain and having to take care, you do miss out on things, I can't pretend you don't. This site is a good place, because everyone who uses it knows the feelings and understands. Its helped me not to feel so alone, but also provided good tips and information about coping with life.

    I'm sorry that having to work takes all your energy, leaving none for having fun and doing other things. Is it possible to cut down on work or change yout routine to allow more time for yourself? Another thing is that part of this illness is depression and you can get depressed and feel down, give up fun things, because its too much effort, and that makes you more down, the vicious circle effect.
    If you haven't already, speak to the doc about how you feel about things and not just the physical pain. I see one of your meds is an antidepessant, they take a few weeks to work or maybe a change of drug may be better.

    I hope things soon look brighter for you. Love Sue
  • cathyp64
    cathyp64 Non-active member Posts: 8
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi xx i too have OA in my knees, have been uncomfortable for a few months now and was diagnosed last week. My job is tough as i am on my feet alot and it is very demanding so i hope i can stick with it. trying to be optimistic at the moment!

    take to everyone

    Cathy xx
  • markc1
    markc1 Non-active member Posts: 253
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    mellman01 wrote:
    Hi all I have advanced OA of both Patella's (rest of both knee joints are fine) and was wondering if anyone else has it and what symptoms they get, I was diagnosed after having double key hole surgery last April I had been having problems for about two years prior, since then I get a lot of pain if I over do things which isn't a lot now, I've gone from being able to run 3/5 miles every day with the dog to being lucky to take him for a short walk once or twice a week, if I do normally knees get really hot and red and pain increases, pain generally is like someone has driven over my legs, it comes on as a dull ache with a feeling of pressure and just increases, I also get a very odd feeling that my legs and feet feel really cold like cold wind is blowing over them and my feet sort of feel numb sometimes and tingle and can feel as if they are buzzing sometimes, normally this is a precursor to having an attack or flare, I also find can't stand for to long if my knees are bad after a walk. I also find it's accumulative, as the week draws on I find I can do less and less but pain increases accordingly takes me the weekend to get over it then it's back to work and it all starts over again. :?:

    My god you exactly describe my pain to a T
  • cathyp64
    cathyp64 Non-active member Posts: 8
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    same here.....so its nice to know there are others who are out there feeling the same!! you know u are not going crazy alone

    x
  • hedgehog
    hedgehog Non-active member Posts: 9
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    cathyp64 wrote:
    same here.....so its nice to know there are others who are out there feeling the same!! you know u are not going crazy alone

    x
    Hi there, i'm in that club. OA of both patellas, cervical and lower back. As a support worker in day care, I sometimes wonder who needs the support. I can relate to the fact that it gets worse as the week goes on, and don't think I could go on if the week had another day in it. All we can do, is keep smiling and taking the tablets!! Hope you can do the same, and thanks all for the encouragement I receive from this forum. Where would we all be without it? No thanks to the Doctors Useless we read about in other posts eh!! Ah well, Time for a stretch, regards to all.

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