just a few questions!

dfawke
dfawke Member Posts: 19
hiya just been diagnosed with mild oeteoarthiritis in right knee, im 33 and do work full time, the shifts i work are long (13 hours) 3 times a week.
Do you think i should talk to my manager about doing shorter shifts? im a healthcare assistant on a busy surgical ward.
Im seeing my gp again on 15th aughust after a month of being on naproxen, should i ask to be referred to see a orthpedic consultant at local hospital? and to be referred to see a physio which i feel would help me learn wot exercises are best for me to be doing, as im keen to now wots best for me to be doing at this early stage.
donna x

Comments

  • weejean
    weejean Member Posts: 346
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there

    Just wanted to say hello and offer my support. I am by no means an expert but have lived with osteoarthritis since childhood. I think seeing physio for exercises is a good idea as you want to make sure you are exercising your knee in the proper manner. As you have mild arthritis at the moment you want to take good care of your joint so that it will prolong your need for surgery etc and reduce pain. I didnt go to physio for years and really wish I had. I also think shorter shifts would benefit you as it would mean you werent on your feet for such long periods which must be putting pressure on your knee. Anyway I hope this helps a little.
    Big Hugs
    Jean xx
  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,464
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Donna

    Thanks for your posting.

    Initially asking your doctor for a refferal to a physio, would be a good idea, as you would be able to get advice on exercises to strengthen the leg muscles around the knee, as well as other treatment. You could also ask your doctor for a referral to an orthopaedic specialist, though having an x-ray or mri scan done first (if you havent already) would be a good idea, so you have a better idea of what is happening inside the knee.

    As regards your shifts, 13 hours is a long time, particularly if you are on your feet most of the time. Doing shorter shifts may help.

    For more information on your rights at work, as well as getting an Occupational Therapist to do an assesment see our book Working with Arthritis at http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/PublicationsandResources/Listedbytype/Booklets.

    Our booklets on Coping with pain and exercise and exercise also have useful information.

    For information on pain in the knee see http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis_information/arthritis_types_and_symptoms/knee_pain.aspx.

    I hope this helps.

    Please ring our helplines on 0808 800 4050 if you would like to have a chat with one of us, or need more information.

    Regards

    Nick
    Helplines Team
  • flowerpot
    flowerpot Member Posts: 53
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    With regards to work, I just wanted to say that depending on your pain and situation working less hours may not have to happen just yet. I saw an OT when I was struggling to work, and it was clear I couldn't afford to work less hours, so it was all about rejigging my day.

    It may not always be possible, and it certainly doesn't work all the time for me, but try and plan your shifts. Try and spend more time towards the end of your shift not on your feet. Maybe put off any admin type work you can do while sitting to the last hour of the shift. If you know you have a lot of walking/lifting etc to do, get it done while you are at your strongest. Use aids when ever possible, so don't carry a box, get a trolley, take the weight off your knees. Its the little tweaks like that which have enabled me to keep working full time.

    Good luck, I hope you get sorted soon!
  • janie68
    janie68 Member Posts: 1,186
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Donna

    I do have some idea of what youre going through, although I am a RNMH on a mental health ward. You should ask for shorter shifts, I bet you are doing more damage working the long hours and its non stop as well

    Maybe ask for help from occy health too, you can self refer, they are there to help you and could suggest other options too ie moving wards as surgical is very strenous.

    Hope this helps

    Janie