Hello. Bit Scared

Shakespeare
Shakespeare Member Posts: 2
edited 11. Mar 2025, 10:39 in Coffee Lounge

Hello from Ireland , everybody.

I am delighted to have a place to discuss my fears about my arthritis.

I am an artist and yest I summoned the courage to go to a doctor , whom I know, to discuss my hips and if anything can be done. I move like the Tin Man and hate it.

I nearly ran out as she wanted me to do blood tests etc as a general check up.

I have artistic temperament and all that was enough to make me levitate with fear.

I have been proactive by starting weekly session with a personal trainer and want to give myself time to see f this helps.I live on my own (happily) with no close family nearby and I hate the feeling of being forced to do things before I'm mentally ready, although I understand their perspective too.

In any event, I am just happy to have found Versus Arthritis and I hope we can journey together in solidarity.

Kindest wishes,

Shakespeare.🌿⚘️🎭

Comments

  • claudsl
    claudsl Moderator Posts: 173

    Hello @Shakespeare and welcome to our online community!

    I'm glad you have taken the first step and been to see your doctor, it's not easy to do especially if you have a fear like you have described.

    We are here for any questions you may have, or even if you just need somewhere to write your feelings down.

    Please keep us updated on your journey. Claudia x

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Shakespeare
    Shakespeare Member Posts: 2

    Thank you so much, Claudia. I appreciate that so much. I find articulating fear helps to dissipate it.

  • sarah70
    sarah70 Member Posts: 1

    I’m exactly the same!! Had severe pain in hip & got to the point I had to see the GP …… I avoid them at all cost!

    Referred to hospital & specialist- now to the point they both need replacing.
    I’ve been contacted with 2 weeks notice for a hip replacement. I am single mum & no one else to look after me ….. I really don’t want to have surgery- I’m frightened & this is a major trigger for me (DA survivor) I’m tittering on cancelling!!
    please leave me alone - I’d rather cope with the pain haha!!
    agreed the gym will make a big difference, it keeps me walking as strengthening the muscles around joints helps so I’m thinking I will just carry on with gym it really does help.
    im not ready for surgery yet ( worst patient in the world here!)

    Wishing you good luck with your gym routine- it certainly does make a difference & keeps me fully independent!
    Sarah x

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 846

    @sarah70

    I understand your fears on having a shiny new hip - I had my first one done last year and quite honestly, it is the best thing I ever did.

    I couldn't walk, I couldn't sleep, I couldn't move and in the end I broke down in my surgeons office in floods of tears after him simply asking how I was

    I don't know what I would have done if I couldn't have my surgery. More weeks with no sleep? No thanks, more months of high dose painkillers? No thanks, more weeks being stuck inside the house? No thanks.

    Think of what the future holds if you don't have your surgery done. Any surgery is scary, I know, I've had 5 in the last 10 years inclding cervical spine surgery.

    A lot of people on here live on their own and have coped, as I am sure you would.

    If you decide not to go ahead, that's your choice but things can change quickly.

    Good luck with whichever way you decide to go

    Trish

  • Poppyjane
    Poppyjane Moderator Posts: 916

    Hello @sarah70 welcome to the online community

    Almost everyone is tempted to cancel their operation, you only have to read the "hip and knee diaries" that members have posted. It is a big operation and a challenge but the resulting freedom from pain and return of mobility is well worth the few difficult weeks of recovery. Trish and lots of others have written some really helpful , funny and thought provoking accounts of their experiences. ( go to the magnifying glass symbol above and write in Hip diaries and there are loads of members conversations)

    As Trish says the choice is yours and we will be here to support you whatever you decide.

    With best wishes

    Poppyjane

    If it would be helpful to talk to someone ring the Helpline 0800 5200 520

    Monday - Friday 9.00a.m. - 6.00p.m.

  • cari50
    cari50 Member Posts: 2

    hi nice to meet you I’m new too, so welcome , I hope we can all help each other

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