Is there hope of a normal active life?

JillR
JillR Member Posts: 1
edited 8:55AM in Living with arthritis

Recently diagnosed with OA in both knee caps stage 3 -4. Suspect I have in other body parts. Gone from walking, horse riding and being active to decrepit virtually overnight. I had a kidney removed last year which means I can't have anti-inflammatories oral or topical. Paracetamol doesn't work and I can only take codine occasionally. I cannot have steroid injections but am having hyaluronic acid injections in a couple of weeks that I'm having to pay for as my local NHS don't offer them. I am trying to get active again but every time I do a small number of non weighbarring exercises or short walk, like 500 steps, my knees swell and get more painful. Is this my life now, pain, painkillers, ice, rest, walking sticks? I am trying to lose weight as I know that will help although I'm only a little overweight. I'm an active outdoor person and feel like all things I love have been ripped away. I'm super independent and hate having to ask for help but I even had to use assisted help at the airport for a flight recently. I wake up with no pain then it progresses. Are there any positives or hope of getting back to normal or is this it, a slippery slope until I die? So much I was hoping to do come retirement. I know this sounds dramatic and there are people so much worse, but I'm not coping and really need some positives as all I'm seeing is people crippled with OA on pain seeking hope on the same way.

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Comments

  • claudsl
    claudsl Moderator Posts: 181

    Hello @JillR and welcome to our friendly online community.

    I'm sorry to hear you are going through a tough time. It can be very difficult to get your head around a new diagnosis, but we are here to help guide you through. Hopefully the injection will give you a bit of relief, it is definitely worth speaking to your rheumatologist about starting some form of medication. There are so many different ones that they are bound to find something you can take.

    We have a helpline if you need to chat to someone. Our team are fantastic and it might be very helpful for you to have a chat about all of this. Their number is 0800 5200 520 and they are open Monday to Friday.

    All the best and please do let us know if you have any other questions.

    Claudia x

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

  • Baloo
    Baloo Member Posts: 546

    @JillR there are options but mostly involves staying within your limits, especially if its going to pop up elsewhere. I think I managed to sum it up to one person I spoke to. Your fragile now. Don't over do it, nurse it until something useful falls into place.

  • fred890
    fred890 Member Posts: 17

    First, you’re not being dramatic at all, this kind of sudden change would shake anyone. It’s clear you’re a fighter, and just the fact that you’re still looking for ways to stay active says a lot. OA at stage 3–4 is tough, but it’s not a full stop. Many people find some relief and mobility again with a mix of targeted physio, weight management, pacing, and injections like the ones you're trying. It won’t be the same as before, but it doesn’t have to be all pain and decline either. Keep pushing for what helps you, even if it’s slow progress. You deserve a life that still has adventure in it, even if it looks a bit different now.

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