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OK, it's official, I've given in. I've been suffering from severe arthritis for a couple of months, pain relief not working, but refusing to believe that it wasn't all going to miraculously go away. Yesterday I had a hospital appointment and OH and my 73 year old mum had to almost carry me in between them. When the doctor questioned me I realized that I hadn't walked anywhere without help since October 14th. She gave me crutches and I 'walked' back to the car under my own steam using them. My initial plan was that they'd be put to gather dust in the understairs cupboard as soon as I got home, it sort of feels as if I'm giving in to a disability, but now I'm thinking that using them will give me a bit of independence back so I'll probably give them a go...... I actually went into a shop and chose the wool to make my new grandson a cardi this morning, prior to that I'd been asking other people to do all my shopping and it was lovely to choose something myself for the first time in ages, so why do I feel so depressed about the whole thing?
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Into each life some rain must fall........but this is getting ridiculous.
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If they help then go with it, you can always try not using them so much now and again if you want, however if you're more independent with crutches then that's a positive thing. I mean, you wouldn't not wear glasses cos they made you feel you'd given in to short sightedness would you? Enjoy having your independence and get on with life
Some of us live in the past, always talking about back then. Some of us live in the future, always planning what we are going to do. And, then there are those, who neither look behind or ahead, but just enjoy the moment of right now.
Which one are you and is it how you want to be? -
Sorry to hear this Bluemoon and sorry to hear you're feeling depressed, but it is understandable. I think you've sometimes got to adjust your lifestyle to your present capabilities and that way learn to cope with it. If you do get better in the future, well that's a bonus, but at least you'll have learned how much you can still do. Sorry if that's a bit garbled, but I wish you well. Did they give you a prognosis about your condition, or have you got a follow up appointment?Granny on the Game in SheffieldComment
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excellent analogy AlisonOriginally posted by Alison View Post
Anything that gives you some independence has to be a good thing, my sister has to use sticks to walk most times - I say good on her for getting around still
Let's hope you make some improvement which good treatmentaka
SuzieComment
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Good analogy, but it can be a bitter pill to swallow.
My step-mum can't get around very well without help or the use of a wheelchair, but she won't use a wheelchair despite the fact that it makes her mobile because of the image that is associated with it.
You should take pride in being able to overcome, or at least find a way to cope with your condition. Anything that aids you or creates a step towards normality is something of which to be proud.Current Executive Board Members at Ollietopia Inc:
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well if they help then that's a good thing ... i hate having to rely on people for stuff
.......... BUT if you look positively ... at this point i would go get a mobility scooter cos you now have an excuse.... and remember ... it's much fun when you're young and can drive it round ... racing grannies ... running kids over ... and whizzing into the back of ignorant people with pushchairs ... and when theres a group of women gossiping next to the cheese in asda ... you can just run into em .... so much more fun than just bashing peoples shins with crutches
huggggssssssssssss xxxxxxxxxxComment
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{hugs} I don't think you'd be human if you didn't feel a bit down and unsure about making that kind of adjustment. Easy (and probably trite
) for me to say, I know, but hopefully it's more about adapting to different ways than actually losing anything.
And tha's a Yorkshire Lass, made of strong stuff
I was feeling part of the scenery
I walked right out of the machinery
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey" he said "Grab your things
I've come to take you home."Comment
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Ya know- if you're able to move about more, then you'll build up your leg muscles- which must be weak by now.
Also you'll be taking some of the weight off the joints by using the crutches - so maybe this will help take the strain off the joints- so they calm down quicker- and therefore less pain????..there's a thought!
It might not feel good mentally using crutches- but it's better than having to adapt to being in a wheelchair...fingers crossed this is a 'just for now' situation xx
"Nicos, Queen of Gooooogle" and... GYO's own Miss Marple
Location....Normandy FranceComment
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Totally agree with Nicos, and everyone else. I've had joint pain at various levels since I was 15 or 16, and have had to resort to sticks/crutches several times since then. Earlier this year, I even had the loan of a granny scooter for a few months Yes, it's embarrassing, and sometimes feels like you're 'giving-in', but I've always found that in the long-run, nothing is more debilitating (mentally or physically) than losing independence...
Hopefully the combination of taking the weight off your legs a bit, and the gentle exercise, will help your joints to settle down, and, help your head a bit tooComment
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Am glad you took medical advice Bluemoon but not glad with the results you were given. Did you ever look into getting a tens machine or has the consultant advised anything you can do to ease the pain.sigpic“Gorillas are very intelligent, but they don't have to be as delicate as chimps -- they can just smash open the termite nest,”
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Have you looked into homeopathic remedies..and things like the green lip mussel extract- there's lots of alternative/Natural remedies you can try out . Every tiny bit helps.
Diet???..tomatoes/red wine and many other foods can make arthritis worse. Might be worth looking into excluding certain things from your diet??
Have you had an allergy food test??
Have you thought of 'swimming/splashing' 3 times a week? You may have a local baths which will allow you into the baby pool when it's very quiet , just for a gentle splash around. You just need to be careful at the pool side- and take someone with you.
The baby pool will be warmer as well as shallow
"Nicos, Queen of Gooooogle" and... GYO's own Miss Marple
Location....Normandy FranceComment
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I've heard about the tomatoes/red wine thing - what is the connection? Is it an acid thing?
My sister has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, is that different?aka
SuzieComment
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Osteoarthritis is more common :it's a non-inflammatory form of arthritis and is usually diagnosed by an X-ray.Originally posted by piskieinboots View Post
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis where the immune system attacks the joints and is often diagnosed by a blood test.
According to this, particular foods don't help or harm, but losing weight will definitely ease pain in the knees.All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.Comment
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It will take time to adjust to using crutches bluemoon, but as you've already said you can do your own shopping, you feel more independent than you have done in a long while, that in its self is an achievement, you should be very proud of your self.
Yup its crap that you can't do as much as you'd like to do, but better than the alternative, ie having to ask every time you need something. Even a bit of independence is better than none at all.
My dad was down in the dumps when he had to give up driving because of mobility problems, but we bought him a big scooter, which in his words...."A dun't want one er them B----y things, there for old folk", he's 84 .....now there's no stopping him, he's like a man possessed, you've no chance of keeping up with him, he thinks it hysterical.
So chin up sweet heart, I'm sure you'll be fine
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Osteoarthritis is wear and tear on the joint- and the soft tissue around can become inflamed as a result of little osteophytes nipping the tissue at the joint line.
Osteophytes are a posh name for bits of bony growth at the side of the joint where the bone is trying to heal itself- but not in the right place
Rhumatoid Arthritis is totally different- it being the soft tissue with becomes inflamed- and can take months to settle- often causing deformity in the joint
Both give joint pain- but only the latter gets very hot and swollen.
Treatments are totally different- so you need to know what type of arthritis you have- RA or OA.
Steroids are often given with RA.
When peeps say arthritis, they usually mean OA.
I'm presuming this is what bluemoon has???
Here is the Arthritis site (OA )
Arthritis Care : Welcome to Arthritis Care"Nicos, Queen of Gooooogle" and... GYO's own Miss Marple
Location....Normandy FranceComment
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