Osteoarthritis and meniscus degeneration

Craftycraftings

Hi all I'm 44 and for the past 2 years I've been unable to walk properly due to pain. 
I've been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and meniscal tears. 
The pain is rediculous, I on over the counter meds and codine but nothing really touches it. 
My weight is out of control (19st) which doesn't help, but it's piling on because I'm in too much pain to move. 
I've had to get a loan off my step dad for a mobility scooter, without that I would be house bound.
I kind of feel I've been given my diagnosis and just left to it.
I applied for PIP (waiting for tribunal date) I don't feel I'm being taken seriously. 
Other than losing weight what will help the pain, and what exercises can I do?
My youngest child is 10 and I can't do anything like I should be able to, it's heart breaking and Im really quite sad about it all. 

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @Craftycraftings

I am so sorry you are in so much pain and feel so low. Can I ask, do you have support around you? We are always here if you need to talk or vent

I would advise going back to your GP or specialist if you have one for the pain relief. They will be able to help advise with weight loss too once the pain is under better control. I think getting that pain under control will be a great starting point.

When I was in pain and trying to lose weight, I found boxing was the best thing and not just for my physical but mental health too. It was trial and error to find that though. It may be nice to look at local clubs if you wanted to get out, or look online on YouTube and try a few different things. My friend took up walking and decided to join the National Trust, she got out by visiting heritage sites, got her step count up and didn't even realise she was doing it as she was doing something she loved. 

Also, I love the user name, I like crafting myself, what kind of things do you like to craft? 

IanW

Hello I understand where you are coming from I have osteoarthritis in both my hips and right shoulder and the chronic pain is always there and I have days I don't go out because I struggle with the chronic pain. 
  I am on pip now got the award back in September 22 got the enhanced on the mobility and the standard on the daily living and had it back dated to when I applied. 
      I also applied 6 years ago and it went to a tribunal then I was not awarded pip I didn't give up and now have pip
 I also been to my GP and have been given pain killers which help my GP also sent me a nhs dietary nurse who then was able to help me get into my local leisure centre gym which I have since joined and its helping me 

Alex_Alumni

Hi @IanW thanks for sharing your thoughts with @Craftycraftings I'm glad to hear that the support you're getting from your GP and dietary nurse has been helpful. What do you get up to at the gym? 

I'd agree that exercise and losing weight is easier when it's something you really enjoy doing, which doesn't feel like too much of a chore. It can be hard to get going, have you spoken to to your GP about any recommendations they have, or help they could offer @Craftycraftings?

Breacon

I can sympathise totally with you Ian, the pain does get you down, I received my diagnosis last year, after a two year wait, due to lockdown, I was started on a treatment plan, physio, which I am still waiting for, & Codeine.
That's it, I also feel, just left.
Due to not getting physio, I joined a chair excercise class, I go once a week, as that's all I can afford.
The group is lovely, & I really enjoy the social interaction, don't laugh, at the term chair excersises, believe me, you are put through your paces, so as to speak, but I just do what I can, nothing is expected of you, go at your own pace.
It really has helped my joints, so perhaps it's worth trying some sort of class, I now do some excercises daily at home, that the instructor sent me, plus it gets me out of the house, I doubt I will be getting any further treatment, any time soon, so I understand how your feeling.
I'm pleased you managed to get a mobility scooter, as this will be a huge help to you.

Alex_Alumni

I fully agree about the chair exercise class @Breacon I go to a class once a week at my gym, and it's a lot more work than it sounds! Lately I've been trying to do part or all of the routine at home in between classes, to help build further on my strength, balance and conditioning.

Hopefully you'll be able to see a physio soon as well, but it you're doing all the right things to help your wellbeing too. Classes like that at the gym are great for socialising and getting out as you say  

maz77

I've been diagnosed with degenerated disease in my lumber spine hands and feet never felt pain like this before on all kinds of tablets

L_Volunteer

That sounds like a lot of pain @maz77 Is anything helping to manage the pain at the moment - do you have the support you need and deserve?