I have osteoarthritis everywhere. I have had both knees replaced, both hips replaced and my left shoulder replaced. I have had one surgery on my lower back. Now it seems I need another one. The spinal fluid is blocked and having pain and spasms. The vertebra are not alone. My hands are bad. Pain everyday.
At times I can't stand to have them be touched or bumped. I have learned to live with it all.
Hi Deb
Oh gosh I really feel for you. I had my knee resurfaced last year and hip replaced 3 months ago both left side and was told right side knee and hip not far off needing the same. I'm 56 and going back to work this week. Can I ask your age ?
Hi, I am 67. Knees were done in 2009. I had miniscus tears on knees repaired 10 years before that. So I basically babied my knees for 10 years. Walking was limited. Prior to that I had been walking 3 miles a day. After those surgeries it took a year to be able to walk a mile. Then back went. Surgery on back 2003. Hips were 2013. Shoulder 2014. I always exercised to keep weight down. I spent of fell apart. I can walk a mile now with difficulty. I now have a recumbent bike for exercise. I love it. It doesn't make anything hurt. I can easily ride 5 miles. Sometimes I ride more.
I gained weight after the first surgeries. That is always a battle.
I am concerned about this next surgery. Doctor said area is very unstable. I knew that, but not to the extent. I am wondering if they will put in some kind of brace.
Hi, Deb. I'm 57 & in the same boat. You can't tell me that there isn't something more to this disease then wear & tear. I use to want t live to be 100 but not anymore. Couldn't stand the pain & discomfort & the frustration of just doing basic things like going to the bathroom, bathing, eating. I'm still trying to work because disability is a joke. Sometimes the fear for the future over whelms me. I keep asking the ortho guys how many joint replacements is too many. They seldom consider the question very deeply & reply as long as you can tolerate the surgeries. Life is a bell curve & my gut tells me there is a point where you are on the far side of the bell curve, the point I call the zone of diminished return. It is all so scary.
I agree, but after all of my surgeries I get around better than when my knees quit me. I had 10 years of pain and not getting around very well.
I quit working just after I turned 60. Just too many health issues. I was able to get disability 6 months after that. I was lucky.
Are you in UK or usa ?
USA
Saw my primary doctor today. I hate the thought of having another surgery, especially when pain meds don't agree with me. Seeing Surgeon Monday.
Saw surgeon. Surgery in about 2 weeks. Will be getting Laminectomy on L3, 4, and 5. Then cushion on all. Feeling nervous. 6 weeks of no bending, twisting and lifting. Yuck!
I am about 10 days post op from my Laminectomy and fusion of L 345. I have had good night/days and bad night/days. I have had new sensations in my legs. More pain in my thighs than I expected. It feels like the restrictions are going to last forever, but it will be 2 weeks post op soon. That will leave 10 weeks to go, of no bending, twisting and lifting.
I have needed assistance from my husband. I would not want to be alone. I keep dropping everything. Sometimes the reacher isn’t good enough.
Started PT. It is mainly for them to tell the doctor if there are any issues. I do the simple exercises at home too.