Fed up

I have osteoarthritis only in my left knee... spent 50+ days already in hospital this year..I do not want to go back! I cannot straighten my leg.. Now not taking any pain relief as I took 'heavy' medication for 3 months and still could not weight bare. Due to inactivity and being bed bound I developed multiple blood clots on my lungs... Have to take medication now for the rest of my life (Apixaban). I have joined this group for some advice... I really don't know what to do..I JUST WANT MY LIFE BACK!! Walking is really hard...not too painful in my knee, my back pulls now. I have anemia and have no stamina let alone energy... I need to lose weight as my knees cannot cope...how am I to lose weight if I can hardly walk?? I currently live in a disabled household too. Husband and daughter both have spinal conditions, (should say I am young 43!) I believe it or not am their carer!! Anyone have any advice? or suggestions as to what I can do??

[Cangel]

My mum also had osteoarthritis in right knee. (She also had a back operation) After having steroid injection in the knee three times she could stand the pain no longer. Also on numerous painkillers which didn't help. Consultant eventually advised knee replacement surgery. Her diet was controlled but gaining weight how?? Also could not walk to exercise. She also is the rock in our family - so painful to see har suffer. Little better after a year and a half. Keep on going visit to Consultants. Have faith, stay positive.

[arthritis_action Partner]

Hi,

It does sound like you've had a rather hard time of it but it's very positive that your looking for ways to improve your condition. Recent research has actually said that although exercise is extremely beneficial, it is diet that is the most effective way of losing weight. If you can't be as active as you'd like right now then you need to adjust the amount of calories you are consuming. Try eating more fruit, vegetables and protein and less heavy carbohydrates such as pasta and bread. Non-creamy soups, roast vegetables and couscous and homemade stir frys are all easy and low calorie meals you could try.

Our dietitian is available to have unlimited consultations with you over the phone if you decide to become a member of Arthritis Action. Together you can create a healthy eating plan and he can give you step by step advice. Members can also have 4 heavily subsidised sessions with a physical therapist, which can massively help your arthritis pain. Check out our website and how you can join here: arthritisaction.org.uk

Best wishes,

Georgia

Membership Administrator at Arthritis Action

[Hidden in reply to arthritis_action]

Thank you so much for replying... For me it's not as simple as counting calories.... Wish I could! See I have dyscalculia amongst other SpLD's.. And counting calories just does not work for me.

I am however the worst eater, I dislike so many foods now.. I don't eat... Meat, fish, eggs, onions, milk, bread, yogurt, .... To name a few! And my food tolerance is getting worse. I know I need to exercise, but am finding it really difficult as my back is hurting now too. Just getting from room to room in my home is wearing me out... I have no stamina and no energy, yes my anemia has a lot to do with this. Every day is a struggle and getting harder.. But I am not a quitter, I will find a way to help myself.... Somehow!

[Hidden in reply to arthritis_action]

I just took a look at your website and looked at how to join..... Gosh! I must say the website looks brilliant. Unfortunately I cannot join, to some maybe only a small fee... To me a lot of money. I cannot possibly join, see I am on a very low income, i am my husbands carer, he only gets the basics for his disability... And I have a daughter who is 20 today! And also has a disability ... Our household only just functions on what we get.. So thank you for showing me he website, I will have to decline to join.

[arthritis_action Partner]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I understand the join up fee can be difficult for some but keep checking our website as we're hoping to start up support groups and more self management events that non-members can attend too.

There is no need to calorie count, if you decrease your intake of high-fat foods and try eating less carbohydrates and more vegetables and protein (soya, lentils, chickpeas, nuts) then you should not get so hungry. It's also useful to drink plenty of water throughout the day as thirst can sometimes be confused with hunger. You could also try using websites/apps that do the calorie counting for you such as Fitness Pal.

Losing weight has been proven to work best when a person both exercises and diets. If walking is proving too painful you could try swimming as this reduces the pressure on your limbs. You could also try in-chair exercises at home or find a low-impact exercise class in your area.

Best wishes,

Georgia

Membership Administrator at Arthritis Action

[Hidden in reply to arthritis_action]

Thank you for being so helpful.... I will keep an eye out on the website

Walking is very difficult at the moment... I can manage about 20 (if I am lucky) paces with crutches so going anywhere is out of the question. I think generally I am very weak after spending 4 months bed bound and in and out of hospital ... Just sitting in a chair I find difficult and cannot do it for long. I am determined to get my life back so will do anything at this stage... I have been trying to move a lot more in my home... In a bid to try to get my leg stronger to weight bare on. Arm chair exercises are proving a big hit right now... These I think will help too after the multiple blood clots I had... I am finding eating the hardest thing though. My appetite has returned...I want to eat but my stomach just won't let me hold as much as it used to. I need to find a balance and eat healthily... It's hard when I have gone off loads of foods... I will try. I am having to eat little bits often, that is the only way I am coping right now. I will get there... Thank you so much for your help

[arthritis_action Partner]

You're welcome and keep at it as every little does help!