I am a 21 year old girl who has just been diagnosed with mild to severe osteoarthritis in both my knees and I am wrecked. I have been lying in bed for three days crying because I have been told I’ll never run again.
I don’t know what to do. I can’t believe this has happened to me so young. I am so scared for my future, I am in pain now, what’s this going to be like in a couple of years ? I cannot bear to think.
I have heard varying accounts/facts and studies on whether or not it is good to keep running on affected joints, any advice on this would be helpful too i am not ready to give up on running completely but unsure whether or not this would be completely stupid and just wear out my joints quicker? thanks again
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Louisamith
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Sarah, I was only a couple of years older than you when I got it really bad in both hands. Every small thing we take for granted on a daily basis from picking up a pen, filling a kettle, picking up a mug or using a knife and fork, I couldn't do any of those. The pain was excruciating. Everything I did, even hygiene, involved using hands, and I couldn't even manage that properly. That said, I DID go into a type of remission after a period of a lot of physio and soooo many hospital visits to various depts - rheumatologists, x-ray, acupressure, physio, physical therapist etc.. low and behold, with a lot of faith in them and even more faith in myself, I was able to use my hands again. Yes, it's a hell of a shock to the system, but you know what? So it me being told I'd go blind within 6 months (when I was aged 28), that did not happen.... I was told after many mri's "I'm surprised you're not paralysed yet".. that struck a chord, I don't know which hit me hardest, the word paralysed, or the word yet.. and I've spent my life hiking mountains... Yet... with the right meds to control it, a back support (not a huge whole back piece, just a supporting strap that goes across my lower spine, and a sports strap, which many runners who have arthritis in their knees when running wear, I still hike long distances. Wow do I feel it if I forget meds, or my body adapts to them and they need changing or increasing a little..
It easy for me to say this, because I have been where you are at least three times, the first two when I was only a few years older than you are..
How badly do you want to run? .. don't tell me, it's a question to ask yourself. Have faith in the medical staff, but most importantly, have "faith in yourself" that if you want something enough, you'll still do it.
Just because one person said you wouldn't run again, people, even in the medical profession DO get things wrong, especially when it comes to how strong our "will to want to do something" comes into play.
I do know it's a snack in the face for you to hear you'd never run again, seriously, you can't let that diagnosis dictate your life, which is what it's doing now.
Read up on your condition, find out what's available, what others your age are using, and they are still running.. then speak to the professionals on this case and let them know what you would like to try.
This may not help, but I have osteoarthritis in every joint, in both hands and through my spine, every time even a part of me that's needed to do what "I want to do", I remind myself how 'people with no legs, wearing artificial legs having climbed the world's highest mountains, imagine how they felt waking up to no legs, the will power and courage it takes to keep pushing, even through pain, to do what they love most', it kind of puts into perspective me whinging I can't get up the house stairs.. so how do I manage? I have a lift for bad days, a can, crutches and wheelchair when it gets bad but I need too be mobile, and on better days, yes, I'm still walking up and down the stairs.
I live on my own, and until the day I want or need to accept help from carers, I try my damnedest to keep in independence and do everything myself.
If you want something that much Sarah, have;-
Faith and courage in yourself that you can do it, anything is possible if you want it enough.
Don't always believe someone when they say the words "you can't". Use it as a strong incentive and push to prove them wrong.
I know my reply comes across as tough love, but my showering you with "oh I'm so sorry to hear....." or " Oh you poor thing, it must be so hard..." That won't help any part of your self esteem, self confidence, self worth, self belief.. or stop the 3 days of tears, if anything, it may just encourage feeling sorry for yourself or self pity, which believe me, is a hard rut to get out of, and why I don't shower others in it.
By all means, yes, 109%.. get it out of your system, throw things if necessary (I know I did, many times, even though I dropped more things than I threw).. but don't let it dictate your life or future!
After binge crying, junk food, throwing things, the screaming 'why me', the rage anger confusion hurt, all on top of the physical pain and you've let it all out, you pull yourself up by the socks and give yourself a damn good talking too.
Then you start your road to getting back to running. You want it hard enough, you won't sit back and just let it happen.
(Take a look at the Paralympics, at what they achieved by 'not' giving up)..
Something to say to yourself once the tears stop.. "Am I just going to give up my dreams, my running.. so easily? Or do I want it enough to fight for what I want?"
So many are told daily by medical professionals the words "You can't.." but, they've gone on to achieve their goals and surpassed them regardless and "in-spite" of being told "you can't".
Go easy on yourself ok, it's not easy news to be told you can't do something. It's a shock to the system, heart and mind.. moreso when all the panic of "omg what will happen now if I can't..."
Educate yourself, see nhs physios, find others your age who have osteoarthritis in their knees and still run, learn from them how they do it. Knowledge is a powerful tool.
Don't give up on yourself or your dreams, have faith belief and trust in yourself and what you are capable of.
Your response is so true and so important to be said. Our lives can continue to be fulfilling if we prioritize and make the commitment to push past our diagnosis. Not saying that it is easy but few things in this life are easy. Your comments are not made condescendingly or unfeeling but more with the intent of encouragement and positive attitude. We all need a push from someone outside "our circle " sometimes. Kudos and best wishes for your own journey!
Hi Sarah, so sorry to hear of your diagnosis, that is a hard one for you to come to terms with. I hope/assume your doctor/consultant has given you advice on the best way to go forward. If they haven't then you do need to talk to someone. My own thoughts would be, that until you get proper medical advice then running is probably a no go area. Yes, exercise is good but non strenuous walking until you get further input from docs/physiotherapy.
Hey Sarah! I, too, am sorry that you are dealing with this issue. At any age, it's not easy to figure out how to adapt to hearing negative things about your health and the potential for changing your lifestyle. Not debating what you have been told but so much of our lives is determined by us, our attitudes, our inner strength and determination, and just sheer will power. Please don't let a diagnosis control what you do with your life and how you live it. Arm yourself with information and support. Then you decide what you can and cannot accomplish. Maybe you are familiar with the saying "She wanted to do it so she did ". Let that be you Sarah. You have your whole life in front of you, don't start setting the limits now. Good luck and best wishes!
"Not debating what you have been told but so much of our lives is determined by us, our attitudes, our inner strength and determination, and just sheer will power. Please don't let a diagnosis control what you do with your life and how you live it. Arm yourself with information and support. Then you decide what you can and cannot accomplish. Maybe you are familiar with the saying "She wanted to do it so she did ". Let that be you Sarah"
Wholeheartedly I couldn't agree more, well said and very well put.
I was told I'd never be able to go hiking again, something I've been doing since aged 13 when I first walked 26 miles (no buses that day so if I wanted to get to where I wanted to go, I had to walk, so I did).. I kept doing it well into my late 30's, I still have bad days where I'm sure people aged 90+ can walk better than I can, I take it easy/easier on those days, but with the will power and constant determination that "I will get out walking again, even during three years of being bed ridden, it did happen, and I can't describe just how amazing it felt to be out walking 5 miles (about 12 - 17km). As Sharon said "she wanted to do it so she did". I know my doctor's care, but I also know they don't understand that "need" we have to desperately want to do something (will power and determination) so I never told my doctor I'd been hiking. IF the need arises, I'll own up too it, but so far, the sheer joy, and all the positive things that came that first day when I went hiking, gave me so much hope "if I can do it once, I can do it again" and I still do, to this day. I hope you read the comments here carefully, even save the messages/replies if needed, so whenever doubt creeps in, you can re-read what we've shared here from our lives and take comfort from that, knowing that if you want it bad enough, you'll still do it... Please don't give up hope, it is still possible you'll be out running again.
Will you do us something.. no matter how soon or how far into the future, once you've been running again, will you come back and let us know "you did it" ?
I am sorry for the early diagnosis. Consider shorter distances if you are a long-distance runner. Cut out all highly processed food and cut all refined carbohydrates and all sugar (High levels of insulin in the body stimulate inflammation in the joints). Increase bone broth and animal cartilage consumption. Increase omega-3 fatty acid rich food. Cut all vegetable oil from your diet (I am not referring to authentic olive oil).
To elaborate those of us with CKD and osteoarthritis are very familiar with the foods that stimulate inflammation. Cut out all salt, alcohol, and processed foods. Increase fruits and veggies to reduce acid levels. Watch your supplements as there are many that increase inflammatory responses.
You probably know most or all of that. There is some interesting new information out there about uric acid levels and the havoc high uric acid causes on the body. Normal ranges are 5-8 but some literature recommends that a 5 level is the upper range. I have only just run across the studies so I haven’t had the time to research as I need to. However, might be something you at least ask your doc if you have one who is good and allows you to participate in your care. Fruits will help with the uric acid and help lower inflammatory markers in general.
Couple of tips from someone somewhat similar to you, diagnosed at 29, had 12 surgeries to try to prevent a knee replacement, yet had my first knee replaced at 36, bilateral hip replacements at 41 and 42, bilateral ankle fusions at 45 and 46, and second knee replaced at 47. One, orthopedic surgeons want to operate and will be willing to start replacing joints whenever you are ready…wait as long as possible. Just an example, my orthopedic surgeon wants to fuse and rod L-4 - S-1 and C-5 - C-1. He also wants to replace the fused ankles and is recommending I have my first knee replacement redone. Nope…Nada…No way. After 18 surgeries in 16 years, I’ll go permanently into a wheelchair unless it becomes life threatening.
Two, be careful with NSAIDS. I have CKD due to my years in the army ‘85-‘94. Untreated high blood pressure, 2 heat strokes, and NSAIDs prescribed like candy led to the kidney damage I sustained in ‘96. NSAIDs are great for osteoarthritis pain, I’d give anything for an ibuprofen today, but will if taken too often eventually damage the kidneys. May be a concern for you at your young age as that will be the primary way they will manage your pain probably.
I wish you the best as at 54 now I am familiar with how this degenerative process works. Hopefully you won’t have the same progression I or some others have had with our osteoarthritis. Lots of great resources online and I hope you get to continue your running. The army forced me to run. I ran for a few years after because of the way it made me feel. I never thought I’d miss it but when all you can do is the recumbent bike in a gym you miss the freedom of running outdoors. Best wishes in your journey with osteoarthritis!
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