How does your pain effect your well being state?

[becky3344]

Hi.

I'm a newbie on here.

I've just read a few of your posts, and sounds like you all are going through alot of pain.

I wanted to mention and to ask you all how you find your chronic pain, and has it left a detrimental effect on your well being?

It's something which i keep thinking about from time to time.

I have chronic left knee pain, guess i've had it for over 7 years. I had a arthroscopic op to trim a meniscus tear this time 2017. But it only improved the pain by 50%.

I was 46 when i had it, surgeon said nothing else he could do, and that i have to live with the pain, and stop doing the things i like to do. I opted to request a second opinion from a better hospital i chose RHOS in London, 100 miles away.

They had started a program of stem cell grafting. I saw acouple of consultants, still not sure if i'll be accepted on the program yet. Also one consultant told me so far they haven't been successful i keeping the stem cell where it should be. It keeps moving away from the area. And he also told me, he would't get his mother or grandmother to have a knee replacement.

So i'm left still unsure what to do, and still in pain with my left knee.

It's been 2 years since the arthroscopic tear op, and my mental health due to my knee pain (and now constant lower back pain) has really changed me. I'm more depressed, and withdrawn, i can't walk very well, and for not very far. it's really impacted my state of mind.

I love going on nature walks, but that is really impacted that. I walk in a different way now, walking down town etc. And it puts more pressure on certain knee and leg muscles. It makes me more nervous and anxious when walking around other people, as i know i have to try and walk like others do, but i don't want to walk with a limp, and if i try and walk relaxed i know i would get a sharp instant shock of pain from knee. So i purposely walk differently now so i don't purposely set off the knee pain. So i walk differently now so i don't put that pressure on my knee but also walk to try and blend in but without looking like i have a limp.

But doing this it does effect my mood, and well being, and it makes me feel miserable, and depressed. And i see there's no way of this getting better, and that makes me feel more low and depressed.

This is the first time i've mentioned my chronic knee pain to anyone, i don't think other people would be very sympathetic or understand, unless you are in a similar position, or have been it maybe hard to relate or sympathize.

I am glad that i've finally written a post on here, after joining on here 6 months ago.

I'd be very interested to know how other peoples pain on here has effected your mental well being, your mood, emotions, way of life, and the way that you interact in the world since you've had your chronic pain.

And what where you like before you had your chronic pain, where you a different person?

Becky

[FRreedman]

The first thing you should do is generally the last thing you want to do. So, stop worrying what you look like. If people don't like the way you look because of your limp, or swinging your leg or wearing bright green trousers, sod them. (Excuse the language). You don't need them. The reason walking a certain way hurts, is because it is causing damage, and that is your body's way of telling you. You will be surprised by the number of people who won't even notice your limping, they will however, notice that you are more at ease with yourself and with them and will like you better for it. Unfortunately you have to learn the hard way that you are not what you were. Good luck on your journey, and don't take too long to arrive at your destination.

[becky3344 in reply to FRreedman]

The consultant told me not to limp, to try and walk normal. So that sticks in my brain to not limp mainly, as well as what it looks like.

I guess we all cope in our own way, and do what feels right for us.

Thanks for your reply.

Are you in alot of pain?

[FRreedman in reply to becky3344]

Yes, unfortunately, but I have a very good support network. The only people who mean anything to me, also understand when I say I can’t do something. Good luck and may you find strength to beat your pain

[Amk31]

Chronic pain affects every aspect of your life. It's very hard to cope living with pain all time. I find if educate people about pain it helps.

In my pain journey, I didn't realise how many people are in pain. It is staggering so if you speak about it, you may find others suffering as well.

More needs to be done to cure the various forms of chronic pain.

[becky3344 in reply to Amk31]

Hi Amk31. Thanks for your reply. Has pain changed you alot?

[Amk31 in reply to becky3344]

Yes i have. I am depressed as it's very hard living in constant pain. I am angry as well as i was knocked down by a car. So this driver has left me in chronic pain. However, I've a very understanding fiance, mother and best friend. My fiance had back pain for 2 years and he got a operation so he is fine now. He knows what it is like.Then my best friend is always living in chronic pain with fibro and spinal issues. So i find having this helps me. If you need to chat or anything, I am always here.

You mentioned stem cells graft?what exactly did this involve? I think stem cell treatment and gene therapy is the way forward.

[Rusty8]

Becky you were told the consultant wouldn’t advise his grandparents to have a knee done

I was told when they said there’s nothing more they can do for the pain that the only other option was euthanasia I didn’t know wether to laugh or cry

Good job I’ve still got a sense of humour left

Yes I’m 73 still young at heart 💓 lol but I’ve fought of problems after problem since the age of 14 so I’m not about to give in yet

Take care

[Chicy]

I’m constantly depressed with my pain but have to plod on. My mental health is a mess. I rely on a pill every day. I do hope you improve it’s not gd feeling like this all the time. Iv lost my social life and most of my freinds through isolating myself. All the. Best.