In 2009 i was diagnosed with osteo arthritis in my right knee, on seeing the consultant at the local hospital, he was dismissive and agressive about my condition and told me if i was still suffering when 70 (I am in my mid 50's), he may if he felt like it do a knee replacement, and when i asked what do i do in the meantime he said [b]struggle on[/b], sometimes the pain is so bad i take more ibupropen than i should out of desperation, i have not returned to the doctors, i struggle with steps and stairs, i used walk a lot i now barely walk, i work but it is such a struggle it brings me to tears, The pain has now spread to my left knee and left hip, i was so upset with the appointment i have not returned to the Doctors, as I am so afraid of what they would say.
I do have a weight problem which i acknowledge is a contributory factor, and arthritis does run in the family. I have tried to hard to lose weight unsuccessfully, but it is more difficult now, i used to regularly exercise now it is just impossible for me, i have not weighed myself for ages but i am sure the weight is creeping on. Then there is conflicting advice online, exercise to keep mobile (which is difficult and painful), or rest and preserve the joints.
I am depressed, afraid and at times suicidal, i have no quality of life and can see no way forward and no solution, my families advice is to go to the Doctor, but after the last time i can not get beyond the fear that possibilty entails. This is no way to live it is just so hopeless, i guess this sounds selfish, i know there are others like me and some a lot worse, being forced financially to work is not helpful, but if i didn't i would never speak to or see anyone outside of the family.
http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/forums/
Reply from the Forum
Hello Dawnbird,
Thank you for contacting us and welcome to the forum, we're glad you found us. I'm sorry to hear that you've been having such a rough time at the moment and that your experience with the consultant was a negative one.
I know it's natural to fell anxious and fearful about approaching your doctor after such an upsetting time with the consultant, but please try to remember that no one is going to judge you, all you want is some relief from the excruciating pain you're experiencing.
It is your GP's responsibility to try and help you find a way forward so I would suggest you go back and explain to him/her how unhappy you were with your consultation, how much pain you're trying to cope with and the effect that it's having on your quality of life. If you can communicate the full extent of just how tough things are, they are more likely to be empathic. If you feel this is going to be too difficult then take someone who knows you well with you to speak on your behalf.
You are entitled to a second opinion and it's really important to be aware, no matter how afraid you feel, that not all specialists are dismissive and aggressive - also that many surgeons will carry out knee replacement surgery if they feel it necessary, regardless of what age you are.
If you think it might be helpful to talk things through then please call us on the freephone number above.
We're here to listen and discuss treatment options with you, and you'll have as long as you need - there are no time limits to our calls. Hopefully we can help to feel less afraid.
Best wishes
Paul
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