Don't Know What To Do

[Barsel]

About a year ago, I saw an orthopaedic consultant who said I needed a knee replacement but for me it wasn't an option, so I asked if he could offer something else.
He gave me a steroid injection which didn't help very much and referred me to physiotherapy where I had a 6 week course of acupuncture which made no difference at all.
Now the pain is worse and constant, keeping me awake at night and making it really difficult for me to walk.
The pain also seems to be spreading into my thigh as well and it's now beginning to worry me.
Anybody have any suggestions please?

[bednobs]

bookbinder - my understanding is that barsel does not want to go inot a care home, but in any case even if the NHS pays for the nursing element, there is still the other £500+ per month she'd have to pay for the "hotel" element (board and lodging)
As far as i know from what barsel posts, she gets out and about so would be extremely unlikely to qualify anyway.
I know i'm younger than you barsel, but the new knee was better than my other knee (which also needed replacing) after a few weeks, and took over as the "good" knee. However, from what you are saying you don't actually want to have the op anyway (even if you did have 24 hr care), so my suggestions are unhelpful.

[Barsel]

bednobs, are you saying you didn't get any help at all ?

bookbinder, before the Covid, I probably would have been ok with people coming in and out of the house or going to stay in a care home etc, but not now.

Sorry but I do have to say again, a knee replacement is definitely not a consideration. I'm only interested in alternatives.
If it means paying privately for treatment that would work, I would certainly consider that.

[Barsel]

I would be most grateful if anyone can tell me how to find out about private treatment that would help as it's something I've never done before.

[pat2604]

Barsel, I am 75 in April.

I got nowhere with NHS physics and unfortunately haven't got a good word to say for them, so basically I did some research on line by checking for good private physios in my area. Fortunately there was one in the next village who also practiced in Harley Street!

I am lucky to not live alone and have a husband who is beginning to look worn out, bless him. Not easy for him to live with a wife with physical and mental health problems. He's great!!

[davebro]

Similar dilemma - I have a painful ankle resulting from an old injury. Injections were ineffective. I could have a fusion op BUT no guarantees it would be better & at least 6 weeks on crutches, managing stairs, housework, shopping etc.
It doesn't seem to get any worse so I'll just put up with it for now. Maybe losing some weight would help but that's not easy when you're ability to exercise is limited.

[LadyCG]

How about CBD oil? Don't bother with the Holland and Barratt garbage though, get some decent (potent) stuff on the internet.

[bednobs]

hi barsel, no - i lived with my husband who kindly took over cooking and house maintenance. What i am saying is that i could have managed if i'd have had to - i could have filled the freezer with batch cooking/micro meals, i could have sat by the kettle to drink tea, i could have washed at the kitchen sink for the temporary period it takes to recover

[pat2604]

My hernia repair is being done privately. I phoned the consultant two weeks ago,
saw him on Monday and my keyhole op is on 7 March. We don't holiday any more and we have savings and you can't take money with you when you die.

[ladybirder]

Barsel my son who lives in Dorset pays £80 for a private massage once a fortnight for his bad back. It hasn't cured him but he says the pain is getting slowly easier. Whether the same would have happened without the massage is anyone's guess.

[Barsel]

I understand what you're saying bednobs, I managed to look after myself quite a while ago now when I had a toe amputated due to arthritis, and I don't know if it's because I am that much older, but I really don't feel up to it now.
At the moment I'm on the waiting list for an operation on both of my little fingers and this will probably be a bit of a bind, but not as big an op as knee replacement, it doesn't worry me the same.

[pat2604]

The only way to lose weight when you can't exercise is to eat very little. I actually could do with losing a stone, but eating nice things is a pleasure when you are virtually house bound. I don't eat much - Half of what I used to eat. But haven't lost weight. Not put any more on though!!

[Barsel]

Also, your husband was there, just in case, and someone to talk to.
Being on your own when you're not 100% is no fun at all.

[Barsel]

^^^ Sorry, that was for bednobs.

[pat2604]

My private physio charges £65.00. he keeps me on my feet and I call him Mr Boot Camp. He really knows his stuff. A fit 65 year old!!

[Patsy33]

Sorry you're in pain Barsel. I've just read people living on their own can get up to two weeks free help, the hospital will ask you if you have anyone to help you. If not, they will arrange some help for you.

[Barsel]

Lottie, I weigh a stone less than I did a year ago, and this was mainly because I cut out all the naughty things, but I do miss nice foods, naughty foods, and I must admit I do treat myself now and again.
I could probably feel better if I lose another stone, but no more than that or else I would look old and ill. Oh, hang on a minute....... :-) x

[Barsel]

Thanks Patsy, but as I said at 13.14, I really wouldn't be happy having people in and out with the ways things are these days. x

[Barsel]

LB, that's the thing isn't it, whether or not your son would have felt better anyway in time, but this old knee is not going to get better without something being done to it, it's just finding what works.

[Patsy33]

Ah yes, missed that bit Barsel..
Hope you can find some alternative treatment soon. I'll keep my eyes and ears peeled for you. :-).

[Barsel]

Thanks Patsy. x