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?

[goodgoalie]

Why is a knee replacement 'not an option' for you?

[Barsel]

Roy, I live on my own and there is nobody who can help me afterwards. Also, I know there are probably successful knee replacements, but I know lots of people who have had unsuccessful operations and have ended up worse off.

[Sqad]

You only have two choices.
1) A knee replacement.
2) Painkillers.

[ladybirder]

Are you overweight Barsel? It's just if you are it can make a massive difference as the more weight they have to bear the more they will hurt.

[andy-hughes]

There must be other people without support who have surgery - have a chat with your GP about your situation, I am sure there must be support options available.

[Sqad]

/////Also, I know there are probably successful knee replacements, but I know lots of people who have had unsuccessful operations and have ended up worse off./////

You make a good point Barsel, then it is a matter of painkillers for the rest of your life.

[Barsel]

Sqad I take painkillers everyday for Rheumatoid arthritis, but they don't touch the pain in my knee.
LB, I am about a stone overweight, but although I am careful with my diet, I can't exercise or even walk much because of the pain.

[bednobs]

can you bring a bed downstairs? Get food in the freezer? downstairs toileting facilities?
There are ways round manging (even if it's getting some paid help at the beginning)

[pat2604]

Not an option for me either, Barsel. I need and been offered ops for knees, hips, another new shoulder, foot pinning and a lower spine. Mentally, I can't face any more ops. All I can suggest is being referred to Pain clinic who may have good options. Unfortunately I react badly to drugs and steroid injections just don't work. If you can afford a private physio I would recommend you find one. It's the only thing that has really helped me, especially with knees. You haven't sympathy. Xx

[Barsel]

Andy, I appreciate what you are saying, and I'm sure there are support options available, but unless there is somewhere you can go to get 24 hour care for however long it takes, I can't see what else there can be.
I've heard of people who have taken months to recover.

[ladybirder]

Difficult for you Barsel as I guess one of your few pleasures will be eating something you enjoy. Hard. xx

[Barsel]

bednobs, I live in a bungalow, but if I am struggling now to look after myself, I should imagine it would be a lot more difficult after an operation.

[ladybirder]

You sound a bit like my SiL Lottie. By the time sh died there were hardly any bones in her body that she had actually been born with!!

[pat2604]

Whoops, You have my sympathy.

And as Bednobs suggests look into things that can help you manage at home.

My best friend for getting out and about is a really good rollator with large wheels and a good seat. It was an expensive one that also helps my posture and it keeps me safe.

[bednobs]

barsel, it took me a good 4 months before it felt like my leg didnt belong to someone else, but i certainly didnt need 24hr care when i got home. They teach you how to do stairs before you leave, my biggest thing was bringing a cuppa in from the kitchen whilst on crutches, but i could have csat on a stool and drunk it in the kitchen!

[pat2604]

Ladybirder, I have a genetic condition which has caused all my problems. I'm due for another hernia operation next month, another thing caused by my condition!! I just cant faced much more intervention, so best to cope as best I can. Chronic pain is just awful to deal with.

[Barsel]

Lottie, you must be in an awful lot of pain and you have my sympathies.
I understand when you say you can't face anymore ops as this is how I feel now I am in my middle 70's, I just can't face it.
I would be willing to find out how much private physio is, how do you go about that?
Some years ago I had an op on my shoulder which was not what the surgeon was hoping to do as in his words, 'there wasn't a lot for him to work with' but he did clean it out and put some steroids in and it was tons better.
Was hoping I could have something similar done with my knee. x

[bookbinder]

Barsel, if you have the knee operation, might this be an option for you?
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/money-work-and-benefits/nhs-funded-nursing-care/

[pat2604]

There are other things you can try Barsel, which can help you cope with pain better. Things like pacing and mindfulness. They have actually helped me a bit. You need to have a chat with your GP.

[bookbinder]

https://www.privatehealth.co.uk/conditions-and-treatments/physiotherapy/costs/