Good day to all,
My name is Tom and I am a new member. I have been diagnosed with advanced OA. I have been unemployable for over 3 years now and want replacement surgery. So far I have had the injections, muscle strengthening, therapy, accupuncture and 2 arthriscopic surgeries. I am 44 years old, live in central NC and admittedly very over weight, 345 lbs. I also have a genetic blood disorder, Factor V. I am taking 10mg. warfarin daily for life. I have and am taking medication to take the edge off my pain. It never goes away!! I am fully aware that I have issues that are not the norm but my doctor says he doesn't want to do the surgery because I am too young and at risk for clots. I am fully aware of this and want to take the risk. Afterall, I can't walk for more than 15 minutes without my knees swelling and then need to ice them. Climbing stairs and squatting is getting much more painful. The doctor who performed the first surgery restricted me to light duty sit down work. I am registered with 6 employment agencies and they say it is extremely rare that a position arises meeting my restrictions.
My question is this: I want the replacement surgery so I can get my life back....Find employment and enjoy lifes pleasures again. Have any of you had simular experiences...replacement surgeries being so young and what your thoughts are. If a specialist is reading this, can you give me your input? Even my depression will improve if I get back to normal. Thanjks for all your comments and shared stories.
Tom
DEAR TOM, I'M 50 YEARS OLD AND I TOO WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ADVANCE OA
THE FIRST THING YOU NEED TO DO IS LOOSE WEIGHT, WITH THAT EXTRA WEIGHT YOU WILL ALWAYS FEEL THE PAIN, I MUST TELL YOU THAT MY PAIN NEVER GOES AWAY AND IT HURTS MORE IF I DO ANY KIND OF WORK, BUT I STILL DO IT BECAUSE THE WORSE THING YOU COULD DO IS NOT MOVE YOUR MUSTLE, I USED TO CUT MY GRASS IN IN MY HOUSE I HAD TO STOP, I WORK AND I'M STILL ACTIVE IN EVERYTHING, YOU SHOULD NEVER GIVE UP HOPE.