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4 operations for arthritis in 18 months.1yr later by broken ankle on my best leg.

Posted , 3 users are following.

mountainhigh
mountainhigh

In Nov 2013 I had my left hip replaced. I continued physiotherapy until my left hip was replaced Aug 2014. I then had my left knee replaced Jan 2015. I was making good progress from that..tho I walked with 2 sticks when that knee was infected and had to be revised. Mar 2016. I was in hospital for 2 weeks. This was an absolutely devastating time. I felt so very angry but accepting this had been an accident I had no one to be angry with. I was very fortunate that there was no further recurrence of the infection. My knee was and still is much more painful when exercised than the left knee

( replaced 2010). I made increasing progress..with 2 sticks and a year later could travel by bus again. In March 2016 I was knocked down and my left ankle was fractured resulting in 10 weeks in plaster. All my very hard won fitness went and my right knee became more painful as a result of the increased strain on that leg. I also have arthritis in my right foot. 2 years on and I feel I will never be more mobile than I am now. I've had dogs all my life and loved to walk them going long walks in the Dales. I'm 77 now and desperate to maintain my mobility and my independence. I have had absolute minimum help in the house and wish that to continue but must use at least 1 stick in the house to achieve anything.

There are many things which do help to make the picture less bleak than it might be. I can drive. My House backs onto the local park with a gate into the park. I have a great family and a lovely dog. I go to the gym twice a week. I have a strong perhaps from determination to maintain my independence. I know there are people whose situation is worse than mine. My skeleton is poor but the rest of my health is very good. I do get quite depressed.

1 like, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga mountainhigh

    Posted

    You have certainly travelled a very difficult road the past few years.  I am struck by how much you accomplish, and it's wonderful your home is so nicelly located and you have a supportive family.  I am not surprised you become depressed from time to time.  I really think for most of us it's part of a grieving process, where we mourn the person we used to be and the activities we used to be able to take part in.  Is there any chance of finding a support group?  I have an autoimmune disorder and would like nothing better than to be able to get together with a group of similar sufferers to merely have a cuppa and a good chat, even a cathartic moan, about our condition!

    Perhaps there's a way to find out through the hospital, or even through your public library, whether there's an active arthritis organization which might host nearby meetings, even twice a year or so?

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure mountainhigh

    Posted

    I can totally relate to all you have been thru. Been  Similar situation ps. Have had both hip replaced and a revision on one hip too Duprey to failure of design of components. 

    Its a a struggle and in a good place now. I know it tough and many days can be a challenge. 

     I am grateful for all that I have in my life and as you have expressed " My bones are bad too ,  but my health is great". 

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