Chronic Pain Support Group
Physicians and professionalsdefine pain as chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months and is persistent. It's distinct from acute pain that is a direct result of injury or trauma. This support group is dedicated to those suffering from chronic pain. Discuss treatments that have worked for you, find advice for your specific experience, and find support. You're not...
I feel like I'm up a creek without a paddle. I need some opinions from people about what to do. I have pretty aggressive and severe osteo arthritis. It has already taken my right knee - was replaced 3 years ago. It has taken my left ankle - surgery on that resulted in much worse pain last December. Now the left knee is giving up on me, and xrays today show that it is toast. I'm not going the arthroscopic route again - it doesn't work on me and just makes things worse. The doc says he will have to replace it. Meanwhile, the ankle is so bad I limp badly and working on it is just miserable. He says the only thing to do for it is to fuse it, and he really doesn't want to do that. I think he's really concerned about nonunion of a fusion. I also have Adrenal Failure and make no adrenal hormones. I therefore have to take steroids all the time, and I don't heal worth a shit. It takes me forever. I am sucking down pain meds like crazy to get through, and I am getting to need more of them. I don't think I'm going to be able to keep going with work and the pain meds as I am going to end up needing narcotics all the time.
That being said, I just finished school and am looking for a new job with my new credentials. My work is on my feet a good bit of the time. I have to be mobile.
So, what do I do? I can't afford to take 3 months off to have surgery once, much less twice. I can't stand to keep working on this leg as it is. We are trying the synvisc and steroid injections, but they won't last for long if they help at all. What should I do? I have a wife, and a mortgage to support. I am not that old - just 50. I have no retirement to speak of. My wife cannot support us. The doctor is less than enthusiastic about doing more surgery on me. I'm feeling really stuck between a rock and hard place, and wonder what you all think. What do i do? When does one give up on all the surgery and just become a chair potato? I don't know what to do!
Vanyel
That being said, I just finished school and am looking for a new job with my new credentials. My work is on my feet a good bit of the time. I have to be mobile.
So, what do I do? I can't afford to take 3 months off to have surgery once, much less twice. I can't stand to keep working on this leg as it is. We are trying the synvisc and steroid injections, but they won't last for long if they help at all. What should I do? I have a wife, and a mortgage to support. I am not that old - just 50. I have no retirement to speak of. My wife cannot support us. The doctor is less than enthusiastic about doing more surgery on me. I'm feeling really stuck between a rock and hard place, and wonder what you all think. What do i do? When does one give up on all the surgery and just become a chair potato? I don't know what to do!
Vanyel
Man, I am so sorry to hear about your situation getting worse. I am almost in the same situation. Both knees going hatwire, both shoulders and both thumbs. My doc told me there is no fixing my left shoulder only a replacement will do any kind of good. If I did that my range of motion would be very limited so I elected to just live with it.
I am a lot older than you I'm 76. I am on social security and medicare so that is some advantage I guess. I am on percocets, that's about my only help. Like you I have to wonder what next.. Anouther thing going for us is our house is paid for and no outstanding bills.
My wife was diagnosed with CHF about 10 years ago she also has COPD, OA and has had a total knee replacement. When she found out she had CHF she applied for dissability. It took about three years to get it. But we found a lawyer that finally got it through. when she reached 65 it went over to social security.
I guess the best thing you could do is apply for SSI. But If you do be sure to get a good laywer. Otherwise they will make you jump through all of their hoops. A good lawyer usually can get it through pretty quick!
I don't know if this gives you any help as to what to do but this is what we went through and to some degree are still faced with. I don't have a clue how long my old body is going to keep together either. My main concern is my wife. I do most of everything around here from laundry, cooking, taking care of the house and yard plus anything that needs to be repaired. So If I get to the place where I am not able to do all of this stuff; I don't have a clue what happens form there. I just keep taking percocets and will go as long as I can!
I certainly wish you the best of luck. Believe me I understand. I hope some way somehow things work out for you!!!!
Sincerly,
Joey
Also see a carer advsior as they can help with placing you with a job and skills so you dont have to be on your feet during the day.
Changing paths can help.
stillhavehope:
Thanks for the suggestions. I am working on changing jobs now that I've finished school and I had a second interview at a clinic today that I think will make an offer. It would be much easier work for my legs and I hope that will help a lot. The job will be working at a pain management practice, so maybe I can learn something that will help me as well. I appreciate your suggestions and thank your for responding.
Vanyel
finding a new life that siuts you is so hard. i still havent and its been 10 years or so and i am fused from C2 toT2
good luck searching..a job staying off your feet is a must
jayne