Begonia15

[Begonia15]

Hi

I’m new here. 

I’m living with chronic pain after a knee replacement in May 2020 that has failed. I’ve now had 7 surgeries on the knee and need more.
I have gone from having an amazing career to being pretty much housebound and needing strong pain relief everyday to do the basic things. I feel pretty crap most days. 
I am though working hard with my new surgeon to explore the metal allergies I have to find the right implant to replace the one I have. I try to stay hopeful.

[Mark Z.]

Hi Begonia15,

Welcome to the forum.

7 surgeries! My god I can't imagine how hard it is for you, but you're so brave.

Do you mind to share what was your career before and are you still working from home partially?

Stay hopeful and everything will be better.

Mark

[OgresHaveLayers]

Hi Begonia15,

It is not fun to live with chronic pain, I have an autoimmune arthritis and live with it too. Thankfully I have not had to have any joint replacements yet but the day will come I reckon.

Chronic pain has a way of creeping into every aspect of our lives especially our mental health.

Some suggestions I have to help with this are find a hobby, something you can do while sitting on your couch watching TV to distract you (it is surprising how effective this is when you have a really high pain day). Join Facebook/Instagram groups who post funny memes and anecdotes about living with chronic pain. It helps to remind you you are not alone, you don't have to post or participate, but the occasional post sliding through your feed is a regular reminder you are not alone.

Above all, listen to your body, don't be afraid to cancel outings with friends or family when your pain is too high. Make peace with spending the day in bed on occasion and make sure you keep a running dialogue (without judgement either way) with someone you know in the same boat.

Fingers crossed for future surgeries.

OgresHaveLayers