Osteoarthritis

Hi all, I received a letter last week from DWP awarding me PIP at standard level for both care and mobility.

That has taken since 10th February 2015 when I first applied. Two Atos  appointments, three rejections, five reconsiderations.

i sent in evidence of severe OA in both knees, in spine. In right hip, in right elbow, shoulder and neck.i also have RA  so at periods of time I'm in agony with my joints, can't use walking sticks , have no strength to do anything.

last week I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Arthritis in my hands, also have under active thyroid due to having thyroid cancer twelve years ago.. I will be asking for a reconsideration as I feel I should qualify foe enhanced care, because there are times when I can do absolutely nothing for myself. .im a volunteer for arthritis care and see many people suffering badly , trying to do the best they can. Some make the best of life, they try to enjoy the better days and are very encouraging.i say the way the Government treat Arthritis  people is a social injustice. . We need to set up an action group and find a legal person , who will help us take on the beaurocrats that treat us with near contempt. I am not a militant person, but do feel angry the way we are treated. I worked very hard for 44 yrs. asked for nothing, as a nurse then requalified to be a teacher. I have served my time . What do you feel about it .

Hi All.  Am new to this discussion - have just joined carenity.  I have AO in my lower spine and both hips.  Have a good tip from an OT who watched me walking (trying) at work.  She said what other people commented on- your walking like a crab! ie legs further apart. Never realised + no-one else ie GP noticed this.  OT said try to keep knees closer together - as otherwise hips would become more painful.  Try this peeps with OA in hips - its a bit tricky and painful to start - but does help xx

Just wanted to agree with previous messages re Tramadol.  Its a very strong pain med - i tried it and it was making me fall asleep at my desk!

Hi CAZ321, please keep appealling for PIP and get the assistance of Citizens Advice. It took me 18 months in all and ended in a court appeal but I won in the end.

I agree with Ediemay, there should be some sort of action group as there is with other conditions. We need somebody who also suffers OA with a legal qualification.

Hi new to this forum I too have osteoarthritis basically my spine is crumbling and it affects me all down my right side, I use a stick to walk but my main problem is finding the right exercise as I have put on a lot of weight and any exercise even walking causes me pain and a loss of stamina (try explaining this to a doctor they do not understand the need to keep going!) I used to be a support worker for mainly elderly and I have seen what happens when you sit all day, my doctor has me on ametripeline now but I keep telling her it is not doing enough I use a freeze gel on my knees and back and that helps any suggestions ?

I am bent over walking ...I will try walking with my knees close together .

Bless you all I feel something needs to be done. More awareness. People are ignorant to it I've experienced it at many a level mainly with work and family. Sending hugs to you all. 

Hi Barbara1946

We have spoken to each other beofore. i note that you are still bent over walking. i had advised you to get the opinion of Neurosugeon and have an MRI scan to find out if you have got Scoliosis. i am asking this, because I was in the same position as you. I was bent to my middle and was twisted to my right. Following MRI scan for confirmation of the diagnosis, I had Posterior correction of Scoliosis. I am not perfectly straight. My back is fixed but I am bent from my hips as I have lost my chor muscles, adn I was without any physio or advice for 1 year prior to my surgery. i now walk with 2 crutches and am unable to stand up unsupported for any length of time.My advice to you is, please get the correct diagnosis for the reason why you are walking bent over and have something done before its too late. Walking with your knees close together will not help you. In fact you will end up damaging your knees and misaligning your hips. So be careful. Get the right diagnosis and deal with it asap.

Good luck

Nineteen_gale

I have now been given a date for my operation (knee replacement) it's on the 15th.feb. So not long to wait now..hopefully i will only be in hospital for 2/3 nights and then will recover at home...i will let you all know how i get on.