Stage 4 arthritis

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Morning,

I have had ongoing hip and knee problems as have most of my family. I was recently advised that I have stage 4 arthritis in my right knee and the only option is knee replacement. I am on nhs waiting list and have been told I am a priority. I am only 38 but am in so much pain. Has anyone experienced this? I am worried that this level of pain is not normal. I'm struggling to undertake even basic tasks.

Thank you

I don't suffer from arthritis but am a nurse, stage 4 arthritis is quite advanced and a knee replacement at 38 is not something the NHS routinely do so clearly serious. Regards pain it sounds normal from my patients description a knee is a integral part of your body that is in constant use so constantly being aggravated. I assume you are in a fair amount of pain killers?

Thank you for your reply. Yes am on pain killers but the only time I am comfortable is when I am sat with leg elevated. Struggle to take anti inflammatories but am trying. It seems to have progressed quickly so just wanted to check that this level of pain is normal.

Why the struggle to take anti inflammatory's they would help and you can get some that have added gastro protection as that's a concern with those drugs. Are you taking any other pain relief? I think like you say the problem is you only get respite when you put your legs up so the rest of the time you are putting pressure on your damaged knee, it's a vicious circle, I know arthritis can be extremely painful and the level you are at would fit with the pain. Have you tried hot/cold therapy?

Hi, i think I will go back to GP for different anti inflammatories. I am taking other pain relief too. Thank you fir the reassurance that the pain is normal for this condition. It's so difficult as with it being a wright bearing joint, it is constantly in use. I do use cold therapy as it's constantly hot. Thank you for your message.