How do you deal with loss of mobility ?

[garlictwist]

I am 43. This time last year I was winning fell races, cycling across Europe and walking everywhere.

This year I can barely stand. I have developed severe arthritis in my feet and damaged my hips.

I am desperately throwing money at the situation, seeing podiatrists and physios but essentially have been told there's not a lot to be done and even surgery won't be the answer.

I am really struggling mentally. I have lost so much. I can't bear to see my friends and husband enjoying the life I used to and have deleted all my social media.

I cry every weekend because I feel so alone (no kids and just don't know what to do with my time). Not to mention the constant pain which is so draining.

I am trying to be positive. I really am. I am making a real effort to socialise and do new things. And trying to put my all into my job which was admittedly neglected before due to my hobbies. But it's so hard.

I bought an electric wheelchair which allows me to get out and about

I do open water swimming (summer only so far) which gives a great sense of freedom

I can't ride a normal bike but I have a hand bike.

I'm 9 years down the line and I still have days I get really upset at my lack of mobility.

I have arthritis in most joints, started about 20 years ago and constantly gradually worsens.

I think I cope pretty well, mainly through drugs, surgeries & pacing myself. Perhaps it is because it’s been a long time.

I do swim regularly but that’s pretty much it for movement, it’s so much easier in the water. I think I am fairly easily pleased and enjoy cooking (sometimes can be challenging with dodgy joints), sewing (ditto), theatre, comedy, watching sport, catching up with family and friends, reading, puzzling, going on holidays. I live a good (if painful) life.

All the best to you all.

It's crap. I have OA in my hips and I hate how isolated I now feel, hate it.

I have bought a mobility scooter which helps but I'm 42 and feel 92.

Hi OP that sounds really tough, possibly not the answer but have you had you hormone levels checked, menopause or peri menopause can really cause all sorts of problems

I agree with this.
I have both RA and OA as well as ostoporosis, asthma and a history of cancer . I have had RSI, slipped disc, trapped nerves, broken bones.

The joint problems come and go. I've just had months of pain free joints but now it's all flaring up and I wake up feeling like someone has kicked me all night.

My experience, and I appreciate that others are much worse off especially if wheelchair bound, is that moving always helps. What increases the problems more than anything is lack of movement and inactivity. So however much it hurts I still do that walk or the yoga or swimming.

Nevertheless chronic pain is hard to live with and can have an impact on mental health as well as physical. It can suck the joy out of life.

Hi,
I am also dealing with a loss of mobility however my situation is different from yours, I'm sure we still feel similar.
I was in an induced coma from January - march this year. I got necrosing facsitits ( can't spell)
I had to have a very large portion of skin,muscle and nerves cut out of my leg ( I'm now left with a 12 CM scar)
I lost 90% of feeling in my left leg, which meant I couldn't walk anyway. I'm now back to about 60% feeling loss. Coupled with a leg that had no feeling ( apart from my foot) I was paralyzed (medically) for the 8 weeks whilst I was sedated. It took me another 2 months to do a couple of steps even with a frame. Once I was out of hospital I kept falling and couldn't get up. So id need an ambulance to get me up
I am not going to lie, there has been days ( a hell of a lot of days) where I just wanted to give up, thinking things will never improve and I'll be like this forever and there is no point continuing. ( ironically I was in the coma for medication overdose (intended btw)).
Things slowly got better and STILL are getting better. I spend 80% of my day in pain but that's on a really bad day, and yes I should feel "lucky" I didn't lose my leg. Oh for background I developed sepsis from the NF, multiple organ failure, ( end stage kidney failure) (I'm no longer on dialysis as my kidneys have repaired about 60%)
Yes I am very very lucky overall BUT doesn't stop me feeling this way about my mobility.
I am rabbiting on abit but I guess what I am trying to say is, you will have really bad days, but on the good days, do what you can, don't put to much pressure on yourself. X