New here but not to osteoarthritis

[mlrhodes80]

Hello everyone!  I'm a 33 year old mom of an 11 and 7 year old that works full time.  I've had problems with my knees for the last couple years that got incredibly worse when I moved into a house with a LOT of stairs.  Long story short, after arthroscopic surgery on my right knee (the worst of the 2), my surgeon found an incredible amount of damage...all from osteoarthritis.  He said he's never seen such damage in someone my age.  I was an incredibly active person and was in the military for 8 years.  I have sinced had to quit running and many activities I enjoyed.  It has been so very very depressing and I find it hard some days to go on.  I am 7 weeks post-op and saw my surgeon today.  He said my knee is very very bad and, at 12 weeks post-op, we'll be gearing up for my second, and much more invasive, surgery.  I have many areas of exposed bone but, because of my age, my surgeon will not consider a knee replacement.  I am in a severe amount of pain daily.  I had been taking norco since the surgery but am going to try a break from those.  I have been researching ways I can deal with this pain and think I may try acupuncture.  If I can avoid getting onto a regular regimen of pain meds, I'd prefer that.  But, they also work to take the edge off (doesn't take it away completely) so I wrestle with doing what helps.  I'm too chicken to outright talk to my doctor about it so I just don't say anything.  

Today I am really down.  Before this surgery, I felt like there was a light at the end of the tunnel.  But, since he's discovered the issues, it doesn't appear there IS a light at the end of the tunnel...at least not soon anyway.  I'm miserable, my quality of life has decreased, and I just cannot fathom living like this forever.  I'm having myself a little pity party over here is all.  

I need to find stuff that works to relieve the pain.  I've tried pretty much everything...glucosamine/chondroitin (sp), prescription creams, non-prescription creams, ice, epsom salt baths, physical therapy, orthotic inserts for my shoes, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc etc etc.  I am looking into trying acupunture next.  SOMETHING to help me get to that next surgery.  5 weeks until my next appointment just seems like a lieftime away (even though I know it isn't).  

Please help...I just cannot take this pain anymore!  :(

~Michelle

[mhrocks]

I hate to read about you suffering so much.  Have you considered trying medical marijuana?

[eLLisOn_1986]

Try Usana Products and you can contact me at [phone]

[freespirit78]

Hi I am sorry that you are suffering so much, I do know how you feel , I have back problems and find it difficult to do even the simplest daily tasks. There are no surgical options for me and therefore pain management and pain meds are all I can rely on right now.  I too feel like all this pain has ruined my life.
I have to say you definitely need to speak with your doctor about the pain that you are suffering, he/she can try some opioids  to help with the pain untill your operation. I can imagine 5 weeks can feel like forever when you are in so much pain and you really need something to help with it. I know you said you would prefer not to be on regular meds but even if its just for the next few weeks it could be a help to you.
Speak with your doctor about it and see what your options are, and then you decide what is best for you.

Stay strong and let us know how things went. Good luck with your op, I hope you get relief from the pain.