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osteoarthritis and obesity severe knee pain

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Posted 6/9/2010 2:08 PM (GMT 0)

Hi all: 

this is my first post to this site.  Years ago I had 2 tkr and a hip replacement and I am doing fine. 

(or would be perfect if the hip hadn't gotten infected 2 yrs later requiring a partial replacement which messed up abductor and lower right back but this is not about me.  I am coping and exercising etc.) 

 

This is for my partner. I really need help in helping her.  She is VERY heavy.  has chronic sometines stabbing pain in her knee(s).  She is doing ultra sound and elec stim witha great chiro and now is doing some PT but is not happy with it.  She is 58 and refuses to consider surgery even though she can see that I had very good results.  Her motivation for healthier eating fades quickly.  I get that as I am also heavy and lost a fair amount of weight after the first knee surgery.   I know that I cannot change her behavior but it is so hard to see her in such pain all the time.  Additionally, it is very difficult to live with someone who is in constant pain as she gets crabby etc.  Who can blame her? 

 

What suggestins can you offer?  Specific exercise, motivators, she is considering accupuncture which I have found helpful for pain and mobility.

 

IDEAS?????

thanks

Posted 6/9/2010 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
Ultimately it is up to her to lose the weight. She probably knows that being overweight is not healthy but lacks the will power or dedication to lose the weight and see it thru. She is going to continue to have joint issues there is no doubt about that. But what if she was to get some surgical help such as the Lap Band? This might help her lose the weight with minimal effort.

So she has gone to the doctors then to find the cause of her knee pain? If not, she should see an ortho and they might be able to give her some injections to help ease her pain. There are also some great anti inflammatories out there that can provide some relief such as Mobic, Celebrex, prescription strength Motrin or even otc meds such as Aleve or Advil.
Posted 6/9/2010 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Red, maybe her getting in with an OS and getting some cortisone shots. I just had my knees shot up yesterday, and let her know they aren't painful and really do help. Gentle hugs to you! I know its hard when we see those we love in so much pain, and they won't do something to help.
Posted 6/9/2010 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks to both for the replies.  She shuns any surgery, ic. lap band and won't consider cortisone shots right now although I have a feelng that could change.  I had great releif from cotisone and would highly recommend it.  Our chiro is going to talk to her about cold laser treatments.  know anything about that?
Posted 6/11/2010 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
i am also battling the bulge and should be a lot thinner. i am 5 11 and weight 220, 180 is my ideal weight though i would be very happy with 200.

#1 it is hard to exercise with arthritis
#2 gastric bypass is a serious surgery

i do like fruit and veggies so especially in the summer I can eat lots of fruits. actually i love fruit.

is that kind of food around for her to indulge in? i currently have melon, peaches and pears available. (and they say I don't eat enough fiber, lol)

there are tons of healthy snacks...look into it for both of you. and yes, it is hard to live with someone in pain, it is hard to be in pain

PAIN IS
Posted 6/11/2010 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
thanks for the post.  Yes it is terribly hard to be in pain.  i have significant firsthand knowledge of that!  I try to keep those healthy foods around so thanks for the encouragement.  She has more than 100 pounds over you and is not as tall.  This is a serious situation and she is very defensive and not wanting to hear from me on the subject.  I have lost over 100lbs and kept most of it off.  She is looking for a quick fix and of course there is none.  I appreciate the feedback and open to any and all suppoprt!
Posted 6/13/2010 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
even gastro surgery can turn out to be a bust. i am so sorry for both of you.

i don't know anything about laser treatments but it might be ok and helpful. just don't know a thing about it. have you goggled it.

what about pain management? i had an awful experience the first time but the second time, it was great (went to a different doctor)? sometimes it is the luck of the draw and hope and prayer and good vibes.

so long for now.
Posted 2/10/2013 6:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I did the Gastric Bypass surgery it has saved my life. It's been
almost 2 years since I did the surgery. My weight was 323 lbs. I
now weight 170 lbs. I also have Crohn's Disease in remission
for over 10 years and also RA Arthritis. The weight lose has helped
me a lot.
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