being a carer..

Raksha

Does anyone have any advice?

OH has struggled with pain in his left knee for about 4 years. Earlier this year he applied for and got high rate mobility and low rate care DLA. He still works as his job is sedentary, but if his knee flares up he can be in agony with each step, so just getting from the car to his desk or the toilets is too much even on 6 Tylenol a day.

He needs help with getting dressed, manages to shower and deal with toilet needs himself, just (but is having more and more accidents at home just because he can't get upstairs quickly enough) but is too proud/stubborn to mention this to the Dr...

He can jst about prepare his own breakfast toast, but hot drinks are beyond his stamina levels to be safe.

Because of my mental health issues, I used to rely on him alot for going out, but now even the weekly Starbucks is too much. I have to get the shopping delivered.

I'm not looking for a social life, but wondered what support is available.

CH27

Contact Social Services & ask for an assessment of your needs.
They will put you in touch with whoever they think you need.

In the short term could you buy a man's wee bottle from the local chemist? Your OH could use that & then you could empty it for him? Not ideal but will save lots of washing but cutting out accidents.

Can you buy a stool for him to sit on whilst waiting for the kettle to boil?

Gigervamp

Check your local council website to see what help they can offer to carers. We have a carers centre in town that offers drop in sessions for advice on benefits as well as organised activities for carers.

ETA, isn't Tylenol an over the counter medicine? Can the doc not prescribe something stronger for the pain?

tanith

Is he not being referred for his knee pain? Surely something can be done whether it be a minor clean out/surgery or knee replacement , his GP should be referring him on unless of course there is nothing to be done.

InsideInsurance

Gigervamp wrote: »

ETA, isn't Tylenol an over the counter medicine? Can the doc not prescribe something stronger for the pain?

Tylenol is a brand, like Nurofen, rather than a drug. Their original tablets are paracetamol or there is the PM version that includes a basic antihistamine

Agree with others, if the pain is so bad why is he just taking paracetamol?

Raksha

I meant tramadol not tylenol, doh!

He's been referred to the pain clinic and physiotherapy. Hes had the thing with tiny needles...nothing seems to be having any effect. He's had an xray and it was nothing abnormal..

juliethemuse

I bet he's itching like a dog with fleas taking all those Tramadol! they are very strong.
There's a Facebook group called 'Caring for a loved one' I have had loads of support and helpful advice from other members. if you would like I could ask for you to be added to the group?

Person_one

http://www.carersuk.org

Is he having any more investigation into what is causing the pain?

belfastgirl23

I reckon if it's this bad he should not be living with it. He needs to get himself back to the doctor asap and become a thorn in their side. Something must be causing it!

KxMx

I would urge him to go back to GP or speak to pain specialist about trying new medication.

I too have had unexplained pain which has got worse over the years. I too have been shuffled off into symptom management because my Consultant has run out of testing/diagnosis ideas (and i've been to several other departments, seen numerous Drs and other Hospitals) All my problems are undiagnosed, sadly long-term undiagnosed health problems are not as rare as some think.

Tried on many many things which didn't work. Codeine dulled it ok in one joint (arm) but didn't help the others. After a year of the other joints (hips) getting worse my GP came up with something new for me to try and it has worked amazingly well. Early days but very good results. Even my blood pressure has gone down and mentally I am coping better.

I honestly thought a) there was nothing left for me to try and b) since it was years since I have responded to anything it wasn't worth looking to change.

I am more than happy to say I was wrong on both counts.

DigForVictory

+1 for back to the medics, individually & as a couple.
Spell out to the GP that the status quo is not viable.

Hope things improve for you both!