What do you do when you start to lose your mobility?

Parva

Coming at this from the very opposite angle....

I was extremely fit, no problems at all. I had been suffering so much pain in my left thigh / hip for many years but having taken doctors advice kept getting physio treatment (which seemed to make it worse). Regardless, went on holiday late September 2011 to Cyprus and the day before I came home went down a waterslide and broke my femur (little did I know at the time).

I won't bore you with the story (a history search should fill it in) but basically it turned out that I had bone cancer and had to lose my entire right leg, along with a big portion of my hip.

This sort of op is not the sort where you can just slot a prosthetic limb on and carry on as if little had changed.I completely understand the pains that those with lower limb loss have gone through to carry on as normal, even more so those with higer limb loss which is way way harder. Unfortunately my mum still thinks that I'll one day manage to walk but mine is worse than higher limb loss as I have no higher limb left! But anyway, this isn't about sympathy as I'm fine with it.

The point is that I underwent this drastic surgery and yes, no complaints about my treatment whilst hospitalised but since being released, I've been pretty much along. I did get an OT from Social Services and she did get me a stairlift and wetroom installed all on a grant from the local council, I have no complaints there whatsover. Other than that though, I have been left to my own devices, I have zero help or support from anybody but family.

I was never expecting people to turn up at my door and roll a carpet out for me but I have been surprised at how little there is after the 'main event'. Other than my family (thank god I have them) there is absolutely no support or contact from anybody! Maybe that's partially my fault aswell for not reaching out and asking but I have no idea who to ask, there's just nothing. I'm ok regardless, due to having family but would hate to be here on my own.

Scully38

quidsinquentin wrote: »

I wonder if anyone can offer a view/suggestion/comment on this issue?

I've been asked for advice as I used to work in both the health service and advice service, but tbh, I don't have a clue what to suggest. So I agreed to post a query on here.

A friend has a serious problem with walking. He's developed what appears to me to be an aggressive form of arthritis in his lower limbs - specifically knees and hips, but a touch in the ankles too.

So, two years ago he could run around a field, walk perfectly normally and do normal work, exercise & activities.

18 months ago, he developed (diagnosed) arthritis in his left knee and it became difficult - but not impossible - to do much of what he normally did

Six weeks ago he appears to have had an 'episode' of something 'arthritic' which has virtually crippled his right knee, affected both his hips and made the left knee much worse. It's also affected his ankles somewhat.

I would estimate he's lost about 60% of his mobility, perhaps more, as there are now times he cannot walk properly at all. He also needs to use a walking stick 100% of the time. He's also had two falls due to instability - both not serious though. If he's not in discomfort he's in pain, which appears to be most of the time. Prognosis is that it will probably get worse.

He's currently on ESA (WRAG). It took him six weeks to get a GP appointment, and the GP was reluctant to send him for physio but eventually agreed to.

The real question is here.

When he asked the GP for advice on 'what to do' - basically how to deal with his new immobility, he was met with a shrug and a blank stare. He's asked about wheelchairs and walking aids etc, but got a 'no idea' from the GP. And no further helpful comments. The friend lives on his own in a third-floor flat.

The issue is that he's no idea how to deal with his immobility, what he should or should not be doing, using or not using. Basically, what do you do when you start to lose your mobility?

Any thoughts/suggestions?

Thanks.

PS - the GP surgeries in and around his area are completely snowed under with work and problems. Moving surgery - first thing that occurred to me - is not an good option for him as some nearby surgeries are in an even worse state than his own. They've been in the news.

PPS - Mods - please feel free to move this to a more appropriate board if there is one.

When I last saw my GP a month or so ago, I explained I was falling down stairs, outside etc, my pain consultant increased my meds, but I needed help with my mobility. I pad for my own adjustable bed and my own mobility scooter. The assessor I saw when I went for my PIP assessment suggested I go back to my GP and request he refer me to the Occupational Therapist.

The Occupational Therapist (OT) can arrange for people to get sticks/crutches/wheelchair and look at adaptions at home. So it's worthwhile going back to the GP and asking for a referral to the OT. Alternatively your friend can ask to be seen at the Muscularskeletal clinic, they're a bit like a gateway service (can arrange physio, MRI's, CT scans and OT. So either of those may help.