Arthritis,what's the prognosis?

Freiheit

A parent is getting increasingly disabled. Arthritis of the spine/spondylosis. I'm concerned as to their future mobility and also as to the implications for me if I've a disabled parent, and my relations with family are tortured.

They have had a one very bad phase in the past and made a strong recovery.

I'm just wondering does anyone here have arthritis? or a family member with such? and if so how do they manage? do you adjust the household layout? or move to a more suitable house? or require home help? or is there much that drugs can do?.


Any words appreciated.

danke schoen
F

nesbitt

My Dad is 81 and has had a knee replacement (he is consulting about organising for his 2nd knee to be replaced early next year). So not exactly the same disability but can share the adjusts made to help him and my Mam to cope.

Dad still drives but plans his journeys and keep them short and functional. My parents have made adjustments to their bathroom including a toilet that is higher up than standard. Grab rails are important for aiding frail balance. An additional grab rail was fitted to their stairs wall too. They are currently looking to purchase a special chair for Dad again higher up than normal armchair seat level, this really aids his comfort throughout the day. Dad uses a special box for his meds can be dispensed for each.

I note that you say your relationship is perhaps strained so try to put out your hand so to speak and be involved. Talk to other relatives and over time you will gain general knowledge how to help cope with ongoing illness.

Help out as much as you can and show your concern in practical way on an ongoing basis. Be on the end of the phone too if they need you.

Ickle Magoo

Can we please leave diagnosis and/or pharmaceutical recommendations up to the medical professionals who examine the OP's parent.

If you haven't already done so, please take the time to read the [URL=" http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056181484"]forum rules[/URL] in the charter.

Many thanks

jessiejam

Sorry OP had posted here but it was deleted. Apologies.

Emme

OP, talk to your parents' GP and if possible arrange for an occupational therapist to see them and discuss any necessary adjustments or specialist equipment.

LeixlipRed

I'm not sure boards is the place for the advice you require. For example my Dad is 52 and had had arthritis in his hip for almost 15 years. He was told he'd need a hip replacement from 45. Yet he has barely suffered from it and still plays football for an over 35s team. I'm sure some people could give you horrific stories about their own or others' suffering but you'd have no real clue what that meant for you and your relative. Talk to their GP is my advice, good luck!

Freiheit

Thanks,she is seeing her g.p. thursday and I've asked her to see a specialist thereafter. I love her a lot and I'll do whatever I can to help.

But I'm worried about being forced into the role of a full-time carer in a family who don't accept me. I really want to leave the town,as there is no life here for me. The thoughts of Mum loosing her independence fill me with dread. I'm the youngest,last one at home,but nobody is more ill-suited to the home than me. I'm an alien within the family.

I'll contribute as best I can financially and help out physicaly where I can. But I can't give up my own life,especially not in those circumstances.

black & white

OP, I've had Ankylosing Spondolitis, as well as another type of arthritis, for over 20 years and am managing fine through a mixture of meds, exercise and (sometimes) healthly living. I'll be 50 at next birthday.

I suppose the point I'm making is that just because your parent has a diagnosis doesn't mean that they will need round the clock care.

As someone mentioned, get them to see a GP and a Rheumatologist. Get an appointment with an OT if needed.

Look on the bright side ! It may not get any worse.