As a person that has limited movement in the knees
due to crippling arthritis I depend on my family for support. Despite having several knee surgeries and
being told I am too young for knee replacements I have to rely on the aid of my
ex-husband and children in completing many different tasks. The arthritis limits the range of motion of
my knees thus making it difficult to walk for a distance and when walking
stairs. I use a cane generally as support to provide stability and take
frequent breaks when walking along with several medicines to ease the pain. While I can sort my laundry I reply on my
children to bring it up and down the stairs and to wash as dry them for me. I can no longer walk the track or malls for exercise. My knees prohibit me from walking with friends
or family in the mall shopping, attend shopping trips, or sit for long periods
of time with my knees bent. I think the
use of the various medicines I take aids in the relief on some of the pain but
it does not take it totally away. The medicines make it some that I can
function. The only downfall with the medicine
is that it makes me sleep which also stops me for living my life to the
fullest.
Despite my limited abilities, I think that if I did
not have my family, medication, or cane I would not be able to function at all. I would not be able to complete household
chores of laundry, cooking or cleaning.
Even though I cannot walk the mall like I once did, I can at least go to
the mall for a specific purpose of shoes for me children or one maybe two
stores that are close together. If it
were not having this crippling ailment I don’t think I would realize the
important knees play a part in the daily functions in my life nor would I appreciate
the help given from family and support.
While I don’t have this crippling disease, I do
suffer from the need of knee replacements and have had four procedures done on
each knee. I do need both knees replaced
but have had two surgeons tell me that I am too young for the procedure because
replacements are only guaranteed for ten to twelve years and would have to be
redone. They recommend I wait until I am
in my 70’s to get it done. I also have
had surgery on my back and neck resulting in three screws being implanted. I do rely on my friends and family for support
and only take the medicine if I am in great pain. I am trying to live my life as much as normal
as possible despite my limitations.
Wow, Quandra! Your post is so moving! And I am so sorry that you are suffering so bad with your knees, however I am glad to know that you have people in your life that loves and help you manage day to day living. I know it would be hard without them in your life and you mentioned an ex-husband that still looks out for you. Keep your head up and try to get a second opinion about the knee replacements. But until then put your faith in God's unchanging hand. You are going through this for a reason because weeping endures for a night, but joy, unspeakable joy comes in the morning.
ReplyDeleteQuandra, greetings! I was so touched by your post, Isaiah 53:5, "But he was wounded for my transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastise-ment of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Be encouraged, and looked to the hills, all things are possible to him that believe. Can God?, God Can!
ReplyDeleteQuandra,
ReplyDeleteIn the time I have gotten to know you through your blog and classes we've taken together, never did I know that you were suffering! You are a strong and dedicated individual.I really admire you for that. I can only imagine what pain you have gone through. My late mother had two open heart surgeries and I seen her pull through and I often wonder where does one get that kind of inner strength? She made me a stronger person for it. You are a inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your story and God bless.
Great post and I am sorry to hear about the issues that you are having with your knees. I understand the feeling of only getting minimal releif from pain medications and wanting so desperately for the pain to be gone and getting back to a normal life. You are lucky to have family around you to help you when you need them and I am sure that you provide them with support in certain areas even while they assist you.
ReplyDelete