In September, my life changed. In September, I became disabled.
Arthritis has been my constant companion for about ten years. I always tried to give it as little attention as possible, only acknowledging it when its twinges and aches caused me to limp or grimace. A pill, a rub, perhaps some heat or cold and I went on my way.
But in September, my left hip degenerated to severe, and I went from walking two and a half kilometres most days to maybe making it to the top of the street. I saw the X-ray of both my hips. On the right, there is some cartilage present and it works, for the most part, like a normal hip. On the left, it looks like a dog chewed the bone. Bone on bone, sticking out parts–yuck. My left leg has also become significantly shorter than my right, throwing all alignment out. Fun stuff.
The doctor sent me for physio. The physiotherapist watched in alarm as I wobbled across the room and asked me if I had considered a cane.
I have one of those faces which displays in neon lights every thought that passes through my brain, and I gave him a look of complete horror. No, I hadn’t considered a cane. Ever. He kindly showed me how it made walking more comfortable, and the next day I conceded and bought one covered in butterflies. At least it could be a pretty cane.
One of the side effects of the pandemic is that we don’t see each other, except perhaps on a Zoom screen. The changes in my mobility are dramatic and startling, so when people do see me I observe the concerned questions in their eyes. My neighbours watch me trudge up the street, leaning on my cane and imploring Teddy not to pull, and they look alarmed. Watching me aim my nether ends for the seat of my car and then painfully drag my legs in must make them wonder about my driving. It’s fine once I’m in. Honest.
Sleep has been a huge issue. I fall asleep immediately, but get wakened by pain and often remain awake for the rest of the night. Three hours is a good night’s sleep for me. I resemble Frankinstein’s monster when I get up (and I’m not referring to my wild hair) as I grope for walls and chairs to get around. It’s not pretty.
Sitting on my heating pad is the most comfortable, but if I sit too long everything seizes up. The first several steps after sitting raise my pain meter to a nine. It never goes below a five.
However, there is good news and more good news.
This isn’t a permanent condition. I need surgery, a total hip replacement, and after that I should improve significantly. I may also be looking at surgery in the future on my right knee. I’m not sure at this point, but eventually these situations will be corrected. I will get my life (and mobility) back.
The other good news is the unique insight I’ve been given, both into our elders and into those struggling with disabilities. Every person has their own spin on things and I can only give my own, but this experience has opened my eyes in ways not possible if I hadn’t lived it. 
For the next few weeks, I’d like to share with you what I’m learning and how it might be applied. How does pain suck the life from me? How am I affected emotionally? And what should you do and not do when interacting with me or anyone, including an elder, dealing with pain and disability?
Stay tuned!
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Thanks for the informative article. I also have arthritus but nothing like yours. It certainly can age a person overnight.
In my case, i did find that sugar in my diet, (or less sugar) makes a difference in my aches and pains. Im not saying, that works for everyone but, it helps me. Hopefully you will have surgery soon. Some doctors seem to have more pull but lockdown doesnt help. My much younger neighbour got knee replacement really fast.
Wishing you well. Take care
Thanks for your comment. Limiting sugar is good advice for all kinds of dietary issues. I actually dropped wheat from my diet about 5 years ago and sugar about 2 years ago. Now I’m working on limiting salt…