I'm fairly new to the forum and hope my question is OK and hasn't been covered before. I am a fairly well preserved 63 year old. At least it seems I look that way!
However, I have recently started suffering from a very painful knee and back, and have been told by my GP it is probably arthritis. Until now I have been very active and am used to helping various relatives with decorating, shopping and odd jobs as well as enjoying going on long walks, joining my daughters in zumba classes etc. I now find these activities quite painful. I have quietly mentioned that I have started to be in pain, have told family I have had x rays and let them know the doctors verdict, but this does not seem to have sunk in. I don't want to come across as a "moaning minnie" or be a drag on people and I am embarrassed to refuse to help and to turn down invitations. My family don't seem to be aware that I cannot always do what I have until now and don't realise that I struggle to lift, carry, get up from low seats etc.
How can I get the message across firmly and clearly but without too much fuss?
I've got another 'keen'... Ouch!