Escape pain courses; Livewell.

Yes, I’ve been referred twice. Once for each knee. Yes, I know that sounds daft but it’s part of the pathway here to get to see a surgeon.

I enjoyed the sessions, part input and discussion but largely structured exercises in the hospital gym. Did it help? Yes and no. It certainly encouraged me to continue to be as active as possible gave me ideas for basic strengthening I could do at home. Both times the group was supportive, small in number and we had a good laugh at our wobbles. For example my attempt on a wobble board triggered near hysteria. No in that whatever the physio running the course said exercise doesn’t replace cartilage. If it’s gone it’s time to see a surgeon.

There’s an article in Sundays TImes that mentions it. I’m going to make some enquiries. I really feel that it would help me.

They do sound interesting, but would I be able to summon up the energy to actually do these exercises? Years and years of disturbed sleep, and loss of appetite have left me exhausted and reluctant to even bother betting out of bed in a morning.
I was referred to a Pain Clinic last year where the young doctor prescribed those horrid little plastic bottles of meal replacements as she considered (correctly) that I needed more protein.
They were impossible - sweet, fruit flavoured, milky drinks - gloopy to swallow and the smell made me heave, so I gave up.
Maybe I gave in too soon.

Getting out of bed**

There are exercise videos to do at home and seems you can self refer.
escape-pain.org/i-have-knee-hip-pain/exercise-videos/

You’re lucky to be prescribed fortis in cause they’re really expensive. Since I’ve been less mobile I’ve increased my protein intake and I’ve lost quite a bit of weight. Someone from Livewell phoned me back today and she was really helpful.

I asked my physio to give me some exercises for my hip and back but she just said let’s concentrate on your knee, but I was sure that it was actually my hips that were causing the most trouble when I walked. Not because I had pain in them but because of my change in posture. And the consultant when I saw him asked me if my hips were ok. Those exercises look promising. Thanks for the link.

Yes, my OH was referred to an Escape Pain course some years ago now, following severe knee pain, and it has been so beneficial to him. At the time, he was concerned about what happened once the course was completed, and the instructor advised him that he ran gym classes specifically for people with knee, hip, joint problems, general health issues and post surgery. He has never looked back, using the gym three times a week for classes, including tai chi, and a general workout.