[diannecp]

This is like deja vu. Last spring, DH injured his knee somehow. It was a long 2 months. We are going thru the same thing again now with the other knee - only this time it doesn't appear to be a bruise or sprain, that they can see - just a bad gout attack. he seems to be in more pain this time though. he's on the 3rd set of meds (trying indocin & vicodin) and still not getting much relief at all. i am driving him an hour downtown to work in the mornings and should probably be picking him up too. tonight he said he didn't know about vacation, if he will make it. we are supposed to leave for the beach next Sat, going with my sister and her family. not sure if i would just go alone or not. kind of torn. of course i just want him to feel better. we are both just tired & irritable right now. thoughts and prayers appreciated.

[teecee]

Sorry to hear this Dianne. I'll certainly send some prayers for DH and you both. Hugs!

[luckyladybug]

Praying for peace, pain relief, and patience for you and your husband. I am so sorry that you are going through this.

I'm going through a bout with chronic pain myself right now with a herniated disc, and I know how frustrating the limitations are. It is really difficult when pain interferes with family life. We've had to adjust many travel and recreation plans this summer, too.

Sending lots of prayers and hugs!

[Smiles]

May angels of healing and strength be with your husband, and angels of wisdom and discernment be with you.

[KayMitch]

Sorry to hear about your DH Dianne. Hoping for an agreeable solution to all your problems. Kay

[ValerieT]

I'll keep you, Dianne and your DH in my thoughts. I hope he gets some relief from the pain soon.

[Belle]

So sorry to hear about you DH. It's horrible to be in pain all the time. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.

[Sara Arell]

I'm so sorry, Dianne - I do remember when your dh injured his knee before! Sending prayers for recovery and some quick relief for the pain.

[MariJ]

So sorry, Dianne - will keep you in my thoughts..

[AggieB]

Adding my prayer, Dianne! I hope your dh is feeling better soon. Perhaps your husband should consider the vacation - it might be good not to be feeling like he had to do things & go places (like work). Anyway, hope things work out for you.

[PBarnes]

I'm so sorry to hear that your husband is suffering. I agree with Aggie. If he could just go and relax, maybe that might be beneficial for his recovery. But, I can understand his not wanting to be a wet blanket on everyone elses fun. Tough decision. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Cheri T]

I'll certainly keep you all in my prayers. Has he sought a second opinion yet, to make sure gout is the diagnosis and that there isn't any other type of medication that might help now?
*hugs* I hope things improve very soon!

[scrappinchar]

Adding my prayers for you both.

[tinkerbell11]

So sorry Dianne, I have struggled alot with my knees also , I hope your DH finds some relief soon! Thoughts and prayers to you!

[KFiasco]

I'll put you and your husband on my list.

Karen

[Smiles]

It is possible to balance a vacation with not overextending an injury. My DH was pretty much a semi-invalid for a number of years (thankfully he's making great progress now) with fibro. We found cruises were great - he could just rest on the days he wasn't up to going out. If your DH is one to happily occupy himself alone, it might be a great thing. The trick is that you both have to be firm with everyone else that this is fine, he just needs to take care of himself, and he'll join in when he can. The other thing is you really need to get rides in airports - the little electric carts are wonderful, especially with a close connection. And if you have access to a handicapped parking permit, bring it along. You can usually get a temporary one pretty quickly. Best of luck with this!

[elibar]

Good advice Gayle! I too am no stranger to those living with someone who suffers chronic pain. I know how irritable both of us can get! I pray that your DH is given the strength to manage the pain well, and that he will heal. I pray that you are given endurance to be a good caregiver, that you can give care when needed and accept it when it is given to you.

[SodScrap]

Dianne-I will keep you and your DH in my prayers!

[Nica]

You and your DH are obviously not alone. There's quite a few of us here that either suffer chronic pain (me) or are a caregiver (my DH). Praying that the two of you find a balance that works.

As for vacations, I agree with Gayle. If it is possible, both of you go. There's been times where I get there and I'm fine and other times where I just send DH and stay behind at the hotel/campsite. I do miss out on stuff, but at least he has a chance to live a "normal" life. And, neither of you should feel guilty about it! If he just can't go, find a friend to check in on him periodically. In my case, my pastor/boss helps out or a girlfriend.

Praying for you!

[yellowrose]

Will certainly be saying a prayer for your husband and for you too, Diane.

[diannecp]

Thanks all. Good advice on the vacation. I have pretty much decided that unless he is critically in need of my care, I'm at least going. That, it seems, is influencing his decision not to want to be left behind. Even if all he did was lay around and watch TV all week, it's still not work. We are driving and a 6.5-7 hr drive may just take us 9 or so, stopping often.

It has been a month now, with this round. i think what happens is he twists it or stresses it somehow and that causes a flare-up. not really sure what more can be done but I did suggest going to his PCP (he just went straight to the ortho this time, thinking it was a sprain/bruise again). We are having email wars today (LOL) about his diet! Not really but he just doesn't get that it's not what he ate yesterday but what he ate the past weeks or even months. He really has to get himself educated. I have a hard time dealing with all his ailments, for such a young guy (48), because many of them could be adjusted by lifestyle. And that doesn't compute with him.

Anyways, thanks for all the input and prayers - much appreciated.

[LauraS]

Hope he feels better, and you get to enjoy your trip.

[AggieB]

Have a great vacation!