How Pathway through Arthritis helps Amanda to manage her osteoarthritis pain

Amanda began experiencing pain in her knees and legs when she was on her feet for long periods of time. Activities such as shopping became increasingly difficult as the pain gradually increased. After seeking help from her GP in late 2024, an X-ray resulted in a diagnosis of severe osteoarthritis in both knees.

Pain medication was not an option due to Amanda's concerns about becoming addicted but she found hot water bottles and heat rub helpful. Steroid knee injections were offered to help with the pain, however, issues inserting the needle led to excruciating pain so the procedure was aborted and not attempted again.

A physician recommended Pathway through Arthritis and Amanda enrolled via the Arthritis UK helpline. She was wary at first due to her learning difficulties but found the program easy to understand and access. The bite-sized nature of the modules also helped with her concentration issues.

Beneficial effects were felt immediately. She found the pacing, mindfulness and meditation elements particularly helpful, practicing them every day. Her psychotherapist sister had introduced her to mindfulness before but Amanda had not understood it. She found the program modules easy to listen to and understand though.

Before bed, Amanda always listens to one of the guided meditations to calm her, reduce her pain and aid better sleep as her pain levels increase at night. She also benefited from hearing the stories of others living with arthritis.

By practicing the skills learnt from Pathway through Arthritis, Amanda has managed her pain incredibly well without painkillers, reducing her levels from 9 to 10 down to 1 or 2. She is on the waiting list to have the double knee replacement and will continue practicing her skills following that.