- Osteonecrosis
- Interviews
Cheryl's interview
How did all start?
I have bilateral AVN of the knee. I have been having discomfort in my knees for a few years. I was told that I had osteoarthritis. I went to a rheumatologist and got supart injections. One morning I woke up in pain as soon as I got out of bed I was in screaming pain. My husband took me into the ER. There I got an x-ray and was misdiagnosed with just a Baker’s cyst. So I knew something was really wrong and got in with my Orthopedic surgeon. He ordered an MRI and it came back as AVN in my left knee.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Yes I do have a diagnosis of Osteoporosis. It took me a month to get the diagnosis.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
At this time I was referred to Stanford hospital for evaluation and treatment. As of today no treatments have been ordered.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
The Avascular Necrosis support group website on Facebook.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
When I’m in a flare. It is hard and painful to get around or do any chores. I spend a lot of time with my ice bag on the couch.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Fortunately my family has rallied around me with love and support. I think that my family relationships have become closer especially with my mother.
What things have you stopped doing?
Driving for the most part in case I have another spasm in my legs. When in a flare most house work falls onto my husband.
What do you think about the future?
I will be around to see my grandson grow up. I’m not sure at what capacity that will be yet.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
My thirties were my best years. I was full of life back then. I danced the night away.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Dance, drive go for long walks.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Productive, fun and a little bit wasted.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Have hope for the future. Enjoy every minute because time goes by very quickly, very quickly. Strive to be the best you. Smile more it will lighten your day and probably someone else’s. Enjoy life no matter what your situation is.
