Tina's story: "I try to get on with life despite being in constant pain"

Waiting years for surgery

Living with osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis, Tina from Ferryside in Wales is incapacitated with shoulder immobility and lives in constant pain. She has been waiting for a double shoulder replacement and wrist surgery for three years.

"I live with osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis. I’ve been waiting for a double shoulder replacement and surgery on my wrist for three years. For two years, I haven’t been able to lift my shoulders and have relied on my husband for basic aspects of life."

"He is my rock. He does everything for me: cutting up my food, even brushing my hair because I can’t lift my shoulders high enough. Before he goes to work, he gets cups ready, my bowl for cereal and makes sure bottles are open for me."

Surgery that never came

"In early 2024, I came off my biologic medication in preparation for surgery, but the operation date never came. It became so unbearable that I even considered going private, but it would have
cost around £18,000 per shoulder."

"I had my first shoulder operation in October 2024 and finally had my second in August 2025. I had to chase my second operation up numerous times, and eventually they were able to fit me in quickly –
if I hadn’t had it in August, I would have had to wait until February."

Assessing long-term joint damage

"It’s such a relief to have had the surgery, but it’s a ‘wait and see’ as to whether the long wait will impact my recovery or have caused permanent damage. On the other side of the coin, I am still waiting for my right wrist surgery and have now been referred to the same specialist for my left wrist as it’s getting worse."

"I know it’s not just me on a waiting list, but people don’t see what happens when you close the front door and try to get on with life despite being in constant pain."