Hello, I will soon undergo a medical assessment at BEM in Montreux with a doctor, in order to evaluate my current condition, functional limitations, and ability to work. My orthopedic problems involving my hip and knee started after a bicycle accident a few years ago. Despite these problems, I continued working for a long period. Last winter, I experienced a major flare-up after having to remain standing for a prolonged period during a trip. My pain and limitations worsened significantly and persistently, and this deterioration eventually led to me going on medical leave. Since then, I have not returned to my previous level of functioning despite physiotherapy and different medical treatments. I still have significant hip and knee problems, and hip surgery is currently being considered. I have also developed a high sensitivity to pain in my knee, which makes rehabilitation very difficult. Even fairly standard physiotherapy exercises can sometimes trigger severe pain, with flare-ups that may continue after the activity. I am still doing physiotherapy, but progress has to be very gradual and adapted to what I can tolerate. In everyday life, I have difficulty with prolonged standing. Slopes and stairs are also challenging, and I sometimes use a cane for support. Driving has become very limited as well. I can still make short trips, but driving for too long significantly increases my pain and I then need time to recover. These mobility limitations have also reduced my social activities and contributed to greater social isolation. I have tried adapting different activities to remain as independent as possible. For example, I tried cooking while sitting down to avoid standing. However, even this has become difficult: prolonged sitting and certain movements can trigger significant knee pain that may continue after the activity. My partner therefore helps me a lot with meal preparation. I now do all my grocery shopping online and also receive outside help with some household tasks. For certain journeys, I use adapted transportation services and assistance from SBB/CFF at train stations. I am still undergoing physiotherapy and actively looking for medical solutions. Hip surgery is being considered, and I also have further specialist consultations planned to assess other treatment options for the persistent knee pain. I also receive regular psychological support, which has been renewed by my GP. Chronic pain, reduced independence, social isolation, numerous medical appointments, physiotherapy, and constantly having to search for a solution have become psychologically difficult to cope with over time. Psychological support helps me manage discouragement and negative thoughts, maintain some emotional stability, and remain engaged in my treatment and rehabilitation. Some consultations can be done remotely to avoid unnecessary travel that could worsen my pain. The pain also affects my sleep. It can make it difficult to fall asleep, and some nights are particularly difficult. The resulting fatigue then adds to the pain during the day. Professionally, I worked as an engineer in a technical field. My job was not limited to sitting in front of a computer; it also involved travelling to sites to inspect and check installations. My former employer had already raised concerns that my mobility limitations could become problematic in the long term for this type of role. The pain also has a significant impact on my concentration. When it increases and persists, it takes up a large part of my attention. Fatigue from poor sleep can make this even worse. It becomes difficult to maintain several hours of intellectual work with the concentration, accuracy, and productivity required in an engineering role. So far, I have not found medication that reduces the pain sufficiently and sustainably to allow me to function normally for several hours. Strong painkillers can of course have a role when medically indicated, but relying on heavy medication long term does not seem like a sustainable solution for returning to a normal professional life. My goal remains to find treatment that leads to a lasting improvement and allows me to recover progressively. For anyone who has undergone a similar medical assessment, and especially anyone who has been assessed at BEM in Montreux: how did the appointment go? What kind of questions were you asked? Are there any mistakes to avoid? I would be particularly interested in hearing from people who have undergone a medical assessment in a similar situation: how did the doctor assess your ability to work, and what happened afterwards? And if anyone has experienced very sensitive or reactive pain that makes progress with conventional physiotherapy difficult, I would also really appreciate hearing about your experience. Thank you very much for your advice and for sharing your experiences. submitted by /u/Weird_Guava_2821
Originally posted by u/Weird_Guava_2821 on r/Switzerland