Sometimes called degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition of the joints, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. Although it occurs in people of all ages, osteoarthritis is most common in people older than 65.
In osteoarthritis, there is a breakdown in the cartilage covering the ends of bones where they meet to form a joint and allow movement. As the cartilage wears away, the bones become exposed and rub against each other. The deterioration of cartilage also affects the shape and makeup of the joint so that it no longer functions smoothly. You may notice a limp when you walk, or you may have trouble going up and down stairs because those movements put additional stress on the joint.
Other problems can occur inside the joint as cartilage breakdown affects the joint components. Fragments of bone or cartilage may float in joint fluid, causing irritation and pain. Spurs, or osteophytes, can develop on the ends of the bones, damaging surrounding tissues and causing pain. Fluid inside the joint may not have enough of a substance called hyaluronan, which may affect the joint’s ability to absorb shock. And although inflammation is not a main symptom of osteoarthritis, it can occur in the joint lining in response to the cartilage breakdown.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Symptoms of osteoarthritis vary, depending on which joints are affected and how severely they are affected. However, the most common symptoms are stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning or after resting, and pain. The most commonly affected joints are the lower back, hips, knees and feet. When those joints are affected you may have difficulty with such activities as walking, climbing stairs and lifting objects.
Other commonly affected joints are the neck and fingers, including the thumb base. When finger and hand joints are affected, osteoarthritis can make it difficult to grasp and hold objects, such as a pencil, or to do delicate tasks, such as needlework.
Like other chronic conditions, osteoarthritis has no single, specific cause. Instead, there are several factors involved in the disease, including heredity and lifestyle. The following factors may contribute to osteoarthritis:
Genes: One possibility is that certain people may have a defect in the gene responsible for the body’s production of collagen, the protein that makes up cartilage. This somewhat rare genetic defect might lead to abnormally weak cartilage that wears down after just a few decades of normal activity, causing osteoarthritis as early as age 20.
isn't a day that something don't hurt. I have OA, RA, fibro, sciatica, scoliosis, heart issues,lipomas, and a host of other stuff. I'd like to go on disability but the rhummie I went to only wants to put me on drugs. I know the stress levels of doing a 40 hour work week doesn't help, especially having to shovel snow for an hour or so to drive to work in a storm so bad all you can hope is to still be on the road and get there. I only take skelaxin and hydrocordone when I have to and do most with herbal suppliments. Here's to hoping they find a cure for this.
Acupuncture, done by a well trained practitioner, can be far more effective than drugs and has NO SIDE EFFECTS. Although for some people it may not be effective, for others it allows them to cancel surgery plans. I hope some of you will give it a try (PS I have no professional affiliation, just a fellow sufferer sharing ideas)
All, hopefully this information can be of some help for those of you (especially those who are "younger"- 40's or younger) who are experiencing hip pain or have been given a diagnosis of hip OA.
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is the most common cause of OA of the hip (though I do not see any information about hip dysplasia at all anywhere on this website- indeed most people know more about it in dogs than humans.) Hip dysplasia is present in 1 out of every 1,000 live births. 80% of those diagnosed with DDH are female, and most are first born. Most diagnoses of hip OA are generally accepted to be SECONDARY to a developmental deformity (such as dysplasia) in North America today: surgeons at prestigious Harvard Medical School state that 43% of all hip OA cases are associated with hip dysplasia. Only 20% of hip OA cases are believed to be primary. Source is here at the Journal of Orthopedics, Harvard Medical School:
http://www.orthojournalhms.org/volume11/manuscripts/PDF/V11_om_13.pdf
You cannot "healthy lifestyle" your way out of hip dysplasia. It is a mechanical deformity of the hip, plain and simple. But there is hope.
The periacetabular osteotomy surgery (PAO, for short) is considered to be the preferred surgical correction of hip dysplasia, a much better option than a total hip replacement for those patients who are deemed good candidates (and for whom OA has not progressed too much, yet.) Though it has an initial recovery period that is somewhat more difficult than that of a hip replacement, it is worth it: this procedure preserves and improves the function of the patient's own hip joint rather than replacing it with an artificial one. The goal of the PAO is to reduce or eliminate pain, restore function, and maximize the functional life of the dysplastic hip. More often than not, no additional surgeries are needed with no limitations whatsoever on the patient's activities, post-op. I know, because I had a PAO on each of my hips this year with excellent results. It was tough, but it was so, so worth it. I look forward to returning to all of my activities, likely without another surgery for the rest of my life. Thank goodness I found out about this incredible surgical option before it was too late.
**I urge anyone who is experiencing hip pain (particularly women) to research periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) surgery to see if you might be a candidate, and hip dysplasia. An excellent place to start is to check out the "Hip Chicks Unite" hip dysplasia and impingement support group online: www.hipchicksunite.org. There is a staggering lack of education in the public (and among medical practitioners, unfortunately, as evidenced perhaps by a complete lack of information on the Arthritis Foundation's website, here) on developmental dysplasia of the hip and the corrective surgeries that can FIX this problem completely, thus eliminating the need for hip replacement surgery and subsequent painful, technical revision replacements. For more information on hip dysplasia, you can also check out the very informative website for Children's Hospital Boston's Adolescent and Young Adult Hip Unit:
http://www.childrenshospital.org/clinicalservices/Site1163/mainpageS1163P7. html
I go to a sports chiropractor who adjusts my back because my gait is off due to having the toe fusion. I don't know if people with toe fusions know this but you are at high risk of knee and hip replacement as a result of having toe fusion.
I can't say enough about my chiropractor. It is because of him that I can continue to train and race. Also losing weight helps me tremendously in terms of managing this disease.
I feel so badly when I read posts that are so riddled with pain. I hope for all of you that you find the level of relief that I did. And even though I have it in my hands and my other foot, I continue to put one foot in front of the other because that's the only way I can deal with it.
Prayers and *Hugs* to all of you!!!
I have been diagnosed with OA in my neck. I have also spent time in bed but I have a family that usually understands this. I also have 6 pinched nerves in my neck that is greatly affecting my hands. Anything with a vibration that I used with my hands puts me in bed for a few hours after use. This includes vacuum cleaner, food mixer, lawn mower, snow blower, etc. Even cooking, chopping and cutting food, affects me. I like to knit but I have to hold it at eye level because I can't hold my neck down. When I knit it makes my arms tired. I am looking for suggestions for modifications to my current lifestyle. Any suggestions?
How can I help in managing her? With everything. physically, mentally etc. diet..
I still play basketball and weight train 6-days a week. Because of my knee issues, I take Spinn classes (5-days a week) for cardio.
I have found that ice after my workouts have helped to keep the pain down and after basketball I take a Ice-Bath (get in a bath tub filled with ice and water for 12-mins).
Also my Bodyfat is 5%.
I would suggest using ice or the ice bath to see if that helps with the pain.
As I read these posts, I become so emotional, especially when I read that no one believes the pain is there, and that you can "just get up and move!" Wow. How cruel those who do not know about this type of pain can be. I too, have constant pain in my thumb pads, hips (spurs have now been detected) feet and ankles. My doctor claims I have Osteoarthritis, (degenerative arthritis), but I am unsure of her diagnosis because of the pain in my hands, etc. The pain is excrutiating most of the time, and going up and down stairs makes me feel like I'm a hundred years old. I am 63, and did have a fracture in my right shoulder some yesrs ago, as well as an incident of twisting my ankle when I stepped into a hole at a campsite that was not well lit. I don't know exactly what I do have, but I have to take Vicodin for the pain. I sympathasize with everyone, and am looking for answers, myself. God bless you all.
My diagnoses are, OA, Fibro., Hypothryroidism, Chronic Fatigue, but this is what I need to know. I have severe deep burning pain throughout my buttocks. It is
the worst around my coccyx, and I cannot sit at all. I stand to eat, to watch tv., and when I can't stand I have to lie down. My doctor says it's OA but I don't think he's right. He wants to do rhizotomies at all facet joint levels. I had diagnostic facet joint injections but didn't get much relief, but this doesn't seem to matter to him. I'm on Opana but I don't tolerate it very well. I've even wondered if the burning is from the Opana. Thanks for your help.
I'm 46. I was diagonised with RA at 17. (sure I had for years before but blamed it on growing pains or working out to much trying to keep up with my girlfriends:) Was diagonised with OA & fibro recently. Along with a very long list of other medicals problems. So I do understand. I have been on full disability since 2002. I was lucky (if you want to call it that?). It only took me 1 try to get it. But I had great dr's backing me & helping get what I needed. It is nice to hear from people like me. Sometimes I feel as if it can't be as bad as I'm imagining. My dr says "Now I know your really sick! Crazy people think they are supposed to feel this way" haha He is a great dr!
After reading these posts I just have to write!!My bone Dr. put me on Advil (green gel caps) and Tramadol HCL-50mg. Tab.AKYM (prescription) I take 2 of each 4 times a day. It has been a great help. I pray this will help some if not all of you.
To learn more about possible causes and how to get to the root of the problem and resolve it, go here:
www.learninggnm.com
It's time for a new paradigm and for us to love and care for ourselves, including letting the body heal.
Blessings to Everyone
I am newly diagnosed with OA brought on by a tibial plateau fracture in November '08. After reading many of these comments I was beginning to get depressed about my chances of resuming my usual activities, especially full time employment. You helped put things back into perspective. From here on, I will try to be more positive and appreciative of all the Lord has provided!
Thank you and God Bless!
WHEN I REALLY HURT I LIE DOWN ON THE HEATING PAD FOR A BIT AND THAT HELPS.
WHEN I THINK OF THE HORRIBLE PAIN OUR YOUNG PEOPLE ARE GOING THROUGH AS THE RESULT OF INJURY OF WAR, I REMIND MYSELF TO STAY POSITIVE AND I THANK GOD EVERY DAY THAT I CAN STILL GET OUT OF BED AND WALK WITH A CANE OR A WALKER.
ALWAYS KEEP THE LORD AT YOUR SIDE AND STAY POSITIVE
DEE
i have constant pain every day. i have been
on just about every oral medication out there and nothing has helped because after a couple of months taking the meds my body starts rejecting the meds. either it causes
my liver tests to be extremely elavated or my kidney tests to abnormal. My doctor told me if i dont stop working i would be in a wheelchair within a year. So i went out on disability ba in 09 and i recently filed for ssdi. I know what most of you are going through with no understanding the pain. i have a 10 year old daughter that constantly wants me to go jump on the trampolene or ride bikes and it breaks my heart when i have to tell her no because i hurt to bad. My daughter does not understand why even talking to her about this disease she does not understand completely. will keep trying to do what i can.
have had arthritis for over 35 years. Luckily I am not as bad as a lot of you - when I read other posts I realize I am very
lucky. I have arthritis in my whole body. It has had some very bad times and some better times. Weather seems to have a lot to do with the pain. I was on a medication but it started to affect my kidneys so I am
now on Tylenol only. Helps some but some days not very helpful. I have found that taking 1 Tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in 8 ounces of hot water everyu
morning has helped me. You can also purchase
a cinnamon pill to take in place of the regular cinnamon. I have been on this for almost 9 months and it has helped me considerably. It is healthy for you and even
if you are diabetic it is safe. Get it a try.
I read all your comments and I feel like it's all been said. I'm 37 and have just found something that works for me. I was told when I was 19 that if I didn't stop playing college volleyball and skiing, I'd be in a wheelchair before I was 25. It took me 3 years to listen. Like all of you, i've had the pain, the swelling, the grinding, the debilitating pain. I've had it so bad I've collapsed and not been able to get back up, for years, I couldn't lift a simple jar of pickles out of the fridge because my knees, hips and back would not support the movement and extra weight. And no one understands. I do have a lot of arthritis in my family and so they know the pain, but outside of those that truly know it, my friends would look at me funny because I'd have to use my hands and arms to literally pull myself up the stairs by the railings. My knees grind so much, I can't sneak up on anyone. As I mentioned though, i have found something that is working for me. It removed the pain in the first 20 days and has been increasing the strength in my joints and body since I started on it. It's natural and organic based, which I totally love. If you'd like to look into it and see if it's for you, I started a business selling it because I believe in it and the science backs it up. I'm just updating my website, but come and learn at whatbonesdo.com It would be my pleasure to be able to help some or all of you experience life again, the way I do now. It's a wonderful feeling to be able to walk the stairs, to be able to carry my son upstairs without the fear of both of us falling because some joint of mine gives out, to be able to sit in a movie theatre, to be able to run in the park. I just want to share this with as many people as possible because it just feels so good! I feel free! I can live again! Thank you for reading this and I hope this is of benefit to you.
Karlina
I have spinal osteoarthritis, also of the hips and shoulder.I have recently seen an orthopaedic consultant who has ordered an M.R.I. for me. During his examination of me I was laid flat on his couch, which is very very painful for me. He asked me to raise my right leg ( which 4yrs ago I had a total hip replacement on )and I was really shocked to find that I couldn't lift it even an inch !
I sleep propped up every night, and I had absolutely no idea that I could not do this.
I suppose the scan that I will be having will show the reason why I am unable to do this.
I would be interested to learn if anyone has this problem and what was the outcome ?
Sincerely,
Diana
I have osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and I am diabetic. I use a mobility scooter because I am in pain 24/7 from mild to severe. I do stretching excercises and I make sure I get up and walk each day. I am unable to take any of the medications for arthritis because of other conditions and mixing meds. I have tried glucosimine plain and with chondroiton 3-4 times, but it raises my blood sugar levels up far too high and makes my diabetes unmanageable. I will say it worked like a dream to reduce pain. The person who said no one understands is correct. Even my family doesn't. They think I just have to get up walk and do things as I used to, in fact my son won't allow my mobility scooter in his house. He feels I can walk around and do stairs. In spite of it all, I try to stay happy , trust in God and move forward as best I can. I agree that faith is the best thing you can have to get you through My husband is very supportive. Thank you for listening.
I know exactly what you are talking about.
I started working construction when I was thirteen working with my dad. My spine is now wore out two back surgeries later and I am still in pain every day. It is now in my shoulders, elbows, knees, neck. So yes I know what you are talking
I, on the other hand, taught Jazzercise in the 70's on an unforgiving gym floor, took dance aerobics in the 80's before they came out with forgiving floors, went onto step classes in the 80's, boot camp and kick boxing in the 90's. I was so stupid. My joints were doing weird things back then. And the body stiffness has been around since I was in my 30's, but I ignored it.
I have what I call systemic osteoarthrits. It pervades every joint in my body as it did with my family above. The difference between them and me is that I beat my joints up exercising for years. My relatives had no damaged knees or toes or damage to their backs. My knees now have no cartilage, my big toe no longer bends ( the dr's said that I should consider fusing the joint on my big toe to get rid of the pain but I saved he insurance company lots of money because I procrastinated and the joint fused itself so to speak). There was so much arthritis in the joint and other junk that the joint doesn't move any more. My knees are swollen and have been for 15 years. I had arthroscopic surgery, which did nothing. My spine is clogged with arthritis. I still exercise and everything I do involves pain. If I see a set of stairs in front of me I want to turn and run (if I could). I have a thick gym mat next to my bed that I roll onto and stretch before I can walk in the morning. I honestly believe if I had been careful and smart about exercising that I possibly could have avoided a lot of this damage.
THE BIG PROBLEM: My daughter. Grew up with a mother that avidly exercised every day and is the same way. She is 22. Even though she has lived through this with me, knows she has a pre-disposition (if that is the right word) to this awful condition. She is a runner. I try tactfully to remind her that she should run on soft surfaces (ie grass or on an outdoor track) rather than asphalt. I see those beautiful knees smashing onto the hard surface and I cringe. She just got a masters in epidemiology (study of epidemics, which includes arthritis), so not only did she live through this with me, she studied it in school.
I am afraid of surgery. I have learned how to strengthen everything around my knees and have been doing it almost every day for years and it does work. The swelling is no less, but I do have some no pain days with my knees. I also keep my weight in check. That makes a HUGE difference.
Good luck to you all and talk to your kids.
The symptoms of stiffness came on suddenly and basically without warning. I now take an anti-inflammatory and am struggling with swelling in my legs(at times) and remembering that up until this, I was in perfect health, weight was good, everything. Now I am on a constant weight gain, (newlywed as well, which is definitely contributing) but also living an entirely different lifestyle.
It is extremely hard mentally to adjust to it all as I have seen in the other posts. Accepting that life will never be the same is the hardest part, then taking baby steps in learning how to cope, what works the best for each of us, and researching all there is to know an understand is the key.
Joining this group is my first step. Thanks to all out here...I don't feel so alone anymore.
My physician recommended that I see a specialist, but until I get health insurance. Unfortunately, the insurance company won't cover pre-existing condition :(.
I don't want to feel physical pain all my life, everyday. I agree with what one of the commenters said, it is hard to get people to understand what you are going through.
I remember saying to myself and others that I don't feel like myself (because of this arthritis disease). It's hard to enjoy things.
I guess I'm going to have to stay positive, or a have positive mindset and outlook and do the best I can. Thank you all for sharing, it's mind blowing to read what some of you went or are going through.
I am sorry to read of your discomfort. Perhaps I can offer some words to you and others. Might I suggest you get your legs measured. It is not unusual to find one longer than the other.
I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis. My British Doctor said that's life I am getting older and that's that. I am 56.
After trying many supplements without success I tried Cider vinegar. Within a couple of days I was feeling better.Not cured but better.
I had asked my Doctor for a hip replacement and he sent me to a specialist. The specialist said they would do the surgery but I told him that I would continue with the cider vinegar and see what happened. As an aside the specialist said I had one leg longer than the other. On the way out of the hospital I removed the Dr Scholl I had in my shoe on the longer leg again I felt some improvement. I have since had my legs measured and made a heel insert of half inch to balance my legs.
My theory is that the shorter leg has caused the arthritis in that hip. The doctor said that my body would compensate for the shorter leg which may be right but after 50+ years of walking around with uneven legs I believe it has taken a toll on my back and hip.
The theory behind the cider vinegar is that it dissolves the grit (uric acid) that builds up between the joints which is perhaps the cause of the arthritis in fingers toes etc.( http://www.margarethillsclinic.com/index.php ) I don't think I suffer from too much of that as I don't have pain in those areas but I believe I had enough to irritate my arthritic hip.
Finally I also suffer from Shingles which gives me pain in my back and leg which I was confusing with pain from Arthritis. I would suffer from aches in the back and leg for a week+ then the shingle rash would break out and then the pain would subside.
Good luck to all.
P.S. I find that the day after consuming a lot of alcohol (e.g. NY eve) the following day I have no pain at all. just a hangover ??
You stated you have had a rash for months. This happened to me several years ago. After using and taking everything they had to throw at me I went to my doctor's office one day and said I was not going to leave until they found out what was wrong.
I was asked "have we checked you for diabetes?" My reply was NO and you don't need to I don't have diabetes I have a rash! Well they checked anyway, I did have diabetes with an A1C of 10. When we got the diabetes under control the rash went away.
I also have OA and RA. Pain everyday and keeping my diabetes under control is very important. If you haven't been checked for diabetes lately ask for it to be done.
Good luck.
OA runs on the maternal family, my mother's mother and her threes isters had/have OA. I have expereiced thru family members what it can do ton your life. Along with that I also have high blood pressure for the pass 12-15 years (also runs in the family). I take my high blood pressure faithfully
I have pain, mostly low key, some days more difficult then others. On those days I may take 6 Tylenol, walking may be painful, but I continue to move. My son gave me a wonderful gift, a beautiful Pekingese puppy name "Chico". He is a "ham" and he forces me to walk. Swimming also helps. I also bike, occasionally, not as often as I should. I've put the following regime together: Move Free Advanced-(glucosamine,chondroitn,MSM uniflex,joint fluid),Osteo Bi-Flex,Flaxssed Oil, CoQ-10,OneADay-Women's 50,and Garlic, Vit.E,and Omega XL. I'm open for any holistic treatments.
Chistmas presents to family members was subsribtions to Arthritis Today. Thank you for this excellent resource. I've enjoyed the emails and picked up some helpful tips.
like adding Yoga to the routine,eating correctly, no white starchy foods, and adding ginger and keeping the weight in check.
This is the beginning of another journey. Thank you for being there. Take care.
I hope this message will help alot of you. I've been dealing with arthritis pain since I was 9 years old. If I can beat it and manage it, you should be able to also.
Oh and Yoga does help out alot!!! So remember swimming due for the simple fact it loosens up your joints and muscles without alot of extra weight so to speak and it also works your muscles so they can get stronger so you can fight and live again.
I hope everyone here is and will do better. You can if you have hope and faith and most of all BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND FIGHT!!
All of the tests were coming back fine... so then I began to think I was crazy... but every day I concluded that the pain I felt wasn't and isn't imaginary.
So I get the diagnosis... and I can understand when i hear people say it is isolating... first of all no one wants to hear it and secondly trying to get any amount of understanding out of anyone is near impossible. They say "everyone has arthritis" and "it isn't a big deal" my "back aches too". Yet I am 32... I am in pain every single day. I used to run 6 miles a day less than a year ago... now I am lucky to sweep my floors without regretting it later.
I really truly feel for all of those who suffer... I feel for you and how difficult everything must be. I praise you for your strength and your diligence.
Thank you for letting me share with evenone.
Thanks
Goodnite
I am a 63 year old female, suffering with spinAL ARTHRITIS.OA<The doctor for the first time is putting me on a prescription patch that is rather new, so say they, the medical profession. (Flextor) I think. Any ideas about the patches.? Doctor has me on three Tylenol =A within 24 hours. They help. I am a non drinker.
About seven years ago, my primary physicion took back Xrays, and found OA.
I took no medication for it at the time, but two years ago, I was getting out of bed, and the back was so bad, that I had to crawl to the bathroom.
My doctor decided to take Xrays again, seven years after inital diognoses. She told me it was now severe, and I have two tiny spurs. No disc situation.
She sent me to an Ortho= specialist.
He also did Xrays, and imagery.This Ortho=doctor showed me a clear image of what my daughter said was my spinal cord. She was with me, as she is a heart transplant nurse, level four. He smiled and asked her what else she noticed. She only said it looks straight.! He said yes, that it is, and said to my daughter, your mom,will never get osteoperosis.<wrong spelling.
He confirmed what my doctor told me.
I used to live an active life, raising five children, traveling with my husband.They are now all grown up, and out of college.We had them close together.
I also am an insulin dependent Diabetec. I am in excellant control. Between about 80, to 112, give or take. Although I had a 47 a week ago. I was shaking, but know what to do to bring it up. give or take.My A1C is always good. a month ago, It was 5.7
I tried PT<>and did nothing much for me.
I did learn stretching exercises there, that the first time the physical therapist read them to me, it was 40 minutes. lol
I do them twice a day on our bed. If my husband is home, he reads them to me, or otherwise I do them alone, in nine or ten minutes. Oh, they help afteward.
I take a barrage of pills. some repeats. One for high blood pressure.Two 10mg lasix One muscle relaxer at eleven pm, called Soma. It works fine, and yet I have insomnia.
Have always been a night person, but now at 63,Worse,
So, I will read a book, or listen to an audio book, or take a nap.I listen to music, that for me is secondary to breathing. Classical, vintage rock, and now found a country star named Alan jackson.Wonderful singer. Actually went to his concert last October. But I did it, backache pain and all. I was dancing and dancing. It had been so long. Yep, I was exausted the next day, but what a show.!!!
When the pain is intense, i listen to my music.
Whatever works.
Ginger, much is genetic, and goes way back, even to great great grandparents.
One last Goodnight. Noel
Oh, my new friends, we all have to understand that for arthritis, there is no cure yet. We are all individuals, that react differently to how our lives have chaged
One thing that helps me more then I can say, is for me prayer.
As far as medication is concerned, we have to take what helps.But for me no, other narcotics.!I do take three o.25 xanax for anxiety.
I am so Looking forward to getting to know you.
Ginger, My grandmother, passed seven years ago. She was two months away from her 99TH birthday. She was nine years in a nursing facility. the last five years she went in to a denenshia.
Otherwise she had it all.
She was five feet tall, and was always overwieght. At the time we brought her in to the facility, she was 189LBS<
Had one knee replacement at 90, and said she would never have another, and she dident. Gosh how I miss her.
Hang in there, everyone. blessings to you all.
You know when the spinal pain is awful, I think of the actor, Chris reeves. And then feel fortunate.
Goodnight all.
Noel
How do I join?
Does anyone else find it perplexing that so many people nowadays have arthritis? Did our grandparents have these problems? My guess is no because they did not have all of the modern conveniences, junk food, additives and bad habits that we have now.
Hello to all in our special club. None of us wanted to join, but here we are.. Woke up this morning felt I'd been hit by a Mac truck! Can you relate? Good. I've been living with OA since I was 15, I'm 51 now. I have titianum knees. My hips, lower back and sholders have been in the game for awhile now. I'm a bit overweight as we get when it hurts to move. I'm tired about hearing about my pain! I am finding out though that diet, making yourself get up, and swiming with Tai Chi really helps. If you can force yourself in a warm tub your half the way there! I hate taking the pain killers but its a long walk to the bus so I use the drugs about 3 times a week with that excuse. It would be great to have an OA bud to relate to, and help each other get motovated. You can stay in the bed, and not eat right while life passes you by,gain weight and FEEL the pain or choose to S-l-o-w-l-y do the right things for this disease. Eat right, swim, do the tai chi, and get some sun! Its working for me, Good luck to all....
Thanks
God bless…
I am now 38 and have had several orthascopic surgeries on both knees and elbows. I don't know if the other problems are because of Artritis. Carpel tunnel, ulner relocation, shoulder scrapes, Total right and left knee replacement, gout(this is what just drops me to the floor) both feet right hand.I am now diagnosed with osteoarthritis and am getting tired of fighting pain all the time.
For me the best thing that helped was getting in a pool. It would help relieve some pain as long as I didn't overdue it. I work with a pain specialist and my primary doctor I am waiting until August 09' to see a reumatologist.
Initially I had one bulging disc; I was first referred to a Physical Therapist and worked out aggressively to get my body in shape. A year later I ended up with a 2nd bulging disc. I was shocked and the doctor was surprised at the progression of my disease. I am 5’5 ½’ and the most I have ever weighed was about 180, I am now down to 147 and still dropping. I am not overweight at all now, but I am trying everything to slow the progression of this disease down. I have now started having numbness and tingling down my right leg. My doctor said it is now time to call in a surgeon. I am scared to death. Help? Thoughts?
6 months ago I am 50 and have it in my neck
and mid back,hands elbows and right Knee. I am taking a nsaid and am trying the flector
patch they just approved for my back. I am
starting to realize that no matter what i will always have pain. some days it gets to me and i find my temper is short but i agree
with the person who said it can be isolating
I have felt that myself. all I know is to keep moving regardless!
I don't qualify for medicaid because social security has denied my claim. (I have a lawyer now) I AM getting a form of medicaid that allows me to see a primary care doctor, but I need MRI's, blood tests and a rheumatologist which this doesn't cover.
I know a clinic or hospital can't refuse you care, but they can't do anything but prescribe pain meds, not get me to a specialist. I've been on a free care list with a rheumatologist for almost a year now! There is no way I can go to these clinics and then have to pay for them later. They'll see you, but they bill you for it later and send you to collections if you don't pay it.
The "system" doesn't work here!! My OA is in my back, left knee, left elbow, fingers and neck. I have an artificial left hip and diskectomy and fusion in my neck and need another one done further up.
I'm frustrated and worn out!! Would love to hear how others are coping. Anyone have any tricks to get care that I don't know about? Thanks for listening. This disease can be very isolating.
The surgery was a breeze for me (both times!) I would highly recommend it to anyone. It gave me my life back. I can do all the things I couldn't anymore because of pain. Hope someone finds this helpful.
Please inform me through email your expert opoinion whether knee replacement will be successful when I am having sever neuropathy and perhaps fibromaylgia.
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