I'm falling apart!

[pomtzu]

I feel your pain ! I started with it in my hands in my early 30's, and it has taken over just about every joint in my body, and I'm in my late 60's. Thankfully it's osteo, and not rheumatoid tho. None of the traditional meds helped any in my case, and I get as much relief just taking Excedrin as the pricey prescriptions, tho I know it's not good for the tummy to take so much aspirin.

Stay as active and as mobile as you can, and work thru the pain, is about the only advice that I can give. Unfortunately, once you have it, it's with you for a lifetime and is never going to go away. I've simply learned to grin and bear it, since there is nothing I can do other than that.

This is what my "beautiful" hands look like now........

[Catty1]

I have osteoarthritis - not the rheumatoid inflammatory kind - and I used to take a good quality glucosamine/chondroitin combo and a good Omega-3 gel tab (if you know a Herbalife person, ask for Flex Support and Herbalifeline). The FS is not a quick fix, but I noticed a big difference about 2 - 3 weeks in!

The osteo is in my neck, and hasn't bothered me for a while. I'm not on the FS right now but wanna get back on the omega - it sure is good for the brain! In fact, before my surgery a few years ago, the Omega was the ONLY 'vitamin' I was allowed to take!

I hope you feel better soon!

[sasvermont]

I have osteoarthritis and had a hip joint replaced (three years ago) and need a knee joint replaced soon. I am 63. It is quite common and now that joints are being replaced right and left, the operations are computerized and the healing goes pretty quickly. I will probably have the knee done this summer or fall.

There are drugs for the pain. Right now I take Tramadol and it helps. I have tried other drugs and they have made me ill. Tramadol is generic form of Ultram, a synthetic narcotic. Oh well. I don't take much, but it doesn't take much for the relief it gives me.

Each form of arthritis is different and of course each person reacts differently.

I know how you feel about falling the hell apart, one limb at a time!

[Pinot's Mom]

Checking in for Psoriatic Arthritis...had for many years now, and I'm 51.

I have it all over my body; spine, neck, hands, knees, hips, shoulders, feet - as well as the lovely psoriasis that's the sister disease.

I take IV infusions of Remicade every eight weeks, it keeps me moving, but thank goodness for insurance. That stuff costs more than my salary. I have been on many different things over the years.

I feel your pain; literally. You CANNOT dwell on it, or it has won the battle. There are days I am so fatigued and in pain, but I can't fixate on those days, neither can you.

PM me if you need an arthritis-ridden shoulder.

Maggie

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I've been disabled with asteoarthritis since I was 45. I'm 61 now. Plus now I have fibromyalgia too. It sucks to be in pain every waking second so I try not to think about it any more than I have too. I was on high doses of Ibuprofen 2 to 3 times a day for years. Now my kidneys are paying for it.

My dr gave me Tramadol and I still keep it on hand but don't take it because it gives me a violent headache when I wake up. So mostly I take hydrocodone at night so I can sleep and ibuprofen in the mornings. I do have lots of inflammation so need that.

I have arthur in my knees, ankles, hands, wrists, lower back, back of my neck, hands and now it looks like it's taking aim on my right shoulder and arm. Thankfully it hasn't bothered my hips.

I also take glucosamine. I can't take the chondrin because it upsets my stomach.

I have been doing research on vitamins and arthritis. The main thing they suggest is the Omega 3 like in fish oils. I've tried that but it goes rancid on me before I finish the bottle so gave up on it for now and just try and eat fish a couple of times a week. Olive oil is also helpful used for cooking or on salads and things. And be sure to dring lots of water. It helps keep everying hydrated. I'm really bad about not drinking enough.

I am so glad I have my cats or I'd just crawl in bed and stay there. A bad thing to do is to give up.

We are all here for you should you need to chat about it. Sometimes that does help.

[lizbud]

Gosh you guys, Now I feel like a real wimp to sometimes complain about my creaky knees.
I guess I'm in pretty good shape for the shape I'm in.