I'm falling apart!

[Freedom]

I have osteoarthritis, knees and neck are the worst for me. I use Schiff's Move Free (glucosamine and chondroiton), ibuprofen, and prescription naproxen. Other than that, I can't add what's already been said: regular exercise helps tons!

BTW, Sweet n Low used for any length of time will result in muscle collapse; doctors will often diagnose it as mulitple sclerosis or something else, the physical therapists are the ones who realize you need to stop the Sweet n Low and the muscles will recover strength with a bit of physical therapy.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I consider any day I can still stand on my own two feed and recognize myself when I look in a mirror as a good day!!!

A few helps I've learned along the way: I dislike water by itself. So I buy frozen fruit and drop some in my glass. It turns the water interesting colors and you get the benefits of the juices from the fruit plus can eat the fruit when you get to the bottom of the glass. My favorits are frozen cherries and blueberries but peaches and stawberries are fun too. I even stick them in my cold tea now.

I only use sugar in my tea but to help cut it down, I mix it half and half with Splenda. I can still have my sweet tea with half the sugar.

Also, I use Smart Balance spread instead of oleo. I get the kind that has olive oil and omega 3 added. I can't use normal butter. It spoils before I can get it used up.

[kitten645]

I don't have joint trouble thankfully. I attribute some of it to years of ballet training. Not full on toe shoes craziness but streching and yoga type movement. However:

"I can't use normal butter. It spoils before I can get it used up"

I'm of the mind that the less chemicals foodwise the better. I think it's better to use a little butter than the chemical substitute. I must admit I love my butter so I use it sparingly. Butter freezes REALLY well! I buy the Costco size and cut it into half sticks. Seal it well and keep a chunk to use and the rest gets frozen.

Best of luck to everyone here. My sister has had arthritis since she was a kid. I know how painful it is.