Arthritis Foundation Forum / Women and Arthritis / Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Rebecca0 — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:05:47 GMT

I am 35 and have had problems with joint pain since I was at least 11 if not sooner. Finally about 3 years ago I was diagnosed with OA in most of my joints and digenerative disc disease. I take advil for pain but don't have insurance so I'm not getting any treatment. I walk with a limp which stinks but at least no one beats me for parking in the handicap space because I have a tag...

Can OA cause exhaustion by itself? How is OA differentiated from another disease like lupus or another form of arthritis?

Thanks,

Rebecca

mobic

TNM — Thu, 30 Dec 2004 11:43:50 GMT

Started mobic 2 months ago. Went to 15 mg the other day and am not feeling well at all. Am swelling a lot more and the general stiffness and fatigue have increased. Maybe it it just a flare up. Have been dealing with this since 1998 and the vioxx did a good job arresting this for a while.
Before I started vioxx I tried many different kinds, including mexotrexate, plaquenil, celebrex, etc, etc. Vioxx was the only thing that made such a difference. My dr. says to give it a try for a while longer. I have RA in all of my joints - so far I've been able to manage but right now the frustration is coming back trying to find the right thing.
Anyone out there any new ideas besides exercise, which I do in the water, meds, the usual things?
Thanks for the help.

Arthritis in the vocal cord

Mimi68123 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:33:41 GMT

I was recently diagnosed with RA. I'm taking Plaquenil and Prednison. Back in May I started having hoarseness. I asked my rheumy and she sent me to an ENT doctor. after a few weeks of GERD medicine I still had the hoarseness this time more frequent. He ordered a biopsy which came back negative for cancer. Diagnosis was inflamed vocal cord possibly due to arthritis. Does anyone have this problem?I think I may have something else besides RA. My liver enzymes are very high, plurisy in the lungs, losing my hair, hoarseness, extreme fatigue and weight gain, rash on my elbows and sometimes redness on my face over my nose, forehead and cheeks, blurred vision.My primary says I need to exercise and diet, then again he said I should ask my husband for a massage when I told him about my hands and feet being stiff!My rheumy said I need to go back to my primary, now my primary wants me to have a colonoscopy done??Needless to say I need a new primary but does anyone have these symptoms?

Flare ups and periods

Girlaz — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:28:39 GMT

I was wondering if anyone else gets flare ups right before and for the first few days of their periods? That is the time I seem to be at my worst. Sometimes I even get pretty sick when my period comes. I was just wondering if anyone else goes through the same thing. Thanks!

Osteoarthritis - Progressive?

Victoria Oliver — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:30:09 GMT

I have a question regarding osteoarthritis. I have had my right hip replaced, and both knees. I am having pain in my lower back, and from what I've read on my symptoms - and comparing to my mother who appears to have the same symptoms (and was diagnosed) - I think I may have arthritis of the spine, or possibly spinal stenosis. Of course, I am going to see my doctor (in about 2 weeks), but I would not be surprised if that is the diagnosis. Of course I hope it is not, but then again I had myself convinced I would not need to do anything with my knees after my hip was replaced. Funny how we can convince ourselves of just about anything, even in the light of overwhelming proof to the contrary.I digress.I know RA is systemic - that once it gets in your system it can affect just about anything. At least that is how I understand it.What about osteoarthritis? When I first went to my doctor, I was having pain in both hips, as well as both knees, but the x-rays revealed that my left hip showed no indication of osteoarthritis - that the pain was most likely coming from the muscles, etc. because of not being able to walk properly. As was promised, I no longer have pain in my knees or hip (except for the healing process, of course). I do have the constant ache, which sometimes upgrades to pain (7+) in my lower back. I also have been getting muscle spasms in the arches of my feet, and the piriformis muscle, and have difficulty with walking without losing my balance frequently. Sometimes when I am walking, I will get a sharp pain in the groin area on my left hip (the good hip). When I was in the Rehab Center, my PT said, when I told her that I had no arthritis in my left hip, "just wait - you'll be back". I don't know if she was joking or not.Once you have osteoarthritis in one or more joints, does that make you more susceptible to getting it in other joints?

Lymph Node Swelling/Inflammation

Keli in Florida — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 13:02:35 GMT

Anyone have any lymph node swelling? I have Psoriatic Arthritis have been battling upper resp infection/ broncitis since the middle of January. Around Feb 5th My lymph nodes in the inner thigh were swollen and very tender to the touch but went away. Now the nymph nodes in my neck are inflamed but that's to be expected with the upper resp infection and the bronchitis. I did a Medrol dose pack back the end of January now just saw the doctor again today and he has put me on a much stronger dose of Prednisone to see if it will help me to get rid of the infection, the tappering dose of 20mg, 3 a day to start for 3 days, then 2 for 5 days, then 1 for 6 days, all 20 mg. Hoping I don't need a biopsy that would be painful. Anyway, thanks for listening to my rant.

Keli

Undifferentiated connective tissue disease

primalSCREAM — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:23:06 GMT

Ok...today I was diagnosed as having undifferentiated connective disease....I don't know who to talk to on the foundation forums...I'm really at my wits end at this point. For 6 yrs I was told I had Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, no I apparently don't have these. My ANA is positive and a new test called JO-1 antibody just came up positive. I've been suffering with Iritis, and have recently had 3 episodes of severe joint & muscle pain that lasted 24hrs then went away.

Does anyone out there have this?

thanks......:crazy:

Arthritis and Pregnancy

shan09 — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 17:59:21 GMT

Hello all. I am 29 and have had arthritis all my life. I recently learned through a home preg test that I am pregnant. This is completely unexpected. I have in the past researched all of this and even talked with my rhuemy and ob. I had made the decision not to have children but alas life and carelessness decided a different fate for me. I am scared as I have been told and read many different things about how pregnancy can affect those of us with this disease. I am looking for any advice, info, life experiences that any of you would be willing to share. I am accepting this and want to be a fully prepared as I can be. I am going to be seeing my Dr. asap, but any outside support and or knowledge would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all!!

help with pain

pat bernard — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:42:39 GMT

after my surgary the pain in my body is so bad I can not get out of bed my family was so concerned that they insisted I see my doctor next thing I know I have another prescription. my cocter sugested http://www.247expressmeds.com she said that they have best prices and fastest delivery

My Hip-Replacement Blog: Young and Hip!

Arley McNeney — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:56:39 GMT

Hi all,

I am a 26-year-old with avascular necrosis. Four months ago, I had a total hip replacement and the surgery didn't go quite as planned (read: I'm walking worse than before and still can't work). Since I had difficulty finding information on hip replacements for young people when I was researching having my replacement, I decided to start a humorous blog called "Young And Hip" to chronicle everything from appointments with surgeons to the raccoons who refuse to let me swim in my pool to my awkward attempts at dating when you walk like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. (It's aimed at young people having a hip replacement, but most of the people who read it are of all ages, and many aren't actually having a hip replacement :)).

If you're interested, the address is: youngandhip.blogspot.com

- Arley

please read this

pat bernard — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:59:55 GMT

I found this pharmacy online best service and prices you should try them the lady was extremely helpful. http://www.247expressmeds.com/

ATTN: Send stories

Pippa Smith — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:44:45 GMT

ATTENTION: People with impairments/disABILITIES, here is a chance to talk about your stories for a book. EX: ARTHRITIS, BIPOLAR, CP, DEPRESSION, DIABETES, HEART, MIGRAINE, OVERWEIGHT/OBESE…see facebook page for Pippa Smith or contact pippa@mchsi.com

I believe-Prednisone caused my fibromyalgia

Brenda Gardner — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:45:51 GMT

I felt terrible the whole time I was on prednizone. I even had a pregnancy test come back

possitive and I wasn't pregnant. I had to take it once for an alergic reaction to poison oak

and another time for a severe lung infection. I refused it on the second lung infection and told

them I would NEVER, NEVER take that dangerous drug again. I felt terrible the whole time I

was on it.

I now have severe pains in my hips. And I truly believe it caused me to have fibromyalgia.

Everyone needs to beware of this drug. If someone could prove my theory-I'd be first in line

for this lawsuit.

53 year old-Missouri Grandmother!

PLEASE HELP! Prednisone Lawsuit?

chrissy1 — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 14:43:28 GMT

Does anyone know of a lawsuit against the makers of prednisone and how to be a part of it? I have had many side effects from it--the biggest--2 new hip replacements. Everyone involved in my care knows that it is from osteonecrosis, caused from prednisone. It is NOT from my RA! It is a totally different issue. I was 23 and put on it without nowing this. SO, here I sit at 31 w/2 new hips all from prednisone. I was told of the other side effects but NEVER about my femur bone dying and breaking inside of me!!!! PLEASE HELP ME IF YOU CAN AND PLEASE HELP SOMEONE ELSE WHO IS ON IT!

Does Arthritis hurt when the joint is touched such as a handshake, carrying bags, etc

Cindy Jacobsen — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 18:38:17 GMT

I know this sounds silly. Everyone out there reading this must be sayin "Duh!". But as a young person, I always had thought that people with arthritis hurt on the inside and that was that. I'm 43 years old and I have achinging & swollen joints in my hands. It hurts to apply pressure directly on the joint whether I'm touching it myself, carrying bags, shaking someones hand, etc.

Like I said, I'm new to this. I've surfed the net, read the symptoms and I can't seem to find the answer to this question. Sorry for such a dumb question.

Right Car for women with Rhumatiod arthritis?

Eunicorn — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:41:37 GMT

I am looking at getting a different car. I am wondering if anyone out there has suggestions for what is best, as far as getting in and out, steering, shifting, cover on gas tank etc. I have a Vibe right now, and like it, but it is a bit small and hard for my hubby to get in and out of. Also, dont' care for the gas cover. It is very hard for me to get the cap off to fill tank. It locks and turning it to unlock is so hard on my hands. Thanks for any help

74 arthritic & hot flushes

Geneva Poynter — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:46:08 GMT

Three weeks ago my rheumy told me that my RA is in remission, but the OA is going big time.

Now - let me tell you my tale. I had to take ERT from age 50 to 60 for severe hot flashes. Then I had to go off that. The hot flashes came back for about 8 years. Then I was fine for a few years. After I was diagnosed with RA and began taking Methotrexate, I began to have mild hot flashes. Now at age 74 I am having them much more severely. I went to the gynocologist today and she said that I can't take ERT, but Estroven or Remifemin might help me. Have any of you had this problem and what did you do about it?

fatigue

Yetta — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:02:53 GMT

I've been diagnosed with moderate OA I noticed that I get tired very easily, besides feeling tired I just feel drained. Does anyone else have this problem? How do you handle it besides going to sleep?

San Diego Support Group for Fibromyalgia

Sharon Female — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:30:40 GMT

San Diego, CA (Mission Hills)
New Support Group in San Diego for Fibromyalgia:
www.meetup.com/San-Diego-Fibromyalgia-Support

Watsu/Aquatic Bodywork Sessions,
Water Therapy Classes for Pain Relief and Gentle Exercise/Movement.
www.AqOasis.com
www.WaterChiTherapy.com
www.SharonPlache.com

Private Warm Salt Water Pool.

Come join us.
Blessings,
Sharon

Need advice on SSD

aajm — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:28:05 GMT

I am an RN dx'd w/ RA in 4/05, applied for SSD in 6/07. Had 1st and 2nd denials in 07. I had to quit my nsg job in 9/07. Was off work for 9 months,was feeling a little better and found a job I could do at home, on call for a medical staffing agency 2-3 nights a week, not a nursing job. I have been doing that for about a yr. It has made the RA worse and I was also dx'd w/ fibromyalgia 12/08. Have had 3 doctors tell me that I need to quit, but we really need the income. We have gone thru all of our savings these last few yrs of me being sick and not working like I used to. We have our house up for sale now and only have our 2 paychecks coming in, but I am thankfull for that! I had a SSD hearing scheduled in 4/09 and my lawyer postponed it a week before without consulting me!! My doctor gave the name of a SSD rep [he's not a lawyer] that has helped some of his RA pts get benefits. A few of the months I have been working I have earned more than the $980 SGA set by SS. In 2/09 my lawyer said it was ok that they could average it over the yr. This new guy I talked to says no they won't average it unless you are self employed. He says the judge will deny it based on that alone. He says to not let them schedule the hearing, withdraw my claim and start over. My lawyer is still standing by the 'averaging' and wants to continue. I don't know who to believe. I've had another lawyer tell me that I can't work at all to get benefits! Please give me any advice you have. Any of you who are nurses did you completely quit working before filing? And any other jobs you can do part time w/ RA using your Nsg skills? Don't know if I could do anything else most days, my brain [and body]does not function the same as it use to!

Arthritis and Ulcerative Colitis

Karen Cunningham — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:11:25 GMT

I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis over 6 years ago. Before that I had a lot of arthritis pain all over my body. After I was diagnosed, the pain continued so I finally met with a Rheumatologist. She informed me that Ulcerative Colitis is a form of Arthritis. Does anyone here have this condition? I would really like someone to talk to about it.

Thanks!

Karen

Skin Sensitivity

TiggerNicNic — Mon, 12 May 2008 01:46:55 GMT

My skin hurts.. my hair hurts.. Strange parts of me hurt lol.. Sometimes I wish I didnt have to wear clothes just them sitting on my skin irritates me.. Its like all the nerves in certain areas are standing on end and its driving me crazy... Does anybody else feel my pain?

Stomach trouble/Methotrexate

DDove — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 21:12:59 GMT

Hi,
I have RA and I am on Enbrel(50 mg injectable), Ketoprofen and my rheumy just put me on Methotrexate (7.5 mg.) with folic acid 5 weeks ago. I am having really bad stomach cramps and some diarrhea...is this normal? I have been on metho. before but it only made me nauseated...took something for nausea and that was it. He gave be a prescription for phenegrin and that really isn't helping because it is mainly the stomach cramps that are hitting me at least 3-4 days after Friday dosage of metho. Just was wondering if anyone else is experiencing anyhting like this...
thanks for listening and any advice is appreciated.
Donna D

hip pain

sarah siviter — Thu, 14 May 2009 08:33:07 GMT

Hi there im new on here, and have been suffering from hip pain for about a month now only in my left hip.. when its bad i walk with a limp. also my foot has just started to hurt too, it hurts across the bones befor my toes and actually feels like my bones are hurting.. i have a appointment tomorrow as my mum has rheumatoid arthritis and she thinks i may have it too, i have no swelling though?? does anyone have same symptoms or ideas as to what it could be??

thanks Sarah

Women needed for Online Survey about Arthritis and Physical Activity

Karen Glazebrook — Tue, 26 May 2009 18:58:26 GMT

Hello,

I am a research coordinator in the College of Kinesiology at the University of
Saskatchewan. I am working for Dr. Nancy Gyurcsik, who was given a multi-study
research grant by the federal granting agency the Social Sciences and Humanities
Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The purpose of the grant is to study what
may or may not keep women with arthritis from doing physical activity.

We are currently recruiting North American women, at least 21 years of age,
who have been told by their doctor that they have any type of arthritis.

To participate in this study, these women only need to fill out 2 short online
surveys, which can be done from any computer. The first survey takes about 25
minutes, and the second is a 5-minute follow-up survey 2 weeks later.

All participants and their answers will be anonymous. (The University of
Saskatchewan Research Ethics Board has approved this study: Beh # 05-230.)

Women can do the survey online by typing in, or copying and pasting, the
following web address:

https://survey.usask.ca/survey.php?sid=14109

We would greatly appreciate your time and help with this important research!
Please feel free to share this link with friends or relatives who are affected by any form of arthritis.
The more participants we can get for this study the better our information will be.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me (arthritis.study@usask.ca)
or contact the lead researcher, Dr. Nancy Gyurcsik, by telephone (1-306-966-1075)
or email (nancy.gyurcsik@usask.ca).

Thank you very much!

Karen Glazebrook, M.Sc.
Research Coordinator
College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan
arthritis.study@usask.ca

Natural relief .... that actually works!!!

Lynne Costelloe — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:23:16 GMT

As a 12-year sufferer of RA, I have to share with you my amazing discovery that has eradicated my joint swelling, restored my mobility and energy, and most importantly eliminated my pain.

On a holiday to Singapore I came across a herbal remedy promoted to provide relief for joint and arthritis pain within 48 hours!! Sceptical but in my 10th year of suffering on a daily diet of ibuprofen that only takes the edge off the pain, I decided to give it a go and bought my first 10 pills. Recommendation was 4 the first day as a “starter boost” and then 2 a day after that.

I did my boost day (4 pills) on the Sunday; 2 pills on Monday; on Tuesday morning I found I could get out of bed without that delayed "stand" while my knees decided if they could bend or not. Wednesday morning I still had no pain getting out of bed, but tucked the ibuprofens in my bag (just in case). Throughout the day I realised that my wrists were flexing when I took change from a cashier. Thursday I walked and stood for 8 hours of the day at the Australian Grand Prix and was still able to get up from the dinner table without using the table as a crutch. My scepticism was starting to fade - but Thursday night I took the last pill of my "trial" pack. Friday and Saturday continued to be pain and ibuprofen-free days – could this stuff be real?? Then, just when I was getting used to my new quality-of-life, Sunday morning I woke up with throbbing wrists, and knees that didn’t want to bend when I finally got out of bed!

So it was back on the ibuprofen for Sunday and Monday, until I headed back to Singapore and stocked up on the full 30-tablet packs, and the details of the company distributing them in the UK and Europe. AND for those of you still suffering …. there is a no-risk money-back guarantee from the UK guys.

So that’s my story and I wanted to share it with every arthritis sufferer - as I know how life-consuming that “pain & drain” can be. You have absolutely nothing to loose by trying these capsules – totally natural, safe for children from the age of 5, and if they don’t work for you in the first 4 days … you can get your money back.

Don’t take my word for it --- try them for yourself:

www.belinecapsules.co.uk

p.s. my 74 year old mother tried them, after seeing the difference in me, and is now free of the pain of bursitis for the first time in 15 years.

working after surgery with RA

Kathleen Harwood — Tue, 19 May 2009 09:43:50 GMT

Hi, This is my first post on this discussion and I am hoping that someone out there will know what I am talking about. Sometimes it is just important to be understood even if there is no solution to the problem! I was diagnosed with RA about a year ago and last fall ruptured a disk in my lower back. (unrelated events but very complicating to my life). I am a nanny by profession at age 48 and have struggled to keep my head above water at work with the RA and the back issue has made it more challenging. 8 weeks ago I underwent spinal fusion surgery and as a result cannot take any of my RA meds (off for 11 weeks now and 4 more to go). Since I have been recovering at home I can take it easy, rest when I need to, etc. Yesterday I saw my spine surgeon who says I need to return to work on June 1st. (2 weeks away). The thought of jumping back into the fray overwhelms me. My back and body are very stiff although the doctor says that I can't injure my back with normal activity. There has to be someone who has figured out how to do a physical job with morning stiffness and fatigue. I need to return to work for my health insurance and income, but don't know how I'll cope. I have been with this family for almost 6 years and love the girls but need to take care of myself, too. If anyone out there has any ideas I would be grateful. Thanks.

Lyrica?

LaBellaMafia — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:10:57 GMT

So I have a question--has anyone ever taken, or known someone who is/has taken, Lyrica? I've been dx'ed w/ OA w/ Raynauds, and FM, and my hands/feet have been super-sensitive to any pain. Like my 2 year-old stepping on my foot feels like a 300 lb man in cleats stomping on it. The rheumatologist wants me to try Lyrica for tha hand/feet thing, maybe (need some bloodwork results first), but she did mention it has a potential nasty side effect--weight gain. SO not interested! I'd rather be in pain. I'm just curious how prevalent it is as a side effect, so if anyone has had experience with this drug, could you let me know about it? TIA!

Sharry8 & pin!

RAgal — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 18:45:08 GMT

Hi gals!

If you read my last entries in the previous thread, you will know why I haven't been in contact. I can't view our last thread! I have dial-up for an internet connection and it says it's done, but the page is blank. I have written to the AF and gotten a couple responses, but they can't tell me the problem or fix it. Sara said just to start a new thread, so I am!

I'm doing ok. My left ankle has started to hurt more now. It is annoying, but I continue to do aquacise and try to walk indoors. It's way TOO COLD to walk outside. The wind chill has been as low as -20 to -30 below zero! Anyway, tell me how you are since I can't see what you've written in our previous thread!

Take care! I don't know how long I will be able to read this, because when I click on a thread, and it has 30 relpies or more, I can't read them! It is SO FRUSTRATING!

Had my 1st dose of enbrel...how long until relief?

new2ra — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:28:22 GMT

I've been on 15mg of mtx for a while and my ra seems to be getting worse! I had my 1st dose of enbrel and i'm praying for a miracle or at least some relief. I was in so much pain last night that despite my ambein cr I was up 1/2 the night. My hands feel & look like sausages and my toes aren't much better.

For those of you who take/took enbrel when did you get relief? days, weeks months? if i raise my dose of pred will i now the difference between the pred & the enbrel? I'm looking for some hope...

Thanks...

I have degenitive disc disease

Mary85 — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 15:19:26 GMT

I found out a few years back that i had degenitive disc disease and my spine is just killing me with pain. I had two surgeries to repair some disc and clean up around the siatica nerve and now this last November I had a bad attack with my upper neck and both arms hurting and the mri showed I had pinch nerves in the C 4 and 5 vertabe. Now that pain hurts as bad as the rest of my spine does so my pain management doctor is going to giv me a nerve block in it Friday. Have anyone ever had this done in the upper neck area?
I have had several in my low cak but they don't last long.
I take all sorts of medication and see my doc once a month but I feel all he does is cover up the pain for alittle while because it always comes back with vengence. The pain is just so unbearable that some days i wish I never had to get out of bed.
I have done everything, seen every doctor I could but i am still in awful pain. I follow all their instructions, lost weight, exercised to on thop of everything else, but i till hurt everyday.
The only thing that eases it up for awhile is my pain pills, so what am I to do. Live off those for the rest of my life...I am 60 yrs. old, was real active until my back began to give me trouble and now i am almost a invalid because of this arthritis I have in my spine.
I know there has to be a doctor out there that can help me in some way. If anyone sees this please eamil me ok.
There has to be some quality of life left in me.
I can still walk some but this has effected my legs and muscles to as well as my back and arms and neck. I can only walk short distances and hold onto my walker but my legs get so tired and hurt so bad that i feel like they are going to give out from under me, so I never go off anymore alone because I am afraid of falling and hurting something else on me.
I have alot of bone spurs to on my spine but the doc said they was not the cause of my pain but i am not so sure of that because one of the sorest spot in my center back is where a large spur is.
I just need someone to help me find a way to ease some of this pain up, if its by more surgery then we will do it, anything to help..

Arthritis

Price Hicks — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:54:09 GMT

Have you ever wondered what if i exercise?
Would that help my Arthritis?
What about the cold does if effect my arthritis?

These are some very important questions
to consider..Notice what health day news has to say.

(HealthDay News) -- Arthritis is a rheumatic disease that affects the body's joints and connective tissues. Exercise is a relatively easy way to help control its symptoms.

The University of Virginia Health System lists the benefits of exercise for people with rheumatic disease:

* Keeps joints from feeling and acting stiff.
* Strengthens muscles surrounding the joints.
* Improves joint flexibility and alignment.
* Reduces joint pain and swelling.
* Strengthens bone and cartilage tissue.
* Makes you more physically fit overall.

So not only does it help but your but your overall health can improve and you can build a little muscle in the process...(lol)

What about the cold winter weather can aggravate arthritis pain. Cold weather makes just about everyone feel stiff, but those with arthritis often experience worse symptoms.

Here are some suggestions to help fight the cold and the pain:

*

Layer. Wear multiple layers to protect body tissues and avoid rapid temperature transitions between indoors and out.
*

Stay active. It's not just the cold weather that causes joints to get stiff, but inactivity. People who are normally active in the summer often become couch potatoes in winter, adding to joint discomfort. Find low-impact indoor activities such as mall walking, dancing, swimming or yoga.

*

Stretch. Do 10 minutes of gentle stretching exercises every morning to relax stiff muscles.
*

Abstain. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine as these products have a drying effect on cartilage.
*

Go hot and cold. Warm baths and heating pads help ease the pain while ice packs reduce inflammation and swelling. Alternate heat and ice applications to get the benefit of both.
*

Watch the treats. A healthy, balanced diet boosts your immune system and promotes healing.
*

Enjoy a massage. Therapeutic touch can reduce your symptoms and improve your mood.

Even though these may be suggestions for the winter.
These are actions you can take all year long....

Have you thought of a natural way to stop joint pain and live actively with arthritis?
Grab a FREE copy of "Arthritis, Stop The Pain Today, And Live Again"
www.ArthritisStopThePain.com

Price

My mom has arthritis in her hip and is in pain!

michelle peeso — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:00:34 GMT

My mom is 57 years old and has recently been diagnosed with hip arthritis. She is in very bad pain, she can't even walk to the mailbox!

So far, she has tried these for the pain: cortisone shot, vicodin, tylenol w/codeine, darvocet, aleve, advil, and a couple others. None have worked for her.

Can anyone recommend a great medication, etc. that worked for you?

She is very depressed from this and needs some relief!

Thank you,

Michelle

Swelling of the face/lips

Michelle in WI — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 15:46:41 GMT

I was diagnosed with RA when I was 2 years old, I am now 34 so I have had this for 30+ years. Has anyone else had swelling of their face? I have swelling on my cheekbones, eyelids and my lips. Doctors said this was tissue swelling cause by active RA....has this happened to you? If so, what do you do to bring the swelling down? I look terrible, and feel terrible. Tired all the time.

Diet-what works? what doesnt?

TiggerNicNic — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:08:18 GMT

I read most of the topics and diet is usually discussed somewhere in all of them.. I know my doc has told me that Carbs and bad and fruits and veggies are good.. then I just read in another topic that night shade fruits and veggies are bad (which is like the only vegetables I like haha) and that dairy products have a certain vitamin in them that causes swelling... so what exactly do your docs reccomend you eat... My Rheumy has never given me a specific diet ... just wondering

swelling of my lip & chin

Sharon H — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:31:51 GMT

This is my first time writing, I've been diagnosed with Ra in September my and the first time I've noticed in swelling in my face I also have a few blisters, but I thought it was a break out, now I'm noticing swelling too. I don't recall changing anything. Ive been taking trammadal for awhile. Ive called my doctor but cant get in until monday. any suggestions????

cortisone

Ingrid Not Specified — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:22:47 GMT

I just received the diagnoses of OA. Getting used to the idea is not pleasant but I am trying to learn as much as possible about it and I will make sure that is won't get me down.
After a long period of exhaustion and pain in my knees, hips, rib cage and neck, I got a cortisone injection. It feels like a new world opened up to me. I have so much energy and barely any pain. Is this normal for the Cortisone injections? Or is it just that my pain is better and that gives me energy?
Is being fatigue, part of OA?

Ingrid

Hip hylouronic acid injections

abyfromgreece — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:54:01 GMT

Hello all of you.
My daughter is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis since the age of 3, Now being 25, she is mostly well, buta her hip seems to be damaged. It is not yet time for a replacement. A doctor told ua about injections with hylouronic acids, but whenever I ask, others tell me that they ara only suitable for knees or shoulders. She is takinig also some pills in order to stop as musc as possible the hip damage and she is also in Enbrel,
Thanks for any reply
abyfromgreece

plaquenil and skin discoloration

Lullu — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 01:17:51 GMT

Hi, I was wondering if anyone on plaquenil has developed skin discoloration. I noticed that after being on it for one year that above my upper lip got noticeably darker, looking like a mustache. So even though it worked very well on my RA, I had to stop taking it or risk looking like a woman who just refused to wax her upperlip. Anyone with skin discoloration issues, please let me know. Thanks.

Thumb surgery

Hannah S — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 06:09:45 GMT

Hi guys,

I'm doing a project on joint replacement in the thumb. My focus is on the Biomet Arpe if anyone has had that put in? But I'm also eager to hear from anyone who has had any surgery in the thumb/wrist area -why, what, how it helped or didn't etc.

Many thanks

Hannah