Osteoarthritis - Progressive?

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Victoria Oliver

Posted Thursday, October 29, 2009 9:30 AM

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Thursday, October 29, 2009 9:27 AM
Posts: 1, Visits: 2

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?

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Bette44

Posted Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:11 PM

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 3:40 PM
Posts: 172, Visits: 229

HI Victoria,

I also have osteoarthritis although mine is inflammatory. Yeah I know it is supposed to be either inflammatory or not but mine is both, I'm just weird I guess. Anyway Osteo is supposed to be from wear and tear on the joints but I believe there is a hereditary or biological reason that some are more prone to it than others. My father has had two total hips due to Osteo and my aunt had her knee replaced and is currently putting off having the other one done for the same reason. Both of them have fingers that show damage. And neither have a day without arthritis pain. Most of my siblings are also having Arthritis pain now also. So I am pretty sure it is a condition that either one is prone to or not. Of course I would bet there has to be something that triggers the onset like an accident or severe infection. Much like RA only maybe slower and more localized. Of course all of this is just conjecture on my part based on my family alone. Others may have different stories.

As always take what you can use and toss the rest.
God Bless you and keep you.

Bette

Current DX: Inflammatory Ostearthritis (apparently this is not an oxymoron), Regular Osteoarthritis, IBS, Fibro & Depression (lol, can’t imagine why).
Current Meds & what they are for: Plaquinil (arthritis)Triamterene/Hctz (decrease water retention), Dicyclomine (IBS), Ropinirole (Restless Leg), Lexipro (AntiDepressant), Allopurinol (Uric Acid Reducer), Lortab (Pain), Flexiril (Muscle spasms), Savella (Fibromyalgia), Omeprazole DR (decrease stomach acid), Mobic (Anti-inflammatory), Omega 3 Fish Oil (anti-inflammatory), Super B-Complex.

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