Osteoarthritis Community

I feel your pain, literally, only my arthritis is not in my knees (yet). I am 58, lost my job 18 months ago. While looking for another full time position, as I desperately need health insurance, I cannot work part time jobs, ie at the mall. No way can I stand on a concrete floor for 4 hours. My arthritis is in my lumbar spine, now joined by spinal stenosis. I have found tons of relief with a Pain Management physician, he is an anesthesiologist who does injections and epidurals to block pain. About every 4 months I see him, usually in need of another epidural. I also take an arthritis medication and narcotic pain medication. He is very strict on pills. I am limited about the physical work I can do, and any amount of bending requires me to ice my back for 15 minutes. I don't know how I will fare in a new job, thank goodness I do office work and have a moderation of sitting, standing, moving around. My advice, try icing your knees when pain is severe, a bag of frozen peas works well! Find a good pain mgmt physician. Good luck on pursuing your degree, and most of all, pray!

You may want to also check out the Pain Management community -- they have a couple of experts in that community who might be able to make some suggestions regarding pain relief.
http://exchanges.webmd.com/pain-management-exchange

I think you need a second opinion. I have severe osteo arthritis in both knees. I also worked in the hospitality industry as a cook. I'm presently trying to rid myself of 50 pounds to be able to get both knees joints replaced. I'm 54 years old. I lost my job due to my knees, please get a second opinion.

You need to see a rhuematologist and another orthopod. Do not just see a family doctor. You need to keep that joint moving, range of motion is so important and there other drugs out there that are better for inflammation. Naproxen is brutal on your stomach, trust me on that one.

Do not take a cortizone injection. Please get a second opinion, it is your right. Do not fool with arthritis, please get it checked out further. Take care and I wish you the very best.

I, too, have osteoarthritis in both knees. I can't even imagine how painful it must be for you to have such an active job! I'm sorry for the pain you are experiencing. I am a legal secretary and the pain in unbearable on overcast days. I can only cringe at what you must be feeling.

My orthopedist recommended going to the gym doing leg presses, squats (as low as you can go) and the elliptical machine. Keep away from the treadmill and any exercise machine that goes on top of your ankles. Stick to the weight machines that go behind your ankles. Try the bicycle if you can. Most colleges have gym and pools included in your student activity fee. Maybe you can go there in your off time.

Two of my friends with the same condition take Gluosamine and swear it helps. I hear Move Free is a good brand of Gluosamine.

I wish you all the best and good luck

I actually have that same brand of Glucosamine! I have other blends, but that one is pretty high in content, so I take it every day.

The orthopedic surgeon has now declared that I have not "mild arthritis but "advanced" arthritis with something called a "Baker's Cyst" on the back of my knee. WHICH is hugely better...for now.

The waitressing is brutal...but honestly, without having to I'm not sure I'd be moving all that much AT ALL! I'm a couch potato when left to my own devices!

I HAVE learned something from the physical therapist that I hope will help all of you, who have so generously added comments here. I believe she called it "dynamic standing". When I stand, I SLOUCH. Like LOTS of people! Don't most of us have dreadful posture today? I know I do! Anyway...keep your feet shoulder length apart, facing forward, weight balanced between both feet. But try to keep the WEIGHT off your arches....so the balls of your feet, the SIDES of your feet and your heel. The way I do it is to simply lift my arches a little and let that triangle carry the weight. I SWEAR it's doing some good! My knee, anyway, is MUCH better.

Oh, and the ortho gave me a handout that stated that Glucosamine/MSM is completely myth but if it's make me 'FEEL' better, by all means, waste the money.

I think that's baloney! I just know WAY too many people who are all participating in that placebo effect if it's REALLY not working. There are millions of us who SWEAR by it. Are we all imagining it? I don't think so! Funny how some docs aren't in favor of cheap remedies, huh?

Thank you, everyone, for your continuing conversation! It's so great to see that I'm not alone!!!

Kimberly

Hi there, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I'm a Reiki Master and found your post here because of some important and exciting news I got from a client today - someone I did Reiki for last year.

She had painful arthritis in her right arm that was preventing her from working as a makeup artist, her life's profession. I did a normal Reiki session and then did some extra work on it until it was completely gone from her arm. I also discussed some other aspects with her to get to the cause of the arthritis, something western doctors don't do. Long story short, she left totally pain-free and we were both very happy about the rapid result.

I followed up with a couple of phone calls to see how she was doing but she never got back to me. I decided to call her today (over a year later) and when I told her who I was and that I did Reiki for her arthritis, she got excited and said that it never recurred after that session - ever. It's been over a year now and she's doing great.

It's hard to describe how it made me feel to know that I helped someone break free of such pain and get back to her job and that it worked in just one session, which is always my intention - I always focus hard during my sessions to fulfill on that goal.

I was so moved by her feedback that I started doing some research today by doing a simple Google search for "Reiki Arthritis" to see what other info is out there. I wasn't surprised to see very little on the topic. Reiki is ancient and still used because it works, but it's not popular in the states yet. We're so used to western medicine, we automatically doubt some miraculous alternatives.

So I wrote to the Arthritis Today editors to propose that I do an article for them on how Reiki worked for my client and can work for other people too. I hope they accept and that word spreads and people get the relief they so need and deserve.

Then I looked around this website and found a community of people to share this with, so here I am. I hope you'll seek a Reiki Practitioner in your area. One way to find us is through the Int'l Assoc. of Reiki Professionals. It really can help, if not completely heal your arthritis. You just have to be open to allowing it to work. Of course you can feel free to message me back if you have any questions.

Whether or not you use Reiki or other alternative medicines, I agree with some of the folks here when they say to follow your gut instinct and work with people you get a good sense from. They should listen and really care - or find someone who does.

Hi ReikiCanHelp

Welcome to the community. Please feel free to join our discussions and share your experience.

Many hospitals are showing their patients how to preform Reiki on themselves and each other for free or reduced price. If you are considering Reiki check with your local hospitals for possible classes.

Hi Lainey, I'm already a Reiki Master so I don't need to take classes. I'd be interested to learn which hospitals are teaching Reiki to their patients - can you share that with me? Thanks, Linda

HI my wife and I both have and are there. My wife had gone to several Surgeons and was told either she was too young or just lose some weight and you'll be fine. She finally found a surgeon who actually listened to her, tried PT, before deciding on knee replacement, she had her first knee done 4 yrs ago, right after we got married the second was last yr. she is better as for the knees go, but the arthritis has gone to other areas of her body. as for myself, I have had gout and arthritis for about 30 yrs my first surgeon would have to drain my knees of the fluid, then cortisone shots, and combination of heat and ice to calm them down, I moved to this area and finally for the first time, they recently my current surgeon talked about surgery. It may take awhile but do not give up even if you have to go elsewhere ( within reason) I know alot of people that have to drive 2-3 hrs from home to find someone, that will listen ask some of your customers if they know someone in the area. what ever don't give up and pray to God for help Good luck

Hi Linda,

I mentioned the Reiki classes as an alternative to save money. Contacting your local hospitals should give you the information you need. But we do have a video if you are interested. Here is the link.

Take care,

Lainey

I am 57 years old and had both knee replacements the past 2 years. I would find another doctor! The doctor that you saw is totally wrong. I don't know what city or state you live in but I am in the Chicagoland area and there are some great teaching hospitals - Northwestern, University of Chicago, Loyola and Rush Presbyterain. I can now go for a mile walk without pain with my 100 lb. dog which is something I could not do 2 years ago! The therapy was tough but I never complained as I knew this is the key to a good recovery. I don't regret the surgery one bit! Good Luck.

have no cartilage left in either one of my knees. my knees are totally worn out. i got on disablity when i was 56. i am now 63. please don't give up. if i can get on disability so can you. i also have damaged tendons in both shoulders due to a fall over a parking bumper. i fell flat on my face. i went to an orthopedic surgeon, this was his answer to my problem, he said that i would be dead in 8 years and that he would do nothing for me. what a nice guy HUH. any way i am trying to cope with the pain day by day. i also have carpal tunnel problems in both wrists, arthritis in my neck, spine, shoulders, and ankles. other than this my Internal medicineDr. says i am in great health.i know it will be hard but you need to stay off your feet as much "as you can". i use a cane to walk and a walker to help me get out of bed each day. please do not give up. i take celebrex,hydrcodone, these help me tremendously. find a dr that can show some understanding and compassion for your problems. i think this is the key.

anyway i wish you the best in finding the right dr and the help you need.

Hi Mustangsally47,

I am sorry that someone spoke to you so negatively! I am glad you proved him wrong!

Thanks you for your encouraging words!

Lainey

Hello,

I was sorry to hear you had this trouble, but you are the one in charge of your own health and no one else. I learnt this when I went through breast cancer and was told radiation would make my arthritis worse. If, you do not like what this person stated you have the right to second, third, or fourth opinions or more. I have had the shots and they do help, as do may natural remedies, but it is up to you and no one else to find what works for you. Everyone's arthritis is different and what works for me may not work for you. You may also be surprise to learn that stretching exercise do help arthritis, and the more you sit the more pain you will have. It goes to the old saying, " If, you do not use it you lose it!". Have you contacted the Arthritis Society?
http://www.arthritis.ca

Here are some things you can do from your chair:
1. Freelance Writing
2. Write Greeting Cards
3. Painting
4. Checking Websites for problems
5. Surveys
6. Crafts selling on line

Just, to name a few but when you brain storm you might fine more. Hope things work out for you and my god bless you with new ideas every day!

My wife has severe osteoarthritis in both her knees. She has been helped somewhat by a rheumatologist, even though she does not have that type of arthritis. Physical therapy has also helped.
One of the biggest problems in all this is our antiquated medical system, in which you have to have money to get medical care. In your case, you might be able to get some help from Medicare even at age 55 if you qualify because of Disability. I qualified at age 60 because of a spinal cord injury I'd suffered at age 46. As a university professor, I found it possible to teach from my wheelchair for another decade, before pain and other conditions forced me to go on Disability. You should look into all this with the help of a specialist in Disability Law. That will cost, but it might be an excellent investment.
Good luck, fellow arthritis-caused pain victim!