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General Category => Grab Bag => Topic started by: Louey0727 on April 28, 2011, 02:21:42 PM

Title: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: Louey0727 on April 28, 2011, 02:21:42 PM
Dear Ladies:
Got results from xrays that I have the above subject matter conditions.
Do any of you ladies have the same things and if so, what are you doing or taking for these conditions.

My doctor said, the only thing is antiinflamatories (I have intolerences to all medications).

Would really like to hear from someone.
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: pam1 on April 28, 2011, 02:35:25 PM
(((Parentslol)))

I have a form of arthritis which isn't very common.  I do not take meds and I have an uncle who has it too in his back.  I don't believe he takes meds but I'll ask him what he has done.  I know for sure he got a custom bed made for him which he swears by.  Before that he was sleeping on a hardwood floor on his back to help relieve the pain.

Fish oil is supposed to be good for joints but I have never noticed a difference.

What did your doc say about exercise?
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: luise.volta on April 28, 2011, 02:38:14 PM
I (age 84) have both and the best thing is regular exercise. I have been able to stay off meds. that way. Sending love...
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: holliberri on April 28, 2011, 02:39:37 PM
Exercise, lots of water and Osteo Bi-Flex helps my  grandmother with her rheumatoid arthritis. She also visits a chiropractor. Her arthritis is in her back.

As far as osteopeorosis...is there something you can do to maintain.
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: pam1 on April 28, 2011, 02:47:47 PM
Ask your doc about exercise before you start going at it willy nilly in the gym.  Also ask for the types you should and should not be doing.  I've made mine worse so so many times. 
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: luise.volta on April 28, 2011, 03:17:41 PM
True Pam - Curves works for me (although I don't have any.)

Also osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are not the same thing.

An X-ray doc once told me everyone starts showing arthritic changes after 50 but without symptoms.
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: Louey0727 on April 28, 2011, 03:35:48 PM
Luise:
You say you have both!   Are you in constant pain? 
You say you don't take any meds, do you take certain vitamins and does the excercise alleviate your pain, if you have it.
I have pain in the knees, back, neck hands and feet.
I have just been given the results of what I have a few days ago, and wondering what type of doctor I should see to find out what kind of exercises would help.
Like I said previously, I have intolerence to pain medication prescribed or over the counter.  I have always been very active, but for the last few months, practically live in bed because of the pain.  Walking and moving around aggrevates my back and knees.  I babysat my grandchildren for three weeks at their home and I truly believe the lifting and carrying brought on the severe pains I am having.
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: pam1 on April 28, 2011, 04:00:27 PM
I go to Ortho or Ortho-Sports clinics.  Usually they will ask your diagnosis when you make your first appt and give you the best qualified doctor in their clinic.
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: jill on April 28, 2011, 06:28:18 PM
Hi Parentslol,
Welcome to aging!! I have osteoarthritis in my knees and I think it is gradually moving other places as well.    I think keeping moving is the solution, since I retired 5 years ago it has not gotten any worse, because I have been moving instead of sitting all day.  I don't like walking for more than about 20 minutes, but line dancing does not bother me at all.  I also take a couple of exercise classes, including osteofit which helps strenghten.  Don't take any medication yet.....Jill
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: Louey0727 on April 29, 2011, 06:53:50 AM
Thank you to all your ladies for your replies to my post.

I would still like to know what you do for this condition, diet, vitamins, excercise and any type of therapy.

Once again, thank you.

Look forward to more suggestions and stories.

Jill, are you in constant pain and other joint pain?  Have you found an over-the-counter pill that helps the pain (not aspirin but maybe Tylenol)?
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: holliberri on April 29, 2011, 06:57:53 AM
Parentslol,

Have you looked into glucosamine at all?

Here is Osteo-Biflex. I don't know anything about it, but there are several people I know who are quite happy taking it for several type of arthritis. It should list the ingredients on the website. My dad finally stopped screaming in his sleep once he switched to water (in lieu of soda) and then added Osteo-Biflex. He has osteoarthritis.

I ALSO think it helps with bone loss, but I can't be certain. It's OTC.

http://www.osteobiflex.ca/en/pages/index.aspx
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: LaurieS on April 29, 2011, 06:59:21 AM
One of the biggest things that people overlook when it comes to arthritis is pure plain water
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: holliberri on April 29, 2011, 07:05:07 AM
Yes, I do believe water changed my dad's life. No joke. My g-ma hasn't had her hands cripple on her yet and she's had rheumatoid arthritis for 50 years. She always has her water bottle.
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: LaurieS on April 29, 2011, 07:31:32 AM
I'm always amazed at what proper hydration does for the body.. but seldom if ever will a doctor ask you how much water you are drinking... I swear, that I helped save a girl from some surgery by talking to her parents about what my dd went through and how water alleviated her problem and actually improved her life.  Within two weeks this girl who had given up all sports and was in pain walked up to me and said wow I never knew.... This family was drinking tea by the gallons (tea dehydrates) they thought it was as good as water.. within another two weeks she was back playing sports.  I think there is a financial reason why doctors don't push water as much as they should.
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: Louey0727 on April 29, 2011, 08:08:02 AM
To Laurie and Holly:

Re: Water

I drink 8-10 bottles of water a day.  Someone/a friend who is a nutrionist, said you are probably not getting enough protein, which could be true and your joints may be loaded with "uric" acid.
I am having a thorough blood test next week (have to fast) but I asked the doctor to tick off for testing the uric acid.  All the things that people tell me, makes sense.
I am going to be 70 years old in August and just wonder, if it too late to try different solutions that may not help me now.
I am in so much pain, that my brain is foggy and I am normally such a active person but lately it hurts even to go down a flight of stairs.  Normally, I never suffer from depression, but I am feeling so depressed about this, as spring is here and I am so afraid I will not be able to do any gardening.  It hurts to even walk around the yard and I get so depressed as it hurts to bend over to pull a weed.
Sorry, if I sound like I am belly aching, but I do not want to be a disabled and unable to do things.
Thanks for all the replies.
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: holliberri on April 29, 2011, 08:11:22 AM
Parents,

Believe it or not, I rarely get enough protein. It is one of the hardest things I've  been able to adhere to. I can eliminate fat, increase fiber, increase veggies...but I've never managed protein well at all...

Have you tried increasing  protein?

I don't think you're bellyaching, but if push comes to shove, you might need to take something to manage pain.
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: Rose799 on April 29, 2011, 08:39:33 AM
Have you tried topical creams?  Dh is a big fan of Capzasin...

Nonprescription products, which produce a warm or cool sensation, come with varying active ingredients. Salicylate products (BenGay, Aspercreme, Sportscreme) may reduce inflammation in muscles and joints. Products containing capsaicin (Capzasin-P, Zostrix) may help relieve pain from joints.



Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: lancaster lady on April 29, 2011, 09:07:44 AM
Parentslol;

Welcome to my world ....I feel your pain , literally !
I have osteoarthritis in my spine and most of my body .I have tried every available prescription drug available for this condition .
I also tried glucosamine with no affect . People recommended apple cider vinegar , with no affect .
different things work for different people . Acupuncture helped me enormously .
Take exercise is a familiar call , however sometimes your body refuses to move , as the pain is too intense .
I have been on anti inflammatory drugs for years , however since my heart scare I now only take pain relief , which I think is essential . Physiotherapy aggravated the condition . I had steroid injections into joints , didnt work .
Once you get the pain under control , you must keep on the move , gentle walking etc . When the pain is too much , I use
a tens machine , this is very effective .
Green lipped muscle gel alleviates the pain , but not for long ..

I'm so sorry for you diagnosis , but it's not life threatening and with the right care we can manage .You have to keep trying
different solutions until one works for you . good  luck .
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: jill on April 29, 2011, 06:54:30 PM
Parentslol,
No, I am not in constant pain, and don't take medication, I cannot take anti-flammatories because of high blood pressure, and I have to go downstairs sideways, but honestly I do believe keeping moving helps.  You can strengthen the muscles around the knee with weights on the ankle and then lift your legs (sitting down).  Check and see if your local seniors centre has osteofit classes, my shoulders don't hurt as much any more because of using weights.  I was interested to hear that drinking a lot of water helps, I know I don't drink enough.   Like Lancaster Lady says, try different things until you find something that helps.......................Jill 
Title: Re: Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in Knees and Osteoprosis and arthritis in back
Post by: Pen on April 29, 2011, 10:09:17 PM
We've been going through this with a family member. Water, exercise, protein (smaller protein meals all through the day), keeping thyroid levels optimal and raising low body temps to normal seem to help. Oh, also cutting out sugar. There are also beneficial supplements, some that were mentioned by earlier posts.

www.wilsonssyndrome.com (http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com) has a lot of info re: low body temp and the problems it can cause.