I'm new here and have osteoarthritis

[djladyknight17]

I am 31 years old and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis at age 21. I have had a bad knee since age 18 when I was in the military for a short time. I inherited it from my mom, who had a bad knee most of her life and had 5 surgeries on her right knee over a span of a few months. I know there's a possibility that I could have knee surgery in the future. I had a doctor that prescribed Relafen for inflammation in my right knee and it was either that or have my knee drained and I wasn't about to go through that becuse I hear it's really painful. I took Relafen twice and the biggest side effect I had was acne covering my entire back, it was really bad. I don't recommend taking it unless you absolutely have to. When I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis, my doctor told me to take Aleve three times a day. I did that for awhile, but it didn't last. I don't like to take anything for arthritis pain unless I absolutely have to because I'm not a pill-popper. Hope this helps anyone who is living with osteoarthritis like I am.

[joy]

I am sorry that you are having to deal with osteoarthritis at such a young age. I am trying out the Flector patches. So far I think they are going to work just fine for me. I hate more pills as well and had a bad time with the NSAIDs before. I hope someone else will give you their advice as well.

[AncientWolf]

Hi lady knight. :) It's a pleasure to meet you though the circumstances be unfortunate.

I too have osteoarthritis, but it is in my spine. I am 35 and have had symptoms for around 3 years. Mine is from an old injury that healed weird.

I know that getting extra Vitamin C helps with the inflammation. I use an "oranges and C" chewable from Trader Joe's every morning and a multi-vitamin (chewable adult multi-vitamin & mineral) supplement with dinner.

Hot showers, as hot as you can stand, help immensely. Since your arthritis is in your knee, perhaps a hot bath would be better for you.

Tea with ginger and honey is excellent. Just put a slice of fresh or even candied ginger in your cup of tea or use a loose or bag tea with dried ginger in it. Add fresh local honey.

Those things do help, but the pressure changes kill my spine when I have to go between cities here. We have what are called "microclimates" because of hills around here and the Pacific Ocean. If I go "over the grade" into San Luis Obispo the temperature drops by 20 degrees and the pressure drops accordingly. I do that 3 times a week for school, there in the morning and back in the evening.

Namaste,

Daniel

[joy]

I was just at my doctor's today and got a prescription for a very good fish oil. The doctor said that they laughed at the person returning from Germany I think when they told that patient's there had to take this before seeing a pain doctor. I'm anxious to see if it helps my back any. It sure couldn't hurt as I am also taking it to help lower my cholesterol. Good luck to you ladyknight & you also Ancientwolf.

I'll have to try some more things now, like I need something ese to take. But I'd rather try anything rather than another man made pill almost!

[sleepy]

Having the knee drained really doesn't hurt that much. It hurts but you'll hopefully feel better after. I've had it done a few times.

[houghchrst]

I also have had my knee drained and with the right doc there is very little pain. A good numbing spray, then the drain. Mine then gave me a pain shot right after draining it which helped quite a bit. In fact today my knee hurts so bad I am thinking of calling him lol. Quite frankly I don't think managing arthritis pain with medication qualifies on as a pill popper. I think that is a leisure activity lol.

[joy]

I'm stil waiting myself for that rash to disapper. I had already went back to doctor to get the all clear signal on my urine. Dudh don't they know that all this seeing doctors hurts us bad. so bad I'm not going back wintil this rash clears itself up. There is a limit to just how many pills and doctor going I'm going to do with my time. Sorry but still ranting about my own troubles.

I'm glad others are getting there, slowly but surely.