Arthritis

[tortoise]

I have just been told I have arthritis. I am 31. I started off afew years ago with painful knees. I went to the hospital as my GP referred me and had all the x-rays etc done. The doctor told me I had little fluid behind my kneecaps and to lose weight. Well I tried to lose weight and a little did come off.
Over the last year I noticed I was getting painful fingers and they were swelling up alot. I also found that when I gripped anything for a long time eg: the hoover my fingers locked in one position. Even typing makes them ache now. Then last month I started to get pain in my elbows.

So I went to see my GP who told me that it was arthritis and that I would have to have some blood tests done to find out what type. I am feeling very sorry for myself at the moment, but I won't give in.

I take cod liver oil tablets and have purchased a copper bangle to try and relieve it. I have started an aqua aerobics class too as high impact aerobics was leaving me in too much pain. I have also got some knee and elbow supports for when I am gardening etc.

My Gp has told me I will probably need injections or tablets, but I would like to relieve it in other ways aswell if I could.

I get married in 2 years in Florence and don't want to be hobbling up the aisle to meet Mr T!! :blush:

Any advice would be greatly welcomed.

Thanks T xxx :cry:

[Eeyore]

Hi tortoise :)

Gosh I'm so sorry to hear your news. You may find this website useful here (http://www.arc.org.uk) or this one that the BBC have produced here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/arthritis)

My mam has had mild artritis for a while, she takes cod liver oil every day, you may also find that popping in to your local health food shop/herbalist and telling them, may be useful, they can advise you on any natural remedies you can take which may help.

Have you thought about a TENS machine? :D My dad has one years ago and he found it very useful - his doctor had recommended it :)

Sorry I can't offer anymore advice, but I'm sure some of the others will be able to offer more help :)

Take care

[tortoise]

Thanks Eeyore.

Have got a TENS machine as have other aches and pains too! Haven't hought of trying it on my joints though so will do that today.

Am popping into town so will visit my herbalist too. Site links were very helpful.

Thanks again. :thankyou:

[mazza]

Hi tortoise, I am so sorry to hear of this :sad: . Lots of people seem to think of arthritis as an OAP's disease, but it certainly isn't just confined to the elderly :( .

I get carpal tunnel syndrome which is also a form of arthritis (apparently) and do you know...I used to take cod liver oil regularly and got too lazy to buy some when I ran out, so I have not taken it for a few months now. Well I have now noticed that my wrists are playing up again and also that my ankle joints and toes are clicky...coincidence?? I'm sure it has something to do with it! So I shall stop being foolish and get myself some more capsules.

I have also heard that glucosamine is supposed to be excellent although it is much more pricey than cod liver oil. however, sometimes Holland and Barrett have really brill discount offers - worth keeping an eye out :bigeyes: :thumbs: .

I guess that you will have rheumatoid arthritis rather than ostoearthritis. It might not be all bad news then...a book in front of me says that about 10% of people spontaneously recover completely from it up to 2 years after diagnosis - so that could be you ! :D

It also suggests to make sure you have a lot of fresh fruit & veg in your diet along with seeds and grains. Apparently, arthritis is very rare in societies where they are largely vegetarian and use practically no dairy produce...red meat and dairy produce can agggravate inflammation apparently.

Hope you get some relief soon - let us know how you get on :) .

[Elle Golightly]

Hi Tortoise

If you're having problems with your grip and in you arm why not try a Powerball?

http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/NEOPOW.htm

It's basically a gyroscope which you have to try and spin as fast as you can. The one (above) which my boyfriend has has a leaflet with it explaining that it's good for people with arthritis as it can help improve flexibility and strength. It's also really good fun and it lights up in the dark! :D

If you do a quick search on google there's quite a few websites/forums that look at the medical applications.

Elle

[JIMMY]

Hi tortoise,
my friend also suffers from arthritis i recommended Kelp and Alfalpha to him and he has taken it everyday since claiming it does help. Hope you find a solution soon.

[tortoise]

:thankyou: :friends:

I will try all your suggestions. I go back to my GP on the 3rd for blood tests and then on the 15th to get advice and treatment. Mr T has surprised me with a week away to Florence too so something to look forward to. :thumbs:

Elle I will def get one of those it looks great! :D

Mazza, why is it always the things you like you can't have? I love milk!! Just my luck :lol:

Thanks Jimmy and HN I will visit Holland and Barrett when they next have a fab sale.

Thanks again to all of you out there.

T xxxx

[tortoise]

Had blood tests done. They did 4 in all so am now waiting for the doctor to read the results so I can find out what's up.

:bigeyes:

[Eeyore]

Let us know when you hear something tortoise :)

[mazza]

Ooo, I hope you get the results soon tortoise and then you get the correct treatment :thumbs: .

Let us know how you get on! :clover:

[tortoise]

Thanks to you both :wub:

GP just called. All results were fine so that means I don't have rheumatoid arthritis.
She said that I obviously have some sort of arthritic problem and she will send me for a joint scan and do some more tests.

So we just wait and see.

:doctor: