arthritis

[mnko]

i have just been to get my results from xrays that were taken of my spine, back pelvis, neck. my doctor has informed me i have arthritis in my back, early signs but i'm having difficulty sleeping already, it takes me 15 minutes just to get outta bed the pain is that bad, the doctor said tgheres nothing that can be done. i'm losing weight to help as this doesnt help with the pain, does anyone have any other ideas what i can do or try?

[gleaveyweave]

I can't really give you a lot of help but I just wanted to send you my sympathys - my mum (aged 53) was diagnosed with Rhumatoid Arthritis about 18 months ago and she suffers tremendous pain at times. She has had 2 "flair ups" since diagnosis which both knocked her for six. She is prescribed Methotrexate (sp?) and steroids as well as painkillers, has your doctor mentioned any long term meds? The only thing you can do to help yourself is to eat well and have regular exercise as it's very important to keep the joints and muscles moving - even if it feels like the last thing you want to do. That said, don't overdo it, you have to find a happy medium! I wish you luck and keep your chin up x

[Waaii]

I find Glucosomine with Chindroitin helps also fish oil or aloe vera capsules. My mothrer took the steroid route but there are so many side issues with that. Pilates helps too to keep everything 'on the move' you can get a tape.

[shaneystar2]

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when I was in my late forties ..it has burned itself out more or less but I get the odd attack .It has however left me with severe osteoarthritis in most of my joints.I am now in my late fifties.I have had the whole gamut of drugs,lots of which have bad side effects and have now gone down the natural route.
Take cod liver oil and glucosamine.
Eat a healthy diet.
Drink plenty of water.
Keep your weight down,the heavier you are ..more pressure on your hips and knees.
Keep moving.Walking and swimming are the best exercise.
Take a painkiller if the pain is too bad ..but..they are addictive so try not to rely on them too much.Feldene Gel is good to rub into affected joints.
Have a look here
http://www.arc.org.uk/default.htm

http://www.healthywaymagazine.com/issue30/05_k eep_moving.html

[skyep]

mnko - A couple of things to try, I made myself a pillow half filled with little beads, like you find in bean bags ( available from most haberdashery's )Use a full size pillowcase, half fill, sew the end up & place in a spare pillowcase ( so you can wash the outer pillow ) It will mold to your neck, sometimes if your neck is lying funny, your spine will suffer as a consequence. Secondly, try a full sized plump pillowcase in between your legs while sleeping on your side, this also keeps your spine more straight whilst sleeping. Hope this helps!

[Carakeel]

mkno, I have osteoarthritis and am facing having two knee replacements in the next few months, so I know how you are feeling right now. Please don't let this get you down. There are ways in which one can reduce the pain. One of the simple ones is to keep a 1kg bag of peas in your freezer and to ice the painful areas as often as possible. Icing the back is not a very pleasant thing to have to do, but I find if I put a thin towel around the ice pack it makes it easier. Heat also often helps, so try sitting against a hot water bottle - again make sure it is covered, so you don't burn yourself. There are several large heat plasters you can get from the chemist that reduce the pain, especially in the back. The one I use is called Belladonna Plaster (by Cuxson Gerrard). I use them on my lower back. You can get them from most chemists I think. I get mine from Moss Chemists, but have to order them in sometimes.They cost about �2.50 each and can be left on for 2-3 days. Like all plasters, they are not too nice when you have to pull them off again as they catch on any hair on the body, but if you take them off while in the bath, they come off much easier. The other plasters are usually much more expensive and only last 8 hours or so. Try to do pilates exercises and keep mobile. Hope that helps a little. Best wishes.