Bones and Joints

[HSmom]

I actually took the step today of phoning a rhuematologist for an appointment. I got off the phone and burst into tears. For the record, I cry about twice a year; I don't know why this made me cry.

 

My appointment is in a month. It occured to me that in the mean time, I should see what I can do with OTCs, rather than just suffering.

 

Currently I take Celebrex. I've gotten the nod to take two a day, but I've found that if I take it everyday, it doesn't seem to work as well. I don't know if that's truely the case, or if I just do more (because it does work) and then hurt (because I did too much). So I usually take it for two days, then a day without; repeat.

 

I also decided to put myself on a Tylenol schedule: 1000mg in the morning and mid-afternoon everyday; not waiting for pain. Plus another 1000mg at bedtime, if needed.

 

Then it occured to me that my dh has some Glucosamine (1500mg) Condroitin (1200mg) tablets that his doc suggested for sore knees. It couldn't hurt me, right? The package suggests one tablet, twice a day, so that's what I'm going to do.

 

I cannot take ibuprofen because of nausea. I cannot take aspirin because I get nosebleeds when I do.

 

What else can I throw at this? I am at your mercy. But, please, nothing too weird; remember, I am a duly trained Registered Nurse, firmly seated in Western medicine.

[Momo]

I use the glucosamine/chondraitin. If I miss a few days of taking them I can tell a difference.

 

I avoid taking tylenol, aspirin or ibuprofen, unless I am having alot of pain or will be babysitting the babies. Ibuprofen works for me, but I don't have the stomach problems with it that alot of folks do.

 

 

[Mother]

http://www.alternativehealth.co.nz/lessons/pain.htm

 

You might find this information interesting and maybe helpful.

 

(((HSmom))

[Karen]

HSMOM, I really know what you're feeling. I went to my family doctor to see why my knees had swollen so badly, and why my joints ached so badly. He took a blood test and came back to tell me my ra factor was thru the roof and I had RA. I burst into tears too. It's like you put off acknowleding that there is something wrong for so long, that when it's confirmed your reaction is a type of relief. I hope your diagnoises is not as bad as mine. One word of warning: on Celebrex monitor you time in sunlight. Cut the time in half of what you nomallydo. If you get sunburned even a little bit it can turn into an allergic reaction. That's what happened to me. I got a light sunburn on my left forearm and with-in 24 hours I looked like a 3rd degree burn victim on my face, shoulders,down both arms, chest and back. It almost killed me before they got the reaction to stop. Just be careful. Good luck at your doctors.

[HSmom]

Thank you all. I kept up my little plan for prevention all of about two days. I really can't pop pills (even Glucosamine/Condroitin) unless I'm truly miserable. I'm having a lot of trouble with muscle cramping in my calf and back of my thigh. We swam the other day and about 15 minutes of hot tub jets took care of that, but it comes right back. I think I need some PT.

[Pansy]

I had the dreaded shot in the spine yesterday, disgraced myself thoroughly by yelling and crying - have been through a lot of painful procedures but this one took the cake. Told DH when I came out I am NEVER going through that again (unless they knock me out??) Anyhow it does feel marginally better this morning but doctor warned me to wait two weeks. Aching joints are the pits. Charly horses/cramps in legs also the pits = an old "home remedy" is 1 tsp. cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water - it works, don't know how or why but what a relief. We all have cider vinegar in the house somewhere so give it a try for several days I now only do it once or twice a week.

[cookiejar]

Originally Posted By: HSmom

Thank you all. I kept up my little plan for prevention all of about two days. I really can't pop pills (even Glucosamine/Condroitin) unless I'm truly miserable. I'm having a lot of trouble with muscle cramping in my calf and back of my thigh. We swam the other day and about 15 minutes of hot tub jets took care of that, but it comes right back. I think I need some PT.

I have trouble taking the pony (sized) pills also and have to watch the nausea. Consider taking Joint Juice. It's the condrotin/Gluco mix but in orange juice with vitamin C. Comes in a little half sized soda style can. It's at least tasty. I tried some of the other liquid styles and BLEAGHHH!

I hope that helps Chica,

[Mare]

HSMom, about a year ago my hands were so painful so I went for an RA test. The test came back negative, but the Dr. said that I had a lot of inflammation in my body which is what was causing the pain. I guess some food allergy's can cause it. About a week ago I woke up with a claw hand, and it took over an hour of rubbing to unfold two fingers. It's still painful, but at least it is periodic, not chronic. I hope your RA test is negative.

[mommato3boys]

Add Fish oil capsules with the glucosamine. When hubby hurt really bad we did the glucosamine and fish oil he was able to move a little better.

 

I am with you today. It hurts to type and my shoulders are killing me. It hurts to lay down and I can barely lift my arms. So I have pulled out the fish oil and glucosamine.

 

You just have to be careful with the glucoasmine because it will raise your blood sugar.

[cookiejar]

has anyone heard of Flax seed oil being helpful for this also?

[Lois]

http://ga.essortment.com/whatisflaxsee_pfy.htm

This is from the above site:

What is Flax Seed Oil and how can it benefit me? I was faced with this question when I started hearing about Flax Seed not long ago. It's become a 'buzz word' in society and seems to be making great strides in increased health for many. I wanted to join that wagon of wellness and so I researched until I felt satisfied that it could help me, too. Here are my findings:

Flax Seed Oil is a blue flowering plant that is grown on the Western Canadian Prairies for its oil rich seeds. This natural oil (also known as Linseed Oil) is highly recommended for the general well being and whole body nutrition and is considered to be nature's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids that are required for the health of almost all body systems.

 

Flax Seed Oil contains omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc and also provides approximately 50% more omega-3 oils than what you could get from taking fish oil, minus that horrible "fishy" after taste. Sounded good to me already!

There is a list of benefits at the above site……

 

I use it half and half with olive oil for my salad dressing.

[HSmom]

The appt is on Monday; I'll let you know.

[HSmom]

I saw her. She was nice. She didn't say "What's the matter with you? This is nothing! Suck it up!" which I half expected. She ordered exactly the labs and films that I suspected she would (and I did not tell her my suspicions - I tried to just present my symptoms objectively). I see her again on Tuesday. Hope to have some answers and/or a treatment plan then.

[Mt_Rider]

Glad you decided to pursue futher. Praying that you'll get some accurate information. Information is power. Lack of it never did us any good.

 

 

Except denial feels good once in a while....

 

 

But that is ignoring by choice, not trying to cope blindly. Once we decide to pursue the questions....we like to have our answers *yesterday*!!!!

 

 

C'mon Doc. HS needs to KNOW!!!!!

 

 

(((HS)))

 

 

MtRider

[HSmom]

Thanks ((((MtRider))))!

[HSmom]

Got my test results today:

 

1. Osteoarthritis in the sacroiliac joints, confirmed by x-ray.

 

2. Probable osteoarthritis in the knees (might do an x-ray later to confirm).

 

3. Bursitis in both hips.

 

4. Intractible (not able to be controlled) plantar fasciitis in both feet.

 

She referred me to a physiatrist (fizz-eye-uh-trist...works with rehabilitation and pain management). Coincidentally, I had already been planning that if the rheumy didn't come up with anything earth-shattering.

 

Can I just whine for a moment: I'm in my 30's; where the heck did I get OA?!

[Mt_Rider]

Oh sheesh, HS.... no WONDER you've had so much pain!

 

(we don't have an unsmiling hug icon)

 

 

This does seem harsh at your age.... I was in my 30's when I began cane use and knew SOMEthing was wrong. But that's a common age for MS. OA.... dunno. The people of our society seem to be dealing more and more with things early. Lots of stuff we haven't been doing right personally and globally are coming home to roost. We are not in the "Garden" anymore and this tainted world is.... well, it just stinks sometimes!

 

 

I am glad you have some confirmation!!! But words don't do much right now...

 

 

Maybe another one of these?

 

 

 

 

MtRider

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Vic303]

HS, I am glad to know it wasn't RA! Some OA is genetic...did either of your parents have early onset OA?

 

I have somewhat chronic plantar fascitis too. Cortisone shots can help but most podiatrists won't do more than 2-3 total for you, as the cortisone can cause its own problems with over use.

 

I have been told, and am trying, to lose weight. That I KNOW will help mine. Mine got worse after 3 babies back-to-back-to-back. My podiatrist told me do NOT go around barefoot--it makes the pain worse--and DO wear decent shoes and use the $300 custom orthotics I got. The orthotics actually do help. It hasn't 'cured' my pain but it has reduced it probably 60%. Did they xray your feet to check for bone spurs? Plantar fascitis can cause bone spurs on the bottoms of your feet and aggravate the pain factor!

 

Have they given you a treatment plan for the hips? It might be possible to do an injection (ouch!) to reduce the inflammation.

 

BTW, for OTC pain meds, Aleve (aka Naproxen sodium) works very well for osteoarthritis pain. This assumes you are able to take it regularly & long term without gastric issues.

 

--Vic

[Lois]

I have been waiting with you for your diagnosis, it at least tells you where to start your research for treatment which ever you decide to do, all prescription or natural or maybe a little of both. Best of luck in the management of your pain. ((((HSMom))))

[HSmom]

Thank you Lois, for waiting with me. ((hug))

[Mother]

HSMom, I really am sorry you have to deal with all this but at least you know where to start now.

 

For what it's worth,,,,,I'll mention that OA is often connected to food allergies. You might consider seeing if you can figure out what the offender(s) might be.

 

A two or three day fresh juice detox might be of great benefit but be sure to add LOTS of fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet with lots of green leafy greens. Sulfur containing foods like broccoli, onions, cabbage and garlic are especially beneficial along with being sure to take in plenty of fiber as in oats and other whole grains. Cherry and cherry juice helps as does extra vitamin D from sunshine. (I was told by an endocrinologist that only ten minutes on bare skin a day is enough but has to be without sun block)

 

I've read that NSAIDS and aspirin can suppress the inflammation but might also promote OA progression by damaging cartilage and inhibiting maintenance of normal collagen structures. You might try Glucosamine sulfate. I believe it works as well as NSAIDS but not as fast. Add chondroitin sulfate for even better effects. (they often come together in one supplement) If you don't recognize these, they are natural OTC supplements that even my osteo surgeon recommended to me. Ask your doctor or physiatrist about them. I was told I could take them along with any RX meds without problem but ask anyway.

 

Above all, stay well hydrated. Drink WATER! Sounds simple but really helps.

 

Check out this on Plantar Fasciitis. http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/.fulltext/10/2/83.pdf

 

It might give you some alternatives. I had good results with exercise for mine, that and I continually have to make sure I have no calluses on that heel. Calluses seem to make it worse for me. The fresh food diet helps too. Don’t forget to make sure you get enough Vitamin C.

 

I hope something here will help.

 

((((( HSMom )))))

 

[pamcat]

I have plantar fascietits (sp). About 10 years ago when I was first diagnosed a podiatrist told me to get some New Balance 608 running shoes. The are about $50 and they work. I wear my shoes all the time, no barefeet at alll. I too have osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis which comes from psoriasis. good luck with getting some pain relief

 

[The MacKinnon]

There is a product called 'Replenex' which is sold by Melaleuca. Go to www.melaleuca.com for more information. You have to 'join' to get the lower price, but I've used this for about 3 years and my DD, who has 2 congenitally fractured vertebrae, uses it and it really makes a difference. Disclaimer: DH and I are 'associates' for Melaleuca, which is a really decent outfit. In fact that's how we met. But this product is great and I've found over 3 years that everything of theirs I've tried is top-notch.

 

I do pray you get relief and continue to improve!