arthritis

[indysteel]

As I've previously reported, I went to a sports doctor last week to figure out what's going on in my hip and groin. He ordered x-rays and PT. Apparently, the x-ray report was sent, not jut to him, but to my regular GP. My GP's nurse called to ask about the x-rays since they didn't otherwise know what was up (I'm sort of looking to change GPs as their office is no longer conveniently located for me). I explained what was going on and asked if the radiologist reports indicate anything.

She said the report indicated arthristis in my hip. I didn't press her for more information and the sports doctor's office hasn't returned my call yet so that I can get more information and figure out the next step forward.

I'm trying to remain calm, but it was a hard word to hear at age 41. I know there are different types of arthritis and my uneducated guess is that they'll want to conclusively determine whether it's osteoarthritis first and foremost. I also assume I'll stick with PT. Beyond that, I don't know.

:(

[tulip]

(((indysteel))). I have no advice, but am sending you warm wishes.

[indysteel]

(((indysteel))). I have no advice, but am sending you warm wishes.

Thanks, Tulip. I appreciate it. :o

[OakLeaf]

Good thoughts coming your way from here, too.

Remember that X-ray signs of joint degeneration correlate very poorly with symptoms. It could just be an incidental finding. Hopefully the doctors will explain it better to you, sort out what's going on and be able to help you fix it.

[indysteel]

That's good to know, Oak. I'm trying to keep my thoughts in check since I do know so little at this point. From his exam of me, the PT didn't think it was arthritis. I hope hid assessment is correct.

Deep breath....I just wish the doc would call gosh darnit. I left a message this morning!

[Catrin]

Oh my, I just saw this, I hope you hear from the doc soon so you can get more information...

[KnottedYet]

Just about anyone over the age of 30 has arthritis in at least one joint.

It may or may not be symptomatic.

(Oak has it pegged in her reply.)

There is the kind where your body is attacking its own joint tissues, and there's the kind where your body is creating an "overgrowth" of bone to relieve some stress to the periosteum or cartilage. (since the overgrowth has a function, it is not a pathology)

Neither is a death sentence. Neither means you must give up any activity.

Pictures are ALWAYS more frightening than functional assessments. I'd go with the PT: of course you have arthritis just like everyone, but it may not be the cause of your problem. It may turn out to be your body's way of dealing with the problem!

I hang out with a lot of DI folks, and lemme tell ya', NOBODY has a "normal" diagnostic image. (We all look like train wrecks under the skin.)

[indysteel]

Thanks for offering some perspective, Knotted. I think I'm somewhat freaked because my pain is consistent (esp. the groin pain) with hip arthritis. Plus, the pain is fairly constant these days. While some days are worse than others, I always have some pain and limited ROM. But I do need to wait for what the doc and PT say. I realize it's not a death sentence, but it's still worrisome. I'd also note that autoimmune issues run in my family, so anytime an issue comes up that could potentially fall under that category, I freak a little.

[kermit]

I am 42 and recently went to my doctor for shoulder pain, yup arthritis. He gave me some shots and some stretching exercises. He told me pretty much everyone has some type or arthritis somewhere. I have broken a lot of bones from riding horses. I swear by joint supplements. I feel your pain but you are not alone, feel better.

[SheFly]

Thanks for offering some perspective, Knotted. I think I'm somewhat freaked because my pain is consistent (esp. the groin pain) with hip arthritis. Plus, the pain is fairly constant these days. While some days are worse than others, I always have some pain and limited ROM. But I do need to wait for what the doc and PT say. I realize it's not a death sentence, but it's still worrisome. I'd also note that autoimmune issues run in my family, so anytime an issue comes up that could potentially fall under that category, I freak a little.

Indy - FWIW, my DH was diagnosed with symptomatic and systemic arthritis probably about 3 years ago (and yes, it is autoimmune related). He is an Elite level Master's bike racer. Take comfort in knowing that the arthritis is all under control (via meds and some PT), and that he is still out there competing every weekend, and winning some along the way.

Just wanted to point out that there isn't a reason to "freak". It's all manageable.

SheFly

[nscrbug]

I too, was just diagnosed with arthritis...in my toes/feet. My new podiatrist gave me the good news...along with a script for Celebrex. I'm only on day 2 of taking the Celebrex, and not feeling much of a difference yet. Hope it kicks in soon. Based on my family history, I'll bet that I have arthritis in a whole host of other places, too...like my knees, and lower back.

[indysteel]

Again, I appreciate the perspective, Shefly, and it is encouraging. That said, I'm still freaked. I understand most things, including this, are manageable. I just really don't want another thing to manage right now. I feel like that's all I'm doing these days. Sorry for the pity party, but this isn't the only thing on my plate. I feel overwhelmed.

And, yes, I'm already in therapy. :). This will pass; I'm just having a bad week. Or year....

[redrhodie]

(((indy))) I hope things get better soon. I know you do yoga, is that helping? Do you take epsom salt baths? I find that not only do they help with aches and pains, but I swear they help my mood. I use them several times a week.

[Lemongrass]

Indysteel:

I've also got arthritis - the inflammatory kind. Two months ago my soccer-loving 13yo daughter was also diagnosed with arthritis. You can guess how that made me feel, given there's a genetic link!

But - our rheumatologist says that we both have to keep up our exercise no matter what, and that cycling, being non-weight bearing, is an excellent way to maintain our fitness. Strong muscles help protect joints. So while we get miserable sometimes, an hour's exercise helps put everything into perspective and helps the arthritis.

So hang in there, and I'm sending you good wishes across the Pacific!

[sundial]

Indy, I hope you are having a better day today. :)

There are some options your physician may consider to reach a definitive diagnosis. If your doctor suspects that it is something other than osteoarthritis, he or she may want to order a series of blood tests to rule out any type of auto immune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. Also, an MRI might be indicated to determine what arthritic changes have occurred in your hip.

Patients who have arthritis are encouraged to continue their exercise as tolerated, get plenty of rest and take frequent breaks from the activity, stretch, and take an anti-inflammatory as prescribed by the doctor. I found that soaking in the tub helps me alot on my not so good days. Also, a good massage therapist can help alleviate some of the pain as does a good PT. :)

The most important thing is to listen to your body. If it doesn't feel like riding that day, don't. If you need an extra nap, indulge. :) Curl up on the couch with your favorite blanket and let the kitties snuggle in and sooth you with their purring.

[indysteel]

I apologize for the pity party I was having when I first posted about this. Part of the problem is that the doctor was not communicating very well--or at all--about this. He still hasn't, so I'll likely check in with my GP instead. I was POed to say the least. I'm also having some issues with my vision that have me depressed, as well as seasonal (and by seasonal, I mean all 12 months of the year) allergies that are just out of control. Add in migraines and my braces, which hurt like heck every couple of weeks, and I sort of flipped out. None of the issues are that bad, but taken together, I felt overwhelmed. I'm better now. PT seems to be helping quite a bit. I'm hopeful that so long as I keep at my exercises and regaining some strength, I should be okay, at least for the time being. Working with the PT has been a much-needed wakeup call as to what I need to add into my exercise routine.

The kitties help, too. It's hard to be sad when you have a four-month old kitten to entertain you!

[jessmarimba]

I'm glad the kittens are helping! It sounds like all of that together can get really crappy - it's funny how something that seems so small can mean so much misery on top of a bunch of other little things! I can't imagine putting up with braces now. With allergies. And migraines. And everything else.

Hang in there...and don't take any crap from your doctor.

[indysteel]

I am SO over the braces. I started treatment in October of 2007 and had four teeth extracted last Septmeber--a week after I moved into my current home with my now husband. Stressful, right? I have adjustments almost every two weeks, so it's both painful and time intensive. I tell ya; this year has been one thing or another.

That said, I humbled by those among you who have had some serious things going on. Breast cancer, broken backs, the loss of a loved one. Notwithstanding my meltdown, I haven't totally lost perspective.

[Catrin]

Kitties help so much, they bring rays of sunshine when they start bouncing around chasing those invisible creatures they seem to find :) I am glad they are helping. You've a lot on your plate, and that was before the arthritis started acting up. I cannot imagine having to deal with the braces, you are a stronger woman than I am!

Any option to change doctors?

[sundial]

Notwithstanding my meltdown, I haven't totally lost perspective.

It still hurts though when you are battling so many painful episodes that converge at one point. Pain can wear you down and make you depressed. It can affect your perspective when you aren't getting enough respite from the pain. A good GP will assist you with pain management by prescribing medications or physical therapy to help diminish your current level of pain and increase your level of activity. If you can stay ahead of the pain, that will serve as a major victory in your recovery process. And don't feel guilty if you have to resort to taking strong pain medications, even if it's short term. If it helps you to have a better quality of life than it's worth it. :)