Mom's arthritis...

[Torrilin]

People aren't supposed to turn blue. Take them to the doctor when they do. I have no idea what's wrong with her, but turning blue can indicate potentially lethal problems. The symptoms are odd enough that if they're all related, diagnosis should be pretty easy. If they're not it will be harder, but there just can't be that many ailments where body parts begin swelling, turning blue and giving you a burning pain. If that pattern is happening often, she could develop gangrene because enough cells have died to give it a foothold. Not good, and your mom is smart enough to know it.

[Duck on Wheels]

Come to think of it ... I've had arthritis-swollen knuckles, but the only time a joint turned blue was when I broke it. Maybe it's that simple, a broken finger.

[BeeLady]

Sorry about your Mom, Denise. I hope you can get it figured out. She must be a tough lady if she is now taking up cycling despite the aches and pains.

I was just diagnosed with some arthritis in my neck. I was wondering if Trek and Duck ride bikes with drop handle-bars. My physical therapist thinks I shouldn't. The only sign I've had of the arthritis is some inflammation causing headaches every day for a week.

Like Trek said in her post, I thought exercise and activity was the best "treatment" for arthritis.

[Trek420]

I was just diagnosed with some arthritis in my neck. I was wondering if Trek and Duck ride bikes with drop handle-bars. My physical therapist thinks I shouldn't. The only sign I've had of the arthritis is some inflammation causing headaches every day for a week.

Like Trek said in her post, I thought exercise and activity was the best "treatment" for arthritis.

BeeLady, I have both:
bike #1 is my commuter bike a GT Outpost Trail, very basic MTB, no frills, no suspension, no bar ends, cheap and it's upright. I ride this more often...but fewer miles.
stay tuned for a thread about this bike, I just hade her powdercoated bright TdF yellow 8-)

Bike # 2 a custom Mondonico. She's more upright than most as is my LBS style. She has a Nito stem and drops but my nose is not down on the front tire Also she's steel which I highly recommend, rides as beautifully as she looks.
Bike # 3 is being built, a freewheel and she will be upright too...I think, haven't seen the finished bike yet.

Knottedyet is whispering that I should get a Surly, actually she says everyone should have a Surly . They can be built with flat or drop bars. I would go for drops.

Both of DoWs bikes are flat bar. As long as it fits you well I don't think it makes a difference.

Come to think of it ... I've had arthritis-swollen knuckles, but the only time a joint turned blue was when I broke it. Maybe it's that simple, a broken finger.

Was that the time your finger got slammed in the minivan door? Owwwwwwww? My finger would be blue too.

But if it ever got bad enough, and I could still ride...I'd get a 'bent

[BeeLady]

Thanks Trek - my bike is a Volpe - steel so that's good. Has a good fit so I will be very mindful of my neck position while on it and see how I do.

I agree everyone should have a Surly, too. Maybe my neck will be the excuse to push me over the line. . .

[sundial]

Running, how is your mom doing? Is she feeling better?

Has she seen her family physician to rule out rheumatoid arthritis? Also, has she ever been tested for Lyme disease? Some tick bites will set up a person for an auto-immune disease if left undiagnosed or treated.

She may need to see a rheumatologist to discuss treatment options for her symptoms and arthritic pain. There have been some advances made in treating both rheumatoid and osteo arthritis, including IV therapy, oral meds and injectables.

Hope she can get some relief soon and get back on her nice bike. If she can keep moving, it will help her body to maintain strength and flexibility, which decreases as the arthritic changes occur.