Biking-Severe Arthritis-Vitamins-Supplements

[Tuckervill]

I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my knees a couple of weeks ago. I started taking a prescription NSAID (meloxicam) then, and it has worked wonders for me. But, I've been having the pain for at least 4 years, and I just got around to going to the doctor--that explains how bad the pain wasn't, I guess. (Really I just knew he'd say I have arthritis and to take NSAIDs, which is exactly what happened. I'm happy to know for sure, and not worry about other things.)

Anyway, the knee pain is what started me riding a bike again after a 20+ year hiatus--that, and I got a bike kinda by accident. The more I rode, the better my knees felt. I do take really good care of my knees by not doing things I know will hurt them, but I also run a mile +/- once or twice a week and do 100 jumping jacks once a week. I never ever thought I'd be able to run, and the doctor doesn't really recommend it. However, I think those kinds of activities, while I'm still young enough to be able to work up to it, have helped my knees feel better. The tendons and muscles are stronger and there's no imbalance anymore from mostly sitting in the recliner! In fact, my touring bike, which is set up differently than my road bike, kinda forces me to mash more than I used to, and that actually makes my knees feel GOOD!

So, if you're not a "senior" and you're just beginning to get symptoms, I'd say work up to a sustainable level of exercise, and you'll keep more fitness as you age. (duh.)

Karen

[pardes]

So, if you're not a "senior" and you're just beginning to get symptoms, I'd say work up to a sustainable level of exercise, and you'll keep more fitness as you age. (duh.)Karen

Very true, very true! They key is "sustainable" as you say. I must say I was paranoid about my bike seat position at first. I didn't want to aggravate things by having it too low but I had to have it low in order to be able to get on and off the bike. Fortunately it didn't seem to matter as far as my knees were concerned. But then I'm lucky that my arthritis seems to be everywhere BUT my knees.

Starting early is also the key so you should be biking at 100!

[pardes]

My mom swears by Sam-e (she said it took a couple months of consistent use to notice anything, and then the difference was remarkable). She said that her rheumotologist advised against glucosamine/chondroitin (sp?) as ineffective. She's also been advised to keep her omega-3mega-6 ratio as close to 1:2 or even better 1:1 as much as possible (the typical american diet is closer to 1:20 or more!). She wants to stay away from rx meds as long as possible. Warm water pool therapy seems to be helping her as well.

I believe my mother gets her supplements through VitaCost and said that the prices are even much better than Costco. Before retiring, with a written note from her dr. including her diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, she was able to get FSA reimbursement for her supplements.

Thanks for the VERY helpful tips! I'm so glad to know she uses VitaCost. Their prices ARE much better but I was worried about the quality of the products. I'll give them a try.

Also, I will work on the omega-3/omega-6 ratios. Thanks for that tip. Please give my best regards to your Mom!